Tips for Lips

Not many people will remember to take care of their lips. Whether it is sunburn during the summer or windburn during the winter, your lips need some love year round. WebMD has some helpful ways to make sure you’re taking the best care of all aspects of your smile.

• Look at the Label – Keeping a lip balm handy with 30 SPF or higher will keep your lips from having sun damage. If your lips are extra sensitive, stay away from the scented products that can add irritation and further dry out your lips. It is suggested however to use products that keep moisture in, including glycerin, mineral oil or aloe. Beeswax and lanolin also will soften up your pout!

•  Exfoliate, Exfoliate, Exfoliate! – Just like the rest of your body, it is important get rid of dead skin. While we don’t suggest using a harsh sponge or scrub, using a mixture of sugar and honey can quickly transform your lips from scaly and dry to fresh and fabulous. Dab a finger in the mixture and make small, circular motions on your lips. When you are done, use a damp cloth to wipe it away and apply a moisturizing lip balm.

• Stop Smoking – Studies have shown that smoking ages your skin. This includes your lips. The chemicals in cigarettes quicken skin cell damage, leading later to loss of collagen and the formation wrinkles. By quitting smoking and continuing to moisturize, your lips will leave you looking healthy and young.

 

Source: http://www.webmd.com 

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Dental resolutions for 2014

As it gets closer to the new year, many of us are making resolutions to exercise, lose weight and get organized. What about your teeth? Here are a few suggested resolutions to help your smile stay bright and healthy:

Brush twice a day and floss daily. Brushing your teeth twice a day fights plaque and decay. Flossing gets rid of food particles trapped between your teeth and gums that a toothbrush just can’t reach.

Use mouthwash. A daily rinse with antiseptic mouthwash will help kill germs and bacteria that you can’t reach with a toothbrush. Mouthwash will also freshen your breath and fight plaque.

Drink more water. At least eight, 8-ounce glasses of water a day is the recommendation. If you are drinking water, you are less likely to drink cola, tea and coffee, which can stain your teeth.

Use protective devices. Wear a custom-fitted mouth guard when playing sports (even during practice!) to protect your own or your child’s teeth.

Visit your dentist twice a year. Taking care of your teeth at home is just the first step in keeping a bright and healthy smile. Your dentist can diagnose and treat any potential problems before they become big issues.

2014 can be the year your entire family resolves to have brighter, healthier smiles.

A cavity-free Halloween

Halloween is just around the corner! I recently came across a candy alternative for school parties or your trick-or-treaters … involving fruit: http://underconstructionblog.typepad.com/under_construction/2010/10/halloween-fruit.html. For more tips and ideas, read my blog article, “A cavity-free Halloween”

Smiles By Baker

Americans are projected to spend $2 billion on candy this Halloween. Try to avoid the sticky, chewy, hard and crunchy treats. Soft and sticky candies stick to the teeth, giving the decay-causing bacteria time to decay your teeth. Hard candies dissolve slowly in your mouth, coating your teeth with sugar for a long period of time. They can also chip your teeth and cause choking in younger children. Some Halloween candy alternatives:

• Animal crackers
• Pretzels
• Stickers or temporary tattoos
• Pencils, pens or erasers
• Small packs of crayons
• Bubbles
• Plastic jewelry
• Play-Doh
• Lip balm

Can you think of any others? Post a comment with your ideas for alternatives to Halloween candy.

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Fun Quiz: Name the celebrity smile

How well do you know Hollywood smiles? Take this quiz from Web MD and post your results in the comments section below.

Wish you had a movie star smile? I offer cosmetic services such as whitening, veneers and implants. Visit the Smile Gallery  on my website for before and after photos. Contact my office to set up an appointment and see which procedure is right for you.

ADA launches new consumer website

The American Dental Association (ADA) has created a great online resource for dental health topics. The site mouthhealthy.org is easy to use and includes useful information including: healthy habits, top concerns, nutrition and “fact or fiction” information, and tips for every stage of life, from pregnancy, babies and kids, teens to adults and adults over 60.

In addition, there is a wonderful section for children, complete with videos, quizzes, games and other activities that will help them understand the importance of dental hygiene.

Dental Health Fun! What is Your Tooth Personality?

I recently came across a fun quiz from Web MD. After answering nine simple questions, you will learn your Tooth Personality and will receive printable tips for keeping a healthy smile. Take the quiz (www.webmd.com/oral-health/healthy-teeth-3/oral-health-expck/default.htm) and share your “personality” in the comments below.

Terrific tooth trivia

Bet you didn’t know that the soreness you feel when you burn your mouth on mozzarella cheese has a name—pizza palette. Or that only the common cold beats tooth decay as the most prevalent disease in the United States—even though a third of us make it all the way to the age of 17 without ever getting a cavity. Test your knowledge with some fun tooth trivia:

Q. Guess who worked as a silversmith, a copper plate engraver, a dentist, and still found time to warn the countryside when the Brits were coming?

A. Paul Revere

Q. What fearless female shattered the fluoride ceiling when she received her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 1866?

A. Lucy Hobbs Taylor

Q. How many athletes avoid dental tragedy each year by covering their pearly whites with mouth guards?

A. 200,000

Q. What delectable dairy delights should you chomp on to keep your smile sparkling white?

A. Cheese! Specifically, aged cheddar, Swiss or Monterey Jack

(Source: Michigan Dental Association)