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How To Make Your Smile Sparkle this 2021

09/01/2021 No Comments

Do you dream of a bright white smile? Many of us would love to have perfect pearly whites. If your smile is dull, or your teeth are starting to show the effects of your coffee addiction, here are some tips to make your smile sparkle.

**Photo: Thomas Concordia, Jacket: Urlazh**

Professional cleaning

Be honest. When was the last time you paid a dental hygienist a visit? Dental hygienists play an essential role in treating patients with gum disease, but they can also provide services to naturally whiten the teeth and lower the risk of oral health issues. Professional cleaning treatments are more intensive than brushing, and hygienists can remove surface stains and target problem areas, for example, the cracks between the teeth that are difficult to reach with a brush. If you’re keen to enjoy a brighter, cleaner smile, seeing a hygienist once a year is an excellent idea.

Tooth whitening

A radiant smile has long been associated with health, wealth, beauty and success. The good news is that cosmetic dentistry is no longer restricted to the rich and famous. Whitening treatments are more affordable than ever before, and there is a range of options available. If you’re interested in professional teeth whitening, it’s advisable to do some research, arrange consultations and find out more about the methods available to you. You can choose to have at-home treatment, which is convenient if you have a busy schedule, or in-chair treatment. In-chair therapies tend to work faster and they can bring about more dramatic transformations. When considering whitening treatment, it’s crucial to visit a registered, experienced dentist. Whitening is a safe, effective treatment when administered by a trained, qualified dental professional, but there are risks involved and it should only be provided by those with the relevant expertise.

Oral hygiene at home

One of the simplest ways to make a difference to the aesthetic of your smile is to implement an effective oral hygiene regime at home. Studies suggest that a third of millennials only brush once a day, despite recommendations from dental experts. Set aside 2-3 minutes each morning and evening to brush your teeth and floss daily. It’s also beneficial to clean your tongue and to ensure you change your brush or electric toothbrush head every 3-4 months. Be gentle when you clean your teeth. If you brush too forcefully, this can damage the enamel. Wait for 45-60 minutes after eating to brush and try and avoid snacking between meals. When you eat, the bacteria in your mouth feed, and this causes them to release acids, which weaken the enamel. If you graze constantly, your teeth never have a chance to recover. Once the enamel is worn, there is a risk of increased sensitivity and decay. It’s also hugely beneficial to moderate your intake of sugary and acidic foods and drinks.

Picture credit: https://unsplash.com/photos/D8VfcZt_VeI

Nothing makes you feel more confident than a bright white smile. If your teeth are more dull than dazzling, take these tips on board. Brush twice a day, floss daily, arrange frequent dental hygiene appointments and consider undergoing professional whitening treatment.

Blog, Travel

Five Tips to Travel Like A Pro

17/12/2020 No Comments

Ok, so 2020 was not as adventurous as you may have hoped because of travel restrictions due to COVID-19. Statistics have shown a 48% drop in travel, causing a $10 billion loss to the airline and travel industry. After several months of sheltering in place and socially distancing, the wait is almost over as travel restrictions are gradually being lifted, and 50% of global destinations are reopening. Here are some tips to get you ready to travel again.

Get the basics right

A passport is one of the essential items required for travel, but did you know that some countries will need at least half a year’s validity on your visa to visit the country? This means that your passport must be good for at least 6 months to be approved in the country you visit. These tickets may take a while to be approved, so trip cancellation insurance is something you should consider if you have to drop your plans due to covered reasons like COVID-19. Get a travel insurance policy to secure your belongings.

Make copies of your passport

If you lose your passport, you will have to go to your embassy for a temporary and replacement passport. Keeping copies of your passport can assist in proving your identity and processing your documents by the embassy. Consider saving copies online or via the cloud for easy access and security.

3. Take advantage of discounts and extras

Banks have profited a lot from travelers using their bank cards on trips. There are many advantages of using financial services during your travels. First, there are no-fee bank cards available. There are also other options to help you save some extra cash, like credit cards that provide cash-back and other extras to fuel your car, purchase groceries, etc. When there are hotel and vacation costs to cover, points on smart credit cards can come in handy too. While planning your trip, research hotels to discover the best accommodation rates available. You can also read more about cabins nearby as they offer more cost-effective alternatives.

4. Share your travel plans

After planning and booking your trips, you should consider sharing your travel plans with your family and friends. If you put together your travel schedule online, there are resources like google sheets that let you share with other people. They can then easily follow your trip anytime you update your itinerary. Also, forward your booking mails to your travel mates and your emergency contact so they can have duplicates.

Due to the current coronavirus pandemic, your plans may not take plast as soon as you may have wanted. But the COVID-19 virus is gradually getting under control, so you may very well be traveling within a year. Either way, dealing with the essentials will make your travel experience a lot easier and enjoyable.

Blog, Doings

How to Boost Your Confidence this Holiday Season

08/12/2020 No Comments

Photo: Kenji Nakamura, Nails: Sae Carter

It’s the most wonderful time of year! Although this 2020 holiday season is looking different for everyone, we’re all doing our best, and should keep our spirits high. Even if you’re staying in and keeping things chill this year, you probably still want to look and feel your best. If, like many people, 2020 has been a year of less activity and more comfort eating than usual, then have a look at these ideas for ways to make yourself feel healthy and happy at this moment.

Get your Skin Glowing

One of the best ways to boost your confidence and feel great about yourself is to get your skin in tip top condition. Finding the right products that can clear away blemishes and get your skin smooth and bright makes a world of a difference. Winter brings with it a myriad of skin complaints, including dry skin from cold weather, and maskne – acne brought on by wearing a facemask – is now a concern too. If your current creams aren’t doing the trick, then have a look at some online reviews and don’t get caught up in sticking with the same product just because it’s what you’ve always used. Our skin changes throughout the seasons and as we age, so it’s important to regularly update and replenish your skincare routine.

Feel Healthy

Your ultimate goal might be to lose some weight and, if it’s done healthily and you don’t feel pressured, then there’s nothing wrong with looking at coolsculpting videos and finding ways to enhance your figure. It’s also equally important though to look and feel healthy. You might already know in yourself how to go about this. Maybe it’s about getting some more sleep every night. It might be swapping a breakfast pastry for oatmeal. If you’re not sure, then try a few different things to enter this year’s holiday season feeling like you’re fighting fit and ready to start 2021 at 100%.

Mental Health

We can get so caught up in what we’re going to wear and planning our holiday social calendars that it can be easy to forget what a toll the busy party season can take on our mental health. If you’re getting ready to buzz from friend to friend, or even sorting out a series of Zoom-based Christmas catch ups, then make sure you’re also taking some time to rest and recharge. Zoom fatigue is real, and it doesn’t only affect us when we’re in a meeting that seems to last forever, Even if it’s social get togethers with friends, spending our time staring at a screen can be taxing. Take plenty of breaks and try and get in some screen-free time.

Bright Smiles

Smiling is scientifically proven to boost your mood. But so many people spend their lives smiling with their lips clamped over teeth that they’re embarrassed about. Instead of spending years hiding your smile, consider natural ways you can brighten your smile for this holiday. There are lots of ways you can feel more confident without spending thousands and subjecting yourself to harsh chemicals and invasive treatments – you won’t regret it!

Beauty, Blog

5 Ways to Naturally Whiten Your Teeth

20/11/2020 No Comments

Looking for ways to keep your teeth looking fresh and white? It’s so important to keep them healthy and in check. But no matter how much you keep up with flossing and brushing, your teeth can still be discolored. The problem is, teeth become discolored or stained for so many different reasons.

Eating certain foods, for example, can cause our teeth to become stained. As time goes by, our tooth enamel gets thinner, and the dentin starts to become yellow. Both of these natural processes mean that our teeth may become less white as we age. If you’re looking for a few natural ways to get whiter teeth, check out a few of these.

1. Use Baking Soda

Baking soda, also called sodium bicarbonate, is a kind of salt made with bicarbonate anion and sodium cation. The original crystalline form is grounded into a fine powder which is then used in baking recipes or cleaning. When you brush your teeth using baking soda, you can reduce plaque, prevent decay, and remove stains. Try using a pea-sized amount mixed with your regular toothpaste.

2. Consider Your Diet

Looking for the easiest way to get naturally white teeth? The key is to consider your diet. It’s best to steer clear of drinks and foods which can stain the teeth. Avoid drinking too many dark juices or sodas, as well as wine or coffee. Foods that are dark in color can also cause stains, including soy sauce, curries, or dark berries.

Acidic foods can also leave you with yellow teeth, and this is because the acid can damage the enamel. For this reason, you should avoid eating too much candy and citrus fruits. Overall, eating a healthy diet can help to improve your teeth and improve your skin too.

3 . Oil Pulling Method

Oil pulling is a method of washing the mouth using oil. The idea is to remove dirt, bacteria, and debris. The oil pulling method is also effective as a teeth whitening solution. The National Library Of Medicine concluded that ‘Oil pulling using coconut oil could be an effective adjuvant procedure in decreasing plaque formation and plaque-induced gingivitis.’ You can try sunflower oil, sesame oil, or coconut oil.

4 . Neem

Neem is a kind of natural herb extracted from Neem trees; the tree is sometimes called Indian lilac, or its botanical name, Azadirachta indica. Centuries ago, sticks of neem were considered a great natural toothpaste, and many people still use this method today. Studies have indicated that the herb can prevent plaque, gum disease, and whiten your teeth. Neem is also an awesome herb for freshening the breath.

5. Basil

Basil is another great remedy for teeth whitening; it has natural bleaching properties and can help to fade yellow stains. Simply ground up basil leaves until you have a fine powder, and then mix the powder up with your regular toothpaste. You’d be surprised how many regular garden herbs are great for oral health, whether it’s peppermint or sage!

Now what if you’re looking for further improvements? If your teeth are chipped or cracked, meet with a cosmetic dentist. Whether you want to fix the gaps in your teeth or realign crooked teeth, the right dentist can help.

Blog, Travel

Remote Destinations For Getting Away From It All

28/10/2020 No Comments

If there was ever a year when the average person just wanted to “get away,” 2020 is it. It’s been a crazy ride. And going to popular tourist destinations will probably be off the cards for a long time with travel restrictions.

Fortunately, there are still places across the world where you can get away from it all if you do decide to travel. Here are some locations to consider that offer a lot of fresh open air.

Easter Island In The South Pacific

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Easter Island is one of the strangest places in the world. Today, the island – a couple of thousand miles off the coast of South America – is just a grassy knoll, covered in carvings of giant stone heads. But it wasn’t always that way. Go back a thousand years or so, and it was home to an ancient tribe and covered in forest. Researchers think that the colony of people ran into trouble when they deforested too much and ran out of food.

Whatever, the case, Easter Island is one of the loneliest places on Earth and home to just 5,800 inhabitants according to the latest population data.

Idaho In The US

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Idaho is part of the original American West and straddles the Rockies, the loneliest and biggest mountain range in North America.

The conditions here are spectacular during the Spring and Autumn. And it is practically the emptiest place in the mainland US, thanks to the near-complete absence of roads, airports or human settlements.

The region is home to the Sawtooth National Forest – a vast expanse of pine that circles some of the foothills. And it makes for excellent hiking country.

Tennessee In The US

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Tennessee has an incredible backcountry that stretches on for miles and miles. It’s one of the least explored and tourist-heavy states in the union and a great place to camp out to get away from it all.

Read about cabins in the state, and you’ll discover that many of them are close to sites of natural beauty, such as the Great Smokey Mountains National Park. It’s worth a visit!

Chimborazo In Ecuador

Ecuador is already one of the remotest places on Earth, thanks to the Andes mountain range cutting it off from the rest of South America. But Chimborazo takes this to an entirely new level. The region is more than twenty thousand feet above sea level. And it holds the record for being the furthest place on Earth from the centre of the planet, due to the fact that the Earth isn’t a perfect sphere.

Pole Of Inaccessibility In China

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Have you ever looked at a mass of land and wondered which part is furthest in all directions from the sea? Geographers have a word for this point – it’s called the Pole of Inaccessibility. And every landmass in the world has one.

Asia’s, however, is the most impressive, simply because of how far it is from civilization. You can find it in China in the Xinjiang region in the Dzoosotoyn Elisen Desert in the remote western reaches of the country. Depending on what part of the world you are reading this, you may have to wait to visit this destination due to border restriction.