The Buzzing Brush

Many of us dread the trip to the dentist - so much so that very few go on a regular basis. We all fear that the dentist will affirm or repremand us about how we didn't brush three times a day, didn't floss, or use that anti-bacterial mouth wash. Keeping those pearly whites their best can be a hassle, all of the care that the dentist recommends can be quite time consuming and cumbersome, but with the right tools - especially the recently popular electric toothbrush - keeping your teeth their healthiest can be less of a chore, and even a little bit fun. When shopping for an electric toothbrush, the choices can be quite overwhelming. Keeping these few tips in mind can guide you to making the right purchase for your needs.



1. Brush Heads - Take into account whether the brush heads on the electric toothbrush are replaceable - this feature would allow the whole family to share one brush, but all using different heads. A replaceable head also saves you money in the long run - instead of replacing the whole electric toothbrush, you can just replace the heads.

2. Battery Operated/Rechargeable - A battery operated electric toothrush will save you money, but will need to be replaced more often. When looking at the battery operated variety, check to see if the batteries are replaceable and standard batteries you can buy yourself. Depending on how often it is used, a standard battery operated brush should last approximately 4 months, and by the time you factor in the cost of the batteries and the replacement head - it might be more cost efficient to buy a whole new unit. Rechargeable electric toothbrushes will last much longer, no parts to replace, and they are often replaceable heads but - they are more expensive. In the long run, it may save you money going with a rechargeable model.

3. Noise - These little devices pack a lot of power - and sometimes a lot of noise! Make sure you test out the toothbrush in the store to make sure it wont be disturbing others in your household should you take it home with you. Because of the way they are constructed, battery operated toothbrushes are slightly noisier.

4. Features - Some electric toothbrushes come with some additional features that may be beneficial to you. If you have more sensitive teeth, you may benefit from a brush that has multiple speed settings so you can customize how you like your brush to perform. Also, some toothbrushes come with an automatic timer, making sure that you brush long enough each day. These features can be really handy when it comes time to brush those pearly whites - but if you know you aren't going to use them, skip them. They are likely to tack on $'s to the cost of your brush.

A great brush that has all the great features for a reasonable price is the:

Oral B 7550 Professional Care Power Toothbrush



Electric Toothbrushes are an effective and even fun way to keep up with your dental hygiene. Making sure you find one that is suited for you (and your family!) will ensure that those trips to the dentist wont be so frightening!

Those Pesky Allergies

Whether seasonal or year long allergies plague you, you are certainly not alone - allergies affect more than 50 Million people in the US and can have side effects ranging from very mild to potentially deadly. Allergies are caused by an unusually high sensitivity and reaction to an ordinary or usually harmless substance. When an allergic person comes into contact with a substance they are allergic to, their body treats the substance as a harmful intruder, causing the body to react with symptoms that most allergy suffers have to content with - itchy and watery eyes, sneezing, congestion and difficulty breathing. Though methods of curing allergies has not yet been found, there are several options at the pharmacy counter that can alleviate those pesky symptoms. Though the selection may seem endless, there are several key elements you should look for when selecting an antihistamine for your needs.



1. Cost - Cost is always a big factor when purchasing medications over the counter. Most medications, brand name or not, are made from the same basic chemical make up. Determine how often allergy symptoms need to be treated, the number of pills coming in a pack, the recommended dose for treatment and the features of each brand to determine what size and cost you are willing to dole out. It is often the case that when a store brand is compared to its brand name counter part, there is no difference. Going with the store brand can save you a bundle.

2. Features - Some antihistamines focus on different types of allergies, mainly grouped into either indoor or outdoor. If you suffer from only one of these groups, go for a medication that treats this group specifically - otherwise you could be taking medication that you simply do not need. Many treatments, however, claim all-allergy-treatment, a good option for you if you suffer from many types of allergies.

3. Side Effects - The medicine used in antihistamines often cause drowsiness, and if there is no specific label telling you that it is a "Non-Drowsy Formula" it is most likely going to make you sleepy. If you need to be alert and aware during the time you are on antihistamines, you may want to consider spending a little extra on a treatment that wont leave you groggy or tired. These formulas often do a better job of making your allergy ridden self feeling just like new.

A great all-round, inexpensive brand you might try is:

Benadryl Allergy & Sinus Headache Caplets, 24-Count Boxes (Pack of 4)

Though allergies can be a nuissence, they don't have to be a problem. Looking for the right antihistamine can be your best bet on relieving those annoying symptoms!