Teeth brushing mistakes

Teeth brushing mistakes you're making Tips for a great smile You most certainly brush your teeth, as you're keen on having a pleasant breath and a nice, white smile. But are you brushing correctly? Are you doing it at the right time? We've compiled a guide to common brushing mistakes, and how to do it right. You are brushing at the wrong time You should brush your teeth at least twice a day, though three times is better. Brushing before bed is a must. Removing bacteria from your mouth prevents them from attacking your teeth overnight. In the morning, brush your teeth before breakfast, to remove the bacteria and plaque that has accumulated overnight. You can also brush after lunch, but not more. Brushing too often can damage your gums. You're brushing and spitting Once you've brushed your teeth, you probably rinse your mouth with water to get rid of the toothpaste flavour. This is a mistake. You should not rinse your mouth, merely spit out the toothpaste. This will leave a coating of fluoride on your teeth, which helps prevent tooth decay by inhibiting the chemical processes of plaque bacteria. You’re not brushing for long enough, or too long A quick once over will not do. You should brush 2 to 3 minutes each time. Anything less, and you may not properly clean your teeth. Brushing for too long may irritate your gums.   You are using the wrong toothbrush If you shop for your toothbrush on the basis of price or colour, think again. The key thing in choosing a toothbrush is head size and bristle hardness. The brush should be the right size for your mouth, not too big. You can tell it's too big if you're struggling to open your mouth wide to brush. Buy a brush with bristles that are soft, as hard bristles can irritate your gums, especially if you brush too hard. The bristles should be able to remove the plaque but not damage your teeth. You're brushing the wrong way The recommended way to brush your teeth is not with horizontal strokes along your gums. Instead, the current method recommended by the British Dental Health Foundation is to place the brush at 45 degrees against your gum line and move it in small circular movements on all the surfaces of every tooth. Brush the outer surfaces of each tooth, upper and lower, keeping the bristles angled against the gum line. Brush the biting surfaces of the teeth. To clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth, tilt the brush vertically and make several small circular strokes with the front part of the brush. Finally, brush your tongue. This will remove bacteria from its surface and freshen your breath.   You’re not rinsing your toothbrush enough Bacteria grows on your toothbrush, so it is important to rinse it before and after use. It will also remove any toothpaste that may be left on the brush. After rinsing the brush, shake out the moisture, as a moist brush is a breeding ground for bacteria. Your toothbrush is too old The longer you use your toothbrush, the more bent and misshapen the bristles will be, which undermines their effectiveness. You should replace your brush every three months, or once your bristles have lost their flexibility. You're not flossing You may be diligent at brushing your teeth, but if you're not flossing regularly, you're failing to clean your teeth properly. Bits of food will get stuck between your teeth in places where the bristles don't reach. The food will decay and bacteria will attack your teeth and gums. The only way to remove food may be by flossing, which is why you should make a habit of doing so daily. Buy the right floss for your teeth - waxed if you have closely spaced teeth, or tougher floss if you have rough tooth edges. Make sure you use enough floss, as reusing it may simply move bacteria between teeth.

8 Tips to Take Control of Your Weight

Anyone who is overweight will testify that losing weight is not as easy as it seems. The people that are lean, or have gone from fat to skinny will say it’s just a matter of motivation and elbow grease. Although it is not as simple as that. Our environments have waged war on us. Their weapons are sedentary lives and Trans fats of mass destruction. All is not lost though, here are some quick simple tips to get ahead!

1. Substitute Water. Our bodies are about 65-70% water. It follows that water would be not only essential, but the best possibly choice of liquids to ingest. In fact, our bodies will sometimes simulate a hunger response, when in reality the body is craving hydration. When hungry, drink a glass or two of water to check if it suppresses your hunger.

2. Chew Your Food. Chewing our food very slowly and deliberately has several benefits that are often overlooked. It gives us the ability to relax, and enjoy our meal. Slow chewing is the first, and highly important, step in a complex system of digestion. Besides, if we eat slowly, we might feel full before finishing the whole meal, and can leave the rest for the next meal.

3. Exercise daily. How silly of me to include something as obvious as exercise. I did a 30 day trial with waking up, and walking for 30 minutes first thing in the morning. My journal records that I was feeling amazing during the period of time that I was following this habit.

4. Publicize your intentions. Start a blog, join a forum, and have other people keep you accountable to help. Tell other people your plan, it would help you get the motivation to go with it!

5. Create a food schedule. Plan your day so that you’re eating at approximately the same time each day. This scheduling will incorporate itself into your circadian rhythm, and aid in digestion.

6. Do not over eat. Know your limit and stop eating when you are full. I have often been a victim of wanting to finish a meal so that it doesn’t go to waste. This has left me with many a stomach ache. Next time, doggy bag it for later, and don’t hurt yourself!
7.Choose your snacks wisely. Put down the Lays® and cheese puffs. Pick up the apple and baby carrots. Make the right decision, I know you can do it.

8.Lifestyle. Remember, it’s not about special diets, or special exercise programs. The real secret is in turning your health into a lifestyle, and focusing on this healthy lifestyle with every choice you make.