>U Mom Knows Best: dental health
Showing posts with label dental health. Show all posts
Showing posts with label dental health. Show all posts

Zebra Black And White Hydroxyapatite-FREE, Fluoride-FREE Toothpaste

Natural is a word that can be misleading. Companies like to slap the word natural on their products but they are not really as natural as they seem. The ZEBRA™ Black and White brand was born when a mom wanted the best for her son, after the diagnosis of a brain tumor.


The word natural can be so misleading to consumers. We see the word "natural" on a product and expect it to be a safe product with clean ingredients. The problem is we have a system that is designed to trick consumers and we need to what is in the product that we are buying.

One mother believes that her children were victims of dirty products and it took the diagnosis of a brain tumor in her son, to question the ingredients that were in the products that she was buying. Meet the person behind the brand Zebra, makers of toothpaste, deodorant, and more.

Zebra Black And White Personal Care Products

 Jenn Thatcher left a successful career as an international artist to found ZEBRA. Jenn believes her children were victims of dirty products and a system that is designed to trick consumers. Her son Jack’s diagnosis of a brain tumor made her even more vigilant at researching every single ingredient in the products her family was using.

 She realized that products are really not always as natural as they seem. She decided if she wanted something truly safe, and high-performance she was going to have to create it herself. This is how ZEBRA was born.

ESTABLISHED IN 2023

ZEBRA was founded on the idea that ingredients should be black and white. Nothing tricky, nothing hidden. Consumers should understand the purpose of every ingredient in every product. Ingredients that are safe, non-toxic, and high-performance, from a brand that seeks to empower consumers, and make the best decisions for themselves and their families all while doing good in the world.

EVERYTHING WE MAKE IS DESIGNED TO BE SAFE & EFFECTIVE FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY.


Hydroxyapatite-FREE and Fluoride-FREE Toothpaste

 One of the products that Zebra sells is toothpaste and it is one that you need to learn about. Zebra Hydroxyapatite-FREE and Fluoride-FREE toothpaste is a safer, non-toxic alternative to traditional toothpaste. 

Most people who use natural oral care products know about the dangers of fluoride in toothpaste but it is a newer ingredient Hydroxyapatite, that we need to learn more about. Hydroxyapatite is often touted as a “miracle” ingredient in oral care but it has not been around long enough to know if it is safe to use. 

Is Hydroxyapatite safe to use?

 A couple of weeks ago, I wrote an article about a new Hydroxyapatite toothpaste that I discovered. I compared this natural toothpaste to fluoride toothpaste. I was excited to learn that the toothpaste with Hydroxyapatite had similar benefits to toothpaste with fluoride in it but was made with natural ingredients. 

Since the release of that article, I have discovered that Hydroxyapatite has the potential to disrupt the body’s natural remineralization processes and negatively impact health. Studies have been done with animals on the effects of Hydroxyapatite and since this ingredient is so new, I am questioning whether I should be using this toothpaste.

Zebra offers a Hydroxyapatite-FREE and Fluoride-FREE toothpaste 

 It was an email from Zebra that had me thinking about my toothpaste. I already knew that fluoride exposure is linked to lower IQ and that Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) can irritate gums. I learned about these toothpaste ingredients when my younger son developed painful mouth sores from toothpaste.

ZEBRA helped me realize that I need to use a simple toothpaste with natural ingredients. So I reached out to them to see if I could get a sample of their Hydroxyapatite-FREE, Fluoride-FREE toothpaste. I needed to inform my readers about a brand that offers a clean alternative for families who refuse to compromise their health for a clean smile.

  Zebra's toothpaste is powered by natural ingredients like Xylitol and Calcium Carbonate. This natural ingredient toothpaste is available in two flavors ~ mint and coconut. Head here to see the full ingredient list of the Zebra toothpaste.

Zebra sent me other product samples

 Zebra also sent me other products from the Black and White line. From their natural deodorant to their silk dental floss, the black and white boxes with a zebra on them caught my attention. The simple boxes spoke to me and made me want to know more about the ingredients that Zebra uses in their products.

 As a person who is healing from mold exposure, allergies, and asthma ~ I seek out products with safe non-toxic ingredients. I know the effects of what chemicals can do to your body. I suffer from asthma attacks when I am exposed to chemical fragrances and I break out in a rash on my when exposed to chemicals in skincare products. Even something as simple as a handshake can cause eczema on my hand.

 All of Zebra's products are cruelty-free and never tested on animals. However, their deodorant and floss use beeswax, so they are not technically vegan. Their products are even gluten-free. Their whole product line is safe for the whole family. If you want safer products for your family, then head to Zebra and learn more about their products.

GuruNanda Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste Vs Fluoride Toothpaste

 Fluoridated toothpaste has long been considered the gold standard in oral health care but new research has many avoiding toothpaste with fluoride. Check out a toothpaste that has similar benefits but is made with natural ingredients.


 So many of us have grown up using toothpaste made with fluoride. It was the toothpaste that most dentists recommended for healthy teeth. We were told that fluoride toothpaste would prevent cavities. People loved fluoride so much that it was also added to drinking water. This mineral for decades was promoted as a proven method of preventing tooth decay. 

Many years later, after dealing with so many cavities, I ask myself, how did fluoride toothpaste help me? Was it the lack of education about brushing my teeth properly? Could my poor dental health be the effects of a processed food diet on the teeth or was it the fact that I never went to the dentist as a kid? 

I was the kid who ate plenty of sweets that were loaded with sugar. I had a rough childhood and I don't remember much about my dental routine. My mom was dealing with plenty and did not have the time to make sure that I was brushing my teeth. I also never went to the dentist. 

What I do remember as a kid, was learning in school about how to brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste. I remember the dentists who came to the classroom gave us a toothbrush along with samples of fluoridated toothpaste. I also remember all the toothpaste commercials. 

 Since I had plenty of cavities as an adult, I made sure that my kids brushed their teeth. I also made regular appointments to the dentist. My kids also had a better diet than I did as a kid. I made sure to teach my kids about the importance of good dental hygiene. 

 Many years later, my family stopped using fluoride toothpaste after I discovered that my youngest son had a toothpaste allergy.  My son was allergic to several ingredients in regular toothpaste. It was the ingredients in the toothpaste, like SLS, glycerin, and fluoride, that gave my son mouth sores.  

 Around the same time that I discovered my son's toothpaste allergy, I also learned about the disadvantages of fluoride toothpaste +, so I stopped buying fluoride toothpaste for the rest of the family and instead purchased toothpaste made with natural ingredients. Back then, there were not many options for natural toothpaste.

GuruNanda Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste Vs Fluoride Toothpaste

 Nine years later, as dental care progresses, there are so many more choices for fluoride-free toothpaste and GuruNanda hydroxyapatite toothpaste has many benefits for dental health. It is a fluoride-free toothpaste that not only cleans the teeth but also aids in remineralization.

+ Disadvantages of Flouride Toothpaste

 - Overexposure to fluoride in toothpaste can lead to dental fluorosis, which causes white spots and discoloration on the teeth.

- Some individuals may have allergies or sensitivities to fluoride and may experience adverse reactions.

What Is Hydroxyapatite?

 Hydroxyapatite is a naturally occurring form of calcium. The primary function of hydroxyapatite in toothpaste is to help remineralize your tooth enamel. This helps protect your teeth against dental decay. 

Benefits of Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste

 Hydroxyapatite toothpaste is safe and poses no risk of dental fluorosis from overexposure. GuruNanda hydroxyapatite toothpaste is great for those with sensitive teeth. This natural toothpaste effectively cleans your teeth and aids in demineralization. It also freshens your breath. Some studies have shown that hydroxyapatite toothpaste can be just as effective as fluoride toothpaste in remineralizing teeth and preventing cavities

GuruNanda hydroxyapatite toothpaste contains extracts of neem, jasmine, clove, cardamom, oregano, & spearmint oils, with Vitamins D3, E & K2. This toothpaste is non-GMO, free from harsh chemicals like SLS and Fluoride, and is highly recommended by dentists for sensitive teeth & gums.

GuruNanda Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste is a healthy addition to my dental routine

 Dental health is important for overall health and now that I know the advantages of Hydroxyapatite in toothpaste, I have added GuruNanda Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste to my dental health routine. I like that this toothpaste cleans my teeth with a nice minty taste. I also like that my teeth are getting remineralizing benefits. I am excited that this toothpaste will prevent future cavities in my mouth.

Of course, the most important part of dental health is brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing, and eating a healthy diet. I also use a water flosser as I love how it gets the food particles off your teeth. 


4 Natural Dental Products That You Need For Healthy Teeth

Did you know that the health of your teeth is related to a healthy body? If your oral care is lacking, not only do your teeth suffer but your overall health may also suffer. Keep reading to discover some natural dental products that you need for healthy teeth.


 Keeping your teeth clean is important to your overall health, A healthy mouth is a good part of a healthy body. If your dental hygiene is not good then you can have more than cavities. Poor dental health can lead to gum problems and so much more. Many health problems can be linked to poor dental health. 

 So take care of your teeth and gums with these natural dental products. These oral care products are made with healthy ingredients and will help you have a healthy smile. From an oral rinse to charcoal toothbrushes, these are dental products that you will want to add to your shopping list.

1. GuruNanda's Breath Harmonizer Oral Rinse Mouthwash

 GuruNanda's Breath Harmonizer Oral Rinse Mouthwash is alcohol & fluoride-free mouthwash. This minty fresh oral rinse is based on Ayurvedic principles and contains natural ingredients and vitamins. The rinse will help aid in reducing gum problems and promoting whiter teeth. It also boasts of sodium chlorite compound which uses oxygen to promote fresh breath. This holistic mouthwash thus, supports overall oral hygiene, providing a refreshed and clean mouth.



 This mouthwash contains a unique blend of 100% pure essential oils and vitamins for complete oral hygiene. The oral rinse also contains spearmint, peppermint, cardamom, and fennel for fresh breath. While the ingredients clove, oregano, and tea tree support teeth and gum health. GuruNanda also added vitamins D, E, and K2 for overall oral health.

Using this natural oral rinse will help one eliminate bacteria that cause bad breath and help with pH balance to promote healthy gums. When used twice a day it can provide long-lasting fresh breath.


2. GuruNanda’s Butter on Gums Charcoal Toothbrushes

Unleash the power of charcoal and elevate your oral care routine. GuruNanda’s Butter on Gums Charcoal Toothbrushes are infused with charcoal which helps promote fresh breath. The unique toothbrushes are made with 8000+ SoftexTM bristles technology that are ultra-soft. These bristles will help slow down gum recession and sensitivity.


 The smooth, multi-directional bristles will also gently remove food particles and plaque from your teeth to provide a deeper and more thorough cleaning of your teeth and gums. Even the angled neck of the toothbrush is special as it helps you clean hard-to-reach areas to help maintain overall oral hygiene. 

Charcoal is powerful on surface stains on your teeth and it gently polishes them too. You will love the bold colors of the GuruNanda's toothbrushes.

3. GuruNanda's Rechargeable Portable Water Flosser

 Step up your teeth and gums cleaning with a water flosser. Flossing with water is healthier for your gums and teeth. GuruNanda's Rechargeable Portable Water Flosser is an advanced water stream flossing system that helps make gums healthier. It is efficient in promoting healthy teeth and gums by helping remove plaque and food particles in between the teeth. It not only effectively massages your gums but also aids in bad breath while helping reduce gingivitis.



 The portable water flosser comes with a detachable water tank that makes it easy to clean. Its compact design makes it easy to be used both at home and during travel. The flosser charges in just 4 hours with a USB cable and lasts up to 21 days. 



4. GuruNanda Concentrated Mouthwash

This small-sized, pocket-friendly mouthwash bottle is equal to 10 big bottles of mouthwash. It is so easy to use, just mix 4 drops with water for one use. The holistic mouthwash is made with 100% natural ingredients and provides fresh breath. The natural ingredients such as Tea Tree, Peppermint, Fennel, Cardamom, Spearmint, Jasmine, Clove, Oregano, and vitamins D & E give this mouth rinse a nice minty taste.

GuruNanda Concentrated Mouthwash also promotes healthy teeth and gum as well as aiding in teeth whitening. The mouthwash contains no preservatives, or artificial flavors, & contains less than 1% alcohol in every swish. 

Step up your dental health routine with these three oral care products from GuruNanda. GuruNanda is a USA brand built around good karma. They are committed to offering you the highest quality products that are safe for both you and your entire family.

Check out my recipe for ~ Homemade Natural Lemon Drop Toothpaste




Invisalign for Adults



My middle son has been considering braces for a while. He wants a treatment that is less noticeable and has been considering Invisalign so this article is a must-read for adults who are considering braces.

There is not much difference in the quality or the cost of the Invisalign aligners whether you’re a child or a grown-up adult. According to many dentists, children below 10 years of age shouldn’t be going through any such treatments since they have baby teeth that might break and come again with time. Adults, on the other hand, may not experience a tooth coming back once it’s broken or gets displaced due to an accident or strong force. If you’re an adult and wish to close gaps, realign crooked teeth and cure over- or underbites, you need to invest in Invisalign aligners at your earliest. The reason why you need to start this treatment immediately is that it can sometimes take years until your teeth come back to their perfect shape. This treatment is long and costly but is guaranteed to generate positive results no matter which age group you belong to.

How long do you need to wear them    
 According to many certified dentists and orthodontists, you need to wear your Invisalign aligners for 20 to 22 hours on a daily basis which is practically all the time. If you wish to experience quick and positive results, you should only take off your aligners while brushing or eating. Since it is easy to take them off anytime you want, you should still try not to do that on a daily basis. If you’re about to go out on a dinner date and don’t want to feel embraced while taking them off before your meal, you can always make an exception and take them off for that particular day. You should not make a habit of taking off your Invisalign aligners on every other occasion. If you wish to see quick results, you should keep wearing your aligners for at least 20 hours for more than six months or a year or two.

Difference between braces and Invisalign aligners
 The first major difference between aligners and braces is the cost. The cost of the Invisalign aligners is comparatively very high ranging from somewhere between $3500 to $8500 according to your size and build quality. Unlike metal braces, the aligners are usually transparent in appearance making them less visible and noticeable to the general public. You can easily roam around wearing them in public places and most of the people won’t even notice them. The metal braces cannot be removed without a proper dental procedure. The Invisalign aligners, on the other hand, can easily be removed by you whenever you need to brush your teeth or eat your favorite meal. Metal braces can sometimes be painful and irritating for some people. That is hardly the case with aligners. You might feel a slight soreness, but you get to take them off during regular intervals giving your teeth some time to relax.

How does the Invisalign aligners work
 According to many dentists, the high-quality material used in aligners boosts the teeth reshaping process up to 50%. All you have to do is visit a certified dentist such as New York Total Dental with an office equipped with 3D dental imaging equipment and have her/him examine your teeth. The dentist will then show you a 3d image of your teeth that will give you an accurate perception of how your smile will look once your teeth are fixed. After you’ve got your personalized treatment plan, you will receive your custom made aligners in a week or so. After you receive your aligners, all you have to do is keep wearing them for as much time as you can. Since they are hardly noticeable, so you can easily keep wearing them during office hours, social dinners or while grocery shopping. The aligners will keep working their magic and you will start to see the results in a few months’ time.

Do you have to quit some habits
 Some people undergoing the treatment are concerned about some of their habits such as drinking alcohol, smoking cigarettes or munching on sugary snacks. The best thing about Invisalign aligners is that you can take them off anytime you want to. You don’t need to do that while smoking since it’s just smoke but you definitely can do that while you’re munching on your favorite chocolate bar. Unlike metal braces, you are not restricted from eating anything. You don’t have to wash or scrub your aligners every time you eat or drink something. All you have to do is take them off and you’re free to consume anything you want.

Oil Pulling Made Easy And Delicious With GuruNanda

Have you tried oil pulling?

       I received a sample of pulling oil.

  Most people have never heard of oil pulling. I found out about oil pulling about a year ago when I discovered a small blister-like bump on my upper gum line. Having had way too much dental work, I was afraid to go to the dentist so I turned to the internet. At first, I thought the small bump on my gums could be an abscess but I since I had no pain or fever, I ruled that out. So I decided to try a natural remedy to try to eliminate the small blister in my mouth. I felt safe trying a home remedy as I had a dental cleaning scheduled later that month. The home remedy that I discovered and tried was called oil pulling. This natural remedy involved swishing coconut oil in your mouth for a period of time as the oil was to pull out toxins. So my thinking was if this bump in my mouth was caused by bacteria than the oil pulling may help. Now, the technique of oil pulling has been around for a long time. In fact, this oral therapy is a type of Ayurvedic medicine [a traditional Indian system] that dates back 3,000 years. Also, I was using coconut oil so how could that hurt me?  I don't quite remember if the oil pulling or just time took care of the small bump in my mouth. All I remember is the nasty taste of swishing coconut oil as I recall I had to swish it for up to 20 minutes. I don't think I was able to swish it for more than five minutes as the taste of coconut oil was not appealing to me.

Better tasting oil means longer swishing!

  I decided to give oil pulling another chance when I discovered a Pulling Oil that had a better taste. The pulling oil that I am now using is quite refreshing as it has a nice minty taste so I am able to swish this oil in my mouth way longer. I usually take a swig of the pulling oil as I wash my face and other bedtime activities. Sometimes I will swish the oil in my mouth as I take my shower.


Why do I do oil pulling?

 I try to do oil pulling at least once a week as it is a great way to pull the bacteria and plaque out of my mouth so I can prevent gum problems. After my husband had to get dentures from gingivitis, I am very proactive about dental care. The oil is supposed to make the bacteria and plaque stick to it and coconut oil has bacteria-fighting benefits.


GURUNANDA® Pulling Oil is 100% organic, alcohol-free and contains no artificial preservatives, flavors or colors.

How to oil pull

  Oil pulling is simple to do. You simply take some of the oil and swish it in your mouth for 2-20 minutes, the longer the better to draw out more gunk from your teeth. Then you spit the oil out and brush your teeth. It is so much easier to do oil pulling when the oil has a nice taste to it. The natural oil that I use is made from a combination of pure sesame oil, sunflower oil, coconut oil, and peppermint oil. The peppermint oil makes a big difference in how long I can keep the oil in my mouth. I find that I can do the gentle swishing when I am focusing on something else like showing or washing my face.


Oil pulling gives me a fresh mouth

  I am amazed at how fresh and clean my mouth feels after I swish the oil in my mouth. The oil starts out almost clear but when I spit it into the sink it is quite thick and cloudy. To find out more about the benefits of oil pulling, click out the below link.

https://www.gurunanda.com/products/pulling-oil


Would you try oil pulling?


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