FitSugar

Product Review: Colgate Wisp Mini-Brushes

FitSugar — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 03:30:00 -0700

Perhaps to encourage my after-meal tooth brushing, a friend of mine recently introduced me to Colgate Wisp Mini-Brushes ($8.50 for a pack of 16). Designed for dental hygiene on the go, these one-time-use toothbrushes come with toothpaste built right in - in the form of a "freshening bead" - and a toothpick opposite the brush end.

My initial reservation with these disposable toothbrushes is that they aren't exactly eco friendly. But then again, there are certain times when this gadget could come in handy: in airports after long flights, while camping, or anytime I'm caught without a toothbrush on the go. But the eco unfriendliness wasn't my only problem with these, so read more.

Since the bristles are somewhat stiff, I wanted to be especially careful to brush properly to protect my gums. But at about three inches long, the Wisp Mini-Brush was awkward to use, making it difficult to mimic a normal tooth brushing motion. However, the freshening bead worked well, even without water, adding a nice peppermint flavor without a lot of foam, and the flexible toothpick was great, doubling as a gum stimulator.

I still felt bad throwing all of this waste away, especially since the toothbrush wasn't terribly effective. Not only is the brush itself disposable, but it also comes in excessive packaging, with individual plastic packs per four brushes. I can see these being helpful in emergencies, but I don't think I'd buy them again.

Health Tip: Microwave Your Toothbrush

FitSugar — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 10:20:07 -0700

If you're like most people, you get a new toothbrush every six months, but you really should be changing your toothbrush more often, like every three to four months. When the bristles get worn and lose their rigidity, they don't remove plaque as well. But you should also do some maintenance within that three months, when your toothbrush is just sitting out in the open. After all, think about all the germs and bacteria floating around that would love to attach themselves to your moist toothbrush.

So to prevent colds, flu, and other sicknesses, Reader's Digest recommends that once or twice a week you run your toothbrush through the microwave on high for 10 seconds immediately before brushing. If someone in your home is sick, you may want to sterilize it in the microwave each time you brush. If you're the one who's sick, after the illness passes, ditch your old toothbrush and replace it with a new one.

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Health Tip: Replace Your Toothbrush

FitSugar — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 07:30:00 -0700

The autumnal equinox happened quietly on Sunday ushering in Fall. As the seasons change, so should your toothbrush.

The American Dental Association strongly suggests replacing your toothbrush every three to four months. With your brain filled with many important details, it might prove a bit difficult to remember when you bought your last toothbrush, which can make it equally difficult to buy a new one in a timely manner. So here is an easy mnemonic device to help you along. Change your toothbrush every time the seasons change and then you will be replacing the old one every three months, just like the ADA suggests.

Simple right?

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Do You Use an Electric Toothbrush?

FitSugar — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 03:00:00 -0700

We all have different strategies to inspire us to workout and one such strategy is buying gadgets. I wonder if this technique crosses over to dental health. My first electric toothbrush inspired me to brush my teeth since I often went longer than the 2 minute built in timer. My exuberance for my electric toothbrush has since cooled a bit and I use both kinds of brushes. But what about you...

Product Review: Oral-B Triumph Electric Toothbrush

FitSugar — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 09:00:00 -0800

Do you already own and use an electric toothbrush? If not, I'm sure you've had your eye on one, since you know dentists recommend using an electric toothbrush to keep your teeth and gums healthy. I just got the new Oral-B Triumph with Smart Guide ($140). Pricey, yes, but it's a lot cheaper than a filling or a root canal, and a lot more enjoyable. You can print a $15 mail-in rebate found on the Oral-B website.

What makes this toothbrush so great? To find out read more.

The Triumph does all the work for you. It comes with a little wireless digital monitor that has a clock on it, and a little circular diagram that represents the four areas of your mouth. Once you charge your toothbrush, take it off the holder, and turn it on. You'll see the timer on the SmartGuide display begin. After every 30 seconds, the toothbrush vibrates to let you know it's time to move to a different area of your mouth, and you'll also see the circular diagram flash as well. Once your dentist-recommended two minutes of brushing are done, it vibrates again. That's it. It's so easy. This toothbrush has actually made brushing my teeth fun, and the best part is the amazingly clean feeling I have after. My gums also feel better, since the vibrating head gives them a nice little massage.

This innovative toothbrush can help you get on the road to good dental habits by encouraging you to brush at least two minutes. It will also alert you if you're brushing too hard, which can lead to gum recession. The little SmartGuide monitor also indicates when it's time to replace your toothbrush head. Another plus is that the Triumph is rechargeable, so you never have to buy batteries. This is the best toothbrush out there. It'd make a great healthy gift, don't you think? Get it through Amazon ($95), Walgreens ($140), or Drugstore.com ($110).

Health Tip: Protect Your Toothbrush From Bacteria

FitSugar — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 13:00:00 -0700

Environmental microbiologist Chuck Gerba studies the spread of viruses and parasites, and he made an interesting discovery about bathroom hygiene. Gerba found that every time you flush the toilet, your toothbrush gets sprayed with bacteria. Eww! Even if you put the lid down before pressing the handle, microorganisms are still ejected into the air landing on every surface in your bathroom. Although, you probably won't get sick because the bacteria dies when the toothbrush dries, it's a good idea to keep your toothbrush as far away from the toilet as you can. Placing it in the medicine cabinet or your vanity drawer is a good option. Other items you should store in drawers include contact lens containers, bars of soap, and other things you use on your body in order to protect them from harmful germs. I keep my toothbrush in the bathroom closet. Where do you store yours?

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FitSugar Giveaway: Win a High Tech Ultreo Toothbrush!

FitSugar — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 05:30:00 -0700

With all this talk about health, we often forget about one of the most important facets of health: our oral health.

That's why I chose a fancy new toothbrush to be a "must have" for April. The Ultreo, found at high-end retailers, is amazing! Ultreo Ultrasound Toothbrush provides a gentler brushing experience than other power toothbrushes while remaining efficient in removing harmful bacteria. The toothbrush uses ultrasound technology to help remove up to 95 percent of plaque within the first minute of brushing and removes stains for naturally whiter teeth. I have to say, I use it and I'm hooked - my teeth feel unbelievably clean after my two minutes are up (it beeps to let you know when 30 seconds have gone by). At $170, it is a little pricey as far as toothbrushes go, but you're in luck because I am giving one away for free right here on FitSugar!

Want to win this super cool toothbrush? Then log in and take this quiz below. Your eligibility is not based on getting the answers correct, just simply by taking the quiz. You do, however, need to be a TeamSugar member to take the quiz. So if you're not already a member, just register here for an account. One quiz entry per person; all repeat quizzes will be ignored. Also, this part is important, YOU MUST BE LOGGED IN TO TEAMSUGAR FOR YOUR QUIZ TO COUNT.

Click here for the official rules. The contest will end on Friday, May 2, at 1:00 p.m. PDT, and then I'll randomly select one winner from among the quiz-takers. Make sure to log in and take the quiz before then, and don't forget to email this to all your friends and family so they can have a chance at it too! Good luck!

Take the quiz

Change Your Toothbrush Sicko

FitSugar — Tue, 16 Jan 2007 09:15:00 -0800

Still using the same toothbrush you were using when you had that nasty cold? You might want to think about replacing it.

If you're still using the same toothbrush you may re-infect yourself, even if you have developed a bit of an immunity to the illness. What's more? Your toothbrush can contaminate other surfaces while possibly infecting others that use the same sink as you. Replacing your toothbrush is a very cost effective way to battle the germs in your household.

Get In Gear: Travel Toothbrush

FitSugar — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 15:30:00 -0800

Take care of your teeth while on the road (or backpacking) with this two-in-one Travel Toothbrush ($19.95) by Sahalie.

The handle hides a leak-proof, refillable toothpaste dispenser - talk about a tidy space saver. Simply twist the end of the handle and the bristles fill with toothpaste and you are ready to brush your pearly whites. You fill the handle with a vacuum-style cartridge that attaches to your toothpaste tube for easy, mess-free refilling. All this plus one replacement toothbrush head. The pen cap style lid keeps the brush head clean and germ free.

I think this would be a great addition to any purse or a desk drawer. The convenience of being able to brush anytime, anywhere is more than handy; it's good hygiene. My dentist will love this one. Buy it here.

Recycled Personal Products: Recycline

FitSugar — Tue, 13 Mar 2007 10:15:00 -0700

Did you know that an estimated 2 billion pounds of plastic are dumped into landfills nationwide each year?

You could be contributing to that number more than you know if you use disposable razors and toothbrushes, unless you use Recycline's Preserve line of personal products. Recycline, a company whose mission is to provide high-quality recycled content and recyclable products to the consumer, is single handedly trying to reduce the amount of plastic disposed into landfills. What's more? Recycline has partnered up with Stonyfield Farm, who has offered to recycle any yogurt cups that are returned to the company by consumers. Recycline is, in part, using these cups to manufacture the handles of new Preserve Toothbrushes, Preserve Jr Toothbrushes, Preserve Tongue Cleaners and Preserve Razors.

To read more about the company and their fab products, check out the Recycline site. To support this fabulous company and buy Preserve product, visit the online store.