Work For It!

Tired Dogs are Good, Healthy Dogs

Just as we need daily exercise, our dogs need exercise. Combining the two is perfection. If you and your dog are cut out for running, you’ll definitely meet each of your daily cardio needs.

Walk, Walk, Walk

Daily walks are a great place to start when it comes to exercising with your dog. While walking may not be enough to significantly raise your heart rate, experts agree – some exercise is better than none. And of course, there’s good old fetch and tossing the Frisbee, both of which are sure to get your dog moving and make you both a little happier.

Other Exercises You Can Do With Your Furry Friend

Dog owner and lover Tricia Murphy Madden and her Cocker Spaniel, Mona Lica, came up with the idea for “My Best Friend’s Workout” for pets and their parents.

Tricia is avid exercise enthusiast and absolutely believes in the power of having a pet in your life. She is an ACE and AFAA certified fitness instructor, continuing education provider and star of 6 highly acclaimed commercial DVDs. Tricia is a master trainer for Beaming, Gymstick, Gliding and Bender Ball Training Systems. Mona Lica is the pet that changed her life.

According to the My Best Friend’s Workout website, this workout is designed to help dog owners increase the intensity of their daily dog walk. The workout is all about the dog owner, but the pet will benefit from the exercise as well.

My Best Friend’s Workout program teaches the pet owner how to make the daily walk an effective total body workout.  In small increments throughout the day, dog owners everywhere can fit in their workout while giving love and attention to their best friend.

Have FUN!

Here is another fun way to have a  great workout with your fuzzy canine companion.  Get creative with the fun you can have exercising with your dog.

Early Childhood Cavities a Serious Concern

Many parents and doctors alike are likely to shrug off the idea of children having serious dental issues simply because a child’s teeth look beautiful. While it’s only mandatory in most states that children have a dental exam before they attend school, dentists prefer to see children twice a year starting at age 1.

School Days Missed

Serious tooth decay has been blamed for fifty million school days missed each year and even for behavior problems in children who cannot articulate that they have a tooth ache.

Even beautiful-looking smiles can have decay lurking. Take your kids to the dentist every six months and make sure they are brushing and flossing properly.

Preventative Oral Care

Add oral care probiotics to your children’s brushing regimen to add extra protection against an overgrowth of harmful bacteria in the mouth.

Follow EvoraKids on Twitter!

Look for the Hottest New Pet Product at the Hottest Pet Expo!

Teddy’s Pride Joins New Product Showcase at Global Pet Expo

Teddy’s Pride Oral Care Probiotics will make its debut at the annual Global Pet Expo at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando March 25 – 27. This is the first year the product will be on display at the pet industry’s largest annual trade show.

When pet-store owners attend the Global Pet Expo looking for the hottest new products to offer their customers, they’ll find Teddy’s Pride highlighted in the show’s New Products Showcase, where show promoters say promise that if it’s hot, it can be found in the New Products Showcase.

Show-goers can even vote for their favorite products in the section.

The Global Pet Expo is presented by the American Pet Products Association and Pet Industry Distributors Association. The 2009 Show featured 779 exhibitors, 2,306 booths and more than 3,000 new product launches.

4,100 pet product buyers from around the world attended, choosing the products they know their customers – and their customers’ pets – will be wild for.

You’ll find Teddy’s Pride at Booth Number 3960

Teddy’s Pride™ Oral Care is an innovative new product to answer the age-old question – how can I improve my cat or dog’s breath and give them cleaner, whiter teeth?

This innovative new product is a simple pet probiotic sprinkle that eliminates bad breath. Tell your local pet stores to check out this one-of-a-kind-product that truly eliminates bad breath.

A New Answer for Oral Health

Probiotics to the Rescue

Despite the perpetual advent of a new type of toothbrush – from flossing toothbrushes, to toothbrushes angled just-so, to disposable “spin” brushes – adults and children alike continue to have oral health issues.

In fact, according to the American Dental Association , about 70 percent of American adults have some form of periodontal (gum) disease, leaving the door wide open for many other diseases, including diabetes, kidney failure and heart disease.

Obviously the invention of hundreds of different kind of toothbrushes, mouthwashes that claim to wipe out 99.9% of bacteria, whitening tooth flosses, and toothpastes that claim to do everything from protect teeth for hours after brushing to reducing tooth sensitivity, Americans’ teeth are just not getting any healthier.

What’s the Problem with Americans’ Teeth?

It seems one of the biggest problems is that many Americans simply aren’t flossing, or are flossing occasionally and calling it good enough. In fact, only about 10 percent of Americans floss daily. Passing on the floss means that major portions of the teeth and gums aren’t getting cleaned, regardless of how often we brush. Flossing cleans about 30 percent of the tooth’s surfaces.

Clean Teeth is About More Than Removing Food Particles

Most of us think of tooth brushing as a means to remove food and plaque from our tooth surfaces. The fact is, food and plaque alone don’t cause tooth decay or periodontal disease. These conditions are caused by harmful bacteria that lives in the plaque on tooth surfaces and below the gum line.

Removing leftover food particles from these areas certainly helps, as the bacteria thrives on leftover bits of food trapped in the plaque and between teeth. But without the harmful bacteria known as S. mutans, there would be far less of a problem with food trapped on and between teeth.

Just as certain beneficial bacteria – called probiotics – are used to balance bacteria in the gut to improve gut health, dental researchers have discovered that certain probiotics are highly effective at bringing levels of S. mutans into a range where they cannot cause harm.

Oral probiotics are a promising new field of research when it comes to improving the oral health of Americans.

How the Bacteria in Your Pets’ Mouths Affects Their Organ Health

What’s Going On in Your Pets’ Mouth?

Periodontal disease is caused by the accumulation of dental plaque and inflammation of the tissues in the mouth. When the gums become inflamed, enzymes start to break down the connective tissues surrounding the teeth. This breakdown of tissues allows harmful bacteria that naturally reside in your pets’ mouths to pass through the tissue and into the bloodstream, where it can affect the liver, kidneys and heart.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association , 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats show signs of oral disease by age three – a startling statistic for sure.

How Do You Know if Your Pet Has Periodontal Disease?

The hallmark symptom of periodontal disease in pets is bad breath. I’m not talking about run-of-the-mill dog or cat breath, but the kind of breath that makes you turn your head away when your kitty or pooch comes looking for a smooch.

If you mention that breath to your vet, he’s likely to recommend that you brush your pets’ teeth – a task that can be messy and stressful for both you and your pet.

Is There Another Way to Improve My Pets’ Breath?

Actually, there’s a very simple way to eliminate stinking breath. By adding pet oral probiotics to your pets’ food once daily, you can improve the population of good bacteria in your pets’ mouths.

These beneficial bacteria – or probiotics – eat the same foods and populate the same areas of the mouth as harmful bacteria. When you give the beneficial bacteria the upper hand, they return the favor by pushing out the harmful bacteria. And with that, viola! Bye-bye bad breath.

Follow Teddy’s Pride on Twiter.

In the Spotlight

EvoraKids in Hygienetown

We’re very proud to learn that EvoraKids, Oral Care Probiotics for Children ages 3 -10, is in the product spotlight this week for Hygienetown’s digital newsletter and on the Hygienetown website.

Hygienetown’s digital newsletter keeps dental hygienists on the cutting edge of their professions.

Written for hygienists as a source of peer education, the Hygienetown website features monthly profiles of dental companies, forums for dental professionals to discuss certain subjects and a monthly poll on various hygiene topics, including Periodontal Therapy, Surgery, Oral Cancer and Clinical Presentations.

Hygienetown is a place for hygienists to share experiences, challenges and tips with others in their professions, as well as a place for hygienists to earn online continuing education credits.

EvoraKids is an innovative new product from Oragenics. This one-of-a-kind oral care probiotic chew contains the patent-pending ProBiora3 blend of probiotics that crowd out harmful bacteria and support tooth health.

EvoraKids reaches where toothbrushes and floss can’t – into the crevices on the pits and fissures in the chewing surfaces of teeth. Because it’s difficult to know how well children are brushing their teeth, EvoraKids offers parents peace of mind that they have taken the extra step needed ensure happier smiles.

The beneficial bacteria found in EvoraKids are natural residents in very healthy mouths. Using EvoraKids daily ensures that the beneficial bacteria have the upper hand in maintaining a healthy bacterial balance in your children’s mouths.

Our thanks go out to Hygienetown for the EvoraKids shout-out!

Why Does My Child Have Cavities?

The Common Cause of Cavities

If you’re among the thousands of parents who has learned lately that your child has a cavity or two, it’s likely you’re wondering what happened, especially if you’ve stressed the importance of good brushing habits, or you check your children’s teeth after brushing to ensure they’ve done a good job.

Unfortunately, the common cause of cavities isn’t visible to the human eye. Tooth decay  (or cavities) takes place in a tooth when the tooth’s enamel has been compromised, resulting in a hole or tooth cavity.

The primary cause of tooth decay is bacteria that eat the same foods we do and thrive on sugars in foods and drinks. These harmful bacteria release acids, responsible for the breakdown of minerals in children’s teeth.

Good Ways to Avoid Cavities

Brushing twice daily for two to three minutes is the first step in keeping teeth healthy and cavity free. The length of time spent brushing is an area that is commonly overlooked. When brushing, sometimes two to three minutes seems awfully long. The best way to be sure your kids are brushing long enough is to use a timer.

Flossing is another key. If we parenting think brushing for two to three minutes is a chore, then flossing is generally problematic. Flossing is important because it helps release food particles lodged between teeth and below the gum line. Removing these bits of food means you’re not leaving behind food for the harmful bacteria to munch away.

Add Probiotics

Formulated to compete with harmful bacteria both for nutrients and for space, oral probiotics for children, are naturally pushing out harmful bacteria. Using oral care probiotics twice daily will keep their populations high enough to keep harmful bacteria in check.

Don’t let a little cavity scare you too much – consider it a wake-up call that your children’s teeth need a little more TLC.

Follow EvoraKids on Twitter!

Another Reason to Choose Green Tea

New Research Suggests Green Tea Supports Gum Health

Tea lovers aren’t the only ones who are over the moon for green tea – researchers are too!

A 2009 study published in the Journal of Periodontology reported that those who drink green tea have better gum health than those who don’t, and that those who drink more green tea have better gum health than those who drink less.

“It has been long speculated that green tea possesses a host of health benefits,” said study author Dr. Yoshihiro Shimazaki of Kyushu University in Fukuoka, Japan, as published on Science Daily . “And since many of us enjoy green tea on a regular basis, my colleagues and I were eager to investigate the impact of green tea consumption on periodontal health, especially considering the escalating emphasis on the connection between periodontal health and overall health.”

Reduced Inflammation Means Healthier Gums

Researchers believe that green tea’s ability to reduce inflammation may contribute to the study participants’ decreased levels of periodontal disease. Furthermore, researchers said that same ability to reduce inflammation might actually improve the gum health of those who drink green tea.

Researchers found that as little as one cup of green tea per day can significantly improve gum health, but that those who drink more tended to have even healthier gums.

Many researchers are looking for ways to improve periodontal health, as numerous studies have proven that poor gum health is linked to other serious health conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease and kidney disease.

To learn helpful tips on oral health care, please follow Linda on Twitter!

How to Choose a Dog that Fits Your Family’s Needs

Picking the Right Pooch for Your Family

Choosing a new dog is a major commitment – not all dogs are right for all families.

By taking the time to find out what type of dog is best for your family’s lifestyle and needs, you can save yourself and the dog a lot of heartache.

Research Breeds

Even if you’re planning to get your dog from a shelter, spend plenty of time identifying what type of breed is best for your family. Some families spend a lot of time playing sports outdoors – these families generally can meet the needs of a dog whose energy demands are high.

On the other hand, if your kids are more the indoor, quiet-reader type, you’ll want to find a breed that is known for being a good indoor dog.

Take Your Time

Puppy love usually hits hard and fast. Just because your heart (or your children’s hearts) is screaming “yes, yes, yes, this one!” doesn’t mean you should get the first dog you fall in love with. It’s important to spend some time with the dog before you bring it home to ensure it’s the right dog for your family.

Regardless of whether you’re getting the dog from a shelter, a pet store or a breeder, generally a partial payment or deposit will ensure they will keep the dog for you until your mind is made up.

Consider Your Own Circumstances

This is a big one. If you really, really like big dogs but live in a small house with not much yard to speak of, you probably shouldn’t get a big dog. Big dogs need lots of yard to roam in.  Big dogs in small houses with small yards need long walks daily.

Can your family commit to that?

If you’re in an apartment that allows pets, consider the needs of your neighbors – getting a dog that barks a lot might harm your relationships with your neighbors and put you on the bad side of property management.

Enjoy the Fun

Bringing a new dog into the family is super exciting. Let the entire family get in on the action, choosing all the supplies and toys you’ll need to bring home the new family member!

For fun helpful tips like these, be sure to follow Teddy’s Pride on Facebook and Twitter!

The Scare of the Chair

Calming Your Children’s Fears of the Dentist

Some kids are just scared of the dentist. Where they learned to be afraid of the dentist is anyone’s guess – they may have picked up on a parent or caregiver’s anxiety; they may have seen something dramatic or scary on television; or they may simply fear what the dentist represents.

If your children are afraid of visiting the dentist, try seeing the dentist office through their eyes. Is it too loud? Do they dislike the bright light shining in their faces? Are they afraid of the dentist or hygienist’s goggles or masks?

What Can You Do To Ease Your Children’s Fears of the Dentist?

Plan ahead and Have Fun!

Call the dentist’s office and request an appointment where the children will get acquainted with the office and what happens there. Let them play with the water squirter and suction; give them cool shades to wear in the chair; explain what they are seeing and hearing. At the end of the visit, see if the kids will let the dentist or hygienist take a peek inside their mouths (to see if any cavities are visible) and count their teeth. Have the hygienist blow up glove balloons for them as a reward for letting the dentist count their teeth.

Sometimes a visit like this, where the children are relaxed and feel completely safe, is all it will take to set their minds at ease the next time they need a cleaning.

Get Them Used To the Feeling

For some children, lying back in the chair and having the metal instruments rattled around in their mouths. An easy way to prepare them for this feeling is to sit on the couch with their head in your lap, while you move a metal spoon around inside their mouths. This may take a couple of tries, but getting your children used to the feeling of lying back and letting someone put a metal instrument in their mouths can help them overcome a fear of the dentist.

Don’t Let Them Hear You Talk About Avoiding the Dentist

Children are keen observers. If they are aware of your fears of the dentist, they, too, will become afraid of the dentist. Even if  you simply think it’s unpleasant to visit the dentist, be sure to put on a good front. One thing to do is to rave about how great your mouth feels right after a cleaning at the dentist’s office.

Make Sure They’re Brushing and Flossing

Remind your children that good brushing and flossing habits will help improve their experience at the dentist. Give your kids an oral probiotic to support tooth health.

Taking steps to acknowledge and honor your children’s fears of the dentist can be the first step toward a lifetime of good oral health.

Follow EvoraKids on Twitter!