Penmanship.

Greetings to you, my dear reader. Or if there is even one.

I haven't been able to update my blog due to full calendars. I also realized that I don't know how to build a blog network (I don't even know how to follow blogs) but I can write. A few days ago, I attended a retreat in search for the answers to my life's questions and in an attempt to reconnect with God. I was successful with the latter but the former doesn't happen overnight. Also, during the retreat I was given a journal. I really like the quality of the paper and it comes very handy. And I want to transform these beautiful papers into beautiful pages by writing beautiful thoughts.

In a journal, we scribble very personal things and I was thinking twice about sharing them in this blog because this is supposed to be a page of useful information, open to the public. For my private life, however, I realized it'll be a wonderful habit to keep a journal and write at least a few lessons or reflections each day. When we write down our goals, it helps us remember them well. Similarly, by taking notes on a lecture, we can easily refer back to the key takeaways. Goals (future) and lessons (past) are important elements of life (present). When it's written in ink, it becomes permanent. So, I will probably be detached from this site, channeling my thoughts to other medium. For how long? For a long while, maybe. I will try to get un-wired and go and live a full life out there. I suggest you do too.

Peace. =)

Yesterday is history. Tomorrow's a mistery. Today is a gift.

Cavities Prevention

Cavities are decayed areas of your teeth that develop into tiny openings or holes. Cavities, also called tooth decay, are caused by a combination of factors, including not cleaning your teeth well, frequent snacking and sipping sugary drinks.

If cavities aren't treated, they get larger and the decay can become severe enough to cause serious toothache pain, infection, tooth loss and other complications. You probably know that regular dental visits and good brushing and flossing habits go a long way toward preventing cavities and tooth decay. But you may be surprised to learn that cheese may also help prevent cavities, and that potato chips may be more harmful than a candy bar. Detecting and treating cavities and tooth decay early can save you pain and expense later — as well as your teeth.

Good oral and dental hygiene can help prevent cavities and tooth decay. Follow these tips to help prevent cavities:

• Brush after eating or drinking.
Brush your teeth at least twice a day and ideally after every meal, using fluoride-containing toothpaste. To clean between your teeth, floss or use an interdental cleaner. If you can't brush after eating, at least try to rinse your mouth with water.
• Rinse your mouth.
If your dentist feels you are at higher risk of developing a cavity, using a fluoridated mouth rinse can help reduce your risk.
• Visit your dentist regularly.
Get professional tooth cleanings and regular oral exams, which can help prevent problems or spot them early. Your dentist can recommend a schedule for your situation.
• Consider dental sealants.
A sealant is a protective plastic coating that's applied to the chewing surface of back teeth — sealing the grooves in the teeth most likely to get cavities. The sealant protects tooth enamel from plaque and acid. Sealants can help both children and adults. Sealants last for several years before they need to be replaced.
• Drink some tap water.
Adding fluoride to public water supplies has helped decrease tooth decay significantly. But today, many people drink bottled water that doesn't contain fluoride.
• Eat tooth-healthy foods.
Some foods and beverages are better for your teeth than others. Avoid foods that get stuck in grooves and pits of your teeth for long periods, such as chips, candy or cookies. Instead, eat food that protects your teeth, such as cheese, which some research shows may help prevent cavities, as well as fresh fruits and vegetables, which increase saliva flow, and unsweetened coffee, teas and sugar-free gum, which wash away food particles.
• Consider fluoride treatments.
Your dentist may recommend a fluoride treatment, especially if you aren't getting enough fluoride naturally, such as through fluoridated drinking water. In a fluoride treatment, your dentist applies concentrated fluoride to your teeth for several minutes. You can also use fluoridated toothpaste or mouthwash.
• Ask about antibacterial treatments.
Some people are especially vulnerable to tooth decay, perhaps because of medical conditions, for instance. In these cases, your dentist may recommend special mouth rinses or other antibacterial treatments to cut down on harmful bacteria in your mouth.

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