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The Sun
5 days ago
- General
- The Sun
From celeb mouthwash to classic salt toothpaste – my smile-saving heroes for National Smile Month
WHY do we have so many awareness days, weeks and months? Some of them seem utterly ridiculous. The health related ones, though, are a good idea. It is National Smile Month. One in three adults have tooth decay, so this campaign promotes eating less sugar and processed food, drinking more water and visiting the dentist. And I've put some products to the test to help you smile . . . MOUTHWASH 3 IF ever there was a man who says 'teeth' it is TV presenter Rylan Clark – his are gleaming! And he has teamed up with British oral care brand Waken. I am not always keen on products pushed by celebs, but Rylan believes in Waken and has invested in it. I like it too. I love their whitening toothpaste and the Waken Advanced Care Mouthwash. It is made with natural peppermint, strengthens enamel with fluoride, and comes in a recycled bottle. This is alcohol free and a 500ml bottle costs £5. The company has just started selling in major supermarkets. See CHEWING GUM I CHEW so much gum I could put a cow to shame – but not all gums are good for you thanks to the sweeteners, sugar and chemicals in them. But some do have health benefits. Peppersmith is one such example. It contains the plant-based sweetener xylitol and is approved by the Oral Health Foundation. Chewing sugar-free gum with xylitol after meals, is scientifically proven to reduce cavities, neutralise harmful acids, and keep breath fresh. Xylitol is a natural sugar alternative that bacteria cannot digest, meaning it actively fights tooth decay. Dentist explains risks of 'Turkey teeth' and other dentistry abroad It also helps to strengthen enamel – unlike sugary mints and gum that mask bad breath and contribute to cavities. The gum comes in mint, lemon and strawberry flavours. I wasn't keen on the fruity ones – but the mint is great and is £1.35 for 15g at Sainsbury's. See TOOTHPASTE SALT toothpaste made by Weleda has been around for more than 100 years, but has soared into the brand's list of bestsellers in the last two years. That's because it is a chemical-free, eco-friendly toothpaste popular with those looking to avoid additives – there are no detergents, bleaches, foam boosters or optical brighteners in the product. No fluoride either – some people are worried that too much can lead to dental fluorosis or skeletal fluorosis, which can damage bones and joints. While rare, fluorosis is a factor. This toothpaste uses sodium bicarbonate, which is a salt that breaks down to form sodium and bicarbonate in water. This helps to promote healing in the mouth, and to ease ulcers, cuts and sore patches. It is totally free from microplastics too. It tastes like bicarbonate of soda but my mouth felt really fresh after using. I liked it. It's priced at £5.95 for 75ml. See
The Irish Sun
5 days ago
- Health
- The Irish Sun
From celeb mouthwash to classic salt toothpaste – my smile-saving heroes for National Smile Month
WHY do we have so many awareness days, weeks and months? Some of them seem utterly ridiculous. The health related ones, though, are a good idea. It is National Smile Month. One in three adults have And I've put some products to the test to help you smile . . . MOUTHWASH 3 TV presenter Rylan Clark has teamed up with British oral care brand Waken Credit: Supplied IF ever there was a man who says 'teeth' it is TV presenter Rylan Clark – his are gleaming! And he has teamed up with British oral care brand Waken. I am not always keen on products pushed by celebs, but Rylan believes in Waken and has invested in it. I like it too. I love their whitening toothpaste and the Waken Advanced Care Mouthwash. It is made with natural peppermint, strengthens enamel with fluoride, and comes in a recycled bottle. This is alcohol free and a 500ml bottle costs £5. The company has just started selling in major supermarkets. See CHEWING GUM 3 Peppersmith contains the plant-based sweetener xylitol and is approved by the Oral Health Foundation Credit: Supplied I CHEW so much gum I could put a cow to shame – but not all gums are good for you thanks to the sweeteners, sugar and chemicals in them. But some do have health benefits . Peppersmith is one such example. It contains the plant-based sweetener xylitol and is approved by the Oral Health Foundation. Most read in Health Chewing sugar-free gum with xylitol after meals, is scientifically proven to reduce cavities, neutralise harmful acids, and keep breath fresh. Xylitol is a natural sugar alternative that bacteria cannot digest, meaning it actively fights tooth decay. Dentist explains risks of 'Turkey teeth' and other dentistry abroad It also helps to strengthen enamel – unlike sugary mints and gum that mask bad breath and contribute to cavities. The gum comes in mint, lemon and strawberry flavours. I wasn't keen on the fruity ones – but the mint is great and is £1.35 for 15g at Sainsbury's. See TOOTHPASTE 3 This toothpaste uses sodium bicarbonate, which is a salt that breaks down to form sodium and bicarbonate in water Credit: Supplied SALT toothpaste made by Weleda has been around for more than 100 years, but has soared into the brand's list of bestsellers in the last two years. That's because it is a chemical-free, eco-friendly toothpaste popular with those looking to avoid additives – there are no detergents, bleaches, foam boosters or optical brighteners in the product. No fluoride either – some people are worried that too much can lead to dental fluorosis or skeletal fluorosis, which can damage bones and joints. While rare, fluorosis is a factor. This toothpaste uses sodium bicarbonate, which is a salt that breaks down to form sodium and bicarbonate in water. This helps to promote healing in the mouth, and to ease ulcers, cuts and sore patches. Read more on the Irish Sun It is totally free from See
Scottish Sun
5 days ago
- Health
- Scottish Sun
From celeb mouthwash to classic salt toothpaste – my smile-saving heroes for National Smile Month
Read on to find out why all chewing gum is not equal, when it comes to oral health TRIED & TESTED From celeb mouthwash to classic salt toothpaste – my smile-saving heroes for National Smile Month Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) WHY do we have so many awareness days, weeks and months? Some of them seem utterly ridiculous. The health related ones, though, are a good idea. It is National Smile Month. One in three adults have tooth decay, so this campaign promotes eating less sugar and processed food, drinking more water and visiting the dentist. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up And I've put some products to the test to help you smile . . . MOUTHWASH 3 TV presenter Rylan Clark has teamed up with British oral care brand Waken Credit: Supplied IF ever there was a man who says 'teeth' it is TV presenter Rylan Clark – his are gleaming! And he has teamed up with British oral care brand Waken. I am not always keen on products pushed by celebs, but Rylan believes in Waken and has invested in it. I like it too. I love their whitening toothpaste and the Waken Advanced Care Mouthwash. It is made with natural peppermint, strengthens enamel with fluoride, and comes in a recycled bottle. This is alcohol free and a 500ml bottle costs £5. The company has just started selling in major supermarkets. See CHEWING GUM 3 Peppersmith contains the plant-based sweetener xylitol and is approved by the Oral Health Foundation Credit: Supplied I CHEW so much gum I could put a cow to shame – but not all gums are good for you thanks to the sweeteners, sugar and chemicals in them. But some do have health benefits. Peppersmith is one such example. It contains the plant-based sweetener xylitol and is approved by the Oral Health Foundation. Chewing sugar-free gum with xylitol after meals, is scientifically proven to reduce cavities, neutralise harmful acids, and keep breath fresh. Xylitol is a natural sugar alternative that bacteria cannot digest, meaning it actively fights tooth decay. Dentist explains risks of 'Turkey teeth' and other dentistry abroad It also helps to strengthen enamel – unlike sugary mints and gum that mask bad breath and contribute to cavities. The gum comes in mint, lemon and strawberry flavours. I wasn't keen on the fruity ones – but the mint is great and is £1.35 for 15g at Sainsbury's. See TOOTHPASTE 3 This toothpaste uses sodium bicarbonate, which is a salt that breaks down to form sodium and bicarbonate in water Credit: Supplied SALT toothpaste made by Weleda has been around for more than 100 years, but has soared into the brand's list of bestsellers in the last two years. That's because it is a chemical-free, eco-friendly toothpaste popular with those looking to avoid additives – there are no detergents, bleaches, foam boosters or optical brighteners in the product. No fluoride either – some people are worried that too much can lead to dental fluorosis or skeletal fluorosis, which can damage bones and joints. While rare, fluorosis is a factor. This toothpaste uses sodium bicarbonate, which is a salt that breaks down to form sodium and bicarbonate in water. This helps to promote healing in the mouth, and to ease ulcers, cuts and sore patches. It is totally free from microplastics too. It tastes like bicarbonate of soda but my mouth felt really fresh after using. I liked it. It's priced at £5.95 for 75ml. See
The Independent
15-05-2025
- Health
- The Independent
I've been oil pulling for years, here's why it's one of my favourite wellness practices
We've all become a little teeth obsessed of late. Just look at the numerous opinion pieces and strangely fanatical sketches about actor Aimee Lou Wood 's smile that absolutely nobody asked for. The boom in cosmetic dentistry, the prevalence of face editing apps and the upswing in the dental care category. Presenter Rylan Clark has just become the creative director of my favourite toothpaste brand, Waken. And now, of course, the influencers of TikTok are oil pulling. But I'm not here to complain, because this wellness practice is one that I approve of. Oil pulling is an Ayurvedic health tradition that I've been practising for about 10 years and though it may sound woo to some, a decade of swishing oil around my mouth has convinced me of the benefits. To be clear I still floss, use an electric toothbrush, scrape my tongue and whiten my teeth. But oil pulling has contributed to my excellent oral health, good looking teeth and healthy microbiome. Sometimes people ask me if I have veneers, which I know is intended as a compliment. What they mean is, 'your teeth look great, they must be fake, right?'. I usually reply: 'Do you think if I'd bought my teeth I'd choose this size?' I have big front teeth. But they're healthy and I've never had a filling in my life so I can't object too much. Along with a rigorous oral health routine and low sugar diet, I credit oil pulling for my pearly whites. What is oil pulling? Oil pulling or 'oil swishing' is the practice of swishing edible oil around your mouth for a few minutes or more to dislodge any food residue and plaque and to refresh the mouth and coat the tongue. It's been used for centuries to maintain good oral health and keep breath fresh and teeth white. Historically, oil pulling with coconut, vegetable or sesame oil was believed to reduce the risk of health issues like headaches and certain diseases as part of Ayurvedic medicine. Today, some studies show that oil pulling may reduce harmful bacteria and plaque which can help reduce the risk of oral diseases, but there isn't much research to support this. Dr James Goolnik of Optimal Dental Health explains 'there is no strong evidence that oil pulling offers any significant dental benefits. While some small studies show a slight reduction in bacteria, the effects are minor'. 'In reality, if you're spending three to five minutes oil pulling, you would get far better results by using that time to clean between your teeth with floss or interdental brushes. That will disrupt your oral biofilm and has decades of evidence.' However, many people who practice oil pulling maintain that alongside brushing and flossing, oil pulling can help to maintain a healthy oral microbiome. A recent study linked poorly balanced oral bacteria to several health issues, including pain conditions like fibromyalgia (a long-term condition of widespread pain) and migraines. 'Oil pulling doesn't harm the oral microbiome but it doesn't improve it either,' argues Dr Goolnik. 'But for those who still want to try it, I recommend using a good-quality, ideally organic, coconut oil which is better than sesame or sunflower oils due to its mild antibacterial properties.' I started oil pulling once a week after I originally became interested in Ayurvedic practices like nasal breathing, sound therapy and self massage. It's been gratifying to see these health tools enter the mainstream as wellness trends, because they've all had a positive impact on my wellbeing. I started pulling with an organic coconut oil from Lucy Bee (£9.44). This worked really well and I loved the mild flavour and the cool feeling of the oil as it melted. My dog also got a dose as I started brushing her little teeth with it too – yes, pet wellness is very much a thing. A few years later I graduated to a specialist mouth oil by American brand, Mojave Desert Skin Shield. Of course, you don't have to splash out on a specialist oil – even queen of wellness Gwyneth Paltrow sticks with raw organic coconut oil for her morning oil pulling sessions. However, the ritualistic aspect and added ingredients in this particular brand's 'detoxifying pulling oil' became part of the experience for me. The special pulling oil is made from a coconut, avocado, apricot-kernel and sesame-oil blend, which tastes of clove and peppermint and it's a fragrant, heady mix that I love swishing with weekly. My mouth feels smooth and clean afterwards and I believe the practice has made my teeth whiter and my gums healthier. Practically, it helps to free up any plaque that might be stuck between my teeth and it feels nice, which is a reason enough to try any wellness practice in my opinion. The verdict Dr Goolnik says there aren't really any risks associated with oil pulling so whether you want to try it is up to you. Like most wellness trends or practices rooted in esoteric wisdom, funding is often scant when it comes to studies and we don't have a whole lot of evidence. Anecdotally, the results seem promising and swathes of people are opting to use swishing alongside their regular dental routines – myself included. 'It's generally safe if done sensibly,' Dr Goolnik explains. 'However, it's not a replacement for daily brushing and interdental cleaning. Overzealous swishing can cause jaw discomfort, and inhaling oil accidentally is a rare but serious risk. In short, oil pulling isn't harmful, but it's no miracle cure. For a truly healthy mouth, focus on thorough daily cleaning and working on improving your nutrition. The mouth is the gateway to your gut so if you take care of it, it will take care of you.' Personally, I love oil pulling, especially with a fragrant organic oil. I maintain that my teeth and gums look and feel better as a result, but it could just be my brain that's benefitting from the enjoyment of the ritual and the pleasant somatic feeling of the swish. Some studies show that when we take care of ourselves in ritualistic ways we ascribe ourselves with more self worth. Whether it's an example of soothing self care or something that's actually helping to keep my mouth healthy, oil pulling is something I'll continue to do once a week as part of my wellness routine.
Yahoo
16-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
'We see an opportunity to attract younger people back to mouthwash'
When Simon Duffy and Rhodri Ferrier, co-founders of British male grooming success Bulldog Skincare, decided to undertake a lengthy road trip to Minneapolis following meetings in Texas, it also heralded the start of another personal care category they could bring innovation to. 'Mouthwash in America felt completely traditional for as long as I could remember,' recalls Duffy of their meeting of minds on the road. Thus, the entrepreneurs set about breathing renewed vigour into the $33bn (£26bn) global oral care industry. Waken Mouthcare has made strides in a market cornered by Listerine and Colgate, forging net sales of £5.4m since launching in 2019 and a direct to consumer UK customer base of about 15,000. Read More: The entrepreneurs making the next generation of 'premium' nappies 'The long term trend of mouthwash was going down year on year in a category having lost its way,' says Duffy. Taking a deep dive into its well-established competitor, coupled with the 'masculine colours' of purple and green mouthwash, Duffy says the pair became 'fascinated' the more they learned of Listerine, which was first used as a surgical antiseptic and battlefield and hospital floor cleaner. 'This didn't overlap with the emerging health and wellness dialogue of good and bad bacteria and the mouth being a gateway to health,' adds Duffy. '[The sector] has an old fashioned origin story and doesn't feel like it's embraced modern trends.' Bulldog was acquired by Edgewell Personal Care – which has a portfolio including Wilkinson Sword – in 2016, while the two co-founders continued working until 2018. Before Bulldog, Duffy had worked as a consultant for Saatchi & Saatchi's innovation group and then its new business unit Fahrenheit 212 until 2006. His experiences working for big brands helped when he quit to set up his skincare brand. Read More: 'It was scary writing a £80k cheque for our sparkling rhubarb idea' 'It took a long time from initial thought from research to launch,' he adds. 'At Bulldog we wanted to get out to market quicker and compress that. We also weren't solving for cost, we were serving for quality.' Having founded their second product, Waken faces a stiff task against deep market penetration in the oral care category. Their aim is to change consumer perceptions with the established bathroom brands by standing out on shelves through packaging and cutting through on social media and marketing. A key challenge in the market comes via sampling – 'Oral care is something that if you have used the product you feel more comfortable,' says Duffy – where brands traditionally have a presence at dentists. Waken, which recently secured over £950,000 in a fundraising round, also supplies mini products to Cathay Pacific's premium economy bag. 'About 20 years ago, oral care was about avoiding cavities and avoiding trips to the dentist that resulted in fillings. Now, a growing niche is part of the beauty regime,' says Duffy. 'People still want these products to be highly effective and want to retain a solid sense of security around efficacy and dentist approval. Read More: 'My sofa took six months to arrive — so I built a £20m business' 'To crack dental you need a combination of efficacy and doing something a bit quirky to give people a reason to try something new once they feel reassured about the performance.' During their Bulldog tenure, the brand stood out in sustainability, with its plastic tubes made from sugar cane and selling bamboo-handled razors and shower gel in cardboard packs. At Waken, its dental floss is made in Milan, with similar technology used in Italy's fashion and fabric industry to weave out the silky threads, and is also manufactured from recycled plastic bottles. The business is forecasting gross sales from today's £3.5m to over £18m – 'a reasonable growth plan,' says Duffy – by 2029. With a lean team of under 10, the duo have also learned from the Bulldog story of cautiously adding employees and growing within their own means. 'It's not necessarily the right way for every company,' adds Duffy. 'With consumer products, when you are trying to build distribution through big grocers and drug stores, there are many expenses after you've launched with marketing and investing in price promotions and so you have to keep your overheads lean.' Within the team, says Duffy, is co-founder Ferrier's skill at presenting data feeds in the modern world, whereby early days at Bulldog would have been laborious through Excel spreadsheets. 'It's that ruthless pursuit of efficiency,' Duffy says of his co-founder, as Waken continues a similar trajectory with its disruptor changed packaging four times in four years at Bulldog and we started off by doing everything before focusing on skincare. At Waken we see an opportunity to attract younger people back to mouthwash. If you don't have your ears wide open and listening to consumers and figuring out what's not working from that starting gun in retail, my view is that the first phase should be the most informative and be able to tweak what you are doing. Once you get out there and are competing, that's when you really learn about your product. I'm all for learning in the market rather than through focus groups. Read more: Meet the siblings who have grown UK's best-selling probiotics brand into £24m firm 'I went from photography to owning a £26m wedding venue business' How premium tea brand Birchall has shunned price war for qualitySign in to access your portfolio
