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"I choose to live a life that aligns with my values."
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Welcome to Wednesday! In today's newsletter, we're looking at:
- If you should use a hard, medium, or soft toothbrush
- What to know about natural toothbrush bristles
- Spa day on a budget + more ways to save
- How natural and traditional toothpaste compare
- Tips to boost your mood
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True or False?
Teeth are bones.
Scroll for the answer!
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Should You Use a Soft-, Medium-, or Hard-Bristled Toothbrush?
There is no shortage of toothbrush options to choose from — manual, electric, natural, the list goes on.
One factor many people may not notice when picking out a toothbrush is the bristle level or strength.
Traditionally, toothbrushes are available in extra soft, soft, medium, and hard bristle options.
Some people may think that a harder bristle will do a better job of cleaning plaque off their teeth and gums. However, dentists say you may want to avoid getting bristles that are stiffer than necessary.
The American Dental Association shares:
"Although toothbrushes with medium bristles have been shown to be effective at biofilm removal, the ADA recommends use of a toothbrush with soft bristles because they minimize the risk of gingival abrasion."
In short: stiffer bristles, like those found on a medium or hard toothbrush, can damage your enamel, gums, and teeth.
Extra-soft bristles, meanwhile, may be chosen for conditions that cause sensitivity, like gingivitis. However, they're not widely available.
On the whole, experts say a soft-bristled brush is the best option for most people!
Additionally, electric toothbrushes can do a lot of the work of cleaning your mouth compared to a manual brush. This means you may be less likely to apply excessive pressure that can wear away that enamel when brushing. All in all, it's about what works best for you!
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What To Know About Natural Toothbrush Bristles
Natural toothbrushes are one simple swap that people make in the name of sustainability. Instead of a traditional plastic body, many of these brushes are made with bamboo!
The bristles can be made of all sorts of different materials, including:
- Nylon
- Boar hair
- Castor beans
- Activated charcoal
- Other bio-based materials
Nylon bristles can easily be removed from a bamboo brush and tossed in the trash, and the handle can be composted. While not a completely zero-waste option, this does greatly reduce the amount of waste compared to a traditional option.
When looking for natural options, some toothbrushes made of boar bristles may arise. Dentists caution that these options may have a distinct, unpleasant taste and be harder than what experts generally recommend. Some also have concerns over the hygiene of a boar bristle toothbrush.
Activated charcoal toothbrushes may also wear away enamel on the teeth, so many dentists — including the ADA — won't recommend them.
Other plant-based bristles, like those made from castor beans, may be softer on the teeth and gums — plus, they're fully biodegradable! This makes them better options for your teeth and enamel.
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Have A Spa Day On A Budget
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DIY Spa Treatments: Create your own spa treatments using ingredients you already have at home. For example, make a homemade facial mask with ingredients like honey, yogurt, and oatmeal for a nourishing and rejuvenating treatment. You can also create a simple sugar or coffee scrub for exfoliating your skin.
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Set the Ambiance: Transform your bathroom or any quiet space in your home into a spa-like oasis. Light some candles, play soothing music or nature sounds, and dim the lights to create a calming atmosphere. Consider adding a few drops of essential oils to a diffuser to enhance relaxation.
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Take a Relaxing Bath: Draw a warm bath and add Epsom salts, bath oils, or bubble bath for a luxurious soak. You can also add a few drops of essential oils like lavender or chamomile for aromatherapy benefits. Bring a book or play some soft music to help you unwind as you soak in the tub.
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Pamper Your Feet and Hands: Treat your hands and feet to a DIY manicure and pedicure. Soak them in warm water, exfoliate with a scrub, trim and shape your nails, and moisturize with a rich lotion or oil. Finish with a coat of nail polish if desired for a polished look.
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Relax with a DIY Massage: Give yourself a relaxing massage using a handheld massager or simply your hands. Focus on areas of tension like your neck, shoulders, and back, using gentle pressure to release tight muscles. You can also practice self-massage techniques like acupressure or reflexology.
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Hydrate and Nourish: Stay hydrated throughout your spa day by sipping on infused water, herbal tea, or coconut water. Treat yourself to healthy snacks like fruits, nuts, and veggies to nourish your body from the inside out.
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Practice Mindfulness and Meditation: Take some time for mindfulness and meditation to center yourself and promote inner peace. Practice deep breathing exercises, guided meditation, or simple mindfulness techniques to help reduce stress and promote relaxation.
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Hands Down Some of the Best Credit Cards for Balance Transfers
Did you know some credit cards can actually help you get out of debt faster?
Yes, it sounds crazy. But it’s true. The secret: Find a card with a “0% intro APR" period for balance transfers. Then, transfer your debt balance and pay it down as much as possible during the intro period. No interest means you could pay off the debt faster.
Check out the full list of cards you can use to do this here.
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Thank you to FinanceBuzz for sponsoring Note To Self.
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How Do Natural vs. Traditional Toothpaste Compare?
Natural toothpaste options have become increasingly popular amid a growing focus on clean cosmetics and personal care products. But how does it compare to traditional toothpaste?
One review of the effectiveness of different toothpaste options said that herbal (natural) toothpaste "is both efficient and secure."
The review also noted that only one study compared traditional chemical toothpaste and herbal options on the effectiveness of bad breath, and it showed that toothpaste with stannous fluoride — an anti-bacterial agent — was more effective against bad breath.
While natural toothpaste can be effective, it's important to check the ingredients. For example, some contain activated charcoal, which can be abrasive and may not be a good option.
Natural toothpaste may contain unique ingredients not found in traditional options — including propolis (a plant resin and antiseptic) and licorice root extract (which has "antiviral and antimicrobial activities"). Research has shown these two ingredients, among others, to be effective in an oral hygiene routine, as shared by Tom's of Maine.
The ADA notes that those with its Seal of Acceptance must contain fluoride and submit "data and publications to the ADA Council on Scientific Affairs" so it can review its "safety and efficacy."
Some natural toothpastes have gained this seal of approval!
When in doubt, researching the efficacy of specific ingredients, searching for that ADA Seal of Approval, and checking with a dentist are all great ways to find an effective toothpaste — whether you opt for a natural or traditional option!
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5 Tips To Boost Your Mood
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Get Moving: Engage in physical activity, whether it's a brisk walk, a yoga session, or dancing to your favorite music. Exercise releases endorphins, the body's natural mood lifters, which can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression while promoting feelings of happiness and well-being.
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Connect with Others: Reach out to friends, family, or loved ones for social support and companionship. Spending time with people who uplift and support you can provide comfort, laughter, and a sense of belonging, helping to boost your mood and improve your overall outlook on life.
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Practice Gratitude: Take a moment to reflect on the things you're grateful for in your life. Keeping a gratitude journal or simply making a mental note of the positive aspects of your day can shift your focus away from negativity and foster feelings of appreciation, contentment, and happiness.
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Spend Time in Nature: Spend time outdoors and connect with nature. Whether it's taking a walk in the park, gardening, or simply sitting under a tree, being in nature can have a calming and rejuvenating effect on your mood. The fresh air, sunlight, and natural surroundings can help reduce stress and promote feelings of peace and well-being.
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Engage in Activities You Enjoy: Make time for activities that bring you joy and fulfillment, whether it's reading a book, cooking a delicious meal, listening to music, or pursuing a hobby. Engaging in activities you enjoy can provide a sense of accomplishment, pleasure, and relaxation, helping to lift your mood and boost your spirits.
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Another Way To Boost Your Mood
If you've ever struggled to enjoy cannabis due to the harshness of smoking or vaping, you're not alone. That’s why these new cannabis gummies caught our eye.
Mood is an online dispensary that has invented a “joint within a gummy” that’s extremely potent yet federally-legal. Their gummies are formulated to tap into the human body’s endocannabinoid system.
Although this system was discovered in the 1990’s, farmers and scientists at Mood were among the first to figure out how to tap into it with cannabis gummies. Just 1 of their rapid onset THC gummies can get you feeling right within 5 minutes!
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Thank you to Mood for sponsoring Note To Self.
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Parting Thoughts:
- Did You Know: False! While teeth are hard, they're made from different materials than bones.
- 🏼♀️ Snapshot Of The Day: We'd love to see moments from our readers lives that they are proud of! If you recently accomplished an achievement, experienced a joyful moment, or are proud of a picture you have taken, be sure to capture it on camera and send it to us for a chance to be featured next week!
- Final Self-Care Thoughts for Today: Whether you choose natural or synthetic products for your dental care, there are lots of great options to care for your mouth and teeth!
- 5-Day Food Waste Challenge, Day 2: Ready for day two of our 5-Day Food Waste Challenge? Today, we're diving into the world of proper food storage...
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Share the love
Know a fellow self-care lover who would benefit from joining the Note To Self Community? Forward this email or refer them at readnotetoself.com!
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Know of a great self-care tip or article you'd love to share with the community? Want to send us pictures of you completing one of your self-care rituals? Email us at care@readnotetoself.com!
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