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Health and Hygiene During Travel

July 2, 2019 By Essential Oxygen

Guest Post By Bea Hajde from givemeabag.com

Out of all the things I can’t really avoid, I’d say sleeping, eating and travel are my favorites. I especially enjoy long flights that give me ample time to read a book or reflect on my life choices.

Unfortunately, mass transport isn’t the safest place to be as a human body. There are so many germs and bacteria in places like an airplane’s cabin, that proper hygiene has to be treated as a priority if you want to avoid a nasty stomach virus, or the flu.

Since I won’t be giving up travel for a while, I’ve collected a few tips to stay safe by maintaining appropriate hygiene during a long trip. Let me share these with you.

Care for the Environment

Before we talk about protecting your body, let’s talk about protecting your travel environment.

Want to hear something scary? The filthiest places on an airplane are not the toilet seats or the cabin floor, but actually the food trays in front of you. We’re talking 10 times more germs on trays than, say, the flush button on the toilet.

This is most likely because cleaning crews are extra thorough with the restrooms (for obvious reasons), while they often don’t have time to clean every tray properly.

So your first line of defense is to never, ever, eat straight from the tray surface, and make sure to clean it with a disinfectant wipe or sanitizer just in case. If you want to be extra thorough, you should might as well wipe the seat belt buckles too – another potent source of bacteria literally at your fingertips.

Hygiene and Health

Now let’s talk about personal travel hygiene. I don’t really trust the water stored in airplane tanks, so I tried to look for solutions that require little to no water.

The easiest way to approach this task is to think about important areas on your body that need regular cleaning. These would be your hands, your face and mouth, and certain places like your armpits and the area around your privates.

Your Hands

Most tips in this article will work towards staying fresh during your trip, and some body parts can even be neglected when you feel like not spending precious energy on cleaning them.

This is absolutely not the case when it comes to your hands, as they are the most common surfaces to take up and transport bacteria around.

The easiest and most efficient way to keep your hands clean is to have a bottle of hand sanitizer “on hand” at all times.

Clean your hands before having a meal, after using the restroom, or touching any oft-used surface on your chosen transport. Your immune system will thank you.

Your Face and Mouth

One of the simple things you can do to freshen up during a long trip is to clean your face and mouth.

There are several types of wipes, creams or other products that you can use to clean your face without even a drop of water. They’ll most often have travel-sized versions as well, so you can easily put them in your carry-on.

For the most compact oral hygiene experience, use Essential Oxygen Organic Brushing Rinse to keep your mouth fresh and healthy. You can use the product by brushing your teeth if you want to be extra thorough, or simply as a mouthwash.

Your Body

First and foremost, your clothing can actually impact your hygiene and overall travel comfort. Having a change of fresh tops or shirts is a great quick fix if your clothes get dirty or damp from sweat. If you’re like my husband and sweat easily, consider buying a few “dry-fit” T-shirts or tops.

Now actually getting to your body parts, the answer is wipes… wipes everywhere. More specifically, all-natural, unscented wipes for your most intimate regions, and any kind of non-toxic wipes for the rest.

Go on an internet forum talking about the simplest way to freshen up in icky situations, and both men and women will swear by baby wipes due to their gentleness and effectiveness.

You can get wipes designed for specific parts of your body, but if you want to have an all-in-one product, unscented baby wipes are the way to go. Make sure they are environmentally responsible, free from alcohol, perfume scents, or any chemicals that are known to cause irritation.

Conclusion

And that’s pretty much it. Let’s do a quick recap.

There are really three things you need to pack for travel hygiene: a hand sanitizer, a travel-sized bottle of Organic Brushing Rinse , and a pack of unscented, all-natural baby wipes.

With only these three products, you can cover the essential needs of your body, protect yourself and your environment from most of the nasty bacteria, and have some peace of mind to enjoy your long trip, wherever it may lead you.

How to Make Yourself Feel Happy and Healthy this Summer

June 25, 2019 By Essential Oxygen

Guest Post

Summer is a time to spend outdoors, in the sunlight and living your best life. Coming from the raininess of spring though, it can be hard to get into the summer-time mood. When you’re feeling in a slump, there’s no better time to amp up your self-care routine. Here are some sure-fire ways to kick those blues aside and start feeling the summer sun!

Find Fun Activities

Summer gives you plenty of choices when it comes to things to do. Whether you’re a mini-golf fanatic or lounging by the pool is more you’re cup of tea, there’s no better time of year to get out and do something fun. Gather a group of your favorite people together once a week and let each person take a turn deciding what they want to do. Who knows, you might find something new you love.

Get a Good Night’s Sleep

Regardless of the season, this is an important thing to always keep in mind. Sleep is essential to staying healthy and feeling happy; all you need to do is create the right environment and use the right tools to help you get your best sleep possible. If you’re having trouble sleeping and you find yourself tossing and turning, it’s time to replace your mattress. During summer months, if you tend to get too warm when sleeping, it’s a good idea to invest in cooling sheets and pillows as well to bring your comfort level to a maximum.

Go Outside

Those grey months where the sun rarely shines make you feel “blah” and gloomy for a reason. Exposure to sunlight is your body’s best way of produce vitamin d, which has been linked to improvement in your mood. So take advantage of those sunny days and head outside. Whether you go for a walk, participate in a sport or lay out to tan, enjoy soaking up those rays. Just be sure to apply (and re-apply) sunscreen!

Maintain Your Smile

Let’s face it, when we look good, we feel good too. One trait that people care about is their smile, and consequently their teeth. Taking care of those pearly whites will not only make you feel better about yourself, but in turn it will make you appear more confident to others. Make your teeth truly shine with a three-step cleaning system. Then for your lips, be sure to regularly apply chapstick, with some SPF, so your lips don’t get dried out or burnt while you’re enjoying the season.

Take a Trip

Summer means there’s great weather all over the place, so take advantage of it and head out of town. Whether you’re going on a weekend getaway with your significant other or headed on a week-long family vacation, nothing will make you happier than experiencing new sights and sounds with the people you’re closest to. Plus, taking the mental step away from work and your everyday stressors will help you relax and recoup.

The practices you start this season, can be evolved when the weather eventually turns colder. Make sure to take advantage of the summer months and weather to make the happiest and healthiest version of yourself possible!

3 Things That Will Decay Your Teeth Faster

June 8, 2019 By Essential Oxygen

Written by Chris Scalise

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Some oral problems are genetic, such as an overbite or a case of dry mouth. For the most part, however, you’re in charge of your teeth. Decay occurs when you don’t take care of them. Maybe you’re eating the wrong foods, or slacking off on your oral care routine. But you can always fix the problem and change up your habits to prevent future damage.

Poor Nutritional Choices

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What you eat and drink has a profound effect on your teeth. That’s why it’s critical to start early and teach children about healthy nutrition. After all, kids (and adults!) tend to love all of the beverages and treats that are bad for their teeth. Sugary foods are the worst.

Sugar has a party with oral bacteria, which creates acid that does significant damage to tooth enamel. However, you have to realize that candy isn’t the only sugar-spun culprit. Fruit has sugar, too, and dried fruit has even more. Yogurt, pudding, cake, cookies—all of those sweet treats can lead to decay unless they’re eaten in moderation. Sugary drinks are no better. You know that soda can lead to cavities and decay, but were you aware that some fruit juices can do the same thing?

Go easy on starchy foods, too. Bread, chips, cookies, crackers, and similar foods are high in starch. In your mouth, the starch breaks down into simple sugars. At that point, sugar once again works with bacteria to create acid.

Acidic foods are problematic, as well. Citrus fruits have acid that can eat away at the enamel of the teeth. Even bread and fish contain acid. Soda and fruit juice form a double threat here. Energy drinks are especially dangerous on the acid and sugar front. It’s not necessary to cut out all of these foods, but always eat in moderation, with proper oral hygiene after.

Even a quick rinse is helpful until you can get to your toothbrush. Look for healthy snacking alternatives, as well. Stick with vegetables that can help to clean the teeth as you chew, such as raw broccoli and celery.

Lax Oral Hygiene Habits

Tooth decay doesn’t just happen. If you don’t brush and floss regularly, then your smile will suffer the consequences.

Both adults and children should brush their teeth at least twice a day, and floss once. Younger children have baby teeth that will eventually be replaced, but the point is to instill healthy habits. That involves leading by example. Teach your child how to brush correctly.

You need the right tools for the job. Choose an age-appropriate toothbrush, a healthy toothpaste, and floss. You may also consider a water-pik for deep cleaning. Floss sticks are convenient, too. Find what works for you because as long as it cleans your teeth, it’s a fine choice.

Everyone needs to visit the dentist regularly. Usually, once every six months is sufficient. Some children may need to go more frequently than twice a year, however. Anyone with cavities, a crooked bite, or gum issues will have to go more often.

Grinding the Teeth

Most people who grind their teeth don’t even realize it. They wake up with a sore mouth, an aching jaw, or a headache, but they typically attribute the problems to stress, sleeping wrong, or something else. Teeth grinding usually happens while you’re sound asleep, although it can crop up during tense situations, as well.

Grinding causes decay because it erodes the outer layer of the enamel on your teeth. It literally grinds it away, and you probably aren’t even aware of it. Fortunately, your dentist should pick up on the habit, which is relatively easy to fix. All you need is a bite guard, which can work for children as well as adults.

Are you guilty of these things that cause tooth decay? See your dentist, have a family meeting, and make a plan to fix it! Be true to your teeth and they won’t ever be false to you.

5 Bad Habits That Can Harm Your Heart Health

June 7, 2019 By Essential Oxygen

Guest Post by: Tara Desquitado

You may think that you are currently leading a healthy and active lifestyle, but you could be undermining these efforts by unknowingly practicing some heart-harming habits. According to Kevin R. Campbell, MD, a Raleigh cardiac electrophysiologist, several activities many individuals don’t think twice about can negatively affect the heart’s health.

The smallest of things could bring the greatest impact on your body’s blood-pumping organ. Here are the top five heart-damaging habits that you might be overlooking today:

Skipping Physical Activities

According to a study published in the American Heart Association journal, people who live a sedentary lifestyle, particularly those who sit up to five hours or more a day, double their risk of heart failure compared to those who are physically active.

While it may seem difficult for many to exercise every day, especially for those whose jobs require sitting at a desk for the most part of the day, living an active lifestyle is completely possible. Even a five-minute walk every hour can perk up the mind and fuel the heart, making your arteries flexible and your blood flowing properly.

Smoking

Smoking is one of the top five habits that damage the heart, and there’s no surprise there. This nasty habit has always done nothing but chaos in one’s health, affecting the blood vessels of the heart and contributing to the narrowing and clogging of the arteries. Overall, smoking increases one’s risk of heart disease, eventually leading to a heart attack or a stroke.

If you don’t want to have to use medical oxygen sensors for your heart to receive the right amount of oxygen it needs, it’s best to quit smoking cigarettes, pipes, or cigars. It’s also advised to avoid secondhand smoke whenever possible.

Drinking Too Much

Having one too many drinks may spell trouble for your heart. While it may be easy to indulge in alcohol, especially at a party or a special occasion, take time to remember how it will affect your health at the end of the day.

Drinking too much alcohol, especially for a long-term, can lead to high blood pressure, obesity, and stroke, increasing one’s chances of developing a heart disease. According to the American Heart Association, excessive drinking can disrupt one’s heart rhythm and may cause the heart to fail.

Having Too Much Sodium

Salt and blood pressure are a complicated pair—too much sodium can cause blood pressure levels to rise, which is bad news for the heart. While it may seem easy to avoid the saltshaker, there are hidden sodium content in many of the food we eat, including processed foods such as canned soups and veggies, frozen dinners, chips, and other finger snacks.

If you have hypertension and a history of heart disease in the family, it’s best to consult a nutritionist to know how much salt is needed to consume per day.

Stressing Too Much

Learn how to relax—Dr. Campbell says that too much stress can put the heart at great risk for a heart attack. When one is stressed, the body tends to release adrenaline, which not only affects the body’s functions, but also increases one’s heart rate and blood pressure. Over time, this can take a toll on the heart.

While it is normal for anyone to feel stress, learn how to keep it under control. Find a release such as a hobby that you enjoy or a workout session at the gym. Exercise also works wonders in relieving mental tension.

Oftentimes, we tend to normalize our habits that we fail to determine if they are any good for our health or not. However, it’s never too late to do something about it.

Photo URL: https://unsplash.com/photos/RYvOI54rmPw

How to Take Care of Your Own Health

May 29, 2019 By Essential Oxygen

Guest Post By: Brigitte Evans

Taking care of our health is one of the most important things in our lives. No matter how busy or hectic your days may be, taking care of yourself is crucial for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. In order to improve your physical and mental health and improve your overall well-being, you’ll need to take certain steps – read on to learn what they are.

Ditch all your bad habits

If you want to live healthier, you need to reconsider your habits. If you’re a smoker, kicking the habit by using nicotine gum and e-cigarettes or going cold turkey are great ways to put a stop to it. Next habit you’ll need to ditch is drinking. We all know how bad alcohol is for our liver, our appearance, and overall wellness, so consider quitting it or at least limiting yourself to drinking alcohol only on special occasions. Fast food is another bad habit you need to quit as soon as possible to ensure optimal body weight and healthy appearance. Switching your burgers and cola for fresh fruits and vegetables will make you feel more energized and provide you with nutrients your body needs in order to function properly. By eliminating these three common habits from your life, you’re on a path of becoming a happier and healthier individual.

Go for regular health check-ups

Visiting your doctor regularly is crucial for preserving your health. Regular health screening tests can help you nip diseases in the bud, and they mitigate the risk of potential illnesses that may require surgery if not treated on time, allowing you to cut your healthcare costs significantly. When it comes to choosing your doctor, you need to make sure they’re someone whom you can trust – consider asking your friends and family to recommend the doctors with whom they had a positive experience. You can also look for information online – educational resources and news content such as those curated by Dr Timothy Steel and his clinic can help you get all the information you need when it comes to your health and provide you with insight into cutting-edge technologies that are used in modern medicine.

Cook your own food and plan meals in advance

Running errands and balancing a busy schedule is exhausting, and it can be tempting to reach for some fast food to satiate your hunger on the go. Nowadays, fast food shops are everywhere and grabbing a snack there might seem like a great idea when you’re hungry. However, once you’ve had junk food, chances are you’re probably going to feel bad or even guilty for making such a decision. That’s why you need to plan your meals in advance and give meal-prepping a try. Make a weekly menu and shop for the ingredients every week. Buy some containers you can use for storing food and look online for some healthy recipes you can use to make your lunches in advance. That way, you’re making sure you always have a healthy snack at hand when you suddenly get hungry.

Keep your hygiene levels up

Proper hygiene is imperative if we want to present ourselves in the best way and leave a good first impression. When we meet someone for the first time, there are three things they will notice about us: our hair, our teeth, and our nails. That is why you need to make sure to wash your hair regularly and if needed, use some hairstyling products to hold your hairstyle in place. For men, nails need to be neatly trimmed, and as for the ladies, a simple neutral polish or french manicure will do the trick. Finally, get a quality toothpaste that will keep your pearly whites clean and healthy. Fresh breath is important since it shows that you care about your appearance and it allows you to put your best foot forward in every social situation.

Get enough rest each night

Getting quality sleep each night is crucial for our minds and bodies to be able to function properly. Depriving yourself of sleep and staying up late will have a negative impact on your skin, as well as your overall wellness, so make sure you sleep at least seven to eight hours a day. Doing so can increase your performance at school or at work, improve your concentration, as well as boost your memory. Getting enough sleep is crucial if you’re trying to lose weight, since it balances out the hormones in your body and helps with appetite regulation, meaning you will eat fewer calories and feel more motivated to exercise.

One of the best ways to turn your life around and start feeling better is to take charge of your health and well-being. Use the tips above as a guide for your journey of becoming a better, happier, and healthier version of yourself!

5 Most Common Dental Implant Misconceptions

May 7, 2019 By Essential Oxygen

Guest post contributed by: Henry Taylor

Gaps in your smile from one or more missing teeth can lead to health issues like jawbone deterioration. The only tooth replacement options that stimulate bone growth and prevent bone loss are dental implants.

Undergoing dental implant surgery shortly after tooth loss can help to prevent bone loss in that area. Other tooth replacement treatments like a fixed bridge may require your dentist to grind down adjacent teeth to support the appliance. Implants enable you to keep the structure of your teeth intact.

Dental implant surgery gives you a natural-looking smile and boosts your self-confidence. They look and function like your natural teeth, can last a lifetime with proper oral care and you brush and floss as normal.

Dental Implant Surgery is Painful

Dental implant surgery is very safe, and it has a 98% success rate. You shouldn’t feel any pain during the surgery because the bone where the implant is placed does not have any pain-sensing nerves.

Local anaesthesia is used to numb the area, so you are comfortable throughout the procedure which takes about 30 minutes. You can request sedation dentistry if you are a nervous or anxious patient. This will ensure you are relaxed, and you may even feel drowsy during the procedure.

Post-surgery discomfort can be alleviated with over-the-counter or prescription medication.

Swelling is a natural reaction to surgery. Simply numb the area with ice to reduce the swelling. Bruising on your cheeks is another common side effect.

Dental Implants Don’t Look Like Your Natural Teeth

Dental implants are fabricated to look entirely natural. Implants are a prosthetic crown attached on top of the implant. When your dentist is creating your individualised treatment plan, they will match the shade of the crown to your existing teeth. Your dentist will also shape it, so it fits perfectly with the surrounding teeth providing a natural looking smile.

A porcelain crown is stain resistant. If your surrounding teeth become stained from wine or coffee after the implant is placed, your implant may appear whiter than the surrounding teeth. Brushing teeth after eating or drinking food and beverages that cause stains can help prevent this from becoming noticeable.

If you are planning to whiten your teeth, book your appointment before your implant is placed because porcelain teeth cannot be bleached.

Dental implants in Knutsford can improve your quality of life and enhance your smile. Book a consultation to see if you are a good candidate for dental implants.

Dental Implants are Extremely Costly

Many dentists agree that when it comes to tooth replacement options, dental implants are the best choice. Other teeth replacement options may appear to have lower upfront costs, but they need to be replaced or have hidden costs like special cleansers or storage cases, making them more expensive overall in comparison to dental implants.

Dental implants are a permanent solution and won’t need to be replaced or repaired as long as you take care of them. They also don’t cause damage to adjacent teeth.

There is also a misconception that you need to replace a full arch with single implants. However, with techniques like All-on-4 which only requires four implants to replace a full arch the cost is less prohibitive than many patients assume and provides an alternative to dentures.

4. The Recovery Time Isn’t Worth It

The healing period can span from one day to six months, depending on the type of dental implant you choose. If you have a gap in your smile, struggle to speak or eat correctly, your face has started to sag, you’ll agree the recovery time is worth it!

A typical single tooth implant has to bond with the surrounding gum tissue and jaw. This this can take three to six months. There is no discomfort during this healing process which keeps your day-to-day life from being affected. At the end of the healing period, a dental crown is fitted on top of the implant, and you have a beautiful and healthy smile.

Some patients opt for same day implants which enable them to undergo the procedure in a single appointment. Your dentist can help you determine which option is best for you.

Requires Special Care

Dental implants do not require any special care. You simply brush and floss them like your natural teeth and visit your dentist and hygienist twice a year.

Authors Bio

Established in July 2018, Superior Smiles is your new private dentist in Knutsford, Cheshire, with extensive experience we offer wide range of dental treatments for all ages.

6 Ways to Enhance Your Beauty, Naturally

April 17, 2019 By Essential Oxygen

Guest Blog By: Brigitte Evans

Do you want to boost your beauty, but don’t want to try any expensive and unnatural procedures? Don’t worry! Looking your best doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg and fill you up with all kinds of toxins and chemicals. Here are a few 100% natural ways to enhance your beauty.

Go au naturel every once in a while

You might not like this tip, but it can truly do wonders for your skin. Every once in a while (once weekly) try ditching makeup and going completely natural. This will give your pores a chance to breathe and recover. If this doesn’t appeal to you, switch to mineral makeup products that are made without any toxic chemicals that can end up in your skin.

Eat smart

While eating clean and nutritious foods promotes health in every way, there are some foods that have an especially beautifying effect. For instance, even though it’s not usually considered to be an essential nutrient, sulfur is vital to many of the body’s processes. Healthy levels of sulfur will keep your skin and hair soft, smooth, and strong. So make sure to eat plenty of eggs, cruciferous veggies and radishes since they are very rich in sulfur (and pretty tasty too). Another mineral that will give you that beautiful and healthy glow is zinc. You can find it in foods like seeds as well as spirulina and mussels.

Hydrate from the inside and outside

You probably heard that you need to stay hydrated for thousands of times, but hydration is just so important that we have to repeat it. If you don’t provide your body with enough fluid, your wrinkles will appear more pronounced, your blemishes more apparent and your body will come to a standstill. So, make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day, every day. Don’t just chug a full bottle in the evening to compensate—you’ll not be able to absorb it all.

You also need to keep your skin properly hydrated on the outside. Luckily, today it’s very easy to find a good moisturiser that fits your skin and lifestyle. For instance, if you’re a huge lover of natural products, you can grab a bottle of Jojoba moisturiser that is 100% natural yet fast absorbing. Some high-quality creams also contain zinc that provides sun protection that will additionally keep your skin young and elastic.

Try skin brushing

In order to end up with glowing, youthful and smooth skin, try skin brushing. A few times a week, give your skin a vigorous stroke with a bristled brush before your jump in the shower. This will boost the circulation of blood and lymph and remove all of those ugly dead skin cells from your body. The routine is 100% natural and brings great results.

Take care of your pearly whites

There’s nothing more beneficial and natural for your teeth than brushing and flossing regularly. By removing food and bacteria buildup, you will ensure clean, strong teeth and fresh breath every day. There are amazing natural oral care products on the market that are organic and truly effective, like Essential Oxygen’s Pristine Protocol 3-step system. It includes a certified organic toothpaste, the #1 selling natural rinse Organic Brushing Rinse, and BR Tooth Polish. Make sure to check them out and grab a few that match your preference.

Sweat it out

If you want to get your blood flowing, it’s best to hit the gym or try jogging. This will not only bring color to your skin and boost endorphins that make you feel good, but also regulate your weight, build muscles and improve your confidence (high self-esteem is always attractive). You can also try yoga or pilates to improve your posture and look confident. If you can’t exercise for health reasons, you can sweat it out in the sauna. Saunas push the body to excrete toxins and remove some additional dead skin cells resulting in healthy and beautiful skin.

See, beauty can be 100% natural! You can look your best without spending all your money and risking your health.

Things That Are Too Abrasive For Your Teeth

April 9, 2019 By Essential Oxygen

Guest Post By: Amanda McIntyre

Who doesn’t want whiter teeth and better smiles, right?

It’s no secret that cosmetic dentistry is by far the most effective way to achieve your best smile. The problem is, not everyone can afford it.

A lot of people bank on trends and product recommendations in the hopes of making their teeth whiter and their smiles brighter. And while there’s nothing wrong with that, have you ever wondered how effective the products that you use are? How safe are the trends that you follow? Are they really good for your oral health?

Little do you know, the things and products that you swear by and use on a daily basis might be too abrasive for your teeth.

How abrasive is your toothpaste?

Isn’t it ironic that something you use to keep your mouth healthy can potentially harm it?

Most of us don’t put too much thought on the kind of toothpaste that we use. Since they’re all meant to clean the teeth, we merely assume that there’s little-to-no difference between the variety of brands available.

Abrasive chemical compounds are essential in removing plaque and whitening the teeth. However, some kinds of toothpaste may be too harsh.

While abrasiveness is useful to a certain extent, brushing your teeth with highly abrasive toothpaste a couple of times a day can erode the enamel, which is your teeth’s first line of defense against damage and cavities. Thus, picking out a highly abrasive toothpaste to achieve a cleaner and healthier mouth could be counterproductive.

To identify the abrasiveness of the toothpaste brands that you use, check for their RDA (relative dentin abrasivity) value. Anything over 100 RDA is considered highly abrasive. According to dentists, low-abrasion toothpastes (0-70 RDA) are best for sensitive teeth.

When looking into non-abrasive alternatives to the current toothpaste brand you’re using, try going for organic products like Essential Oxygen’s BR Organic Toothpaste. They can deliver the same results without the abrasion.

Hard-bristled toothbrushes – are they good for your mouth?

Well, here’s another shocker.

If you think brushing your teeth with gusto will clean your mouth better – you’re wrong.

There’s a common misconception that toothbrushes with harder bristles offer a more thorough cleaning. The truth is, dentists rarely recommend hard-bristled toothbrushes to their patients as they may only contribute to teeth and gum damage. Regularly using a hard toothbrush can erode the tooth enamel, lacerate the gums, and worsen tooth abrasion at the gum line.

Here’s the deal: there’s basically no reason at all to go for hard-bristled toothbrushes. The popular notion that harder bristles are better at removing plaque than softer ones isn’t enough justification. Besides, you don’t have to give your teeth a vigorous scrub all the time. Your toothpaste most likely has all the abrasion you need for a clean and fresh breath.

Is baking soda too abrasive?

This trusty kitchen staple has been making noises in the teeth-whitening sphere for some time now. In fact, many alternative and DIY toothpastes are using baking soda as their primary ingredients.

The claim that baking soda can help remove plaque and whiten teeth is not unfounded. However, studies have shown that using baking soda alone does nothing to help kill the bacteria in your mouth and may even promote the formation of cavities.

Moreover, the same abrasive qualities that are supposed to make your teeth whiter can also erode tooth enamel. Using baking soda or baking soda-heavy products for teeth whitening isn’t a healthy practice. If you’d like a more holistic approach to oral care, consider using natural and organic toothpastes as alternatives.

15 Evidence-Based Aphrodisiac Scents to Improve Date Night

April 5, 2019 By Essential Oxygen

By Leanna Serras

15 evidence based aphrodisiac scents hero image

Scent is a powerful tool. Studies show that it’s linked to memory and emotion, even more so than our other senses. But did you know it also plays a significant role in our love lives?

Throughout history, people have used aphrodisiac scents to set the mood. Ancient Indians mention using certain oils and spices in the Kama Sutra and Egypt’s famous Queen Cleopatra is said to have used perfumes to seduce her lovers. Even the word itself is linked to love; “aphrodisiac” is derived from the Greek goddess of love, Aphrodite.

As such, it should come as no surprise that scents are still commonly used for their erotic qualities. What’s more, studies show that many of them actually work. Below, you’ll find a list of 15 scents that can enhance desire, heighten the senses and boost vitality — all backed by science.

What Are Aphrodisiac Scents?

Aphrodisiac scents are fragrances that arouse sexual instinct, bring desire or increase pleasure or performance. While aphrodisiacs can be found in some foods, drugs and even in our bodies, this section is going to focus on external aphrodisiac scents. These include flowers, herbs and even the scent of some foods.

Despite some skepticism around the use of aphrodisiacs, studies show that many of these aromas do work — they can be easily incorporated into anyone’s fragrance routine. Check out our list of scientifically proven aphrodisiac scents below.

Pumpkin pie: This traditional Thanksgiving dessert increases arousal in men. In fact, one study found that the scent of pumpkin pie mixed with lavender increased blood flow to the nether regions by 40 percent when sniffed.Additionally, the smell of pumpkin pie mixed with the smell of doughnuts increased blood flow by 31.5 percent. Scientists speculate that the men might be reacting to the vanilla and cinnamon in the pie, both of which also made our list.
Lavender: As mentioned above, the smell of lavender mixed with pumpkin pie was shown to increase arousal in men by 40 percent. However, lavender can stand on its own — the flower’s scent has been proven to relax and arouse at the same time, which is a wonderful way to set the mood.
Vanilla: In a study of male Wistar rats, a 200 mg dose of vanillin demonstrated aphrodisiac properties. The aphrodisiac qualities of vanilla should come at little surprise, since vanilla’s soothing scent has also been shown to increase arousal by 9 percent in men.
Strawberry: In one study, the sweet scent of strawberry increased arousal in people who were told the smell had that effect. While we would normally chalk this up to the placebo effect, the same results were not reported when subjects smelled other fruits, suggesting the smell may affect the body after all.
Jasmine: A study that tested several men’s and women’s fragrances for aphrodisiac properties found that the “winning blend” was the aroma of jasmine. Its rich, sweet smell has been used for centuries to improve libido and promote intimacy, which makes it one of the more well-known aphrodisiac scents.
Ginger: Warming and spicy, ginger has been used throughout history as an aphrodisiac; more recently, ginger essential oil has been found to be energizing and uplifting. A recent study of Chinese folk medicines found that ginger acts as a circulatory stimulant and that it can aid in erectile dysfunction.
Black licorice: The scent of the controversial candy has been shown to increase arousal in men by 13 percent; when combined with the scent of doughnuts that number jumped to 32 percent. The sweet smell, which comes from anise, has been rumored to work on women as well.
Cinnamon: While cinnamon has several documented benefits including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, it’s also widely known as an aphrodisiac. To back up these claims, researchers found that the scent of cinnamon increased sexual function in aging, male rats, suggesting it might be an aid in erectile dysfunction.
Doughnuts: In the study of the Human Male Sexual Response to Olfactory Stimuli, the scent of doughnuts were found to enhance the arousing effects of other smells on the body.The smell of doughnuts on its own increased blood flow to the groin by only 7 percent, but the scent of doughnuts mixed with black licorice increased blood flow by 31 percent. Mixed with lavender the doughnut smell increased blood flow by 18 percent and mixed with cola it increased 12 percent.
Pink grapefruit: Vitality plays a large part in human attraction, which is why pink grapefruit is considered an aphrodisiac. Studies show that women who wear the scent of pink grapefruit are perceived to be six years younger on average and therefore more attractive to men.
Orange: Orange is another scent that’s proven to increase blood flow to the sexual organs, testing at 19 percent. The smell of citrus has also been shown to increase alertness, which makes a person more sensitive to the stimuli around them.
Sandalwood: Used in eastern Indian Ayurvedic medicine, Sandalwood has often been touted as an aphrodisiac. Recent studies back up these claims, showing that sandalwood elevates the pulse and exhibits antidepressant and relaxing qualities.
Lily of the Valley: This floral scent, which is used in many modern fragrances, has potent aphrodisiac effects. One controversial study found that sperm were attracted to the fragrance, making women more likely to get pregnant when wearing it during intercourse. Another study found that the scent heightened arousal in men by 11 percent.
Rose: The floral scent of rose has been used throughout time for medicinal reasons, and it’s known to fight depression and boost confidence, fertility and libido. Ayurvedic practitioners will also tell you that it helps regulate the nervous system, making people more responsive to touch.
Peppermint: Named after the Greek nymph Minthe, the mistress of Pluto, god of the underworld, peppermint has deep ties to forbidden desire. Recent studies have found it an aphrodisiac for women — increasing alertness, stimulating the brain and dilating blood vessels in the sexual organs.

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