Composters & Composting FAQ

Composters & Composting Frequently Answered Questions

Oral Care FAQ’s

What is tooth decay?

Tooth decay, also known as dental caries, is a disease of the teeth that affects individuals of all ages, although it is more common in children and young adults. Dental caries occurs when the tooth enamel is destroyed. Decay begins at the tooth’s hard external surface, and may advance to internal structures of the tooth including the dentin and pulp. The earlier decay is treated, the better chance of saving the tooth.

How does it happen?

The bacteria inside of the mouth changes the food (primarily sugars and starches) we eat into acids. Over a period of time, the bacteria and acids form a sticky deposit called dental plaque that clings to the teeth. If the plaque is not removed, the acids will destroy the tooth’s enamel surface –resulting in holes or cavities. Sugar and starches (such as candy, cakes, cookies, milk and pop) are responsible for much of tooth decay, but sour or acidic foods (such as lemons and fruit juices), also contribute to decay because they change the pH (acidity level) in the mouth. If left untreated, the decay will progress and can lead to tooth infection. Children’s teeth primarily decay in the grooves. In addition to the grooves, older adults decay in other areas, including the roots of the teeth, which may be exposed as a result of receding gums.

How do you prevent tooth decay?

Taking good care of your teeth, eating nutritious foods and visiting the dentist on a regular basis will help prevent cavities. Here are some guidelines for preventing tooth decay:

• Brushing twice a day with a toothpaste
• Cleaning between the teeth daily with floss
• Cleaning the teeth and gums daily with a Hydro Floss® oral irrigator
• Eat well-balanced meals and limit snacking
• Visit the dentist on a regular basis for check-ups and cleanings.

If brushing is not possible, the next best thing is to rinse the mouth with water to neutralize the acids and change the pH level in the mouth, which may curb tooth decay.

When should you contact a dentist?

At least every six months for a cleaning and a thorough examination. You should consult a dentist if you experience any problems or need emergency care.

What is gingivitis?

Gingivitis is an inflammation or infection of the gums (gingiva) that is an early stage of periodontal disease (gum disease). Healthy gums appear pink in color. Gingivitis causes the gums to become inflamed and swollen and bleed easily when they are brushed or flossed. Gingivitis is reversible and there is no permanent damage to the gums or teeth when treated early. If allowed to progress, the infection can advance below the gum line and cause periodontal disease. Gum disease, left untreated, can destroy the soft tissue, bone and ligaments that support the teeth. Teeth may become loose and then fall out. Periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.

Why does it occur?

Gingivitis often results from poor oral health care. Individuals who do not brush or floss their teeth regularly or correctly; increase their chances of developing gingivitis.

How does it happen?

A combination of bacteria, saliva and acids in the mouth form a sticky deposit called dental plaque that clings to the teeth. Plaque that is not removed from the teeth hardens into hard calculus (tartar), which irritate the gums.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms include gums that are tender, red and swollen. The gums may bleed when brushed or flossed, and it can also cause bad breath. In some cases, there may be no obvious symptoms.

How do you treat gingivitis?

If you have inflamed gums or your teeth bleed during brushing or flossing, you need to visit a dentist or periodontist. The first step is to have the teeth cleaned professionally to remove the soft plaque and tartar. Brushing and flossing at home cannot remove the hard deposits or calculus. Oral irrigating with the Hydro Floss® will help soften the hard deposits or calculus.

How do you prevent gingivitis?

• Brush your teeth twice a day to remove the bacteria from the teeth.
• Use the Hydro Floss® oral irrigator daily to remove bacteria and food.
• Eat a well-balanced diet and limit between-meal snacks.
• Visit your dentist on a regular basis for an exam and cleaning.

What is orthodontics?

Orthodontics is the specialty of dentistry that involves the treatment of malocclusion, which is when the upper and lower teeth or jaw do not meet correctly. Individuals may need to be treated by an orthodontist if they have problems with their bite (such as an over or under bite), crooked teeth or overcrowding in the mouth. An orthodontist may move the teeth into position or correct the bite using braces, which are appliances bonded to the teeth and use brackets, wires, rubber bands or other ways of moving the teeth. An orthodontist may also use removable appliances to reposition the teeth. In more serious cases, a patient may need jaw surgery to align the bite. Children and adults can be treated for malocclusion. A dentist or orthodontist can perform an initial evaluation to determine if braces are needed.

What if the teeth are not straightened?

Left untreated, an individual may suffer from chewing or jaw (TMJ or temporomandibular joint) problems because the bite is off, increased tooth decay because teeth may be difficult to clean or gum disease. An individual with crooked teeth and an unattractive smile may suffer from low self-esteem, social problems or even depression.

What are the types of problems?

There are three main types of malocclusions, including:

Type 1. The upper and lower jaw are proportionally related from front to back, but there are problems with the teeth lining up straight within the jaws.

Type 2. The upper jaw is too far forward and/or the lower jaw is too far back resulting in an overbite, and ther may also be problems with alignment of teeth.

Type 3. The upper jaw is too far back and/or the lower jaw is too far forward resulting in an under bite, and the teeth may also be crooked.

How long will treatment take?

It’s impossible for an orthodontist to project the actual treatment time. In most cases, however, treatment will range from 15 to 48 months for those with severe problems. In calculating total treatment time, the “resting stages” between multi-stage treatment periods (when the teeth are not actually being moved), should not be included. If a patient does not follow instructions from the dentist, treatment may take longer. If the interceptive stage is a success, subsequent stages may be avoided. An orthodontist develops a tailored treatment plan for each patient.

How effective is treatment on adults?

More and more adults are getting braces. There is an array of treatment options for adults on the market - including ceramic braces and removable appliances - but they may have limited applicability and effectiveness. Many dentists report that metal braces are still the most effective and least expensive option.

Juicer FAQ’s

Did you know you can make frozen fruit ice-cream in a juicer! How about which juicer is best for wheatgrass? Our most commonly asked questions about juicers are answered here.

Trace Mineral Drops - FAQ's

Why is ConcenTrace so powerful?

Coming from the Great Salt Lake, ConcenTrace contains the full spectrum of all the minerals in a balance natural to the body. We use a completely natural process that removes the sodium and gives us a formula about 26 times more concentrated than any other liquid trace minerals on the market. No other health supplement is as naturally powerful.

How long will a bottle of TMC last?

At 1/4 teaspoon daily - 6 month supply. Increased dosages are safe if needed or desired, but larger amounts may have a laxative effect. Re-introduce the essential trace minerals of reverse osmosis, de-ionized, or distilled water. Add 20-40 drops per gallon, or to taste, to get the flavor of expensive mineral water while adding a complete, balanced spectrum of low sodium minerals and trace minerals. At 20 drops, (1/4 teaspoon) per gallon, 8 oz. will remineralise 192 gallons.

What minerals are contained in TMC?

1/2 teaspoon provides in naturally occurring varying trace amounts; Calcium, Carbonate, Bromide, Fluoride, Iodine, Rubidium, Scandium, Boron, Phosphorus, Nickel, Manganese, Chromium, Strontium, Cobalt, Zinc, Titanium, Lanthanum, Cerium, Barium, Copper, Iron, Silicon, Yttrium, Molybdenum, Tin, Gallium, Gold, Silver, Cesium, Beryllium, Selenium, Vanadium, Dysprosium, Holmium, Terbium, Praseodymium, Lutetium, Gadolinium, Samarium, Bismuth, Ytterbium, Erbium, Europium, Neodymium, plus the other minerals found in sea water.

What Are Trace Minerals?

You may collect silver coins, wear a platinum ring, or have a gold filling. You've likely sipped tea poured from a copper kettle, eaten a cookie from a fancy tin container, or traveled on an airplane made of titanium. But did you know that these elements and many others -- in very small, balanced trace amounts -- are critical to your health? Although trace minerals are no longer as common in the foods you eat, they exist plentifully in their proper proportions in the mineral-rich waters of the earth's oceans and seas.

What Are Ionically Charged Minerals?

An ionic mineral is an element that has a charge, either positive or negative. On the molecular level, that means the element has either one too many or too few electrons. This unstable ionic state allows the element to bond readily with water, making it possible for the body to absorb it. In this state, an element has specific positive or negative electrical signatures that cause a dynamic equilibrium to take place. The body can then assimilate minor changes to move nutrients to the areas that need them

Why Ionic Minerals?

Minerals that are absorbed in their ionic form are in true liquid solution and have either positive or negative charges. They also have unique properties that distinguish them from each other and allow them to freely take part in biochemical communication throughout the body. These communications help nutrients move to those areas of the body that are in most need of their help. Imbalances of any of these ions or certain trace ions in the body can lead to dysfunction in the conduction of electrical messages. This dysfunction quickly leads to a general body disturbance and loss of ability to maintain somewhat stable internal conditions.

Where Have All the Minerals Gone?

Traditionally, eating fresh grains, fruits, and vegetables grown in nutrient-rich soil have been the primary supply for the full spectrum of ionically charged minerals. Unfortunately in today's world, naturally occurring, nutrientrich soil is becoming a thing of the past. Eons of vegetation growth and aggressive modern farming techniques have brought many of the earth's minerals to the surface where they have been washed away. Synthesized fertilizers are routinely applied to farms and fields where minerals have been depleted. But man-made fertilizers provide only enough mineral substance to support basic plant life. Numerous trace minerals so essential to human life are never replenished.

Why Is Absorption so Important?

You cannot benefit from minerals unless you can absorb them. The absorption of minerals primarily takes place within the small intestines. As food matter passes through the intestines, minerals transfer into the blood stream through the walls of the intestines. This can only happen if the minerals are ionically charged. Although stomach acid helps ionize the minerals in foods, a mineral supplement should contain already naturally ionized minerals to be fully absorbed.

Living Food Resources

A collection of recommended products and websites for a healthy home and healthy life.