Yes, Oral pH Matters
GET CRAFTY WITH MOTHER NATURE WITH HOMEMADE BIRD FEEDERS! Our feathered friends may need a hand when their food sources are scarce or when winter rolls around, which is where bird feeders come in! Making homemade bird feeders is a fun way for you and your family to be creative while learning about birds and other local fauna. You can create a bird feeder in many ways and encourage kids to get crafty! GATHER YOUR SUPPLIES. Most homemade bird feeders can be made with materials you can find in your own home! Recycled items such as toilet paper rolls, cereal boxes, egg cartons, milk jugs, paper plates and bowls, or even pine cones from the yard are perfect building blocks. Whatever you choose to build with, make sure the feeder is accessible to the birds! Cut holes so the birds can peck at the food and craft a place for them to perch on. If you’re hanging the feeder, cut holes for twine and ensure it won’t hang too low. For food, you can use regular bird seed from the store, or you can use items from your own fridge. (As part of the project, take a little time to look online for safe bird food suggestions if you don’t use seed.) You can adhere seeds and pieces of fruit and veggies to the side of the feeder with peanut butter — no glue required! JAZZ IT UP! This is where kids can personalize their own bird feeder. Using bird-safe paints (such as oil-based, latex, acrylic, or watercolor), your kids can design their own bird feeders with bright colors or designs that express their personalities or interests. Be sure not to paint the inside of the feeder, as birds may scratch and consume the paint while trying to reach the food.
When it comes to oral health, most people know brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing at least once a day are essential. But did you know you should also use mouthwash with your oral hygiene routine? Although brushing and flossing help kill the bacteria lingering on your teeth, brushing can’t get all the surfaces in your mouth. This is where mouthwash comes in handy. WHY IS MOUTHWASH IMPORTANT? Your oral health is about more than just your teeth. Of course, you want to kill all the bacteria, but a toothbrush can only do so much. You can’t brush/ floss all the areas of your tongue, gums, folds in your mouth, and cheeks. But mouthwash will kill the germs in these areas and freshen your breath, reduce plaque and gingivitis, and fight cavities and tooth decay. HOW DO YOU USE MOUTHWASH? Some dentists have different views on when you should use mouthwash in your oral routine. Dr. Brooks suggests this order: 1) floss, 2) mouthwash, and 3) brush. There’s more fluoride in toothpaste, and you want to leave as much fluoride in your mouth as possible to further protect your teeth. If you rinse with mouthwash after brushing, you won’t get all the benefits fluoride provides for your teeth. But if you decide to use mouthwash after brushing, wait at least 30 minutes. You can even use mouth rinse between meals to keep your breath fresh. Brushing your teeth after every meal is suggested, but mouthwash is a great substitute. In addition, using a mouth rinse every night before bed will neutralize bacteria. Swish the liquid in your mouth for at least 30 seconds before spitting it out. WHAT MOUTHWASH SHOULD YOU USE? As long as the mouth rinse has the American Dental Association accepted label on the bottle, it’s good to use. If you’re prone to tooth decay, suffering from oral diseases, or tooth pain, it’s recommended to use a dentist-prescribed mouthwash such as OraCare. You can still use this mouth rinse even if you don’t suffer from tooth decay, pain, or diseases. When you visit our office, we’ll make sure to recommend the best mouthwash for you. YES! HERE’S WHY Should You Use Mouthwash Daily?
Then all you have left is to find the perfect spot. Try to find a space where you can see the birds but with enough distance so you don’t scare them away. After that, hang it up and watch the flocks come to you! Homemade bird feeders can be a great way to get your kids involved with Mother Nature and teach them how to care for and observe wild animals, all while being good to the environment.
If you have any questions or concerns about how effective your mouthwash is, or if you’re interested in trying OraCare, just give us a call and we’ll help!
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