Traveling to Cuba

Marieve’s latest article

The relaxing allure of vacation consistently tempts Americans to head off to Europe or the Caribbean islands for a respite away from home. One island nation, however, has not been visited by many Americans for the last sixty years for reasons of tense international relations. Cuba and the United States have been approaching a diplomatic relationship that has already changed the course for travelers as direct flights between the two are already flown and will be increasingly as the air clears up.

Cuba saw a record number of visitors last year, and with Cuba on the brink of an influx of Americans, that number is sure to skyrocket. There is a bit of urgency for travelers that wish to see Cuba in its current state. It offers calm, quaint beaches and modest urban centers lending an uncharted charm to the place. Peaceful dining in family-owned restaurants (paladares are restaurants run by self-employed groups), learning dances and experiencing native culture are just a few of the attractions. Old, pre-embargo American automobiles are driven around the streets making it seem like something out of an anachronistic novel. Cuba has a one-of-a-kind vintage feel, “still in 1959,” but natives and onlookers view it as ephemeral, and inevitably so. Some fear the closer relationship between the U.S. and Cuba will lead to modernization and capitalization, and the remodeling of an original and unique place. The country sits at an important threshold of transition, and a gold mine of opportunity for future change. Entrepreneurs and real estate agents have already visited Cuba to scan for and assess business prospects. Some are more optimistic about the modernization seeing it as a way to bring Cuba up to speed with Western expectations.

For those that seek a less run-in-the-mill vacation experience, it is important to travel soon. Cruiseship companies are expected to launch a series of lines including Cuba in their trips, and the island might be quickly populated with zealous tourists. In short, if you want to see Cuba for Cuba, go now.

from Dr. Marieve Rodriguez’s Travel Blog http://ift.tt/1yrFD3l

Certain Foods More Damaging to Your Teeth

Marieve’s latest article

There’s a saying “you are what you eat,” that rings true all too often. What we put into our bodies eventually starts to shape what we look like—all other factors aside, nutritious foods will keep us looking healthy, and foods high in unwanted substances (sugars, saturated fats) will take a toll on our physical potential. The same holds all the more for teeth. Being the first contact food has with our bodies, teeth tend to bear the immediate brunt of the less-than-ideal snacks we eat. It’s important to remember that while all the calories work their way to your belly and thighs, the chemicals in foods can damage our teeth. Three causes were named as the most common offenders: simple sugars with acidic qualities, foods that are hard and difficult to break down, and liquids that parch the mouth.

Some of the most commonly consumed foods are among the most threatening to strong teeth. The most common, and likely upsetting to many, is bread—bread and its many forms from baguette to potato chip. The problem with bread is its high sugar content. As you break down bread, the complex and simple sugars get released into the saliva, and particles that linger will start to eat at enamel. Another sugary culprit is fruit, especially dried fruit which can break apart into sticky and stringy pieces that easily get left behind. Fruit will further dehydrate and leave highly concentrated sugar crystals in your mouth. Joseph Banker, DMD told the Huffington Post “any food that would stain a white t-shirt will also stain your teeth.” This is a good rule-of-thumb as many fruits, while contributing essential vitamins to the diet, leave visible sugar stains on your teeth. Staining is a superficial problem that represents a larger problem underneath.

For some of us, the next one is hard to accept, but alcoholic drinks negatively affect dental strength. Many alcoholic drinks, particularly cocktails, run high in sugar and also leave you will a dehydrated mouth. Dry mouths have more difficulty cleaning the crevices between teeth as saliva, the first aid in digestion, is not readily produced.

If it seems unfair for us to be burdened with such easily harmed teeth, there is good redeeming news. Water is sufficient to clean the mouth. A gargle and rinse, or a glass to sip on will comfortably wash the mouth of particles that were left behind, getting rid of abandoned sugars and undesirable chemicals.

For more on this article, check it out on the Huffington Post.

from Dr. Marieve Rodriguez Dental http://ift.tt/1CKKxn3

The “Nano-Tooth Fairy” – Nanoparticles Release Drugs to Reduce Tooth Decay

Genesis Nanotechnology

Therapeutic agents intended to reduce dental plaque and prevent tooth decay are often removed by saliva and the act of swallowing before they can take effect. But a team of researchers has developed a way to keep the drugs from being washed away.

Dental plaque is made up of bacteria enmeshed in a sticky matrix of polymers—a polymeric matrix—that is firmly attached to teeth. The researchers, led by Danielle Benoit at the University of Rochester and Hyun Koo at the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Dental Medicine, found a new way to deliver an antibacterial agent within the plaque, despite the presence of saliva.

Their findings have been published in the journal ACS Nano.

“We had two specific challenges,” said Benoit, an assistant professor of biomedical engineering. “We had to figure out how to deliver the anti-bacterial agent to the teeth and keep it there, and also how to…

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Pediatric Dentist Dos and Don’ts

Journey Into Pediatric Dentistry

 

• Remember to identify yourself to the child. Hello, sweetheart. I am Dr ….., and I will be the one who will look at your teeth today. I despise the thought of making children open their mouth and letting you drill their teeth without even identifying yourself to them.
• Wake up early and make morning appointments especially for the preschoolers and uncooperative children. They tend to cope more at the early morning hours because of the higher cortisol level.
• Daily workout that makes you move most of your core muscles because a hyper mobile child will not allow you to achieve the perfect operator position. Without a workout routine, you are putting your health, and career in jeopardy.
• Good breakfast before starting the day at the clinic. Nourished body, and brain will lead to more efficacy while treating children who need an actively talking, moving dentist.
• Tea, coffee or a…

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Why Tongue Scraping Offers Distinct Health Benefits

Marieve’s latest article

The teeth, gums, palate, and tongue all need to be kept clean to maintain good oral hygiene. However, studies show that one half of the causes of halitosis come from food particles, fungus, and bacteria specifically on the surface the tongue. Brushing your tongue with a standard toothbrush is always a good idea, and helps to remove surface bacteria, but for those who prefer a thorough, more lock-and-key method to removing all potential contaminants, cursory brushing can leave unsatisfying results. If you brush back and forth only to find white residue, or biofilm, still lingering behind, that is likely your culprit. The good news is there are more than a few options on the market for those wishing to rid themselves entirely of gloop for a sparkling clean tongue.

Tongue scraping is a practice that dates back over two thousand years, so it is odd to see only recently the surge of products inexpensive and commonly available today. You may have seen tongue scrapers of many kinds on the market, some with a toothbrush or thistles included, others with a blunted surface. All of these provide the care necessary for keeping the tongue clean. Many companies also offer an antibacterial toothpaste-like gel containing sorbitol and xylitol (tooth-friendly sugars) that lubricate the tongue for scraping, and leave a fresh taste. It is recommended that patients use the scraper at each instance of brushing. Tongue scraping is a practice that dates back over two thousand years, so it is odd to see only recently the surge of products inexpensive and commonly available today. You may have seen tongue scrapers of many kinds on the market, some with a toothbrush or thistles included, others with a blunted surface. All of these provide the care necessary for keeping the tongue clean. Many companies also offer an antibacterial toothpaste-like gel containing sorbitol and xylitol (tooth-friendly sugars) that lubricate the tongue for scraping, and leave a fresh taste. It is recommended that patients use the scraper at each instance of brushing.

While research explicitly showing the superiority of tongue scrapers to toothbrushes is wanting, there is no lack of additional advantages to adequately cleaning the tongue. One study done in Brazil showed a drastic 30% reduction in malodorous compounds after using a tongue scraper. (http://ift.tt/1MKCA7r) It may be wiser to keep your brush and scraper separated as both will collect ample bacteria on their own. Toothbrushes often take a lot of wear, and need to be replaced every few months as thistles lose their efficacy. A tongue scraper will bear some of that dental duty. Scraping has been shown to produce saliva which aids in the process of digestion; the main digestive enzyme in saliva is amylase which serves to break down sugars and starches aiding to keep the surface of teeth clean.
When scraping, be careful not to injure the soft tissue of the tongue. Fortunately, the tongue is the fastest healing organ in the body, and one night without cleaning will be enough to allow the tongue to return to its scrape-ready state. Happy scraping!

For more on this topic, check out the research here.

from Dr. Marieve Rodriguez Dental http://ift.tt/1Fx9pUP

Airline Wine

Marieve’s latest article

It may not come as a surprise that airline wine doesn’t rank too high by international wine standards. This infographic from Skyscanner does point out some interesting facts, though. Who would have thought EasyJet’s white wine would be the industry leader? Since nearly 90% of people might go for a drink on a flight, this infographic may come in handy…

from Dr. Marieve Rodriguez’s Travel Blog http://ift.tt/1EWsYXR

Know the Importance of Cosmetic Dentistry

Dental Implants Dentists in Columbus Dublin Ohio

With the term cosmetic, the first thing that comes up in mind is that it is something related to enhancing of the appearance. Likewise, when it is about cosmetic dentistry, it is certainly about enhancing the appearance of smile by dealing with various dental issues. Some of the most common dental issues that are usually dealt with in cosmetic dentistry are as follows:

• Discolored teeth
• Malformed teeth
• Broken or chipped teeth
• Crooked teeth
• Missing teeth
• Gaps in teeth
• Leaching fillings
• Tooth wear and many more

Basically, the main aim of cosmetic dentistry is to improve the condition of teeth and adjoining areas so that an individual do not lose confidence and can smile with full confidence. The dental issues are very common and thus needs to be treated with perfection and accuracy so that it may not hamper the overall personality of the person and also helps the person in…

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5 Dentist Tricks to Reduce Tooth Sensitivity

Marieve’s latest article

When you have tooth sensitivity, it becomes impossible to enjoy foods the way you wish you could. Hot foods, cold foods, sugary foods — the list of possible culprits that might set off your pain is limitless. Tooth sensitivity is a common affliction, but that doesn’t mean you need to suffer through those flashes of pain. With the right tactics, you can reduce the shooting pain and avoid wearing away at your tooth enamel.

Follow these steps to reduce your tooth sensitivity and get back to your normal routine:

Change Your Brushing Habits

Hard-bristled toothbrushes are notorious for increasing tooth sensitivity because tougher bristles expose the underlying dentin. These brushes are also dangerous because they can damage your gum tissue. Try brushing your teeth with less pressure and switch your brush out for a softer one for healthy teeth that won’t get shooting bursts of pain.

Avoid Acidic Foods

Acidic foods, like oranges and pickles, can constantly wear away at your tooth enamel in much the same way as sugary foods do. If you’re suffering from tooth sensitivity, consider taking sugary and acidic foods out of your diet to give your teeth a break.

Switch Your Toothpaste

Switching your toothpaste won’t tackle the underlying problems that might have caused your tooth sensitivity, but it will help reduce the pain. Dentists often suggest switching to a specially formulated toothpaste that includes potassium nitrate to give your teeth some much-needed protection.

Treat Your Gums

Gum health is much more important for tooth sensitivity than you might think. Advanced stages of gum disease can expose the sensitive dentin to hard and cold foods, which give you those shooting stabs of pain. Visit your dentist regularly to keep a close look on your gum health and risk of periodontal disease.

Stop Teeth Grinding

If you suffer from tooth grinding habits, then you might be unintentionally wearing away at your enamel while you sleep. Dentists typically suggest mouth guards or other subtle changes that can help limit the risks of teeth grinding. Ask to set up a consultation with your dentist so you can get personalized results that make sense for you.

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The Benefits of Off-Season Travel

Marieve’s latest article

The off season tends to be the black sheep of travel – it’s the time of year in between peak “tourism times”, when you’ve missed the best weather or after a holiday/prominent festival. Too often, people miss out on traveling to a new country and exploring a region because they assume they will encounter less than ideal weather conditions.

Obviously, you wouldn’t want to explore Mount Kilimanjaro in 104 degree heat or trek through excessive snow in the Alps; however, for the most part, traveling during the off-season is generally the way to go.

Here’s are three reasons why you should consider traveling during the off-season:

Your Wallet Will Thank You

You get the most bang for your buck during the off-season. Hotels, airline companies, and even restaurants lower their prices. You’ll be able to book rooms at as much as 50 percent off the usual cost and flights will leave you wondering why you didn’t consider off season traveling earlier.

Keep in mind, the money you save on travel and lodging can go towards souvenirs and fancy dinners.

No Crowds

There is nothing wrong with tourists (especially seeing that you yourself are one), but during the off-season you get to experience paradise on your own. You don’t have to wake up before dawn to secure a spot on the beach or call weeks in advance to schedule a tour. You get to experience the must-see sites in your own time and discover the area through the eyes of a local.

Great Weather

I know, this sounds like a hypocritical statement. The peak season tends to have the best weather (as mentioned above), which is why everybody travels during this time. However, these days the weather is so temperamental that even during the so-called peak season, you may end up finding yourself in a torrential downpour. So who is to say that the peak season is in fact the best season to travel? Even if you travel during the rainy season of a specific country, it doesn’t typically rain 24/7 and the sun may even shine the entire time, so travel when you want to – don’t let the weather define your vacation.

from Dr. Marieve Rodriguez’s Travel Blog http://ift.tt/1BGfEFm

Top 5 Electronic Toothbrushes

Marieve’s latest article

There is nothing more frustrating then walking into the local pharmacy to buy a new toothbrush, and being overwhelmed with the number of options to choose from. Fortunately, EzVid provided a list of the top electronic toothbrushes based on price, quality, and battery life.

5. Oral-B Professional Deep Sweep Triaction 1000

With a name so complex, this toothbrush seems as it would cost thousands, fortunately, the Oral-B Professional Deep Sweep Triaction 1000 will generally cost under $80 depending on where you are shopping. The Triaction offers many of the features you will find in our top 3 toothbrushes, but does not have a visible timer, pressure notification, and a whitening mode. If you are looking to shop conservatively, this is the brush for you.

 

4. Waterpik Sensonic Pro

Waterpik Sensonic Pro

To start the top 5, we have the Waterpik Sensonic Pro which is priced generally under the $100 range and provides many of the features you expect from any standard electronic toothbrush. Although the Sensonic Pro provides extra features and extensions, such as the interdental brush head which helps clean between, this is not to be confused with flossing, this feature is for extra protection against bad breath.

3. Oral-B Healthy Clean and ProWhite Precision

Oral-B cracks the list yet again, this brush offers great protection, while keeping your wallet intact. This Oral-B comes in three models, the 4000, 5000, and 7000 series. Each of which gets the job done, although the 7000 model does offer various extra features such as a mini LCD screen with a timer, and other additions. It also comes in a sleek black finish with a carrying case. For many though, the 4000 should get the job done, and is available at a reasonable price point.

2. Philips Sonicare HX6921/30 Flexcare Plus

This Philips Sonicare is considered one of the top Philips toothbrushes on the market according to the list. Many prefer it over the number one toothbrush on the list. It rests in the number two position though due to its price point. Eventhough it overs over 31,000 brush strokes per minute, massage mode to massage your gums, the cost is not favorable compared to many other toothbrushes.

1. Oral-B Professional Healthy Clean Floss Action Precision 5000

1Oral-B Professional Healthy Clean Floss Action Precision 5000

The Oral-B Professional Healthy Clean Floss Action Precision 5000 takes the top spot on this list. Having three of the top five, Oral-B seems to have figured out how to provide a great toothbrush, yet affordable to the masses. The 5000 model is a step under its counterpart, 7000 series mentioned above. The main difference between the two is a carrying case and tongue massager. So for many, settling with the 5000 is not a difficult choice. Overall, the value of the Oral-B Precision 5000 ranks number 1 on this list.

from Dr. Marieve Rodriguez Dental http://ift.tt/155yNlV