A small start-up group in China created a new device to help smokers kick their habit. Like a FitBit monitors your steps and activity, the ToSee cigarette holder monitors the number of cigarettes you smoke as well as the amount of poison you are inhaling.
You can use the app (available on Android and iOS) to set up custom targets, reminders, tracking the intake of substances over time and how much the habit costs. Eason Wu, the co-founder and chief operating office believes that if people are aware of the amount, the cost and the effects of their habits, they may reduce the amount of cigarettes they smoke or quit altogether.
Before heading out, don’t forget to brush your teeth… and your tongue. While most people only focus on their teeth, the grooves and ridges on your tongue are a breeding ground for bacteria which can cause bad breath.
Choose a good mouthwash
Go with an alcohol free mouthwash. While mouthwash tastes great and seems to cover up bad breath, the alcohol in it can cause a dry mouth. Dry mouth=Bad Breath.
Eat some Strawberries
For a natural pick-me up try eating some strawberries, they are known to brighten your smile as well as freshen breath.
Limit your alcoholic intake
While alcoholic drinks may give you some liquid courage, they also cause dehydration, which can cause dry mouth. And like I said before Dry mouth=Bad breath. Make water your drink of choice to keep you hydrated.
Gum
Try popping some gum in your mouth after your meal. If you can, aim for one that contains Xylitol, a cavity fighting ingredient.
Thumb sucking is very common with kids. It is a habit that is developed at a young age, sometimes starting while still in the womb. It allows children to soothe themselves or can act as something to do when they are bored. Many children stop sucking their thumb between the ages of 2-4, but intervention is recommended once permanent teeth start to develop. At this point, thumb sucking could start to affect the development of the palate and the growing pattern of your child’s adult teeth.
How to encourage your child to stop sucking their thumb?
Don’t mention it. This tends to work if your child sucks their thumb for attention. Ignoring their habit is enough to deter them from continuing it.
Positive reinforcement. Use praise and rewards to encourage your child to stop sucking their thumb. A calendar with stickers is a great idea. Place stickers on the calendar for each day that they did not suck their thumb.
Identify triggers. Does your child suck their thumb when they are stressed? If so, find out the triggers and try to resolve those issues. Maybe a hug, blanket or stuffed animal will ease them and replace thumb sucking.
Gentle reminders. Do not scold, criticize or ridicule your child when they are sucking their thumb. Instead, try creating a subtle signal to bring your child’s attention
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Today is Hug Your Cat day, so I figured… why not write a blog about proper hygiene for your pets? Here is some information on how to improve your pets dental health, whether they are a cat or a dog.
Breath Test: While many of our pets do not have the best smelling breath, we should be concerned if their breath is offensive. Foul smelling breath could be signs of digestion issues or gum disease. If your furry friend has a loss of appetite, vomiting, frequent urination, you should definitely be taking them to the vet.
Lip Service: Once a week lift your pets lips. Their gum tissues should be hard and pink, not red/white. Also make sure there are no fractured teeth and be on a lookout for brown tarter build up, their teeth should be sparkly and white just like yours.
Signs of oral disease: Bad breath, excessive drooling, inflamed gums, ulcers/tumors/cysts on the gum tissue or under the tongue, loose teeth, difficulty eating, pus, a red line along the gum tissue or excessive pawing of their mouth. These signs may show that your pet may have problem in their mouth or a gastro-intestinal related problem.
Tooth decay: Bacteria and plaque forming foods can start to harden on your pets teeth and create tartar build-up which if left on teeth can cause gingivitis and tooth decay.
As much as no one likes flossing, we can all agree that bad breath is worse! Many people avoid flossing because it takes some time and practice to get it right, therefore, they give up. Flossing has many benefits to your oral health such as preventing bad breath and potential cavities. Bad breath, tooth decay and gum disease can be caused by trapped food particles and bacteria in hard to reach areas which can easily be removed with some dental floss. To get into the flossing habit, floss at the same time everyday, keep your floss in a visible place next to your sink, or write it down on your daily ‘to do’ list. While flossing is recommended twice a day, flossing at least once a day is sufficient. It is preferred that you floss at night to remove all food particles and bacteria that has built up throughout the day. Daily flossing will not only improve your overall oral health but help to beat bad breath. Once you commit to this daily habit your teeth will feel cleaner and you’ll smile!
