Yes, Oral pH Matters
There’s a new toothbrush out on the market right now called the mouthpiece electric toothbrush. This device looks like a mouthguard, and it will brush your teeth for you. Many people have come by the office and asked Dr. Brooks about this new toothbrush and if he recommends it. Which One Is Better? STANDARD VS. ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSHES
MAKE YOUR OWN ICE CREAM … WITH SNOW! Winter is in full swing, and you may even see some snow this season! So, while you’re busy making snowmen and snow angels, having snowball fights, and attempting to catch snowflakes on your tongue, make some homemade ice cream. Making your own ice cream from snow is easy, and you may have the rest of the ingredients in your home right now. But before diving in, here are a few tips on how to find and use the best snow to create this icy winter treat! FIND THE CLEANEST SNOW. Snow is generally safe to consume, but there are some exceptions. You don’t want to eat snow touching the soil or the street. So, make sure you scoop from a fresh, clean pile of snow above the layer near the ground. If the snow is colored in any way, such as yellow, black, red, green, or brown, do not scoop or eat it — it’s contaminated. With that bit of advice, you’re now ready to make your very own “snow cream.” GATHER YOUR INGREDIENTS. You only need five simple ingredients to make snow cream. So, look in your home and see if you can find 1 cup of milk, 1/3 cup of sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, a pinch of sea salt, and 8 cups of clean, fresh snow. As you collect your ingredients, be sure to leave the snow you’ll be using in the freezer because snow melts fast. MAKE THE ICE CREAM! Stir together the milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt in a large bowl until you get a smooth mixture. Next, take your fresh snow out of the freezer and immediately add it to the bowl. Mix the ingredients until you get your desired consistency. You want your ice cream to be fluffy, not runny. Once you get the consistency you want, you can add your toppings. Get creative by adding sprinkles, chocolate chips, cookie crumbs, or anything else you might enjoy. Be sure to add your toppings quickly before the snow cream melts, and put any extra snow cream in the freezer to keep it frozen.
The jury is still out about this device for several reasons: 1) There aren’t enough studies on the toothbrush, and in fact most studies that have been done conclude it is not effective; and 2) all mouths and teeth are shaped differently. So, how does a universal toothbrush fit and adapt to the mouths of millions? This topic does raise an even more frequently asked question: Should people use a standard or an electric toothbrush? First and foremost, it’s imperative for your oral and overall health to brush your teeth twice a
day — no matter what toothbrush you use. But suppose you’re already in the habit of brushing your teeth. In that case, it’s best to use an electric toothbrush for several reasons. 1. THEY HAVE PRESSURE SENSORS: When brushing your teeth, you may think brushing harder will remove additional plaque and grime. But you will actually remove the enamel on your teeth and make your teeth more sensitive. An electric toothbrush has pressure sensors that alert you if you’re applying too much pressure on your teeth. 2. ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSHES HAVE TIMERS: You should brush your teeth for at least two minutes twice daily. Sometimes, we may brush our teeth really fast with standard brushes. But electric toothbrushes will alert you when time is almost up, ensuring you spend enough time brushing your teeth. 3. THEY’RE MORE MOBILE: You have more flexibility and range of motion with an electric toothbrush because the brush head moves much faster than a manual toothbrush. You can reach difficult areas on your teeth and get a more efficient cleaning with an electric toothbrush. There are so many different types of electric toothbrushes out there. How do you know which one is the best? This all depends on your preference and needs. However, if you have questions about what brush heads are best for you and your teeth or other concerns about your oral health and how you can brush more efficiently, call our office or visit us today. We will be happy to assist you and ensure your smile stays healthy, bright, and clean.
So, while you’re enjoying all the snow day activities, be sure to make yourself this quick and easy snack as well.
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