“All I really need is love, but a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt!” Lucy Van Pelt, “Peanuts”

There are 2 times in the year when I think chocolate is king…Easter and Xmas.  Seeing as the latter is 260 days away.  Don’t hate me for sharing that news, you know as soon as Easter is over the shops will start making room for the decorations so I am really just helping you prepare

So it’s a given that sugar is bad for your teeth, BUT chocolate which I love is an exception?  Absolutely not (although it should be) however here are my top tips for protecting those teeth from what they are going to be bombarded on Easter Sunday…especially your Kids

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Having been bombarded with questions about the breaking news that the government advice to eat 5 portions of fruit and veg a day is causing damage to the nation’s teeth, I thought it would be useful to clarify the situation

Firstly fruits and veg are very good for you, that is a given.

Your 5 a day

Antioxidants help the body renew itself and fight all sorts of diseases such as cancer. I am often asked if supplements are a good idea, eg there is an antioxidant called CoenzymeQ that has been linked with improving the health of your gums. My answer is always to increase your uptake of nature’s antioxidants far better than any man made one BUT there is a problem.

Acid and sugar are like a Molotov cocktail for teeth. The acid dissolves the enamel of your teeth, making them more vunerable and the sugar feed the bacteria which release toxins to cause even more damage, a vicious cycle. This makes sense to most people if you are eating candy but not when dealing with fruit (more…)

I started writing a blog about a very common problem, bad breath a couple of  weeks ago and in and a real case of the ‘twilight zone’ the independant on sunday called me as they were writing a piece about it.  It was published in the magazine today….Enjoy

In mint condition: Can you cure halitosis in the sweet shop?

What a Difference a Smile Makes

“A smile is a curve that sets everything straight” – Phyllis Diller

It only takes 22 muscles to smile, however it takes 37 to frown.

Mark Stibich Ph.D gives us 10 top health reasons to smile:

1. Smiling Makes us Attractive
We are drawn to people who smile. There is an attraction factor. We want to know a smiling person and figure out what is so good. Frowns, scowls and grimaces all push people away – but a smile draws them in.

2. Smiling Changes Our Mood
Next time you are feeling down, try putting on a smile. There’s a good chance your mood will change for the better. Smiling can trick the body into helping you change your mood.

3. Smiling is Contagious
When someone is smiling they lighten up the room, change the mood of others, and make things happier. A smiling person brings happiness with them. Smile lots and you will draw people to you.

4. Smiling Relieves Stress
Stress can really show up in our faces. Smiling helps to prevent us from looking tired, worn down, and overwhelmed. When you are stressed, take time to put on a smile. The stress should be reduced and you’ll be better able to take action.

5. Smiling Boosts Your Immune System
Smiling helps the immune system to work better. When you smile, immune function improves possibly because you are more relaxed. Prevent against the flu and colds by smiling.

6. Smiling Lowers Your Blood Pressure
When you smile, there is a measurable reduction in your blood pressure. Give it a try if you have a blood pressure monitor at home. Sit for a few minutes then take a reading. Now smile for a minute and take another reading while still smiling. Did you notice a difference?

7. Smiling Releases Endorphins, Natural Pain Killers and Serotonin
Studies have shown that smiling releases endorphins, natural pain killers, and serotonin. Together these three make us feel good. Smiling is a natural drug.

8. Smiling Lifts the Face and Makes You Look Younger
The muscles we use to smile lift the face, making a person appear younger. Don’t go for a face lift, just try smiling your way through the day – you’ll look younger and feel better.

9. Smiling Makes You Seem Successful
Smiling people appear more confident, are more likely to be promoted and are more likely to be approached. Put on a smile at meetings and appointments and people will react to you differently.

10. Smiling Helps You Stay Positive
Try this test: Smile. Now try to think of something negative without losing the smile. It’s hard. When we smile, our body is sending everyone else a message that “Life is Good!” Stay away from depression, stress and worry by smiling.

Give it a go: smile to yourself. If nothing else, other people will be curious about what you have been doing.

Many thanks to Jane Lelean a business coach, who published this on her newsletter.  Go find out what other useful tips she has on her website  www.healthyandwealthy.co.uk

I cannot believe it has been over a month since I wrote anything on the blog, totally shocking!  I am trying to decide if the time has sped by so fast because I am having such a great time or if it is just because I am getting older and I don’t know what it is about time, but the older you get the faster time seems to speed by!

Anyway in my defence I have been in the states, for almost three weeks, first for a conference and then for a course.  Yup the Yanks are still the leaders when it comes to cosmetic dentisty which is why I invest so much time and energy in the many trips I take there to learn all the new techniques to make sure our guests do absolutely benefit from the best.

I was in Vegas for the International Federation of Esthetic Dentistry.  It is a conference held every 2 years where all the top cosmetic dentists from over the world come together to share experiences and learn.  It is really intense, early morning 7am starts.  I was moaning one day and had to shut up after talking to a Korean dentist who had travelled twice the distance i did, was more jetlagged than I and was struggling to understand all that was going on because his English wasn’t that great.  It reminded me that excellence was a journey and he said he felt just being there was sufficient..nothing more to be said!

Lets give it up for M&S this week who had the grace to hold their hands up in defeat and say sorry to its customers this week!

In case you missed it, they have been charging their well endowed customers an extra £2 for larger sized bras.  I thought it completly outrageous and was getting geared up to join the fight when they did the decent thing and backed down.  More than 12,000 angry customers signed an online petition called Busts for Justice started by Beckie Williams, whose bra size is 30G, prompting the retailer to issue prominent adverts in several media outlets.

“We boobed,” proclaimed the full-page ads.

“It’s true our fantastic quality larger bras cost more money to make, and we felt it was right to reflect this in the prices we charged.  “Well, we were wrong, so as of Saturday, May 9, the storm in a D cup is over!

“We will reduce the price of our larger bras [those with a cup size of DD or above] by up to £2.”

“And for two weeks from Saturday we will reduce ALL of our bras by 25%. Every woman can now experience the difference a well-made quality bra will make.”

Now that’s what I call a serious PR and marketing recovery!  I bet their sales increase as a result

M&S,  I salute you…I can only watch and learn

I’m off to buy my discounted bra!

So I call my youngest sister in excitement.  

Guess what I say, there’s a great article about us this week.  Which magazine she asks.  I tell her.  Ok I’ll read it at the station on my way home.  What!!! You mean you’re not going to buy it? Why would I waste my money she exclaims.  I come crashing down to earth.  

My secret to success, a down to earth family that keeps my feet firmly on the ground.  Thank goodness for mothers though!  

My mum buys 15 copies of the magazine to send to all her friends.  I feel important again and my mum helps the publishing economy

So the papers are full of stories of how using mouthwash will result in mass death of the public from mouth cancer.  My phones are off the hook with people anxious to find out if they are reporting the truth.  Well the answer is…kinda, so  here are the facts

The latest frenzy was caused by new research that claimed using mouthwashes containing alcohol can increase the risk of mouth cancer by up to nine times.  The alcohol is thought to help  cancer causing toxins such as nicotine from permeating the mouth faster.  Hoeverver there were lots of gaps in the paper.

What was the alcohol content of the mouthwashes, what was the length of time it was used, how long did people keep the mouthwash in their mouth.  That’s why the jury is still out

What is undisputed fact is that smoking and drinking more than 3 units of alcohol a day (that’s only one large glass of wine!) is directly linked to mouth cancer.  So my advise, quit smoking and cut out the booze :)

As to which mouthwash if any to use?  My recommendation is always the same.  

Ask your dentist what works best for you.  One caveat though is to use a fluoride mouthwash, doesn’t matter which brand!

Flouride helps make your teeth more resistant to tooth decay so I use it on a daily basis…like most of you, I am not a fan of the dentist either so do what I can to strengthen my teeth.

Happy swishing!

I read a quote by Tim Lott in the Independant on the secret of a happy marriage

“Women want you to listen to them and men want to be praised”

I personally want both…is that wrong? What about you

Let’s start a poll and see if he is right.  Men is it praise v/s listening you want?

Then again most men I know don’t talk much so he may be on to something

To brush or not to brush…that’s never the question I’m asked. The conundrum is usually what brush to use and when is the best time to brush. So here are my top tips
WHEN

• Brush twice a day morning and evening. Of the two the evening session is the most important as saliva levels drop at night so your teeth are less protected
• Never brush after eating anything acidic. The acid dissolves the enamel of your teeth and if you then brush, you actually brush away the enamel of your teeth! (more…)