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  • Practicing good oral hygiene daily and eating nutritiously is essential in keeping our teeth in healthy shape. Having a fresh, clean, straight pair of teeth is the goal. It’s also important to note that crooked teeth may be bad for one’s health as well, causing bad breath, jaw strain, headaches, and difficulties chewing. 
    Brushing crooked teeth is harder as well, which can ultimately lead to bacteria and plaque build up, which can cause tooth decay or gum disease. Also, crooked teeth can affect speech sound and articulation. So, as you can see, straightening teeth is not only about aesthetics, it’s a health priority. Most people assume you need to visit an orthodontist to get typical metal braces. However, there are a few more interesting options out there

    1. Clear teeth aligners
    These are clear, high-tech plastic or acrylic type material liners that fit over your teeth. These are very popular because they are less expensive than regular prescribed braces and are easier to wear. Plus, unlike traditional braces, these clear aligners are removed when eating, brushing, and flossing teeth. There are a variety of companies to choose from that provide this teeth straightening option. One provider, Smile Direct Club, offers their customers made to order invisible aligners that boast of a very smooth, easy to wear, BPA-free plastic construction. You have the option of all-day clear teeth aligners or Nighttime aligners, both which cost $1950/$89 a month. Traditional metal braces can cost over $5,000. And they accept HSA/FSA credit cards and some dental plans will cover costs. Smile Direct provides their own convenient payment plan too. Like every dental treatment, there are pros and cons to this type of teeth straightening method. Although, invisible aligners are an easy to wear, affordable option choice, there are a few things to consider. Customers run the risk of having teeth shift either too fast or slower than anticipated. And you’re not getting in person treatment from an orthodontist or dentist with mail in teeth aligners

    2. Lingual braces
    These typically metal braces are placed on the back side of one’s teeth. This is a highly popular method in straightening teeth because they are virtually unseen. Although, these braces are harder for your Orthodontist to apply and work with because they are fixated on the back of teeth, it’s a favored method by most teens and adults because of the discrete nature of the teeth straightening technique. The brackets are fixed at the same time on the back of teeth using a customized tray rather than placing one bracket at a time as with traditional front style braces. However, there are some concerns about lingual braces to consider. Placing braces on the back of teeth can make it harder to eat, cause unsightly soreness in one’s mouth and tongue, and can affect the way you speak

    3. Dental surgery
    Dental surgery is another desired teeth straightening option. Your Orthodontist may suggest minor surgery in order to align teeth instead of applying braces. It can be helpful in lessening the time you’d need to straighten teeth. An oral surgeon typically will reposition your teeth and gums in a minor surgery in order to straighten crooked teeth. Typically dental surgery is a good option when a patient’s jaw and crooked teeth are causing pain when eating or gum irritation. Oral surgery is one of the best proven and effective ways to straighten teeth but it’s also an expensive option as well

    4. Retainers
    Retainers are another popular option that straightens teeth. Depending on the type of alignment issue, your Orthodontist may suggest wearing a metal retainer only at night to straighten your teeth. This treatment plan offers more flexibility as wearing typical 24/7 braces. However, it may take longer to see teeth align straight and oftentimes people forget to wear them or even misplace them at home because of a retainer’s tactile mobility

    5. Ceramic braces 
    Also known as  ‘clear braces’, these are a trendy option. They are typically tooth colored brackets and usually a favored teeth straightening method with teens and adults alike because they are aesthetically better looking than typical old school metal braces. These clear braces are made of polycrystalline alumina and generally more comfortable to wear. However the out of the pocket cost is more than regular braces and clear braces to stain over time. And they are consequently less durable than traditional braces because metal braces are made of high-quality stainless steel or titanium alloys which makes them the sturdier option

  • In today’s beauty world, having bold eyebrows is an essential component of a put together makeup look. Some people may find themselves feeling left out of this trend as their eyebrows are too thin. Others may deal with the opposite problem and have eyebrows that are very thick and create an unsightly unibrow! Do not fear. Here are some everyday eyebrow mistakes and their incredibly helpful solutions:

    1. Trying to make brows identical

    Have you ever heard the phrase your eyebrows are sisters, not twins? This rings true in the beauty world. Trying to make your eyebrows identical will always look unnatural and uncanny. We have so many unique features to our face and no two parts of our bodies are completely identical. When plucking your eyebrows, follow the natural curve of each eyebrow and do not get overly concerned with making them “even”. Of course, you want some resemblance or likeness with the thickness level and arch but keep to the natural contours of the hairs in order to achieve a more natural look. 

    2. Too dark brow filler

    If you have light colored or thin eyebrows, filling them in with an eyebrow pencil, gel, or shadow is a perfect solution. However, while your aim is to darken your brows so they can appear visible, it is easy to overdo it and create stark lines with brow filler that is simply too dark. There is a handy trick to avoid this common pitfall. Experts suggest using an eyebrow product that is a shade lighter than your hair color to achieve an effortless brow look. Lighter tones can be more forgiving when applied to the face. The color should complement your face and hair and not be so overpowering. For example, if you have black hair, use a dark brown shade for your eyebrows and not black itself.

    3. Over-plucking

    It is a rite of passage to over-pluck your eyebrows in your teenage years. You desire a more refined look and want to get rid of the stray eyebrow hairs encroaching on your eyelid. Unfortunately, over-plucking your eyebrows may damage their shape forever. Hair regrowth may be stubborn in over-plucked areas. Have no fear. You can use a brand of Revitalash eye makeup in order to correct this problem. Revitalash Revitabrow is a quality product; an eyebrow conditioning serum used to strengthen your eyebrow hairs. This will allow your eyebrow hairs to naturally have a thicker and fuller appearance. It is gentle on skin and protects against hair breakage. It is available at cosmetic stores as well as dermatology offices. This product can be a life-saver if you want bold and beautiful brows but have damaged them due to over-plucking.

    4. Using the wrong brush

    An artist needs the appropriate tools to make a masterpiece. The same is true for your face. You need to use the correct tools in order to achieve a flawless and timeless look. Using the wrong eyebrow brush can definitely result in messy and unnatural lines on your brows. The solution is to use a thin and angled makeup brush in order to let the brush strokes appear more natural. Follow the direction of your existing eyebrow hairs and use the thin, angled brush in quick light strokes. You will have stunning brows in no time.

    5. Not blending

    Another common error while filling in brows is quickly using a brow pencil or powder to fill in the brows and not taking the time to entirely blend the product. We naturally tend to press harder in certain places than others which leads to an excess of product at certain points in the brow. Be sure to use a spoolie brush to blend the product in order to avoid brows that look too harsh or spotty.

  • For many dog owners, a common practice may be to feed their dogs human food. In many cases this can be detrimental to your pet’s health and wellness. Some foods can contribute to pet obesity, allergies, diabetes, and others may be downright toxic. For pet owners who can’t resist those “puppy dog eyes”, here is a list of common foods to avoid at all cost because they are toxic to dogs:

    1. Raw eggs

    Just like with humans, dogs face the risk of contracting Salmonella if they eat raw eggs. Cooked eggs can be beneficial for dogs, and can provide them a source of vitamins and protein, but feeding them a raw egg leads to the potential for Salmonella for the dog.

    2. Chocolate and caffeine

    Dogs along with most pets are more sensitive to caffeine than humans. While a little tiny bit, such as one or two laps of it won’t often be enough to cause much harm, a lot of caffeine ingestion is enough to poison most animals and can even kill small dogs. Chocolate also puts dogs, especially small dogs, at risk for chocolate poisoning. Just like caffeine, chocolate can be poison to most dogs, especially in big, solid amounts.

    3. Grapes and raisins

    Most dogs cannot ingest grapes or raisins. While a small amount might just make a dog sick, it has recently been discovered that grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure and can be fatal.

    4. Onions and garlic

    Even a minor ingestion of onions and garlic along with the rest of the allium family that these two foods fall into can be toxic to dogs. Studies show that dogs that take in more than .5% of their body weight, ingesting these foods is toxic enough to be fatal. Japanese breeds such as the Shiba Inu are more sensitive to onions and garlic in comparison to other dog breeds.

    5. Raw meat with bones

    Dogs will often want meat from you when you’re eating it. Just like with humans, raw meat can be toxic to dogs, and there are certain bones that you should not give your dog. If they like to chew on bones, give them pork or rib bones, both of which can crack and are smaller and are less likely to get stuck in a dog’s throat.

    While these are not the only toxic foods for dogs out there, these are the most common ones, and the ones to watch out for because they may be fatal. If you’re unsure what to feed your dog, talk to your veterinarian about healthy dog foods and ask for a recommendation to order prescription dog food online. Also, if you want to continue to give your dogs treats, it might be better to steer clear of table scraps in favor of healthy dog treats.

  • Any procedure to lighten the color of your teeth is called teeth whitening. The process can be done by a medical professional or by using natural products at home. The medical procedure may give faster results due to the bleaching chemicals used alongside heat or laser treatment. 

    Whitening your teeth at home is also effective when you are consistent and patient about it. Some ways to whiten your teeth are listed below:

    1. Whitening toothpaste

    Whitening paste is made with chemicals that can dissolve stains to give you the result you desire. Using whitening toothpaste to lighten your teeth’s color is something helpful as results are guaranteed to be seen after a short period. They are several brands of whitening paste that you can use. You have to find the best toothpaste for healthy teeth and gingivitis gums to prevent any harm. It is essential to use toothpaste that is from a reputable brand. It is beneficial to consider this solution since you will get results within a short time.

    2. Oil pulling

    Oil pulling is safe and advisable to try when you want to lighten your teeth. Various people have applied the solution and got the best results. It is the process of using oil as a mouthwash by swishing it in your mouth. Commonly used oils for this process is coconut oil and extra virgin oil. Take a tablespoon of oil and use it as a mouthwash for about 20 minutes. After twenty minutes, you can spit the oil and brush your teeth. It is believed that you can get rid of harmful bacteria and whiten your teeth simultaneously. The process helps whiten your teeth and make them healthier by avoiding bad breath, gingivitis, and other teeth issues.

    3. Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide

    Mixing baking soda and hydrogen peroxide is one of the most common homemade teeth whitening solutions. Baking soda has products that help remove stains from the teeth, and hydrogen peroxide is a natural bleach. The two products can be found with ease at home, making them convenient for anyone. Make a paste by mixing one tablespoon of baking soda and two tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide. You can add water to your past if the need arises. Use the paste to brush your teeth consistently for you to see a difference. The two products are harmless, and it is safe to use them on your teeth.

    4. White strips

    White strips make it easy for you to whiten your teeth at home easily, similar to using the best at home teeth straightening aligner. They contain products used by professional dentists while doing in-office teeth whitening procedure, making it easy to remove stains. The strips remove surface stains and penetrate to the tooth enamel giving whiter teeth. Using whitening strips is easy, and they are affordable, making them a good option for an at home teeth whitening solution.

    5. Avoid drinks that stain

    Some drinks cause serious stains to your teeth, (i.e. coffee, juice, wine, etc.). To get whiter teeth, you need to avoid drinks that stain because they make it hard for your teeth to get the color you desire. You can reduce the drinks if stopping is hard to help eliminate the stains on your teeth. You will see a noticeable difference when you stop consuming these drinks.

  • Although it may be tempting to provide our cat companions with a treat that we love to indulge in, giving cats human food does more harm than good. It can lead to pet obesity, because cats don’t need to consume as much food as we do. You could make your cat ill if they have a food allergy and allergic response to the human food you have given them. 
    The best cat food is made from wholesome ingredients. A lot of cat owners recommend Iams cat foods. Here are five human foods that are toxic and unsafe for cats

    1. Onions and garlic
    Onions and garlic are extremely toxic for cats. They can destroy a cat’s red blood cells because of the disulfide and thiosulphate compounds present in them. They can also cause damage and failure in their organs. If consumed a cat may become weak and develop symptoms of toxicity, like vomiting

    2. Grapes and raisins
    Though there is no current knowledge as to why, grapes and raisins are known to cause kidney failure in cats. They can make a cat very ill. Symptoms that may follow if these foods are consumed include: diarrhea, stomach pain and vomiting

    3. Raw eggs and raw meat and bones
    Raw meat and eggs are known to cause salmonella poisoning if consumed, and that is still true for cats. It can also damage and affect the coat and skin of your cat companion if consumed. Bones should be avoided because they can damage a cat’s teeth and may cause them to choke if consumed

    4. Chocolate
    Though chocolate is known as a sweet treat, it is deadly for cats. The theobromine and caffeine that is present in this food is very toxic to cats and should be avoided. It can cause your cat to fall ill and develop symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and a high temperature. Though dark chocolate is known to be the worst kind for your cat to consume, all kinds of chocolate should be completely avoided

    5. Caffeine
    Caffeine is a very toxic chemical for cats and is present in cocoa products as well. Cats are very sensitive to this toxic chemical and it wouldn’t take very much for them to begin to feel ill, and develop signs of toxicity. Some of the symptoms of poisoning include seizures and tremors in cats

    Though it may be tempting to give your cat a treat, please keep in mind that human food can be extremely toxic to your cat companion and should be avoided. It may feel as though you’re rewarding your cat, but in fact, you’re harming them instead.

  • Generally speaking, feeding human foods to dogs is ill-advised. Certain foods can be toxic for dogs and cause a severe reaction, while also making it hard to maintain a healthy weight. However, there are certain human foods that are safe for dogs depending on their preparation and absence of spices. Veterinarians agree that dogs can safely eat the following human foods:

    1. Green beans
    This is a food you don’t have to be concerned about when your kids “accidentally” drop them on the floor during dinner. Try to keep them plain rather than any added salt or spices, as the additives can be harmful, but green beans can be a nice healthy snack if your dog likes them. If you’re adventurous you can blend them along with some of our later mentioned vegetables to make a nice addition to your dog’s dry food meal

    2. Cucumber
    Cucumbers offer a wide range of nutrition while being a low-calorie snack, which makes them great for dogs who could stand to lose a bit of weight. Being such a benign food cucumbers are a great inclusion in creating a diet with dog food for dogs with allergies and sensitive skin. They can also be good for added hydration and soft enough to hide medication if you have a stubborn dog who needs to take his pill

    3. Carrots
    Carrots make a nice, healthy add-in to meals or just a quick snack. They make a good option for dogs’ natural chewing instinct. Given the prevalence of vitamins and nutrients, they are a key ingredient in several well-regarded wet dog foods. You’ll want to be careful of them as a choking hazard so it’s best to cut them into smaller pieces or boil them to soften them up

    4. Peanut butter
    This is an absolute favorite among dogs. Most dogs will take peanut butter like it is one of their favorite snacks (maybe not quite as rapidly as they react to a meat snack, but you’ll get a lot of enthusiasm). So feel secure in letting your dog eat a bit off a spoon or with one of our aforementioned vegetables for a tasty crunch. You can even make your dog peamutt butter biscuits for some of the most healthy dog treats your pup will ever eat. Be advised to use natural peanut butter or peanut butter without added salt or sugar for pups.

    5. Broccoli
    Dogs can obtain a lot of vitamins from broccoli but preparation is important for how they are fed the vegetable. The stems contain a high concentration of isothiocyanate which can cause an upset stomach in dogs. So cut off the stems and feed your pup the heads and they’re on their way to happy and healthy. Check-in with your veterinarian if you have any uncertainty about modifying your dog’s diet, especially with a vegetable like this that can have an adverse effect on some dogs

  • Buying a mattress may seem like an easy and stress-free undertaking. However, to buy a mattress that’s both comfortable and supportive to your sleep needs requires devotion, knowledge, and commitment. The wrong mattress could result in back, shoulder, hip or neck pain. Plus, your choice in mattress could wreak havoc on your sleep schedule and interfere with both physical and mental health. 
    Here are some critical tips to help you buy the best mattress

    1. Consult with your healthcare provider 
    Chronic neck and low back pain affect many people globally. Ask your health care provider about the mattress that you intend to purchase. Your doctor already knows your health concerns and can advise you accordingly on what to look for in a mattress that offers you a neutral position, or support for specific pain issues, while lying down to sleep. Notably, a good mattress will offer spinal cord alignment. And your doctor can provide insight based on your medical history

    2. Visit multiple mattress stores
    While many stores promise to deliver the best mattress, you need to commit time and resources to visit these shops in person to actually test out their products. Spend as much time as possible testing out mattresses before a purchase. Spend some time lying down in the positions you sleep in, preferably for about ten minutes to see if pain or discomfort occur.

    3. Recommendations/ Referrals
    Online platforms are becoming a common facet today, and embracing this technology is vital. Take your time to ask for recommendations on social media and other resourceful platforms. However, as you ask for recommendations, make your health conditions known since some individuals might be dealing with such conditions, and their choice of the mattress could help you as well

    4. Read online reviews
    Devote some time to reading reviews from real customers who will offer positive and negative reviews depending on their satisfaction levels. Checking for unbiased reviews will help you get the right mattress beyond the manufacturer’s website.

    5. Know different mattress types 
    When planning to purchase a mattress, familiarize yourself with the types of mattresses available. Learn about different mattress types like plush, hybrid, and firm. Plush mattresses are softer, and so your body sinks into the top deeper than firm mattresses. A hybrid mattress offers a mix between firm support and plush comfort. Consultation with a sales representative at a mattress store who can recommend mattress types based on your sleeping position (i.e., stomach, side, or back). In many cases, back pain issues can be attributed to the wrong mattress choice

    6. Consider adjustable beds
    Getting an adjustable bed may be critical to improved sleep, particularly if you sleep with a partner with different sleep needs than you. Additionally, investing in a smart bed mattress gives you each control over your slumber positions. For instance, the top rated Sleep Number 360 mattress intelligently senses your every shift or move during sleep and adjusts the mattress for firmness, comfort and support

  • An allergy can be described as the state of over-reactivity or hypersensitivity to an allergen. Dog allergies, especially food allergy, can be from different types of food. The exposure of dogs to an allergen will trigger an immune system response, which protects the dog against danger. This reaction may appear in symptoms such as itching, hives or skin rash, inflamed skin, runny nose and eyes, skin redness, and in some cases may affect the respiratory system. 

    Common sources of dog food allergies are:

    1. Beef
    Beef is a common food allergen that causes allergy in dogs and can cause uncomfortable skin disorders and chronic conditions. Besides, it may also cause breathing problems, indigestion and also ear infection. This is caused by an abnormal high defensive response to proteins. If your dog has beef or lamb allergy, it may be affected negatively in different ways. In young dogs, it may cause stunted growth. Other effects are diarrhea, paw biting, chronic ear infection, and obsessive licking. Above all, it causes irritation and discomfort to the dog.

    2. Dairy
    Dairy is one of the number one food intolerances in dogs. This means that most dogs have difficulties in milk digestion. Some of them react adversely to milk as a result of intolerance to lactose. Signs of milk allergy in dogs can range from mild to severe. These signs include wheezing, vomiting hives and also digestive problems. The most dangerous reaction about this allergy is anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening.

    3. Eggs
    Eggs yolk may cause some discomfort and severe effects on a dog. The effect of egg yolk is that dogs can experience itchy and inflamed skin. In addition, it can cause chronic conditions such as ear infections, gas and wheezing. At times it can cause anaphylactic shock to the dog. Dogs that are mostly affected are those that have shown allergies to other types of foods. Egg yolk is ranked top among dogs’ food allergens.

    4. Soy
    Soy allergy is a type of an allergy whereby a dog’s body treats soy protein as allergens. This allergen causes hypertensive reactions that result in itching, and stress to your pet. This condition cannot be treated, but it can be managed by diet control to minimize symptoms exposure. This allergy causes discomfort and stress to the dog. You can detect soy allergies if your dog has symptoms like self-trauma, vomiting, and diarrhea, excessive licking leading to hair loss.

    5. Fish
    Most dogs react to other sources of proteins like beef and chicken more than they react to fish. This has resulted in more people opting to feed their dogs on fish as a source of protein. However, we still have some dogs that react to fish proteins. Dogs with fish allergy tend to scratch constantly, licking, or getting ear infections repeatedly. When you detect fish allergy when withdrawn from the diet, it recovers smoothly. This type of allergy causes discomfort to your dog and always looks irritated.

    These are the most common types of food allergens in pets. If you detect any sign of an allergy to your dog, you should seek out the advice of a veterinarian immediately. Some cases may be severe, causing stress to the dog and even anaphylactic shock. 

  • The ketogenic diet is a very low carbohydrate, moderate protein, and high-fat diet. With the controversy of carbohydrates being the preferred source of body energy, the food contains a deficient percentage of carbohydrates. By taking this diet, the body goes into ketosis whereby the body breaks down already stored fat in the body into ketosis used to yield body energy. Being on a ketogenic diet is beneficial and helps in losing weight:

    1. Grains
    All kinds of grains from cereals to rice to pasta to beer made from grains are prohibited for anyone on a strict ketogenic diet. These grains contain a very high amount of carbohydrates, which is strictly unhealthy for partakers of the food. For lovers of these kinds of grains, they can opt to take in spiralized vegetable and shirataki noodles, which are low-carbohydrate options that are quite healthy.

    2. Starchy vegetables
    Starchy vegetables include corn, all kinds of potatoes, and beet vegetables and are strictly unhealthy and hence prohibited for one on a ketogenic diet. They have a very high content of digestible carbohydrates and should be cut down. Also, high-sugar fruits like mangoes should be limited in their intake as they greatly spike the body sugar level. For healthy options, one is advised to have high-fiber and low-carbohydrate fruits and vegetables. Shark tank keto pills are also a proper prescription for those on a ketogenic diet.

    3. Juice
    All kinds of juice, under the fruit juice category, naturally made from the chemically made juice, are strictly unadvised for intake for one on a ketogenic diet. They have very fast-digesting carbohydrates that raise your blood sugar level and come along with many diseases like diabetes, which can be fatal in its effects. Ketogenic diet takers are highly advised to stick to water, while shark tank keto pills are also recommended.

    4. Honey, sugar or sugar
    Any form of honey, syrup, or even sugar, whether naturally or in food substances, is generally advised against as they have deficient useful nutrients but a very high carbohydrate level. For ketosis to effectively, any forms of honey, syrup, and sugar should not be limited in their intake but should be avoided. They are wholly unhealthy and unbeneficial to your own body. A consideration of keto on shark tank pills may also be considered.

    5. Chips and crackers
    All kinds of processed food and grain-based manufactured foods should be avoided on a ketogenic diet sample, and they include chips and crackers. This is because they are quite unhealthy. After all, they contain very high carbohydrate content and less fiber. Alternative options to be considered should be medically sought to include high fiber and low carbohydrate foods under processed and grain-based foods. Also, keto on shark tank pills may be found.

    A ketogenic diet has been observed to be vital as it is used to help prevent and cure neurological conditions, blood sugar conditions, and help in losing body weight. Keto flu may fall as a consequence of being on a ketogenic diet for almost a week, but the good thing is that it can be dealt with by taking a glass of water once its symptoms start. Keto flu is just a mild condition and disappears once one is used to a ketogenic diet.