Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Ice at the Galleria (Houston)

Ice at the Galleria Offers Hockey Training Camp for Kids This SummerSummer Hockey Training Program for Aspiring Young Players HOUSTON, TX. (May XX, 2012) - With the summertime fast approaching, the Ice at the Galleria is thrilled to announce the kick-off of its Hockey Training Camp on June 4th. The weeklong program is designed to allow kids to further develop their hockey skills and most importantly stay “cool” all week long. At the Hockey Training Camp, kids ages 4-10 will be able to participate in a 30-minute lesson that allows the child to receive special instructions from one of our qualified instructors. The kids will then take part in a short scrimmage and next some good ole’ on and off the ice conditioning. In addition to these special perks, a hot lunch and free practice time will also be included. “Staying out of the heat doesn’t have to mean you can’t be active,” said Lisa Steck, General Manager of the Ice at the Galleria. “The Ice at the Galleria prides itself in always looking to develop fun programs to keep kids entertained all summer long.” The Hockey Training Camp starts June 4th at the Ice at the Galleria. In order to participate, kids must be in Supermites, enrolled in either Hockey 1 or Learn to Skate Level Basic 3 or EliteTots. Hockey equipment will be available to rent. To register please call the Ice at the Galleria at 713-491-6137 or visit them online at http://www.iceatthegalleria.com/. About Ice at the Galleria


American Skating Entertainment Centers owns and operates two ice facilities in Texas: Polar Ice House Grapevine and Ice at the Galleria. They offer a wide variety of ice entertainment including public skating sessions, birthday parties, track out camps and learn to skate programs. Each location is equipped with the latest in hockey and skating equipment. For more information about Ice at the Galleria in Houston, please visit http://www.iceatthegalleria.com/.

Friday, May 25, 2012



Winner of the $25 BK Gift card is :

jenmalonee said...


sent a friend request on fb(Jennifer Messner M)1

jennifer marie

lilnursejen at yahoo dot com

May 20, 2012 10:04 AM

Congratulations you have 24 hours to claim your prize!

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Tooth Fairy 2 DVD Giveaway




The National Children's Oral Health Foundation: America's ToothFairy® (NCOHF) has taken the small, mythical character that children dream of and transformed her into a true superhero. Did you know that tooth decay is the #1 chronic childhood disease? In fact, millions of children are suffering in such pain, they are unable to eat, sleep and learn. While severe tooth decay is a growing problem, it is also treatable, curable, and preventable through basic education and proper oral hygiene practices. The NCOHF is dedicated to delivering comprehensive oral healthcare for underserved children. Providing preventive, restorative and educational oral health services to more than 600,000 children each year, the NCOHF: America's ToothFairy® aims to eliminate pediatric oral disease and promote overall health and well-being for millions of children from vulnerable populations.

The National Children’s Oral Health Foundation: America’s ToothFairy® (NCOHF) is asking for your help in the fight against tooth decay. Please take the time to learn more about taking part in good oral health practices with your children by signing up for the America’s ToothFairy Kids Club! Kids Club members will receive personalized letters from the Tooth Fairy herself, as well as quarterly fun, educational activities! Although donations are not required to participate in the Kids Club, they would be greatly appreciated to support the organization; a suggested minimum of $10. Please take a minute to watch this invitation from Fern Ingber, President and CEO of the NCOHF, inviting you to join the America’s ToothFairy Kids Club as well as their PSA starring Larry the Cable Guy:

America's ToothFairy Kids Club Invitation

America's ToothFairy Kids Club.mp4

NCOHF is pleased to provide a DVD copy of the all-new Tooth Fairy 2 movie to one lucky winner

Here's How to Enter:

1) (Mandatory Entry) Sign your child up for the America’s ToothFairy Kids Club . (1 entry)
2) Tweet this giveaway (1 entry/per tweet/per day) please leave url
3) Follow me on Blogger & or Networked Blog (2 entry) for each
4) Share this giveaway on Facebook ( 1 entry/per share/ per day) please leave url
5) Friend onthegomommy on Facebook facebook.com/onthego2mommy (2 entry)
6) Mak a Donation (not required to join club but appreciated). (10 entry)


Enter to #win Tooth Fairy 2 DVD @onthegomommy
#giveaway ends 6/14 http://tinyurl.com/8a74lr9





This giveaway ends 6/14/12 at 8 a.m. 1 winner will be selected randomly. The winner will have 24 hours to claim their prize. Email must be in your comment entry. I do reserve the right to disqualify anyone. US only. Good luck.



***Disclosure-This post is a sponsored post in conjunction with the The National Children’s Oral Health Foundation.









Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Hip Dysplasia (Halo Sleepsack Swaddle Giveaway)

Hip Dysplasia affects thousands of babies a year. Left undetected, it can  lead to hip arthritis and is the cause of over 10% of hip replacements  in  the U.S.

Pediatric  Orthopedist Dr. Charles Price has been asked about hip dysplasia by  many new parents and offers this information on the condition, including a recently uncovered connection between incorrect  swaddling and hip dysplasia. Dr. Price's bio is available, as is more information about Hip Dysplasia.

 Q: My friend just told me her baby has Hip Dysplasia.
What is it?

A:Hip Dysplasia occurs when children are born with the hip out of the socket or when the bones of the hip joint are not aligned correctly. This prevents the hip joint from functioning properly, thus causing the joint to wear out much faster. When babies are checked for the condition at birth about 2-3 babies per 1000 will require treatment, making it the most common newborn condition.

Q: Can Hip Dysplasia be prevented? What can be done?

A: The earlier hip dysplasia is detected, the easier it is to correct without surgery. Orthopedists have recently discovered a connection between hip dysplasia and tight swaddling. Swaddling an infant has many positive effects, but unfortunately many parents are taught to swaddle the baby's entire body to create a tight cocoon. The restriction of movement in the lower half of the body can lead to post-natal hip dysplasia.

Q: How does undetected hip dysplasia manifest itself later in life?
 
A: Hip Dysplasia can be a "silent" condition meaning that pain is not normally felt until much later in life. Undetected or "hidden" hip dysplasia is the most common cause of hip arthritis in young women under the age of 50. It also accounts for about 10% of all total hip replacements in the U.S. each year, or approximately 35,000 from hip dysplasia.

Q: Where can I learn more?

A: For additional information on hip dysplasia, including safe swaddle tips and how to recognize the condition in your child, visit http://www.hipdysplasia.org/.


International Hip Dysplasia's site that demonstrates how to swaddle properly:


http://www.hipdysplasia.org/Infant-and-Child-Hip-Dysplasia/Hip-Healthy-Swaddling/Default.aspx
To parents swaddle safely, HALO Innovations is offering a Halo Sleepsack Swaddle in your choice of  boy or girl colors, for Giveaway, Halo Sleepsack Swaddle is considered "hip healthy,"

How to enter

1)  Visit http://www.hipdysplasia.org/ and tell me something you learned (1 entry)
2)  Tell me why you want to win the Halo Sleepsack (1 entry)
3)  Tweet this giveaway (1 entry/per tweet/per day) please leave url
4)  Follow me on Blogger & or Networked Blog (2 entry) for each
5) Share this giveaway on Facebook ( 1 entry/per share/ per day) please leave url
6) Friend onthegomommy on Facebook facebook.com/onthego2mommy (2 entry)

Win Halo Sleepsack Swaddle @onthegomommy #giveaway 6/1 http://tinyurl.com/83qoc58



This giveaway ends 6/01/12 @ 8 am. 1 winner will be randomly selected. The winner will have 24 hours to claim their prize. Your email MUST be in the comment. You will be disqualified and a new winner will be selected. US only. Good Luck.

 Disclosure-No compensation was received. Sample product provided for review. 



Monday, May 21, 2012



Hi Ladies, looking for a snack that your kids will love and you can feel good about? With new Ocean Spray® Fruit Flavored Snacks, you need not look any further and we want you and your family to give them a try. Available in two delicious varieties and made with real fruit juice+ and natural colors* and flavors,  Ocean Spray® Fruit Flavored Snacks  provide kids with the great tasting snacks they crave and parents with the confidence that they come from a good place. Not to mention these fruit flavored snacks contain 100% daily dose of your Vitamin C, are gluten free, contain only 80 calories, and are available with double Box Tops all year long!


Want to check out Ocean Spray® Fruit Flavored Snacks? Visit  http://bit.ly/K9P4Eo  to download a printable coupon to save $1.10 when you buy any TWO boxes of Ocean Spray® Fruit Flavored Snacks.

*Discloser I received this information and the coupon offer from Ocean Spray® through MyBlogSpark.

*colors from natural sources
+These Fruit Flavored Snacks are made with apple, pear, and cranberry juice concentrate.  See package for a list of complete ingredients.  They are not intended to replace fruit in the diet.

Thursday, May 17, 2012

Flora by GUCCI Reveiw




It’s newly available at Macy’s department stores and Sephora nationwide in three distinct floral fragrances:


•Gorgeous Gardenia: A sparkling prelude of succulent red berries and juicy pear gives way to an opulent floral heart

•Gracious Tuberose: A verdant overture of violet leaves and peach softens into the plant’s silken blossom

•Glamorous Magnolia: A brilliant opening of buoyant freesia, zest and green leaves yields to a tactile fusion of peony and magnolia


Express yourself

Inspired by one of Gucci's most iconic designs, Flora by Gucci: The Flora Garden Collection is a bouquet of refined eau de toilettes, designed to express the multi-faceted personality and depth of emotion of every woman. Glamorous, Gracious, Gorgeous — each fragrance is distinct, yet together all the scents embody the beauty and allure of Gucci's renowned Flora pattern, originally designed for the charismatic Princess Grace in 1966. Explore each bloom, and express your loveliness, with Flora by Gucci.

My favorite is the Tuberose it smells very warm and romantic, coming in second would be the Gardenia fresh floral scent, great for spring. The Magnolia smelled nice ,but a little to strong for me. I gave samples out to all the women in my family for Mothers day and they all loved them. All of the scents are worth trying in my opinion.

I received a product sample from BzzAgent to review, these are my honest opinions.




Great Giveaways!




Enter to #win A+D prize pack @independentmami #baby #giveaway ends 5/20 http://tinyurl.com/7fqdkdo


Win Neutrogena® Oil-Free Moisture $50 @independentmami #giveaway 5/24 http://tinyurl.com/c8lcft5








Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Free Bowling All Summer Long From AMF




One of my favorite thing to do is bowling ,but it can be expensive when you have a large family. Bowling is something for all ages to enjoy and my kids love it. With Summer around the corner I'm going to be looking for affordable activities for the family and this is perfect for those of you on a budget!

Beat the Heat - Over 250 Locations
Summer is right around the corner! Have you figured out how the kids will keep busy through August? Summer camp, sports, swimming are all no-brainers, BUT what about when it's JUST. TOO. HOT. outside? Spare yourself a house full of bored kids. One2One is hooking you up!

AMF's Summer Unplugged is this summer's best bowling deal for kids! And adults get in on the fun too with Summer Pass.



Summer Unplugged: Zip, Zero, Zilch for Kids 15 and UnderAt select AMF centers, two free games of bowling per day for kids 15 and under. (Shoe rental not included, but they’re worth paying for.)
Time: Free bowling until 8:00PM, 7 days a weekDates: Now through Labor Day (Sept 3)How: Parents go to bit.ly/AMFfree to select a participating center (over 250 locations) and complete a simple registration form.
Extras: $3.29 Kids Meals

Free game coupons emailed every week – it’s that simple!





Summer Pass: Great Deal for Everyone 16 and over

The adults won't be left melting in the heat! AMF is also offering Summer Pass. For only $29.95 up to four adults 16 and over can bowl two free games per day all summer long. That's less than $7.50 per person! (Same dates and times as above) Available at bit.ly/SummerPass.




 I participated in this campaign as a member of One2One Network and am eligible for a prize drawing.  All opinions stated in the post are my own.

Friday, May 11, 2012

Natural Defenders Challenge



May is Physical Fitness Month: Enter the NaturalDefenders Challenge to win a Health Club Membership!

WHAT:             
The California Walnuts'Natural Defenders Challenge has people across the country trying to answerthe deceptively simple question, "How do you stay healthy?" Theresponses so far range from simple solutions, such as walking daily anddrinking water, to the more unusual ideas, including bench-pressing yourchildren, or only eating foods your grandma would recognize.

WHY:                  
Think you have the best wayto defend your body? There's still time to submit ideas for a chance to wina year-long gym membership! Check out the competition and tell CaliforniaWalnuts your favorite way to stay healthy at Facebook.com/CaWalnuts.

Once the votes have been talliedand the winner is chosen, California Walnuts will create a list of 100 GreatWays to Defend Your Body using the best ideas from the challenge.

WHO:                
The Natural Defenders Challengeis open to U.S. residents, 18 years and older. For official rules, please see Facebook.com/CaWalnuts.

WHEN:              
The contest ends Wednesday,May 30, 2012.

WHERE:            
For more information, please visit the NaturalDefenders press release. Visit Facebook.com/CaWalnutsto submit ideas.

SUMMARY:      
Bench-pressing your kids, onlyeating foods your grandma would recognize, and pulling weeds are just some of themore unusual ways to keep healthy, according to participants of the CaliforniaWalnuts' Natural Defenders Facebook Challenge.  The competition, which isnow in its third week, encourages people to share the ways they naturallydefend their bodies for a chance to win a year-long health club membership. Ifyou have an idea you’d like to share, there’s still time to sign up at Facebook.com/CaWalnuts.  Thecompetition ends on Wednesday, May 30.

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Houston Galleria Learn-to-Skate



Ice at the Galleria Hosts First Annual Learn-to-Skate Open House
Enjoy Prizes, On-Ice Performances, Games and Special Discounts
HOUSTON, TX. (May 8, 2012) – In need of a “cool” weekend outing for the family? On Saturday, May 12, 2012, from 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Ice at the Galleria will hold its First Annual Learn-to-Skate Open House, featuring a series of special events and activities including ice rink games, raffles, prizes, free introductory Learn-to-Skate classes for ages 5 – 7 years old, and extraordinary on-ice performances and exhibitions.
The Learn-to-Skate Open House will highlight the exciting atmosphere and opportunities available at Ice at the Galleria. Public Session Admission and skate rental is $5.00 and beginner skaters are invited to participate in 15-minute Learn-to-Skate sessions taking place throughout the day. For more experienced skaters, several games and contests will take place that showcase more advanced talents on the ice.
While the on-ice skating fun lasts all day, Ice at the Galleria will also offer several activities for those who wish to take part in the excitement off the ice. Face painting, giveaways and raffle drawings are just a few of the activities guests can take part in off the rink.
If you’re interested in seeing some of Houston’s most talented skaters in action, this is your chance. Several special on-ice performances and skating exhibitions are scheduled throughout the day, including appearances by the Houston Aeros and a performance by some of Houston’s most beloved mascots.
“There is no better place to be on Saturday, May 12, than the Ice at the Galleria,” said Lisa Steck, General Manager of Ice at the Galleria. “The Learn-to-Skate Open House is a day for the entire family where kids can explore their athletic abilities and be entertained by the many special appearances we have planned.”
Ice at the Galleria has been an icon in the Houston area for more than 30 years. Located beneath the glass atrium in the Houston Galleria Mall, it’s open seven days a week and offers a variety of skating activities for different ability levels. In 2011, Olympian Evan Lysacek named Ice at the Galleria as one of “10 Great Places to Ice Skate in the USA.”
For more information on the event and to get a full schedule of activities, visit http://www.iceatthegalleria.com/.

About Ice at the Galleria
Ice at the Galleria is located at 5015 Westheimer Road, Houston, Texas and offers a wide variety of ice entertainment including public skating sessions, birthday parties, group rates, summer camps and learn to skate programs. For more information about Ice at the Galleria in Houston  call 713-621-1500 or visit www.iceatthegalleria.com.

Thursday, May 3, 2012

Bruger King $25 Crown Card Giveaway!





With an expanded menu that includes classic items, along with a wide range of exciting, new offerings, BURGER KING® is giving you even more reason to HAVE IT YOUR WAY®! Sure to appeal to WHOPPER® lovers, as well as those seeking more choices, the enhanced menu includes a variety of made-to-order Garden Fresh Salads, Snack Wraps, Real Fruit Smoothies, Frappés and Crispy Chicken Strips. Since 1954 BURGER KING® has been committed to offering great-tasting, fire-grilled food and the WHOPPER® Sandwich has been proved to be America’s Favorite Burger year after year. Over the past nine months, BURGER KING® has created and tested more than two dozen new products and they are committed to providing you with the products that are best-in-class and true to their heritage of great taste. Based on extensive consumer feedback, BURGER KING® is rounding out their menu to provide more choice and something for everyone! Visit the nearest participating BURGER KING® to try any one of these new options with your friends and family today!

New Garden Fresh Salads at BURGER KING® are made fresh daily with premium ingredients that can be topped with your choice of TENDERCRISP® or juicy TENDERGRILL® chicken.
Varieties include:
Chicken BLT Garden Fresh Salad ~ made with a three cheese blend, thick cut bacon, tomatoes and red onion, served with Ken’s® Avocado Ranch dressing
Chicken, Apple and Cranberry Garden Fresh Salad ~ made with crisp apples, dried cranberries, bleu cheese and Ken’s® Apple Cider Vinaigrette
Chicken Caesar Garden Fresh Salad ~ made with 100% romaine lettuce, tomatoes, shaved parmesan cheese, and home-style croutons

 New Snack Wraps at BURGER KING® provide quick, flavorful snacks for less than 400 calories each. Snack Wrap options include:
Honey Mustard Crispy Chicken Snack Wrap ~ A flour tortilla filled with crispy, marinated white meat chicken, a three-cheese blend, and a combination of spring mix, romaine and iceberg lettuce, all topped with Ken’s® Honey Mustard Dressing
Ranch Crispy Chicken Snack Wrap ~ A flour tortilla filled with crispy, marinated white meat chicken, a three-cheese blend, and a combination of spring mix, romaine and iceberg lettuce, all topped with Ken’s® Ranch Dressing

New Crispy Chicken Strips at BURGER KING® are made with white meat tenderloin chicken, marinated and lightly battered in seasoned home-style breading. The new Crispy Chicken Strips are perfect for dipping in one of eight BK® classic or bold new sauces and are available in 3 or 5 piece servings

New Real Fruit Smoothies at BURGER KING® are offered in 12, 16, and 20oz. servings, and are made fresh to order with real fruit, low-fat yogurt and juices blended together. Each smoothie provides a full serving of fruit and is offered in the following varieties: Tropical Mango Strawberry Banana

Rich and smooth Frappés at BURGER KING® are made to order and provide the perfect combination of sweet Mocha or Caramel flavors, a hint coffee and ice. Offered in 12, 16, and 20oz. servings, frappes are available in the following varieties:
Mocha Frappé ~ The perfect combination of sweet flavor, a hint of coffee and ice all topped with whipped topping and a swirl of fudge
Caramel Frappé ~ The perfect combination of sweet flavor, a hint of coffee and ice all topped with whipped topping and a swirl of caramel

*At participating restaurants, nutritionals available upon request*

My thoughts- BK's menu has come along way I no longer have to feel guilty about taking my kids there to eat with so many options it's easy to watch your weight and still eat on the go. Let's face it ladies sometimes there is just no time to cook and BK offers endless options for your whole family.

I have a giveaway.   $25 BK® Crown Card*

How to enter:

1)   Like BURGER KING® on Facebook http://on.fb.me/BKFbook (1 entry)
2)  Follow BURGER KING® on Twitter http://bit.ly/BKTWT (1 entry)
3)  Tweet this giveaway (1 entry/per tweet/per day) please leave url
4)  Follow me on  Blogger & or Networked Blog (2 entry) for each
5)  Share this giveaway on Facebook ( 1 entry/per share/ per day) please leave url
6)  Friend onthegomommy on Facebook  facebook.com/onthego2mommy (2 entry)

Win  $25 @BurgerKing gift card @onthegomommy#MyBlogSpark #giveawayends5/25 http://tinyurl.com/7czcfrb


This giveaway ends 5/25/12 @ 8 am. 1 winner will be randomly selected. The winner will have 24 hours to claim their prize. Your email MUST be in the comment. You will be disqualified and a new winner will be selected. US only. Good Luck.


“Disclosure:  The coupons, product information, and additional gift pack have been provided courtesy of Burger King Corporation through MyBlogSpark.

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Day Care Probiotics...




I have children in Day Care and my biggest concern before I put them in there was that they were going to be at risk of getting sick ,and yes it happened on more then one occasion with my two year old. My little one had been at home with mommy since day one and her immune system just couldn't handle all the germs flying around at Day Care so after about two months in and out of the Doctor's office we can finally take a breather. I give her yogurt on a daily basis as well as vitamins to help boost her immune system here are few good probiotics Dr. Shekhar Challa recomends.


Probiotics in Day Care Centers

Keeping your child healthy at day care can prove tricky at times. With a group of children playing and eating together for several hours, your child is bound to come into contact with some bad bacteria that can make him or her sick.

According to the hygiene hypothesis, children who are exposed to a variety of bacterial and viral infections, or have older siblings, are more likely to have stronger immune systems as they build tolerance for certain types of bad bacteria.

Adding Probiotics to the Diet

To make sure your little one has optimal protection, try incorporating probiotics into his or her diet. Through various studies, we’ve learned certain strains of good bacteria are best for children’s immunity, such as:

· Bifidobacterium bifidum

· Bifidobacterium lactis

· Lactobacillus acidophilus

· Lactobacillus reuteri

· Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG

· Saccharomyces boulardii (probiotic yeast)



If you’re looking to give your child probiotics, be sure to read the labels on any kids’ chewables or drink mixes to see if any of these good bacteria are listed in the ingredients.



Another great way to introduce probiotics into your child’s diet is through natural foods found primarily in certain fermented or dairy products. While supplements give you larger doses of probiotics in one dose, natural foods are still a great way to boost your child’s immune system. As you’ve probably heard, yogurt with live cultures is a good source of probiotics, and, even if your kid is a picky eater, you’ll probably have a good chance of getting him or her to eat it.

Several studies show that probiotics benefit children in day care centers in the following ways:

1.       Infants fed a formula supplemented with L. reuteri or B. lactis had fewer and shorter episodes of diarrhea. 

2.       Lactobacillus GG may reduce respiratory infections and their severity in children in day care.

3.       Children who consumed the drink DanActive experienced a reduction in the incidence of common ailments that included sinusitis, flu, diarrhea and ear infections.                                                  

Don’t Forget the Prebiotics

Prebiotics are also available in certain supplements and a variety of foods. Prebiotics, as opposed to probiotics, are fibers that help your body break down other foods and eliminate the waste. These include bananas, onions, asparagus, garlic, legumes, whole grains and seeds.



For a total listing of what to pack in your kid’s lunch box, check out “Probiotics For Dummies” (available now). Chapter 12 provides 20-plus probiotic and prebiotic recipes to use in your own kitchen.

Bacteria to Avoid

While bad bacteria still abounds no matter what the environment, there are at least a couple of them to truly avoid if you have a child in a day care center.

Escherichia Coli – Usually referred to as E. coli, this bacteria can be found in contaminated food or water. Young children, as well as older adults, are at a higher risk of complications due to E. coli, even life-threatening issues such as kidney failure.

Common sources of food contaminated with E. coli include: fresh produce (water used to irrigate crops can be contaminated), ground beef or raw milk.

Shigella – Most common in children ages two to four, this bacteria causes bloody stools and diarrhea and can be contracted through contaminated food or beverages, swimming in contaminated water or coming into direct contact with feces.

When changing diapers or helping toddlers with toilet training, it is crucial to practice good hand-washing techniques!

[CCE1] Please Note: Always consult your physician before adding a supplement — including probiotics — to your or your child’s diet.

The final way to protect your child from bad bacteria is to protect yourself as well. Taking probiotics will help you reach optimal health and boost your immune system, decreasing your chances of spreading diseases to your little one. I recommend the gourmet probiotic Probulin. Use promo code “Challa” on your order to receive 25 percent off at http://www.probulin.com/.

Dr. Shekhar Challa is a board certified Gastroenterologist, Co-producer of probiotic video game Microwarriors: The Battle Within, and author of the new book Probiotics for Dummies. www.drchalla.com.  



Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Probiotics for your Teeth!

I'm a big fan of trying to improve my health and there seems to be a probiotic out there for everything and that can make things a bit confusing when it comes down to choosing the right probiotic for you so here is some suggestions from Dr. Shekhar Challa a board certified Gastroenterologist, Co-producer of probiotic video game Microwarriors: The Battle Within, and author of the new book Probiotics for Dummies. www.drchalla.com.

Probiotics and Oral Health

The reason we are told to brush twice a day, floss, use mouthwash and get regular dental checkups is because our gums and teeth are at risk for serious decay and damage due to bad bacteria. Oral diseases are on the rise, and the latest statistics show that 80 percent of Americans over 30 have gingivitis, tooth decay, cavities or periodontitis (destruction or loss of bone structure and teeth).
Streptococcus salivarius is the main “good-guy” bacteria in the mouth, and its job is to keep Streptococcus mutans (bad-guy) bacteria in check so that it does not colonize the surface of the teeth and break down enamel.

Beat Bad Bacteria
The good bacteria found in probiotics enter the body and work to overcrowd bad bacteria. There are places in your mouth and gut called adherence sites where bacteria are able to attach and begin to grow. If good bacteria reach those adherence sites first, there is less room for bad bacteria.

Probiotics for Oral Health
There are several companies producing a variety of probiotic products for oral health. I’m talking about more than just toothpaste and mouthwash (even though those are included). Not to mention, the line of probiotics available is expanding beyond human consumption…

Probiotic Gum – An example is TheraBreath Aktiv-K12 (www.therabreath.com), which not only provides fresh breath but actually obliterates those bad-odor bacteria.

Probiotic Mints –Try Profresh Mints (www.profreshmints.com) for fresh breath, white teeth and healthy gums and teeth. The mint includes a patented blend of three primary good bacteria: Streptococcus oralis KJ3, Streptococcus uberis KJ2 and Streptococcus rattus JH145. These good bacteria cause the bad guys to clump and stick to teeth, which makes them easy to brush, floss and rinse away. Also check out their line of kids’ chewable probiotics and probiotic powder for your pets’ oral health.

Probiotic Lozenges – A study in the Journal of Oral Microbiology found probiotic lozenges may reduce bad bacteria in the mouth if you have chronic periodontitis (most common gum disease). To decrease bleeding gums and build protection against plaque, check out GUM PerioBalance (www.periobalance.com).

Probiotic Toothpaste – While probiotic toothpaste is rather new in the U.S., it has been around for years in other countries. Two brands to look for are OMX Toothpaste and Designs for Health’s PerioBiotic Toothpaste.

Probiotic Mouthwash – In Sweden, a study determined using probiotic mouthwash actually reduced the amount of bad bacteria in your upper respiratory tract, ultimately reducing your chance of respiratory-related pneumonia. Check out Compete50 Probiotic Mouthwash or KForce Balance Rinse for starters.

Our mindsets are morphing from “all bacteria is bad” to understanding the differences between good and bad bacteria and how probiotics can actually work to protect us from illness and disease. Although the main focus of probiotic products is concentrated on the digestive tract and gastrointestinal health, other studies and products are surfacing, such as the oral health aids I just mentioned.

Probiotics are rapidly becoming more available and more prominent in the U.S. as our knowledge of their potential benefits increases. On a global scale, it is predicted that by 2014, the global probiotics market will be worth $32.6 billion.

**Please Note: Always consult your physician before adding a supplement — including probiotics — to your diet.

 Be sure to check out the oral products you just read about, as the probiotics can only serve to beneficially supplement your health. To ease your way into using probiotics, I suggest starting with a probiotic mint such as Profresh Mints. Get the benefits of probiotics in a single daily mint (http://www.profreshmints.com/). Use coupon code “challa” to get 25% off.

Dr. Shekhar Challa is a board certified Gastroenterologist, Co-producer of probiotic video game Microwarriors: The Battle Within, and author of the new book Probiotics for Dummies. www.drchalla.com.