#fluoride free water

[thefreethoughtprojectcom]

Exposing pregnant mothers to fluoridated water may increase the risk of neurobehavioral problems in their children, according to a new study published in the JAMA Network Open medical journal.

Read More: https://thefreethoughtproject.com/new-study/another-study-finds-association-between-water-fluoridation-brain-health

#TheFreeThoughtProject #TFTP

[fluoridewaterfilter]

Exploring the Untold Dangers PFAS Poses to Your Overall Well-being

In the realm of environmental health, a hidden menace quietly pervades our lives – PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. These seemingly innocuous chemicals have woven their way into our daily existence, posing untold dangers to our overall well-being. This article delves into the often-overlooked threats PFAS presents and the imperative need to understand their impact on our health.

Understanding PFAS: The Stealthy Invaders

PFAS are synthetic chemicals designed for their resistance to water, grease, and stains. Widely used in various industrial applications and consumer products, these stealthy invaders have found their way into our water supplies, food, and even the air we breathe. Unraveling the untold dangers begins with understanding the extent of PFAS infiltration.

The Health Impacts of PFAS Exposure

The untold dangers of PFAS unfold significantly in their impact on human health. Studies have linked PFAS exposure to a range of health issues, including liver damage, immune system disorders, and developmental problems. The silent assault on our well-being is exacerbated by the persistent nature of PFAS, earning them the ominous nickname "forever chemicals."

Protecting Your Health: Solutions and Precautions

Considering these risks, safeguarding against PFAS exposure becomes crucial. Investing in a fluoride water filter or a fluoride filter can help remove these harmful chemicals from your drinking water, ensuring safer consumption for you and your family. Additionally, considering a saltless water softener or a salt-free water softener system can further mitigate exposure to contaminants in water used for daily activities.

Conclusion

As awareness grows about the hidden dangers of PFAS, taking proactive steps to protect yourself and your loved ones is paramount. By understanding the risks associated with these persistent chemicals and implementing effective filtration solutions like fluoride water filters and salt-free water softener systems, you can enhance your overall well-being and promote a healthier environment for generations to come.

[dissociacrip]

i saw that one disability-related post a while ago about dental care but i can't find it again so i'm gonna mention a few things as a (mild to moderately) mentally & physically disabled person, whose teeth hurt when i eat sweet stuff now + i've had a root canal due to a fall + i'm learning to take care of myself, that may or may not help other folks with their dental routine

note: i am not a dentist & this info is mostly what i've gleaned secondhand from dentists, so yeah, i am not an expert in any capacity

water flossers aren't as effective as regular flossing (doing both is actually what's most effective) but they're better than nothing & helpful in cases where coordination problems or other issues might prevent regular flossing technique (i imagine this also depends on the quality of the water flosser)

if you use one of the plastic pre-made floss picks things, rinse the string off in-between each time you use it to floss one side of a tooth, it's tedious but it mimics moving to a new (clean) part of the thread like you do with regular floss

if you get an automatic toothbrush, get one that does circular rotation rather than just vibrating or whatever, as this mimics the tools they use in a dentist's office + imitates the circular motion you're expected to make with a standard toothbrush (which is also hard with coordination issues), i got one that does this pretty cheap from walmart (it's an oral-b but i forgot the specific type) + it automatically times it for you

if you have white spots on your teeth that are uneven with the shade of the rest of the tooth those are potentially white spot lesions due to demineralization; whitening products can make this worse rather than help it, but some products can help with remineralization such as mi paste topical tooth creme, which contains calcium and phosphate (i have yet to try this myself but it seems to get suggested by a lot of dentists, orthodontists, etc. for white spots on teeth & it's also supposed to help with sensitivity and tooth health in general because the white spots are lesions so it's not purely cosmetic!)

it's advised to not rinse your mouth immediately after brushing as this potentially dilutes & reduces the effects of the flouride (if you use fluoride toothpaste), stuff says to wait at least 15 minutes or so

just giving your teeth a quick scrub (even if it's without toothpaste and just water) is better than not brushing your teeth at all

if you have trouble seeing a dentist for financial reasons, try to see if there are income-based or charity dental services in your area, sometimes dental schools also provide low-cost/free dental care

that's all i can think of for now, i wish i had more advice for people who struggle to be able to brush their teeth at all in general but this is all i got unfortunately :(

additionally - you're not bad, useless, gross, or a failure if you struggle to (or can't) maintain oral hygiene; this stuff is much easier for some people than it is to others & those who take it for granted like to forget that, no one deserves to be mocked or looked down on for being disabled & struggling to/not being able to do """basic""" stuff like this!

[pinkcharmette]

𝜗𝜚 my extensive morning routine - for the girlies who need their alone time ,, especially before a hectic day ++ free printable !!

drink water

this is an absolute game-changer ! bonus if its warm or room temperature, really gets the metabolism going as well as soothes your throat !!

make your bed

this makes my room look MUCH neater, and gives me peace of mind + incentive not to get back under the covers and doze off again TT

meditation

another thing that calms me down greatly and gets me focused and set for the day, i really recommend lavendaire, her meditations are top-tier and she has several lengths to pick from

morning yoga

debloat yoga or stretching is a must for me, it helps aid my digestion as well as reduce bloating in the morning.

exercise

i like to do either shirlyn kim, april han, chloe ting or momomi workouts in the morning ending with a hinafit's full body stretch that's twenty minutes long. i use chloe ting's workouts as cardio mostly and then a set of targeted hiit from momomi and relaxing pilates from shirlyn kim and april han.

i am also trying to go on walks in the morning as well TT

skincare + dental care

my skincare routine in the morning is cleanser + toner + hydrogel + sunscreen + matte sunstick + lip balm and my dental care routine is herbal toothpaste + fluoride toothpaste + mouthwash. i wash my hands between and before/after steps.

shower routine

i use a pumice stone and sugar scrub in the shower to exfoliate along w baby soap and shower gel to clean up. i apply three layers of moisturizer + coconut oil on getting out !!

reading

in the mornings, i like to either annotate classics or read my weekly self-help book or just read educational nonfiction and take notes in my commonplace journal about them.

journalling

i fill out five affirmations, five things i'm grateful for as well as my intentions for the day. i also write down what would make my day great, as well as habits to focus on (at least three)

planning

i plan w/ my planners, notebook and wall calendar spread as well as notion and a habit app, as well as google sheets.

that wraps up this post, and here is the printable checklist spanning four days

[headspace-hotel]

Going through the bills proposed in the kentucky 2024 legislative session and some of the things being proposed are

make a PFAS Working Group

require homeless shelters to provide free menstrual products (it's actually disturbing that they didn't already)

require schools to provide free menstrual products

create harm reduction centers and lower penalties for possessing controlled substances

require insurance to pay for cancer screenings (okay. low bar but okay)

abolish the death penalty (actually has a couple republican sponsors)

decriminalize cannabis

make fluoridation of water in districts optional (?????)

make coal the "state rock" of Kentucky

Prohibit children from being interrogated in a "deceptive manner" (?)

Make weight discrimination illegal

pay schools to food grown at kentucky farms to provide for school meals at low income schools (hey that's rad)

Lower the age of carrying a concealed deadly weapon from 21 to 18 (?????????????)

Require companies to give their employees earned paid sick leave

Impose restrictions on the collection of biometric data by private entities

Allow poultry to be sold at farmers' markets and at farms

pay for cancer screenings for firefighters

let pregnant incarcerated people have midwives or doula services

require that public high school curriculum include instruction on the history of racism

Remove Robert E. Lee Day, Confederate Memorial Day, and Jefferson Davis Day from the list of public holidays (WE HAVE THOSE?!!?!?!)

Retroactively expunge some cannabis convictions

"Prohibit public school districts from expanding any resources or funds on diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging or political or social activism; prohibit public school districts from engaging in diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging" (HUH?????)

require schools to give kids a lunch period of at least 30 minutes (the bar is in hell)

provide scholarships for teachers to help the teacher shortage and give teachers compensation for planning time

require schools to have defibrillators

make it so a homeless person doesn't have to pay to get a copy of their birth certificate

require a working smoke detector to be present in any house sold (...did we not already have this?)

create the Kentucky Urban Farming Youth Initiative

Require local governments to lower minimum square footage requirements for housing, and facilitate multifamily housing, manufactured housing, and "tiny homes," and require that zoning laws have a "substantial connection to protection of public safety, health, and usage of property" (This could be a good thing??)

require hiring and licensing authorities to allow people convicted of a crime an opportunity to get a job

Propose a new section of the Kentucky Constitution that guarantees the right of an individual to buy, sell, or use a certain amount of cannabis and to grow a small amount of cannabis plants, and put this on the ballot (LET'S FUCKING GOOOOOO LET THE PEOPLE DECIDE please this would be so funny)

Now let's watch how many of the good and basic common sense laws get left to die by Republicans because Republicans are ghouls

this is why it's important to vote in local elections, this is the kind of stuff that's being decided upon

[theambitiouswoman]

Water 101 💦

The quality of drinking water can vary based on several factors, it's source, treatment, and the presence of contaminants.

Best Waters to Drink:

Spring Water: Sourced from a natural spring and is typically free from harmful additives and contaminants. It also contains beneficial minerals.

Purified Water: This is water that has been filtered to remove any contaminants. Methods like reverse osmosis, distillation, and carbon filtering can be used.

Filtered Tap Water: Using a good quality water filter can remove many of the contaminants found in regular tap water.

Bottled Water: While many people prefer bottled water for its taste and convenience, it's essential to choose brands known for their quality and sustainable sourcing.

Mineral Water: This is water that contains at least 250 parts per million total dissolved solids (TDS), which are minerals and trace elements. It can be beneficial for health due to the minerals it contains.

Worst Waters to Drink:

Unfiltered Tap Water: In some areas, tap water can contain contaminants like lead, chlorine, fluoride, and other harmful substances.

Distilled Water: While it's free from contaminants, distilled water lacks essential minerals. Drinking it exclusively can lead to mineral deficiencies.

Standing Water: Water from ponds, lakes, or puddles can be contaminated with bacteria, parasites, and viruses.

Water from Plastic Bottles Left in the Sun: The heat can cause chemicals from the plastic to leach into the water.

Untrusted Bottled Water: Some brands may not adhere to stringent purification standards, leading to potential contamination.

Quite a few brands actually combine their water bottles with non pure/non filtered water. However, there are several brands that are recognized for their commitment to providing pure water.

Fiji Water: Sourced from an underground aquifer in the remote Yaqara Valley of Viti Levu in Fiji, this water is naturally filtered and contains minerals like silica, magnesium, and calcium.

Acqua Panna: Sourced from a spring in Tuscany, Italy. The water takes a 14-year journey through the underground rock formations to reach the surface, which naturally filters and purifies it. It has a balanced mineral composition and a naturally alkaline pH.

Evian: Originating from the French Alps, Evian water is naturally filtered through rock and sand before being bottled. It's known for its balanced mineral content.

SmartWater: This brand uses a process called vapor distillation to purify its water. After distillation, it adds back a blend of electrolytes for taste.

Voss: Sourced from an underground aquifer in southern Norway, Voss water is protected from pollutants and is naturally low in minerals.

Penta: This brand claims to use a 13-step purification process, resulting in ultra-purified water.

Icelandic Glacial: Originating from the Ölfus Spring in Iceland, this water is naturally filtered through layers of volcanic rock, resulting in a low mineral content.

Essentia: This brand uses a proprietary process to purify its water, and then infuses it with electrolytes for taste. It's known for its high pH, which is alkaline.

Pure Life (Nestlé): Sourced from carefully selected springs, this water undergoes a multi-step purification process and is enhanced with minerals for taste.

Make sure that any water you drink, whether from a bottle or tap, is stored and handled properly to prevent contamination.

[nenelonomh]

oral hygiene

perhaps since i am a bit younger than most of the people on this app, or since my nana had owned a kindergarten, i am so aware of the importance of hygiene and health practices. i feel that everyone has put simple things like this on the back burner, since covid, since the internet's takeover.

i remember, when i was younger (2015/16ish) (note: i clearly wasn't in kindergarden at the time, but this is when the memories are from), the halls of my nanas kindergarten were lined with posters that encouraged parents to look after their child's health. current kindergartens, and parents--perhaps due to technology and widespread knowledge-- prioritize other things. it's about time we took responsibility of our own health again.

oral hygiene is the practice of keeping your mouth clean and disease-free. it involves brushing and flossing your teeth as well as visiting your dentist regularly for dental x-rays, exams and cleanings.

brushing your teeth: ✩ use fluoride toothpaste to protect your teeth from decay (cavities). fluoride strengthens the tooth's hard outer surface (enamel). ✩ angle the bristles toward the gumline to clean between the gums and teeth. ✩ brush gently using small, circular motions. avoid scrubbing back and forth too hard. ✩ brush all sides of each tooth, including your tongue. ✩ replace your toothbrush when the bristles become worn.

HOT TIP: if you get bored with, or struggle to remember brushing your teeth, consider swapping to a minter (or other pleasantly flavoured) toothpaste. this will encourage you to continue the habit, since it is more enjoyable.

flossing your teeth: ✩ plaque can build up between teeth, leading to gum irritation and gingivitis. ✩ floss daily to remove plaque from these areas. ✩ if plaque hardens into tartar, only a dentist or dental hygienist can remove it.

replacing your toothbrush: ✩ as you use your toothbrush, the bristles gradually wear down. bent or frayed bristles lose their stiffness and effectiveness in cleaning your teeth. ✩ over time, your toothbrush accumulates bacteria from your mouth. bacterial growth on an old toothbrush can contribute to oral infections and bad breath. ✩ you should replace your toothbrush when you notice that the bristles have become worn, or every 3-4 months to prevent the buildup of harmful bacteria.

storing your toothbrush: ✩ before and after brushing, thoroughly rinse the bristles of your toothbrush under hot tap water. this helps remove toothpaste residue, debris, and any airborne bacteria or dust particles. ✩ after rinsing, tap the handle of your toothbrush against the edge of the sink to shake off excess water. this promotes faster air drying and prevents bacterial growth. ✩ store your toothbrush in a cup or holder. keep the bristles up and the handle down. this allows excess water to drain away from the bristles, preventing bacteria buildup. ✩ place the cup or holder in a well-ventilated area, such as a counter or shelf. avoid storing it in a dark, enclosed space like a drawer or cabinet. allowing your toothbrush to air dry completely helps prevent bacterial growth. ✩ avoid cross-contamination by keeping your toothbrush separate from your housemates, or family members.

electric toothbrushes: ✩ some may choose to use electric toothbrushes, where you only replace the head of the toothbrush. electric toothbrushes use oscillating, rotating, or sonic movements to clean teeth and gums more thoroughly. many models have built-in timers to ensure you brush for the recommended 2 minutes. most electric toothbrushes are rechargeable, reducing waste from disposable batteries. ✩ personally, i prefer to use a regular toothbrush, since i feel it does a better job cleaning my mouth. often electric toothbrushes require you to take longer to brush your teeth.

eating choices: eating choices play a significant role in maintaining good oral health. first and foremost, consuming sugary foods and drinks can lead to increased acid production in the mouth. this acid can erode tooth enamel, making your teeth more susceptible to decay. it's essential to limit your intake of sugary snacks and beverages to protect your oral health.

frequent snacking, especially on sugary and acidic drinks throughout the day can harm your teeth. aim for regular meals rather than constant snacking to give your teeth time to recover between eating episodes.

staying hydration is crucial for overall health, including oral health. dry mouth (which is called xerostomia) can increase the risk of cavities and gum disease. salvia helps neutralize acids and wash away food particles, so drink plenty of water to keep your mouth moist.

remember to maintain a balanced diet, rich in vitamins and minerals. it is essential for healthy teeth and gums. nutrients like calcium, vitamin D, vitamin C, and phosphorus contribute to strong teeth and support gum health. include dairy products, leafy greens, fruits, and lean proteins in your diet.

to conclude: remember that good oral health allows you to enjoy life by speaking clearly, tasting, chewing, and showing your feelings through facial expressions like smiling!

further reading: ✩ What’s the Most Sanitary Way to Store Your Toothbrush? • Brilliant Oral Care✩The Best Way to Store Your Toothbrush & the Mistakes You May be Making | Gentle Dental (interdent.com)✩Whatever You Do, Don't Store Your Toothbrush Here - CNET✩Why Should You Replace Your Toothbrush? And When? – Mouth Watchers✩How Often Should You Change Your Toothbrush? Healthy Etiquette (healthline.com)✩When To Change Your Toothbrush | Colgate®✩Oral Hygiene | National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (nih.gov)✩Oral Hygiene: Best Practices & Instructions for Good Routine (clevelandclinic.org)

i hope this post was helpful!

❤️ nene

[madamlaydebug]

Watermelon 🍉 with lime!! What a fabulous combo 😁🙌 this is my absolute favourite summer fruit. So sweet, satisfying, and ultra hydrating on a deep cellular level 😍💫

I believe water is important to drink (clean spring water OR distilled water OR any filtered water that removes all contamination including fluoride‼️), it’s also important to be aware that the human body can mainly properly utilize & absorb only organic H302 water that is in found in whole fresh fruits, leafy greens, and vegetables 🍎🍑🍌🍇🍓🥝🍊🫐🍍🥭🥒🥬🍅🍆🫑

Proper true hydration includes:

Plump elastic clear skin✅

Flexible (& free from pain) joints✅

Shiny strong hair and nails✅

High stable energy all day✅

Clear bright eyes✅

Just to make a few!

So, never neglected your fresh produce intake 🥰

[frithwontdie]

Made some of my own. For the jars like the picture above 👆. Ingredients

1/2 cup of virgin organic coconut oil.

4 teaspoons of Baking Soda

2 teaspoons of Redmond Real Salt. Best quality sea Salt. Pink Himalayan sea Salt is the second best alternative.

Sources:

Dangers of fluoride:

[studdyadict]

Fresh Start: A Teenage Girl’s Clean Hygiene Routine

Maintaining good hygiene is essential for teenage girls and young women to feel confident, healthy, and empowered. Here's a comprehensive clean hygiene routine tailored specifically for us:

1. Daily Shower or Bath:

- Use a mild, pH-balanced body wash or soap to cleanse the entire body, paying extra attention to areas prone to sweat and odor, such as underarms and feet.

- Gently exfoliate the skin 2-3 times a week to remove dead skin cells and prevent clogged pores.

- Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water to avoid stripping the skin of its natural oils.

2. Hair Care:

- Wash hair 2-3 times a week with a sulfate-free shampoo suitable for your hair type (dry, oily, curly, etc.).

- Use a conditioner after shampooing to moisturize and detangle hair, focusing on the ends.

- Limit the use of heat styling tools and protect hair from damage by using a heat protectant spray before styling.

- Trim split ends regularly to maintain healthy hair growth.

3. Facial Cleansing:

- Wash your face twice daily, morning and night, with a gentle facial cleanser suitable for your skin type (dry, oily, combination, sensitive, acne-prone, etc.).

- Use lukewarm water and avoid harsh scrubbing, which can irritate the skin.

- Apply a non-comedogenic moisturizer after cleansing to hydrate the skin and prevent dryness.

4. Dental Care:

- Brush teeth at least twice a day, morning and night, using fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush.

- Floss daily to remove plaque and food particles from between teeth and along the gum line.

- Rinse with an alcohol-free mouthwash for added freshness and to kill bacteria.

- Visit the dentist for regular check-ups and professional cleanings every six months.

5. Feminine Hygiene:

- Change sanitary pads or tampons every 4-6 hours during menstruation to maintain freshness and prevent odor.

- Wash the genital area with a mild, fragrance-free soap and water daily, paying attention to hygiene during menstruation.

- Use breathable cotton underwear and avoid tight-fitting clothing to promote air circulation and prevent moisture buildup.

6. Nail Care:

- Keep nails trimmed and filed to prevent breakage and maintain a neat appearance.

- Clean under the nails regularly to remove dirt and bacteria.

- Apply a moisturizing hand cream to keep hands soft and hydrated.

- Avoid biting or picking at nails and cuticles to prevent infection and damage.

7. Deodorant and Antiperspirant:

- Apply a deodorant or antiperspirant daily to underarms to control sweat and odor.

- Choose a product that suits your body's needs and preferences, whether it's a roll-on, stick, or spray.

8. Sun Protection:

- Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 to exposed skin daily, even on cloudy days.

- Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours, especially if swimming or sweating heavily.

- Wear protective clothing, such as hats and sunglasses, and seek shade during peak sun hours to minimize sun exposure.

Remember, good hygiene goes beyond physical cleanliness—it also involves taking care of your mental and emotional well-being. Practice self-care, prioritize sleep, eat a balanced diet, stay hydrated, and engage in activities that bring you joy and fulfillment. By incorporating these habits into your daily routine, you'll not only look and feel your best but also cultivate a healthy lifestyle for years to come.

Here's a list of products for a hygiene routine that are healthy , affordable ,cruelty free, vegan ,non comedogenic , no alcohol , no fragrance and that doesn’t support genocide:

1. Daily Shower or Bath:

- Cleanser: CeraVe Hydrating Body Wash

- Moisturizer: Vanicream Moisturizing Cream

- Sunscreen: EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46

2. Hair Care:

- Shampoo: Acure Simply Smoothing Coconut & Marula Shampoo

- Conditioner: Desert Essence Fragrance-Free Conditioner

3. Facial Cleansing:

- Cleanser: CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser

- Moisturizer: Vanicream Moisturizing Cream

4. Dental Care:

- Toothpaste: Hello Oral Care Fluoride-Free Whitening Toothpaste

- Mouthwash: Desert Essence Natural Refreshing Tea Tree Oil Mouthwash

5. Feminine Hygiene:

- Menstrual Cups: DivaCup Model 1 or Model 2

- Menstrual Pads: Natracare Ultra Pads with Wings

- Tampons: Cora Organic Cotton Tampons

6. Nail Care:

- Nail Clippers: Tweezerman Stainless Steel Nail Clipper

- Nail File: OPI Crystal Nail File

7. Deodorant and Antiperspirant:

- Deodorant: Schmidt's Fragrance-Free Sensitive Skin Deodorant

8. Sun Protection:

- Sunscreen: EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46

9. Oral Care:

- Toothpaste: Hello Oral Care Fluoride-Free Whitening Toothpaste

- Dental Floss: Radius Vegan Xylitol Dental Floss

10. Body Care:

- Body Wash: Alaffia Everyday Shea Body Wash

- Body Lotion: Everyone Unscented 3-in-1 Lotion

Remember to always check the ingredient lists and certifications to ensure they align with your values and preferences. Additionally, prices and availability may vary depending on location and retailer.

[thefreethoughtprojectcom]

The frauds at "Factcheck.org" recently "fact-checked" TFTP's own, Jason Bassler after he made a post sharing information that recently surfaced during the Fluoride hearings. Journalist Derrick Broze explains what they get wrong.

Read More: https://thefreethoughtproject.com/fake-news/fact-checking-the-fact-checkers-experts-say-fluoridated-water-not-safe-to-drink

#TheFreeThoughtProject #TFTP

[brosser-les-dents]

Is there anything I can do when crunchy things and hot/cold things have started to hurt a bit? It’s not exactly painful, but not just seamless as it was before

I brush twice a day most days (just brushing…) and haven’t really changed anything?

I did start to drink a bit more soda but always diet or zero sugar and never more than 5 a day (typically 2 or 3 12oz cans a day)

Do you brush close after drinking soda? Fizzy drinks are highly acidic just bc of the carbonation. So it could be weakening your enamel if you're brushing close after. I'd wait at least 30 min after drinking soda before brushing or even a full hour after.

You might want to consider cutting back on the soda as well, even though it's sugar free, that acidity can be hard on your teeth. Or at least sip water along with your soda to try and reduce how much acidity sits on your teeth.

To help with the sensitivity, try a fluoride rinse or mouthwash after you brush your teeth. Just spit and do not rinse or eat for a half hour after using it and the fluoride might help recalcify your enamel.

Never experienced the crunch being not good though. That might point to something more happening. Maybe inflammation if you're not flossing or cleaning between your teeth?

Tagging in @nothingiswrongwithyourarmrests for thoughts.

I hope that helps!

Remember to brush and floss, everyone!

[berylian]

Depression life hack:

Do you have trouble getting out of bed to brush your teeth? Or have trouble brushing your teeth in general? I feel you, brushing your teeth has a lot of steps. What if you could boil it down to one?

Consider: dry brush your teeth. This helps get the big particles out so they don't build up and create plaque and irritate your gums / cause cavities. This is honestly the most important part of dental hygiene, toothpaste be damned.

Take that a step further -or, backwards? Why should you have to go all the way to the bathroom if you're not gonna rinse? Just keep your tooth brush by your bed. Now you don't have to get up, it's right there and you don't have to deal with toothpaste or water on your face. If you can swish with water or something after to make sure all the loose stuff is out, that's good too. (I literally just swallow it)

Upping the game a bit: when brushing with toothpaste just spit it out. Don't bother with rinsing. I have special prescription fluoride toothpaste I'm not supposed to rinse out, and since I removed that step it's been SO much easier to brush my teeth. It takes a little getting used to but you won't notice it after a while. And ofc you can bring that to your bed too. Maybe keep a lil cup or trashcan to spit into.

Other options: alcohol free mouthwash (the fluoride stuff). If brushing is too much work, just swish some mouthwash. But also if brushing is too much work I'd recommend an electric. It's worth it, teeth are much more expensive.

Get a smaller toothbrush. Try a kid's toothbrush, they're smaller and softer bristled so it's easier on your gums and easier to brush your back teeth. This can help with texture issues.

Get some floss picks. If you think you can manage a normal roll, go for it. If not I highly recommend the picks. Takes all the stress and dexterity out of trying to keep the floss tensioned. (I'd suggest picks with a slightly wavy handle, the straight ones are a little harder to maneuver).

Final, easiest option: try to swish some water around after eating anything. It'll help remove loose food and neutralize sugars/acids. My dentist told me to do this (in addition to everything else) so it's a good fall back.

In summary: brushing your teeth is honestly really difficult if you're depressed or chronically ill and or disabled. There's no shame in that. So fuck the rules: brush in bed, rinse in the kitchen, floss at the dinner table.

Hopefully you can try just one of these suggestions to make things easier for you. You don't have to do all of them. In fact, that'd be completely counter to the point.

TL;DR

Dry brush, no water or toothpaste

Dry brush in bed

Don't rinse after using toothpaste, just spit it out

Same thing but in bed (maybe get a cup)

Use alcohol free fluoride mouthwash (or whatever you can get)

Can also be done in bed (again, get a cup)

Get a smaller, softer toothbrush (kids brush)

And/ or an electric toothbrush (try a kid's brush)

Get floss picks (keep by your bed)

If you can't do any of these, just rinse with water after eating.

Remember, anything is better than nothing!

This is all fairly cheap too! Prices under the cut.

You can get 4-6 kids toothbrushes for like, 5$. They come in more colors too so it's more fun :)

You can get kid's (and some adult) electric toothbrushes for 10-20$. Try and make sure you get one that comes with the replacement heads in the package.

Alcohol free fluoride mouthwash is about 8-12$

You can get packs of 75-150 floss picks for like, 5$

I'd recommend sensodyne complete protection as a toothpaste bc it covers all the bases and isn't too harsh. It can be 8-15$ depending on where you go.

You should also try to change your toothbrush every 3-4 months, especially if it's worn down.

[magnetothemagnificent]

What’s the deal with fluoride free toothpaste? Is fluoride bad?

Fluoride isn't bad, in fact, it's good for you! Fluoride is essential for the development of strong and healthy enamel. Many cities even treat their water supply with fluoride for this reason, and children will often have fluoride treatments at the dentist or general care physician.

The only times fluoride-free toothpaste is maybe a good idea is for children's toothpaste, since fluoride in large quantities can be harmful and children may be more likely to regularly swallow toothpaste.

However.....fluoride "overdose" requires ingesting a very very large quantity of fluoride, and is very rare since the amount of fluoride in toothpaste and in drinking water is quite low. Parents should be helping their young children brush their teeth anyway, so there's no risk of a child swallowing an excessive amount of toothpaste if there is an adult supervising.

[machinedramon]

people seem to be having fun with polls and I wanted to join in

these are all thoroughly debunked conspiracy theories that people have said to me in complete sincerity that live rent free in my head and now they can live in yours too

[darkmaga-retard]

Story at-a-glance

A 2024 National Toxicology Program review found consistent evidence linking higher fluoride exposure to lower IQ in children, raising concerns about current water fluoridation practices in the U.S.

Prenatal fluoride exposure has been associated with increased behavioral problems in children by age 3, including symptoms related to ADHD, autism and anxiety

Research suggests fluoride exposure during pregnancy may alter fetal proteins related to oxidative stress, inflammation and organ function, even at levels considered safe for water fluoridation

Multiple studies have linked prenatal fluoride exposure to reduced IQ scores and poorer cognitive performance in children, with effects seen at levels common in fluoridated water supplies

To reduce fluoride exposure, consider using high-quality water filters, opting for fluoride-free dental products and being aware of other sources like tea. Breastfeeding or using filtered water for formula is recommended