| August 3, 2026 |
NatNews |
ISSUE 229 |
DON'T FORGET TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR TEETH
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Those pearly whites of yours play a more significant role than looking pretty when you smile for the camera. In fact, the actual health of a person’s teeth is impactful in a number of ways. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 34 million school hours and 92 million work hours are lost each year as a result of unplanned and emergency dental care services, and more than 20% of adults between the ages of 20 to 64 have at least one untreated cavity. Quality oral health is about more than simply avoiding cavities, though. Trevor Shewski, DDS, owner of Star Ranch Dental, said routine care is the most important component of properly caring for one’s teeth. “This includes brushing two times a day (with an electric toothbrush, preferably), flossing, and being regular about dental check-ups and cleanings,” Dr. Shewski said. “These are the no-brainer, boring answers, though, so if I were to choose one thing in addition to these that most people don’t think about, it’s rinsing with plenty of water throughout the day.” And when it comes to brushing one’s teeth, simply going back and forth across your grill like a choo-choo train (if that’s what you were taught if a dental hygienist also came to visit your classroom in kindergarten) won’t necessarily do the trick. “Technique is most important—covering all surfaces of the teeth, including the gum line,” Dr. Shewski said. “It’s also important to use an electric toothbrush with soft bristles and brush for the full 2 minutes.” There are certainly a variety of toothpastes from which to choose, and if you’re not a 3-year-old, you might not be able to use a bubble-gum-flavored one. As Dr. Shewski noted, individuals should look for toothpastes made with fluoride, a naturally occurring mineral most commonly found in water that helps prevent and fight cavities and reduce bacteria growth in the mouth. |
“There are so many good brands out there, and effectiveness can vary based on differences in oral bacteria, plaque content, diet, and even allergies,” he said. “Most importantly, I’d recommend a brand that has fluoride in it. Some people even need prescription-strength fluoride or sensitivity toothpastes.” Appearance of one’s teeth is also a concern for many people, creating an increase in cosmetic teeth whitening, whether through in-office treatments or at-home applications, according to the American Dental Association and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Dr. Shewski noted that teeth-whitening products are typically not harmful, though it’s important to follow the instructions and recommended durations. “I would say most, not all, whitening products are safe and effective in moderation,” he said. “If you overdo it, you’ll end up with a lot of sensitivity that can be no fun.” While many individuals are aware of the fact that they should be brushing their teeth at least twice a day, flossing daily (whether they actually do or not), and visiting the dentist for routine check-ups twice a year (as Shewski mentioned previously), not everyone fully understands how much dental hygiene impacts a person in areas outside of the mouth. Taking care of one’s teeth isn’t simply a matter of avoiding cavities and other extensive (and often expensive) dental procedures—it’s also essential for one’s overall health and well-being. “The mouth is the gateway into our bodies,” Dr. Shewski said. “Harmful bacteria from rampant cavities or chronic gum disease can travel from our mouths into our bloodstreams. This connection has been linked to increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, pregnancy risks, and brain health, among many others.” |
DID YOU KNOW?
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In America’s colonial era, lobster was seen as the “cockroach of the sea” and was fed to prisoners. |
DIRTY SODAS MAKING A CLEAN SWEEP
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Once again, social media has popularized something that previous generations essentially invented long ago. Though Sonic has a longtime history of mixing in flavors with its sodas, and kids (and some adults) are well-versed in mixing any or all sodas together when left to their own devices in front of beverage dispensers, the last few years have seen a rise in popularity of dirty sodas. Dirty sodas, which are fountain sodas spiked with cream, flavored syrups, and other add-ins, became popular via TikTok in 2022 and were also made more common as the signature drinks in The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives. Originating in St. George, Utah, in 2010 and priding itself as the creator of the dirty soda, Swig now has more than 100 locations (including 20 throughout the DFW metroplex) throughout the nation and continues to expand. Swig also offers mixed-flavor beverages that aren’t cream in nature and meant to be more refreshing, and several other fast-food restaurants and additional establishments offer such options now, as well. For many individuals, having so many different choices and being able to change it up a bit when desired is quite appealing. “For me personally, I’m a beverage girly,” Dallas-area resident Libby Shewski said. “I like to have a different beverage with me at all times, and when I go to Swig, it’s a special treat. I usually get a refresher, which is water with flavors mixed in, and it’s delicious.” Dallas resident Liz Orozco is also a fan of Swig and enjoys being able to take her three kids there to enjoy what she described as drink options that are “so yummy.” “I like creating different flavors,” she said. “We actually had a dirty soda bar at my work, and it was a hit.” Orozco added that she is glad to see dirty sodas and other mixed-flavor beverages becoming more popular and places like Swig continuing to increase in more locations. “I think it is a fun trend, and I think it will stick around,” she said. “I think the style is an expansion of something similar to a root beer float by adding additional ingredients to your soda.”
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Shewski acknowledged the aforementioned notion that the rise of such drinks has been the result of social media as well as their key role in The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, and she appreciates the creativity that standard fountain drinks and dispensers don’t offer. “I don’t think I ever knew what flavors to mix together myself, and Swig already has a menu of what goes well together,” she said. “It’s also so hot in Texas right now, which makes a cold drink taste that much better.” Like Orozco, Shewski said she believes that dirty sodas and mixed drinks are part of a trend that’s becoming a norm. “I think millennials love having a drink—whether it’s iced coffee or some sort of beverage—because it’s something fun to look forward to,” she said. “I also think mocktails are in right now, as well.” Recent research found that Americans are consuming alcohol less than in the past, with 54 percent of U.S. adults indicating they drink—a record low in Gallup’s almost 91-year polls. As a result, and as Shewski noted, mocktails are on the rise (and can often cost as much or more as beverages containing alcohol). And as Shewski noted, drinks such as dirty and mixed-flavor sodas are welcomed novelties to many individuals. “It’s different, it’s new, and having a dirty soda makes you feel like you’re on vacation,” she said. It’s also important to acknowledge the nostalgia such drinks offer people who likely remember standing in front of a soda fountain dispenser and putting a little bit of each beverage in their cups or opting for other unique drinks that simply felt a bit more special because they were slightly different. “I remember always ordering a Shirley Temple when I was a kid,” Orozco said. “Now you can do the same with Sprite and any other syrups and flavors you prefer.” WEEKLY PHOTO OP     .jpg)  Great power, great responsibility and whatnot |
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