A New Gum that Can Actually Strengthen Teeth

Who doesnt want stronger teeth? Wouldnt it be ideal if strengthening your teeth were as simple chewing on a piece of gum? If the people at Trident have their way, this may be the case. Trident has introduced a chewing gum that they claim can be used to strengthen teeth when chewed on a regular basis. Although sweet chewing gums are often associated in peoples minds with cavities and other dental problems, the people at Trident claim this gum is different. The gum, called Trident Xtra Care, has an added ingredient called Recaldent which has been shown in clinical studies to strengthen teeth while, at the same time, helping to lay down new teeth enamel.

How does Trident Xtra Care with Recaldent help to strengthen teeth? The active ingredient, Recaldent, helps to replace the important minerals calcium and phosphate which give the tooth strength and hardness and make them more resistant to cavity forming bacteria. At the same time, Recaldent helps to fill in tiny fissures where bacteria can lodge to form cavities. The act of chewing on gum also helps to promote increased flow of saliva which can reduce cavities by washing bacteria off of tooth surfaces before they cause problems. Trident Xtra Care Gum with Recaldent is sugar-free which means no worries about added sugar. Its sweetened with Xylitol which also helps to protect teeth from dental decay. Each piece has less than five calories.

How does Trident Xtra Care with Recaldent taste? It comes in two flavors, Cool Mint and Peppermint. Having tried the Cool Mint flavor myself, I found it to be sweet and refreshing without any unusual aftertaste. The flavor was fresh, clean, and long lasting. I would compare it favorably with other Trident gums. It comes packaged in a handy cardboard flip-top box that holds fourteen pieces. The price? Fourteen sticks are a reasonable price of only $1.49.

If you want to strengthen teeth and protect them from tooth decay, this product seems like a no-brainer. To sweeten your mouth while strengthening your teeth and preventing cavities for the inexpensive price of only ten cents a stick is an ideal situation. This gum can already be found at a variety of stores including Target where you can buy it in single packs for around $1.49 or multi-packs for $3.29.

The next time you need something sweet to chew on, why not strengthen your teeth at the same time? Its as simple as popping a piece of Trident Xtra Care with Recaldent.

What to Do About a White Tongue Coating

When you inspect your tongue in the mirror, is it a healthy pink shade or is it covered with an ugly, white film? The presence of a white tongue coating is a common problem that can have a variety of causes. Sometimes white tongue coating is caused by the general buildup of dead skin cells. These cells may accumulate when the tongue isnt brushed regularly or under conditions of dehydration, particularly during the warm weather months when not enough water is being consumed.

Another cause for a white tongue is oral thrush, caused by a fungus known as Candida. The presence of Candida, although not serious in and of itself, can indicate a weakened immune system. A tongue infection with Candida can occur after using antibiotics or steroid based medications. These medications cause thrush by allowing the fungus to overgrow on the tongue. To distinguish an oral thrush infection from buildup of dead skin cells on the tongue, use a tongue depressor to gently scrape the white tongue coating. If the coating scrapes off and leaves a reddened area, it could be oral thrush. If you suspect oral thrush, contact your doctor.

If the white tongue coating is due to a simple buildup of dead skin cells on the tongue, a thorough tongue cleaning can help the problem. Although you can buy various gadgets on the market to clean your tongue, you dont need to invest in fancy equipment. A soft toothbrush should work as well as more expensive tools.

To clean your tongue, apply a small amount of toothpaste to a soft toothbrush and use slow, brushing movements to brush the tongue moving from front to back with the toothbrush. Dont apply too much pressure as this may cause bleeding. It may take several sweeps with the toothbrush to remove the dead skin cells. Go as far back on the tongue as you can comfortably reach without gagging. When this is completed, rinse your mouth with warm water.

Now that youve removed the white tongue coating, youll want to repeat this procedure every few days to ensure that the white tongue coating doesnt recur. Its also important to drink more water on a daily basis to help flush out any bacteria or debris that can collect in the grooves on the tongue. It can also help to rinse your mouth with a spoon of salt placed into a cup of warm water on a daily basis.

If these measures fail to eliminate white tongue coating, see your doctor to make sure oral thrush isnt contributing to the problem.

Is Foundation with Sunscreen Good Sun Protection?

Most of the wrinkles and skin sagging that people experience with age is a result of exposure to the sun. Shielding skin from the harmful rays of the sun is one of the most effective ways to prevent premature aging. As a result, many cosmetic companies now sell make-up foundation with sunscreen to even out skin tone while providing some sun protection. But is this type of make-up with sunscreen really enough to protect your skin from the sun?

Is Foundation with Sunscreen Good Sun Protection?

Its tempting to buy combo products, but no matter what the SPF is listed on the label of a make-up product, you wont get that degree of protection unless you apply many times the amount youd normally use. Youll get a false sense of security if you depend on a foundation with sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun. The most important step you can take to protect your skin from the sun, and a make-up with sunscreen doesnt offer enough sunscreen protection.

The reality is even with a stand-alone sunscreen, people rarely apply enough, and you need to apply even more if youre using a product diluted down with make-up. The safest way to protect your skin is to use a solid sunscreen product thats designed to be only a sunscreen - and apply it in sufficient amounts. It should take around a teaspoon of sunscreen to cover your face and neck.

Make-up with Sunscreen isnt Good Sun Protection

Skip the foundation with sunscreen, and put on a stand-alone sunscreen with an SPF of twenty or greater that blocks both UVA and UVB rays before applying your make-up. Do this before going outside rain or shine all year round to get maximum sunscreen protection. Dont forget to put it around your eyes and on your neck. Use a lip balm with sun protection on your lips.

Foundation with Sunscreen for Sun Protection: The Bottom Line?

Dont depend on a make-up with sunscreen to protect your skin from the suns damaging rays. Always wear a stand-alone sunscreen, apply it liberally - and wear it consistently. Its the only way to adequately protect your skin from damage.

References:

WebMd. "Sunscreen and Your Make-Up Routine"