Best printers for Home

Best Mixer Grinder

Best wired Earphones

Best 43 Inch TV in India

Best Wi Fi Routers

Best Home Theatre in India

Smart Watch under 5000

Best Laptops for Education

Best Laptop for Students

There are 6,061 arsenic-affected and 4,592 flouride-affected human habitations in the country, the government informed Parliament on Thursday. In a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha, Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said of the 6,061 arsenic-affected habitations, more than half or 3,115 are in <keyword id="6357783" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="West-bengal">West Bengal</keyword>, followed by 2,291 in <keyword id="6354915" type="DEFINITION" weightage="20" keywordseo="assam">Assam</keyword>, 385 in <keyword id="30033" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Bihar">Bihar</keyword> and 222 in <keyword id="6357713" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Uttar-Pradesh">Uttar Pradesh</keyword>. Of the 4,592 flouride-affected habitations, 2,820 are in <keyword id="6355588" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="rajasthan">Rajasthan</keyword>, followed by 844 in Bihar and 276 in West Bengal. Shekhawat said since August 2019, the Centre, in partnership with the states, is implementing the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) to provide potable tap water supply to every rural household in the country by 2024. "Under JJM, while planning water supply schemes to provide tap water supply to rural households, priority is given to quality-affected habitations which, inter alia, include habitations affected with <keyword id="117120" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="arsenic">arsenic</keyword> and fluoride contamination. "Accordingly, states are prioritising water supply schemes to provide potable drinking water to such habitations," Shekhawat said. In a separate statement, the Jal Shakti ministry said about 2,000 laboratories across the country have been opened up to the general public for testing their water samples at a nominal rate. The source coordinates of all water samples are captured and the water quality testing reports are generated online and sent to the citizens, along with a copy to the public health engineer concerned for immediate corrective action, if any, and also to the central database for continuous monitoring and remedial action, it said. Last week, the ministry launched a framework and guidelines for testing, monitoring and surveillance of drinking water quality as well as a Water Quality Information Management System (WQIMS), an online portal that provides detailed information of laboratories for the purpose. The guidelines specify the work to be done in terms of surveillance and monitoring at the state, district, block or tehsil and village levels. The basic water quality parameters prescribed under the guidelines are pH value, total dissolved solids, turbidity, chloride, total alkalinity, total hardness, sulphate, iron, total arsenic, fluoride, nitrate, total coliform bacteria, e.coil or thermo-tolerant coliform bacteria. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/policy/news/indias-supreme-court-looks-into-allegations-of-nearly-four-crore-ration-cards-being-cancelled-because-they-were-not-aadhaar-linked/articleshow/81570339.cms">A Dalit mother lost her ration card and then her child to starvation — her fight for justice has now become a national cause at the Supreme Court</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/international/news/japan-is-the-only-country-that-does-not-allow-same-sex-marriage-within-the-g7/articleshow/81563467.cms">Japan’s same-sex marriage ban ruled ‘unconstitutional’ as India’s LGBTQ community waits in hope</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/space/news/finnish-photographer-jp-metsavainio-took-over-a-decade-and-1000-hours-of-photography-to-create-this-picture-of-the-milky-way-and-20-million-stars/slidelist/81563516.cms">It took over a decade and 1,000 hours of photography to create this picture of the Milky Way</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/elon-musk-turns-down-1-million-for-the-tweet-he-was-selling-as-an-nft/articleshow/81546434.cms">Elon Musk turns down $1 million for the tweet he was selling as an NFT</a>

Toxic compound arsenic is present in over 6,000 human habitations in India

<ul class="summary-list"><li>TikToker @princxssglitterhead has gone viral from her transformation from toothless to gorgeous. </li><li>The mom of four experienced tooth decay and loss throughout her pregnancies. </li><li>She's sharing her experience with dentures to help other young people with tooth problems. </li></ul>A mom who lost her <keyword id="23660" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="teeth">teeth</keyword> during <keyword id="6357793" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="pregnancy">pregnancy</keyword> now uses clip-in dentures, and her transformation has <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@princxssglitterhead/video/6972352336429600005?lang=en&amp;is_copy_url=1&amp;is_from_webapp=v1ebapp=v1">gone viral on TikTok</a>. Alicia, who goes by "<a href="https://www.instagram.com/princxssglitterhead/">princxssglitterhead"</a> on <keyword id="6762469" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="TikTok">TikTok</keyword> and whose last name isn't public, experienced multiple teeth problems and repairs throughout her four pregnancies. Her before-and-after TikTok video shows her going from toothless and makeup-less to dolled up with pearly whites in order to help other young people embarrassed about their dental issues. "Once we get to a point with our teeth, we don't even envision it better," Alicia said in an earlier <a href="https://youtu.be/_gp0cKdmWHE">YouTube video</a>. "We're just too complacent, and I accepted it as my fate - you just have crappy teeth and you're never going to like 'em." <h2>Alicia experienced dental issues with each of her four pregnancies </h2>Alicia didn't have dental problems growing up, except for one front tooth that grew in small. When she got pregnant with her first baby at age 21, she experienced some toothaches but wasn't too concerned. "I had no idea how much the pregnancy was really affecting my body until I had my baby," she said on YouTube. At that point, her front two teeth broke and she got partial replacements. "It took a huge hit on me emotionally that I was losing my teeth," she said. "[My husband] married me with perfect teeth ... and then the next year his wife is missing front teeth." Alicia, now 36, had three more babies before turning 31, each one exacerbating dental issues and prompting a variety of treatments, which were limited by what she could afford. She said she remembers calling the dentist after her second baby "feeling like it was the end of my life." Then, in her early 30s, Alicia found a dentist that worked out a long-term financial plan and, over the course of about year, created the clip-in dentures she's showing off today. In all, it cost $16,900 that she's paying off over five years. "It's been over two years for me, and I'm really still feeling like so stunned that I feel like myself," she said. <h2>Hormonal changes, genetics, and nutrition can affect your teeth and gums in pregnancy </h2>Alicia said genetics and mediocre nutrition contributed to her tooth decay. She'd also feared the dentist ever since throwing up after accidentally swallowing fluoride during an appointment as a kid. "That led me to delay treatment," she said. According to the <a href="https://www.marchofdimes.org/pregnancy/dental-health-during-pregnancy.aspx">March of Dimes</a>, tooth problems can arise during pregnancy due to hormonal, diet, and behavioral changes. For instance, moms-to-be may avoid flossing or brushing their teeth much if it makes them nauseous. But diligent <keyword id="78689" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="dental-care">dental care</keyword> during pregnancy is critical to prevent cavities, <a href="https://www.insider.com/how-to-tell-youre-pregnant-looking-in-mouth-tiktok-dentist-2021-6">gingivitis (or swollen gums)</a>, tooth decay, and "pregnancy tumors" or sensitive benign lumps on the gums. Pregnant people should take care to brush their teeth twice daily, eat healthfully, and visit their dentist at least once during those nine months. If you have morning sickness, <a href="http://www.oralhealthkansas.org/Tips%20And%20Tricks/Tips%20and%20Tricks%20-%20Morning%20Sickness%20and%20Your%20Oral%20Health%20-%20English.pdf">rinse out your mouth after getting sick</a> with a water/baking soda mix or a mouthwash with flouride, and wait an hour before bruushing. Alicia recommended calcium supplements, too, and not hesitating to shop around for a dentist who will meet your needs. "It's really important that you explore your options," she said. "Just look into it. You don't have to make any decisions, just let your curiosity find you what you need. Don't be afraid to look."

A mom who lost all her teeth while pregnant is showing off her beauty transformation on TikTok to de-stigmatize dentures

<ul class="summary-list"><li>If you don't treat a <keyword id="90597" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Cavity">cavity</keyword>, the decay will penetrate your enamel and then keep going deeper to the root of your tooth.</li><li>Not treating a cavity can result in tooth damage, infection, and even tooth loss.</li><li>You should see a dentist every six months and get a cavity filled as soon as it is discovered.</li></ul>Tooth cavities are a common dental problem that can typically be resolved with a simple dental procedure, like a filling. However, when you leave a cavity untreated it can cause further decay and lead to dental complications that can be difficult to treat. <h2>What is a cavity? </h2>A cavity is a hole that develops in your tooth. Cavities form when <a href="https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/tooth-decay/more-info" target="_blank" rel="noopener">bad bacteria in your mouth are exposed to acid</a>, which typically comes from sugary or acidic foods. This demineralizes your tooth enamel, making it weak and prone to decay. What the research says: About <a href="https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/research/data-statistics/dental-caries/adults" target="_blank" rel="noopener">92%</a> of people between the age of 20 and 64 have cavities in their <keyword id="23660" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="teeth">teeth</keyword> - and 26% of them leave their cavities untreated. People who have dry mouths or don't get enough fluoride are more at risk of developing a cavity.Some symptoms of a cavity include: <ul><li>Pain </li><li>Bad breath </li><li>Inflammation of the gum around the tooth </li><li>White or brown stains on the tooth </li><li>A visible hole in your tooth </li></ul><h2>What happens if you don't treat a cavity? </h2>A cavity will not go away on its own. If you leave a cavity untreated, it only continues to grow and cause further decay to your tooth. Here's how a cavity can progress if you don't treat it:1. As a cavity forms, your enamel starts to weaken as a result of plaque buildup on your tooth. Enamel is the hard protective outer layer of your tooth. You can still avoid a cavity with flouride treatments done by your dentist. 2. When you first get a cavity, only the enamel of your tooth is affected. At this point, most people won't feel any pain or sensitivity. You'll probably only know you have a cavity through regular dental checkups. 3. If your cavity isn't treated at the enamel stage, it then decays further and spreads to the middle layer of your tooth, which is called the dentin. 4. A cavity then grows down into the innermost layer of your tooth, where it affects your pulp and nerves.5. Infected pulp can cause an abscess to form, which is typically painful and can cause temperature sensitivity. At this point, your dentist might attempt to save your tooth with a root canal, but if they can't, the tooth will need to be extracted. "If cavities are not treated, they continue to grow. Eventually, the decay will grow to a point where it undermines tooth structure and reaches the nerve of the tooth. This can cause more extensive tooth damage, infection, and tooth loss," says <a href="https://www.columbiadoctors.org/john-t-grbic-dmd" target="_blank" rel="noopener">John Grbic, DMD</a>, professor of dental medicine at Columbia University Irving Medical Center.Leaving a cavity untreated could also cause more serious complications. In very rare and extreme cases, if the infection from a decaying tooth isn't treated properly, it may spread to your brain and <a href="https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/hidden-dental-dangers-that-may-threaten-your-whole-body" target="_blank" rel="noopener">could even be fatal.</a><h2>How long can you leave a cavity untreated?</h2>You should fill a cavity immediately after discovering it. The longer you leave it, the more the decay will penetrate your tooth and increase your risk for <keyword id="6354750" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="health">health</keyword> complications. However, many people may not even know that they have a cavity until they are in severe pain or the tooth has become severely damaged. This is why regular dental checkups - every six months - are an important part of your oral hygiene routine, as your dentist is able to detect cavities at an early stage during a checkup. <h2>How to treat a cavity </h2>Cavities are treated according to the extent of damage it has caused to the tooth. At an early stage, a cavity only needs to be treated with a simple dental filling or a crown. If the cavity has gotten to the innermost layer of your tooth and affected the pulp and nerves, a root canal procedure will have to be done."Cavities are treated by removing the decayed area and replacing it with a restoration like a tooth-colored composite. If a cavity is extensive, then porcelain inlays, onlays, and crowns can be used as restorations," says Grbic.<h2>How to prevent cavities</h2>Cavities can be prevented by maintaining a good oral hygiene routine and paying a visit to your dentists regularly. While dental visits might not sound very pleasant, treating a cavity can be even more unpleasant.According to Grbic, here are some tips that can help you prevent a cavity:<ul><li>Flossing at least once a day - not just when there's food stuck between your teeth, but <a href="https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/how-to-keep-your-teeth-clean/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">before brushing your teeth</a> </li><li>Brushing at least twice a day with a <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-toothpaste" target="_blank" rel="noopener">fluoride toothpaste</a> - you should brush your teeth in the morning, night, and just after eating any sweet or acidic foods</li><li>Using <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-mouthwash" target="_blank" rel="noopener">fluoride mouthwash </a></li><li>Cutting down on the amount of sugary and acidic foods like sodas, sweets, alcohol and coffee you consume </li><li>Quitting smoking </li><li>Visiting a dentist for regular cleaning and checkups </li></ul><h2>Insider's takeaway</h2>Getting a cavity and having to visit your dentist might seem unpleasant, but it's important to treat a cavity once it is detected to prevent further decay and dental complications. If a cavity isn't treated it can cause severe pain, an infection, tooth loss, and in very rare cases, death.<h2>Related stories from <a href="https://www.insider.com/health-reference" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Health Reference</a>:</h2><ul><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/how-to-stop-grinding-teeth" target="_blank" rel="noopener">8 tips to help you stop grinding your teeth</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/does-baking-soda-whiten-teeth" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Does baking soda whiten teeth? It can, but toothpaste is a better option - here's why</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/how-to-whiten-teeth-naturally-at-home">How to whiten your teeth naturally, with at-home methods</a></li></ul>

What actually happens to your teeth if you don't treat a cavity

<ul class="summary-list"><li><keyword id="1258717" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="teeth-whitening">Teeth whitening</keyword> kits, gels, strips, and toothpaste can all be effective ways to remove stains. </li><li>To whiten teeth fast, check with your dentist about in-office teeth whitening treatments. </li><li>It's also important to brush and floss regularly, limit staining beverages, and avoid smoking to maintain white teeth. </li></ul>Many of us look in the mirror and wish for whiter teeth. But it can be hard to navigate the endless amount of teeth whitening products on the market - whitening kits, strips, toothpaste, and more. According to dentists, the best way to whiten your teeth is to brush and floss regularly and be consistent with whatever products you do choose. Here's a complete guide to teeth whitening and how you can get white teeth quickly and effectively. <h2>What to know before you start teeth whitening</h2>A consultation with your dentist is always the best first step when deciding how to whiten your teeth. Your dentist can talk through the right options for you, depending on your teeth and any prior dental work. "If you have a crown, a veneer, or a feeling, you have to remember that that's not going to whiten," says <a href="https://www.romodentalchicago.com/staff" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Genaro Romo</a>, DDS, a dentist and spokesperson for the American Dental Association. It's also important to understand what stains your teeth in the first place. Tooth injuries and <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1708-8240.1999.tb00413.x" target="_blank" rel="noopener">genetic factors</a> can cause discoloration that may be difficult to address. But there are many lifestyle behaviors that might be preventing white teeth. According to <a href="https://www.minteddental.com/meet-us">Onika Patel, DDS</a>, a dentist at Minted Dental, the main culprits of stained teeth are: <ul><li>Smoking </li><li>Drinking beverages like wine, coffee, or tea</li><li>Failing to brush your teeth regularly </li></ul>When you first address the behaviors that can stain teeth, it will significantly increase your chances of success with the following teeth whitening products. <h2>Teeth whitening kits </h2>Whitening kits involve two components: whitening gel and mouth trays. To be effective, the whitening gel should include <a href="https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Carbamide-peroxide" target="_blank" rel="noopener">carbamide peroxide</a> or <a href="https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Hydrogen-peroxide" target="_blank" rel="noopener">hydrogen peroxide</a>, which are two proven bleaching agents.You can buy teeth whitening kits over-the-counter at any local pharmacy, or you can work with your dentist to create a more personalized whitening kit for your needs. "We take impressions of your teeth and we make these trays, and you take them home," Romo says. You'll typically use the gel and trays at home for about 30 minutes a day for one or two weeks, depending on what your dentist recommends. Whitening can also be performed in the dentist's office, Romo says, and it only takes about an hour. This kind of in-office whitening is ideal for patients who don't think they would be consistent using whitening kits at home. What's the cost: At the dentist, whitening treatments cost between $300 and $800, depending on the length and type of treatment, Patel says. Over-the-counter whitening kits are typically between $20 and $50 for a full course of treatments.Though they are much cheaper, at-home whitening kits can take longer to be effective.A <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15853099/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">small clinical trial</a> from 2005 found that in-office treatment and at-home treatment could achieve similar whitening results, but the at-home treatment took an average of 16 days instead of one day with the in-office treatment. <h2>The best teeth whitening kits</h2><div type="image" title="Crest noticeably white showcase" height="417" width="556" msid="81955005" hostid="261"></div><ul><li>Best teeth whitening strips overall: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/reviews/out?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fip%2FCrest-3D-Whitestrips-Professional-Effects-Teeth-Whitening-Strips-Kit-20-Treatments%2F46480250" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow nofollow nofollow sponsored">Crest 3D White Professional Effects Whitestrips</a></li><li>Best teeth whitening kit for sensitive gums: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/reviews/out?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fip%2FOpalescence-Go-15-Mint-Whitening%2F167015464" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored nofollow sponsored nofollow sponsored">Opalescence Go 15% kit</a></li><li>Best LED teeth whitening kit: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Whitening-Hydrogen-Peroxide-Accelerator-Brighten/dp/B07GHBZ7KQ?&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=bihref_040721_teeth-whitening-20&amp;linkId=9d3a3eb0454fbf33d74af12937c2064a&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tlamp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener nofollow sponsored nofollow sponsored nofollow sponsored">SmileDirectClub Teeth Whitening Kit</a> </li><li>Best natural teeth whitening kit: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00TYJYSTM?&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=bihref_040721_teeth-whitening-20&amp;linkId=3b61135da1fa8524b481f320f47b5a53&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tlamp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow nofollow sponsored">Miswak Club Natural Teeth Whitening Kit</a></li></ul> For the full review, check out our picks for the <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-teeth-whitening-kit" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best teeth whitening kits</a>.<h2>Whitening strips </h2>Whitening strips are similar to kits, as they both include whitening gel and a mouth tray. But with strips, the gel is pre-applied to the single-use plastic. Like at-home whitening kits, Romo says the strips can be effective, though it might take longer to see results. "The gel is not as strong as what you would find at a dental office, but it will also help whiten your teeth," Romo says. <h2>Whitening toothpaste </h2>Regular tooth brushing is necessary to keep your teeth clean. While brushing with any toothpaste should help prevent tooth discoloration, whitening toothpaste can also lend an extra hand. "Some of the toothpaste can be a little bit more abrasive and it helps remove extrinsic stains," Romo says. However, some whitening toothpaste can also be too abrasive and cause teeth sensitivity. Romo and Patel recommended looking for whitening toothpaste with the American Dental Association seal, which helps ensure that it isn't too abrasive and won't damage your tooth enamel.<h2>The best whitening toothpaste </h2><div type="image" title="Sensodyne toothpaste showcase" height="300" width="600" msid="81955006" hostid="261"></div><ul><li>Best overall: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/reviews/out?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2Fcolgate-optic-white-advanced-teeth-whitening-toothpaste-sparkling-white-3-2oz-2pk%2F-%2FA-76579077" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow nofollow nofollow sponsored">Colgate Optic White Platinum Express White Toothpaste</a></li><li>Best for deep cleaning: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/reviews/out?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fip%2FCrest-3D-White-Brilliance-Whitening-Two-step-Toothpaste-4-0-Oz-and-2-3-Oz%2F45103551" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow nofollow nofollow sponsored nofollow sponsored">Crest 3D White Brilliance Teeth Whitening Two-Step System</a></li><li>Best budget: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00C7PZ20O?&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=bihref_040721_teeth-whitening-20&amp;linkId=d6fe5aac8f4adc5d07ede5cac255b735&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tlamp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow nofollow sponsored">Arm &amp; Hammer Advance White Extreme Whitening Toothpaste</a></li><li>Best for sensitive teeth: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/reviews/out?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fip%2FSensodyne-Pronamel-Gentle-Whitening-Fluoride-Toothpaste-to-Strengthen-and-Protect-Enamel-4-Ounce-Twinpack-2-tubes-of-4oz%2F17248395" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow nofollow sponsored nofollow sponsored nofollow sponsored">Sensodyne Pronamel Gentle Whitening Flouride Toothpaste</a></li></ul> For the full review, check out our picks for the <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-whitening-toothpaste" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best whitening toothpaste</a>. <h2>Natural teeth whitening at home</h2>There are many natural home remedies to whiten teeth, but some work better than others, and some dentists say to avoid them completely. <a href="https://www.insider.com/how-to-whiten-teeth" target="_blank" rel="noopener">To whiten teeth</a> naturally at home: <ul><li>Brush and floss regularly. Patel says brushing your teeth and keeping them clear of food helps prevent tartar, which can make teeth appear yellowish. The <a href="https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/b/brushing-your-teeth" target="_blank" rel="noopener">American Dental Association</a> recommends people brush their teeth twice a day and floss once daily. </li><li>Use drinking straws. Dentists recommend drinking beverages such as wine, tea, or coffee through a straw whenever possible. Patel says it prevents the beverages from coming in contact with tooth enamel, so they don't stain. </li><li>Stay away from charcoal. Charcoal toothpaste may be popular, but Patel and Romo strongly caution their patients against using it because it is so abrasive. "I cringe when I see people brushing their teeth with charcoal. That's painful for me as a dentist to watch that," he says. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32827227/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Studies</a> continue to warn against charcoal for tooth whitening due to its ineffectiveness and abrasive nature.</li><li>Be careful with baking soda. Though it's another common remedy, many dentists also believe baking soda is too abrasive. In a <a href="https://meridian.allenpress.com/operative-dentistry/article/40/1/E21/194247/Efficacy-of-Do-It-Yourself-Whitening-as-Compared" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2015 randomized control trial</a>, DIY tooth whitening methods were used on 120 extracted human molars to see how well they worked. The group that used a strawberry puree mixed with baking soda found it was not effective compared to traditional whitening products. </li><li>Avoid oil pulling. The <a href="https://www.ada.org/en/member-center/oral-health-topics/whitening" target="_blank" rel="noopener">American Dental Association</a> says there is no peer-reviewed evidence oil pulling helps whiten teeth. While some swear by this folk remedy, science simply has not found swishing oil around your mouth to be effective for teeth whitening. </li></ul><h2>Insider's takeaway</h2>Overall, brushing your teeth and avoiding stains is the best first-line treatment to whiten teeth, but there are numerous teeth whitening products on that market that are safe and effective. For whitening kits and strips, consumers should look for whitening gels that have proven bleaching agents like carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide. And make sure your whitening toothpaste has the ADA seal of approval. Experts say consistency is key, so if you want to whiten your teeth and see results, you should use the product every day for the recommended length of time for maximum effectiveness. <a data-type="603fb93eb0cb00086e01a93d">12 surprising foods that will turn your teeth yellow, according to dentists</a><a data-type="5e8f452873d0c84d946e4019">5 at-home teeth whitening products actually worth buying, according to a dentist</a><a data-type="605a2ef7266b203ed67fa782">5 common signs of a cavity and how to get rid of them</a><a data-type="5ffdee002a2cea3062702747">The 7 best flossing alternatives, according to dentists</a>

A guide to teeth whitening, from the best products to the most effective natural home remedies

<a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/insiderpicks">Insider Picks</a> writes about products and services to help you navigate when shopping online. Insider Inc. receives a commission from our affiliate partners when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><a href="http://amzn.to/2G2L9Su" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a>Shutterstock/Business Insider</div></div></div><ul class="summary-list"><li>Used in tandem with brushing, flossing, and avoiding salt water taffy before bed, a good mouthwash can play a pivotal role in your oral health and hygiene regimen. </li><li><a href="http://amzn.to/2G2L9Su" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Listerine Cool Mint Antiseptic Mouthwash</a> is our top choice thanks to its ADA-accepted, clinically-proven ability to kill off germs that contribute to plaque buildup, bad breath, and gum disease.</li></ul>Every time you gargle an ounce or two of mouthwash about after a meal or just before bed, you might think you're benefiting from the latest advances in chemistry and medical science. In fact, people have been using varieties of mouthwash for millennia. The history of mouthwash can be traced back more than 4,000 years, with ancient Chinese and Indian texts containing references to liquids used for sanitation of the mouth, though exactly what they were swishing is a mystery today. Some Ancient Romans reportedly used urine as an oral disinfectant (and, for some reason, primarily used Portuguese urine), while many Pre-Columbian Mesoamericans used rinses made of salt water often infused with plant extracts both to cleanse their teeth and to soothe aches and pains in the mouth.In the latter half of the 19th century, the pioneering work of Sir Joseph Lister would change the way people performed surgery, with the medical community adhering to new standards of cleanliness and adopting the use of antiseptics in all surgical procedures. While first applied to an antiseptic used to sterilize surgical instruments, today the eponymous Listerine is arguably the most famous brand of mouthwash. Although Listerine has long been my household's go-to mouthwash choice, it might not be right for yours. Why? Because that stuff's intense, man, no two ways about it.But don't worry, there are myriad brands of mouthwash out there, and many are specially formulated to appeal to narrow sectors within the oral care marketplace. So whether you're looking for intense, eye-watering rinse mouthwash that lets you know you just must be slaughtering bacteria by the millions or you prefer a gentler, more palatable rinse that won't feel like breathing fire, we've found an option for you. Whether you prefer an all-natural mouthwash made with ingredients you can readily pronounce or you want to go full-on science and trust the methyl salicylate and propylene glycol to do their thing, then you're looking in the right place.<h2>Here are the best mouthwash brands you can buy:</h2><ul class="summary-list"><li>Best mouthwash overall: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00UTJK6J2/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=biipgf_031918_best-mouthwash-20&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B00UTJK6J2&amp;linkId=1561f199acf5b993342780c868c8cbbf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Listerine Cool Mint Antiseptic Mouthwash</a></li><li>Best mouthwash for fresh breath: <a href="http://amzn.to/2FNepNW" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Crest Scope Outlast Mouthwash</a></li><li>Best gentle mouthwash: <a href="https://amzn.to/2pndV60" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CloSYS Gentle Mint Mouthwash</a></li><li>Best natural mouthwash: <a href="http://amzn.to/2FJpkIp" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Uncle Harry's Natural Products Miracle Mouthwash</a></li><li>Best fluoride mouthwash: <a href="http://linksynergy.walmart.com/deeplink?id=EHFxW6yx8Uo&amp;mid=2149&amp;u1=biipgf031918bestmouthwash&amp;murl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fip%2FACT-Mint-Anticavity-Flouride-Mouthwash-18-oz%2F10307705" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ACT Anticavity Flouride Rinse Mouthwash</a></li></ul>Updated on 5/17/2019 by Les Shu: Updated links, formatting, and prices.<h3>Keep scrolling to read more about our top picks.</h3><a href="http://e.businessinsider.com/join/ci/insider-picks">Subscribe to our newsletter.</a> Find all the best offers at our <a href="https://coupons.businessinsider.com/">Coupons page</a>. Disclosure: This post is brought to you by the <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/insiderpicks">Insider Picks</a> team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners. We frequently receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising sales team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at insiderpicks@businessinsider.com.

The best mouthwash you can buy

<a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/insiderpicks" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Insider Picks</a> writes about products and services to help you navigate when shopping online. Insider Inc. receives a commission from our affiliate partners when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective. <div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LWQDM4I/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=biipgf_010918_best-whitening-toothpastes-20&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B01LWQDM4I&amp;linkId=5d6808de6186aa54efd6855777edcb4a" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a>Shutterstock/Business Insider</div></div></div><ul class="summary-list"><li>Adding a whitening toothpaste to your oral hygiene routine is a great way to keep your smile shining and your teeth clean and healthy. </li><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LWQDM4I/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=biipgf_010918_best-whitening-toothpastes-20&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B01LWQDM4I&amp;linkId=5d6808de6186aa54efd6855777edcb4a" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Colgate's Optic White Express White Toothpaste</a> is our top choice because results show up in just three days.</li></ul>Like so many Americans, I have been using whitening toothpaste for so many years that I hardly recall using a toothpaste not designed (and marketed) as such. In a world filled with things that readily stain teeth, from coffee to blueberries to marinara sauce, I figure I might as well fight back against those stains every time I brush.If you have yet to adopt a whitening paste yourself, there's really no reason not to do so. Contrary to occasional misconceptions, most whitening toothpaste is safe and suitable for daily use, and quite effective when used as part of a larger oral care regimen. When you pull up a search engine (and yes, I'm using Google for this example) and type in the words "does whitening toothpaste..." the auto-fill search suggestions include everything from "...remove enamel" to "...cause sensitivity" to "...cause acne." Some harsh whitening toothpaste might indeed cause damage to tooth enamel if used for weeks or months at a time, but the ones we've included won't do so. And no, they won't cause tooth sensitivity or acne, either. However, it's important you have realistic expectations for your whitening toothpaste. This kind of toothpaste helps remove surface stains, showing off the natural appearance of the exterior of your teeth. It will not actually whiten the enamel itself, but merely reveal its true color, in other. For deep stains and/or for teeth that are yellowed or otherwise discolored, professional whitening is probably necessary.And before you start even a DIY tooth whitening program, it's a good idea to see a dentist and get a deep cleaning. That way, your at home whitening efforts can be more of a maintenance approach than an attempt to tackle the issue of stained, discolored teeth. As for which whitening toothpaste is right for you, that depends on factors ranging from tooth sensitivity to ingredient preference to how much time you're willing to invest daily. <h2>Here are the best whitening toothpaste options in 2019:</h2><ul class="summary-list"><li>Best whitening toothpaste overall: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LWQDM4I/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=biipgf_010918_best-whitening-toothpastes-20&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B01LWQDM4I&amp;linkId=5d6808de6186aa54efd6855777edcb4a" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Colgate Optic White Platinum Express White Toothpaste</a></li><li>Best deep cleaning whitening toothpaste: <a href="http://amzn.to/2mb7CRt" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Crest 3D White Brilliance Teeth Whitening Two-Step System</a></li><li>Best activated charcoal whitening toothpaste: <a href="http://amzn.to/2maFUEi" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Dental Expert Active Whitening Charcoal Toothpaste</a></li><li>Best budget whitening toothpaste: <a href="http://amzn.to/2FfDQUd" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Arm &amp; Hammer Advance White Extreme Whitening Toothpaste</a></li><li>Best whitening toothpaste for sensitive teeth: <a href="http://amzn.to/2FinOJq" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sensodyne Pronamel Gentle Whitening Flouride Toothpaste</a></li></ul>Updated on 04/04/2019 by Malarie Gokey: Updated prices and formatting. Added related buying guides.<h3>Read on in the slides below to check out our top picks.</h3><a href="http://e.businessinsider.com/join/ci/insider-picks">Subscribe to our newsletter.</a> Find all the best offers at our <a href="https://coupons.businessinsider.com/">Coupons page</a>. Disclosure: This post is brought to you by the <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/insiderpicks">Insider Picks</a> team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners. We frequently receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising sales team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at insiderpicks@businessinsider.com.

The best whitening toothpaste you can buy

<h3><div class="KonaFilter image-container full"><div class="image on-image"></div></div>BI Answers: What's the best way to brush your teeth?</h3>
Taking care of your teeth is important - the consequences of not having good oral health are horrifying.
Seriously, Google <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=periodontitis&amp;espv=2&amp;source=lnms&amp;tbm=isch&amp;sa=X&amp;ei=oOXsU77cEu3LsAS00IGQDg&amp;ved=0CAYQ_AUoAQ&amp;biw=1615&amp;bih=867" target="_blank">image search "periodontitis"</a> for proof. Health conditions other than gum disease and tooth loss that are linked to bad dental hygiene range from <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/what-happens-if-you-dont-brush-and-floss-your-teeth-2014-2" target="_blank">diabetes to dementia to erectile dysfunction</a>.
But there's some confusion about the best way to brush your teeth.
A <a href="http://www.nature.com/bdj/journal/v217/n3/full/sj.bdj.2014.651.html" target="_blank">recent study</a> in the British Dental Journal found that there's no consensus on the most effective way to use a toothbrush. In the study's <a href="http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2014-08/ucl-wtb080714.php" target="_blank">press release</a>, the authors described this as "unacceptably inconsistent" and "undermining faith and trust in the profession as a whole."
The study analyzed the recommendations of different dental organizations, toothpaste and toothbrush companies, and dental texts, and found that many different methods of tooth cleaning were recommended without any consensus on what was best - meaning that a person might be given different advice on the best way to hold their brush by two different dentists, which the authors said confuses patients.
But is it really so complicated?
No, according to the dentists we talked to.
Brushing and flossing remove particulate buildup from food as well as bacteria that cause cavities. These things always continue to build up, but regular maintenance can protect the average person's teeth and gums from their damaging effects.
They say the most important thing is remembering to regularly brush and floss and to do it thoroughly - and to see a dentist at least once a year.
Getting an annual professional cleaning helps to remove hard-to-reach plaque - otherwise it can build up and harden, causing serious problems.
Here's what you need to know:
The toothbrush: Unless your dentist advises otherwise, it doesn't matter whether you use a regular toothbrush or an electric one - that you use it is what counts. Electric brushes may be helpful for people with reduced mobility who have a harder time reaching the inside surfaces of teeth.
Soft-bristled brushes <a href="http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/b/brushing-your-teeth" target="_blank">are recommended</a> for the vast majority of people, however, as they are less likely to damage enamel and gums. The brush itself should be a comfortable size, one that can reach the teeth from all sides.
Many toothbrushes fit these requirements, but the American Dental Association has a list of <a href="http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/ada-seal-products/Find-ADA-Seal-Products-by-Category/" target="_blank">approved toothbrushes</a>.
The toothpaste: The key ingredient in all toothpastes, including traditional and "natural" products, is cavity-fighting fluoride. While some toothpastes may be specially formulated to fight gingivitis or to whiten teeth, they <a href="http://www.ada.org/~/media/ADA/Science%20and%20Research/Files/guide_fluoride_dentifrice.ashx" target="_blank">must contain fluoride</a> in order to receive the ADA-approval seal.
Toothpastes <a href="http://www.ada.org/en/science-research/ada-seal-of-acceptance/product-category-information/toothpaste" target="_blank">may also contain</a> mild abrasives like calcium carbonate or baking soda to remove surface stains, as well as detergents that make it foam up. It's up to you to choose between "Arctic Blast" and "Icy Mint" flavors.
<a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/triclosan-cancer-causing-ingredient-in-colgate-toothpaste-2014-8" target="_blank">Colgate Total</a> and some other toothpastes contain triclosan, an antibacterial that fights gum disease. Some lab studies in animals suggest it could be harmful - though there's no proof that it's definitely harmful and studies have shown that it can help fight gingivitis.
<div class="KonaFilter image-container float_right" style="width:400px"><div class="image"></div></div>Dental Floss: Brushing your teeth can't remove all the plaque from your mouth - it builds up in between teeth, and needs to be removed. Otherwise, that buildup can become problematic and can lead to gum disease, bad breath, and tooth loss.
Flossing at least once a day is absolutely essential, though it's good to do it right after every meal, too.
Flossing shouldn't be painful - pain is a sign of potential gum disease. But if one type of floss is uncomfortable or difficult people should choose another type. Waxed or unwaxed is perfectly fine, and using a pre-threaded floss pick can be easy for some people.
Use the directions to the right for detailed instructions.
Mouthwash: Mouthwash is a supplement to good oral health, according to Cram, but it's not essential like flossing and brushing.
Mouthwash doesn't protect against gum disease, the leading cause of tooth loss. It feels like it cleans because it's astringent, but doesn't do anything to remove plaque. They do kill of the bacteria that make the plaque, though they quickly grow back.
That being said, mouthwashes containing flouride can help fight cavities. They may also contain menthol products, which can be helpful for people with bad breath. They can be particularly effective used as a rinse after brushing or flossing, to remove the bits of plaque that have been loosened up.
How long, how often, and in what order: People should floss at least once a day, making sure to remove all food debris, and brush at least twice.
As long someone does that much, it doesn't matter whether they brush or floss first. But dentists say to make sure to get in between and behind all teeth when flossing, and to reach all possible tooth surfaces when brushing.
It should take about two minutes to thoroughly clean your entire mouth.
Afterwards, go ahead and rinse - with mouthwash if you'd like.
Dr. Stuart Froum, the president of the American Academy of Periodontists and a practicing periodontist in Manhattan, recommends brushing after every meal. And although some dentists <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2154482/Brushing-teeth-meals-actually-damage-them.html" target="_blank">recommend waiting about a half hour</a> before brushing so that tooth enamel isn't damaged by the combination of food acid and brushing, Cram says that this is only a problem after eating something particularly acidic.
<div class="KonaFilter image-container float_right" style="width:400px"><div class="image"></div></div>
Don't forget to brush the tongue too, since bacteria builds up there and can contribute to bad breath.
Brushing methods: Brushing techniques are what stirred up the controversy from the new study, since different methods are recommended by different organizations. This could confuse patients.
Some popular ones include the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LqCpZm6s_dE" target="_blank">modified Bass</a> (pronounced like the fish), Bass, or <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BB6CeOYzGKc" target="_blank">Fones</a>.
The modified Bass, which the study found most frequently recommended for adults, involves holding the brush at a 45 degree angle to teeth, moving it back and forth, and then brushing down to remove plaque.
"Think of your gum as a little turtleneck collar around your tooth," says Cram. "Get in there and brush the tooth surface and get around under the tissue and remove the plaque."
Brushing down is what makes this the modified Bass, as opposed to regular Bass. Check it out:
<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image"></div></div></div>
The Fones technique, most frequently recommended for kids and people with less dexterity, involves moving the brush in a circular motion.
<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image"></div></div></div>
This probably doesn't matter much, since there's little evidence that any that any one technique keeps teeth cleaner, Dr. Nigel Carter of the British Dental Health Foundation <a href="http://www.bbc.com/news/health-28689887" target="_blank">explained to the BBC</a>.
"Dentists generally feel it is better to take a person's existing habits and modify them if necessary," said Carter, instead of trying to institute a whole new technique.
This post is part of a continuing series that answers all of your "why" questions related to <keyword id="41551" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="100" keywordseo="science">science</keyword>. Have your own question? Email <a href="mailto:dspector@businessinsider.com">science@businessinsider.com</a> with the subject line "Q&amp;A"; tweet your question to <a href="https://twitter.com/BI_Science" target="_blank">@BI_Science</a>; or <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BusinessInsiderScience" target="_blank">post to our Facebook page</a>.

What's The Best Way To Brush Your Teeth?

<div class="KonaFilter image-container float_right"><div class="image on-image"></div></div>Lithium has quite the reputation.
As a psychiatric medication it's generally used to treat extreme cases of bipolar disorder and depression in patients who don't respond to traditional antidepressants.
In pop culture, it's represented as having powerful dulling effects.
Carrie Mathison, Claire Danes's character on "Homeland," <a href="http://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2013/10/-em-homeland-em-the-case-against-calling-carrie-a-bipolar-superhero/280321/">doesn't like taking</a> the lithium she's prescribed because she thinks it dulls her perceptive abilities. The Nirvana song "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pkcJEvMcnEg">Lithium</a>" compares the medication to religion-as-coping-mechanism, something troubled people rely on to get by. In the movie "Silver Linings Playbook," Bradley Cooper's character says he stopped taking his lithium (and other meds) because they make him feel foggy.
These representations aren't fully accurate - lithium can be a lifesaver - but some patients do complain that the medication <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/health/guides/disease/bipolar-disorder/medications.html">dulls mental clarity</a>, and the NIH has a long list of lithium's potential <a href="http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a681039.html">side effects</a>, some rather serious.
Still, all of this ignores one fascinating fact: many people unintentionally ingest a very low dose of lithium every day, and some research suggests those people may be better off because of that.
According to that research, people who regularly naturally consume trace amounts of lithium are less likely to commit suicide and less likely to suffer from dementia.
Lithium is a naturally occurring element (not a concoction made in a lab that can be patented and sold). In some parts of the world, including parts of the US, it's found in the drinking water.
<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"></div></div></div>In drinking water it's generally present only in incredibly tiny doses - on the high end that concentration is around .170 milligrams of lithium in a liter of water, which is less than a thousandth of the minimum pharmaceutical dose, according to Anna Fels, a psychiatrist and professor at Weill Cornell Medical College, in an article she <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2014/09/14/opinion/sunday/should-we-all-take-a-bit-of-lithium.html">wrote about lithium in drinking water for the New York Times</a> in September.
Still, even in those tiny doses, it seems that there may be some measurable effect.
Fels writes:

We'll talk about what the research says about lithium in drinking water in a moment, but first let's clarify that none of this is a reason to go add lithium into your diet (or your town's water supply). The doses in most supplements and prescriptions are more than a thousand times as large as the doses that naturally exist out there, and should only be taken upon consultation with a doctor. In the 1940s, lithium supplements became popular, but the high doses that people ingested had toxic effects, some of which killed people. 
Don't try this at home.
Fels argues that what we do know about lithium is so promising that it could potentially be considered an "essential trace element nutrient," a natural nutrient like sodium or iodine that is required for proper human development in some way (in 1996, the <a href="http://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/10665/37931/1/9241561734_eng.pdf">World Health Organization classified lithium</a> as a potentially toxic element that may have essential properties).
In theory, there's an argument in that case that lithium should be <a href="http://www.cdc.gov/fluoridation/faqs/#fluoride1">added to drinking water like flouride</a>, though only in those miniscule quantities that may be beneficial.
But still, the idea of giving everyone low doses of what we use as a powerful mood-stabilizing psychotropic drug to make them happier has a terrifying, <keyword id="41551" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="100" keywordseo="science">science</keyword> fiction-y dystopian future feel to it.
<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"></div></div></div>On the other hand, if this natural element found on earth is actually as neuro-protective as some research seems to suggest, adding it to drinking water could be extremely beneficial in staving off depression and dementia, two outsize medical problems of the modern era.
A lot more research is needed, but here's what we know so far.
Fels cites a number of studies in the Times, and a quick search of the medical literature on studies involving humans who ingest lithium in drinking water comes up with more than 75 results. Even when researchers control for external factors like income and access to healthcare, that doesn't mean that lithium is necessarily responsible for fascinating results like lower suicide rates - but those results are still intriguing.
When looking at the connection between lithium in drinking water and suicide rates, there are mostly positive results:
<ul>
<li>A <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21525518">study published in the British Journal of Psychiatry of the 99 districts in Austria</a> found that residents of districts with higher levels of lithium in their drinking water had lower suicide rates, even after controlling for income, population density, religious belief, and access to mental health services.</li>
<li>Another <a href="http://bjp.rcpsych.org/content/198/5/336.long">BJP report discusses </a><a href="http://bjp.rcpsych.org/content/198/5/336.long">a small study of 45 people</a> at high risk for Alzheimer's. Those given lithium in amounts smaller than pharmaceutical doses but still larger than the amount in drinking water suffered slightly less cognitive decline than a group who received a placebo.</li>
<li>Fels cites a <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1699579">1990 study of 27 Texas counties</a> that found that the counties with the lowest levels of lithium in the water had higher rates of suicide, homicide, and rape. Researchers have questioned whether this study adequately controlled for socioeconomic factors, but...</li>
<li>Another larger <a href="http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S002239561200372X">study from 2012 of 226 counties in Texas</a> took specific care to control for socioeconomic factors and found similar results to the 1990 study, at least in terms of suicide rates (they didn't look at rates of homicide, rate, or other crimes).</li>
<li>Other <a href="http://anp.sagepub.com/content/48/9/809.abstract?ijkey=d51555800d60e0482e01ba5ba2b373a2074dc147&amp;keytype2=tf_ipsecsha">reviews have found</a> a connection between normal (trace) doses of lithium in drinking water and lower dementia rates.</li>
</ul>
This is powerful evidence, but it doesn't mean that all research supports adding lithium to drinking water. Some researchers who <a href="http://bjp.rcpsych.org/content/198/5/406.full">studied 47 subdivisions in the east of England</a> found no correlation between lithium levels and suicide rates.
And the authors of the larger study in Texas note a few other caveats too. Most researchers who evaluate natural lithium levels in tap water can't necessarily account for lithium consumed in food or bottled water, and they aren't sure how lithium prescriptions affect the levels in drinking water. That could cause the amount of lithium that people are consuming in drinking water to vary from the amount that's naturally in a water supply.
Also, even if lithium definitely lowered suicide and dementia rates, that doesn't mean it couldn't have other negative effects simultaneously. The authors of the large Texas study particularly caution that we have no idea how that supplement would affect pregnant women, thyroid function, and fetuses in utero.
Research into those questions has found negative effects from lithium:
<ul>
<li>Heavy exposure to lithium and other metals in the Andes has been <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21252007">associated with a detrimental effect</a> on thyroid function.</li>
<li>At least in mice, <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23214262">early exposure to lithium has been linked</a> to slower development.</li>
</ul>
Obviously, more research is needed before any changes should be made.
But we should maybe reconsider how we understand this controversial element. "Lithium is, by far, the most proven drug to keep neurons alive," Nassir Ghaemi, a Tufts psychiatrist, <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2014/09/14/opinion/sunday/should-we-all-take-a-bit-of-lithium.html">told Fels</a>. "If lithium prevents dementia, then we may have overlooked a very simple means of preventing a major public health problem."
We don't yet know if that's true, but there's enough evidence, Fels argues, to seriously investigate that possibility. "Research on a simple element like lithium that has been around as a medication for over half a century and as a drink for millenniums may not seem like a high priority," she writes, "but it should be."

You Searched For "flouride" and got 8 results

Toxic compound arsenic is present in over 6,000 human habitations in India

PTI

A mom who lost all her teeth while pregnant is showing off her beauty transformation on TikTok to de-stigmatize dentures

Anna Medaris Miller

What actually happens to your teeth if you don't treat a cavity

Toketemu Ohwovoriole,Michael …

A guide to teeth whitening, from the best products to the most effective natural home remedies

Shaena Montanari,Michael B. F…

The best mouthwash you can buy

Steven John

The best whitening toothpaste you can buy

Steven John

What's The Best Way To Brush Your Teeth?

Kevin Loria

Psychiatrist: Maybe, Just Maybe, Everyone Should Take Lithium

Kevin Loria

Popular Keywords

Buying Guides