Dental and Other Fun Facts

This is why Dr. Weitz stresses Brushing and Flossing!

New Poll Examines When And Why People Go To The Dentist

HealthDay (9/7, Reinberg) reports a new poll has found that 28 percent of middle-aged Americans don’t have dental insurance, and 56 percent don’t get dental care “except for serious dental problems, researchers said.”

MouthHealthy.org provides a guide to finding and paying for dental care.

10 EVERYDAY ITEMS YOU PROBABLY NEED TO REPLACE

These items can be found in every household, but are yours overdue for a replacement?

1. Mattreses Replace every 8 years.

Are you waking up stiff or sore? It may be time to get a new mattress. This is a major purchase, but experts say most mattresses have a lifespan of around eight years, according to the National Sleep Foundation. They suggest to check for "worn or sagging spots in the middle or at the edges, and make sure that when your partner moves, your position on the bed isn't disturbed."

2. Pillows Replace every 2 years.

Pillows are just as important as a mattress to getting a quality night's sleep.
Again, the National Sleep Foundation says doctors recommend replacing pillows every two years. This ensures that your pillow is giving your head and neck the proper support while you sleep.

3. Toothbrushes Replace every 3 to 4 months.

Toothbrushes are inexpensive, but many of us wait too long to replace them. The
American Dental Association recommends that consumers replace toothbrushes every
three to four months. If you wait longer, the toothbrushes' bristles become
frayed and may harbor microorganisms that could lead to infections. Another
note, children's toothbrushes often need to be replaced sooner than adults.

4. Eye Makeup Replace every 6 months.

Eyes are vulnerable to infection. One way to help prevent this is to replace
your liquid eye makeup, including mascara and liquid eye shadow, every six
months. This is when the bacteria could overtake the makeup's preservatives.
Liquid makeup that does not have contact with the eyes can be used for up to two
years.

5. Water Filters Replace every 6 months.

A filter's change cycle differs from product to product, but most suggest
switching them out every six months. Filters generally work to reduce
contaminants in two ways, but it's important to change them because, according
to the NSF International, "Eventually, the surface area of the filter media
becomes filled and no more contaminants can be absorbed."

6. Teflon Pans Replace every 3 to 5 years.

Are you guilty of using metal utensils on non-stick pans? If so, you might want
to check all of your pans for cracks or chips. If you have any, it's time to
replace those pans because those flakes could release toxic compounds. Most say
non-stick pans should be replaced every three to five years.

7. Kitchen Sponge Replace every 2 to 8 weeks.

The Home Food Safety organization suggests people should sanitize their sponges
on daily bases to avoid cross-contamination. "While testing common household
methods used to disinfect sponges, researchers at the USDA found that over 99
percent of bacteria, yeasts and molds were killed by microwave heating damp
sponges for one minute or dishwashing with a drying cycle," says the group. And,
depending on use, replace every two to eight weeks.

8. Shower Loofah Replace every 3 to 4 weeks.

Loofahs are used and stored in a wet environment: a shower. So, they can harbor
microorganism that can lead to skin infections. "If you have a natural loofah,
you should replace it every three to four weeks," dermatologist Melissa Piliang
told the Cleveland Clinic. "If you have one of the plastic ones, those can last
for two months."

9. Contact Lens Solution Replace every 3 months.

Just like eye makeup, it is essential for anything that comes in contact with
your eyes to be clean. Once the seal is broken on a bottle of contact solution,
bacteria can build up. To decrease your chance of infection, start a new bottle
every three months. The American Academy of Ophthalmology also warns users to
not put solution into smaller travel containers because this can affect the
sterility of the liquid.

10. Smoke Alarms Replace every 10 years.

In the event of a fire, a smoke alarm is a key factor in a safe resolution. The
National Fire Protection Association urges consumers to replace all smoke alarms
every 10 years. And, they suggest to test them every month to make sure things
are working properly.

By Kate Aquillano of HLNtv.com