2011 New Year's Resolution Series-Part 2 : Re-use and Update

This year I decided to re-use and update my wardrobe instead of buying all-new stuff! Why? For two reasons actually; firstly, because I am an eco-fashionista and this year I want to take-up a new eco-habit. Secondly, as we all know our world is going through an economic crisis and I suspect this is affecting all of us. So I started with my beige trench coat...trench coats wear really in last year and still are….so I changed my trench coat’s brownish buttons into back ones (to suit the new look). Got a simple black dress to wear underneath, red leopard scarf(to give the look a bit of an edgy kick! lol) and red kitten heels…all on sale and all three together cost me less than 250 EGP which is around 50 USD...and I got a totally new look! :))

2011 New Years Resolution Series -Part 1 : Sunni-wood Smile :))

Get Sunni-wood Smile!

1) Visit Your Dentist ( I'll be taking an appointment this week..and yeah I hate going to the dentist too!lol) :
If you are having a gum problem or should get that wisdom tooth removed , DO NOT wait..the more you procrastinate the more things get worse...so pluck up your courage and set a date.

Gum diseases are linked to heart diseases…so care for your heart and get your teeth+gum fixed!
2) Switch To a Medicated Toothpaste:
Although I am a lover of whitening toothpastes, but the truth to be said most of them damage your teeth’s enamel…I have noticed that the more I use those types , the more sensitive my teeth gets. As part of my 2011 Resolution I switched to medical toothpaste to keep the bacteria away without being harsh on my enamel! lol

3) Tongue Scrapers:



I thought that brushing my teeth 3 times daily after meals does the trick..well I wasn't 100% right. Tongue scrapers get rid of the bacteria that causes bad breath and if you are thinking of using your tooth brush (or its back) for scraping, DON'T! You are actually helping with the spread of bad-breath causing bacteria and you are damaging your tongue tissues.
Use the scraper after brushing your teeth (1 to 2 times daily)…been use it for a week now and loving it!

Here is a very informative video to show you how to use a tongue scraper :

                     

Now for the fun part!


4) Use Suwak/Siwak/Miswak :


If you aren't familiar with the Suwak/Siwak/Miswak here is a brief introduction :
The miswak (miswaak, siwak, sewak) is a teeth cleaning twig made from a twig of the Salvadora persica tree.
Effect of Miswak from a scientific point of view : Suwak/Miswak strengthens the gums, preventing tooth decay and eliminating toothaches. Moreover, the miswak is also said to halt further increase in decay that has already set in. Furthermore, it is said to create a fragrance in the mouth, eliminate bad breath, improve the sense of taste and cause the teeth to glow and shine.
In addition, benefits not related to the teeth and gums include sharpening memory, curing headaches, creating a glow on the face of the one who continually uses it, strengthening the eyesight, assisting in digestion and clearing the voice.


A 2003 scientific study comparing the use of miswak with ordinary toothbrushes concluded that the results clearly were in favor of the users who had been using the miswaak, provided they had been given proper instruction in how to brush using it.The World Health Organization (WHO) recommended the use of the miswaak in 1986.( source http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miswak)
From a religious point of view : Using Suwak is part of the Sunna ( following Prophet Muhammed PBUH), so I'd like you all to update and check your intention before using the miswak, for you'll be rewarded while keeping your gum and teeth healthy ..Bingo! :))

How to use the Miswak/Siwak/Suwak is crucial for getting great results ( for me Suwak acts even better than whitening toothpastes) :




STEP ONE:
Simply scrape off about half an inch from the tip.
STEP TWO:
Then chew the tip gently until brush-like/or using a knife press gently the tip of the Miswak more than once until brush-like
STEP THREE:
Start brushing horizontally.(side-to-side motion rather than up-and-down for this may harm the gums)
STEP FOUR:
After brushing wash the tip.
STEP FIVE:
Store miswak in packet provided so it doesn’t become dirty.
STEP SIX:
Before going sleep store the miswak in a glass filled with water and put the part of the miswak that was used and leave it overnight to be soaked.
STEP SEVEN:
In the morning cut the bristles and start from step one again, this ensures u have clean bristles every day so that it is more hygienic and effective.


Etiquette of using Siwak:

• That a person should not use the siwaak in front of others or in public, because this is impolite.

• That the siwaak should be washed after use, to get rid of any dirt that may be on it.

• The siwaak should be kept in a clean place.

[Source: Collected & Edited by MiracleBrush.com Team]

Additional tip : DO NOT use the 'flavoured' ones for they contain artificial fragrance/scents

Here is a cool video on how to use Miswak :) Enjoy ;)

                     

















5) A Good Massage! :

Give your gums a good massage using cold-pressed,extra-virgin olive oil. Apply a few drops of the oil to your finger tips and massage your gum. Olive oil will improve your gum's health and whiten your teeth.