Veronica Greene Beauty Blog

In this very unusual year, we all made adjustments and changes to our lifestyle.

Social distancing and mask-wearing have been an unwelcome change yet are necessary to try to stay healthy.

One big surprise for many has been a struggle to keep a clean and fresh smelling breath under that mask.

Why is our breath worse with a mask?

There are already several reasons why breath can have less than desirable odor. These include lack of proper oral hygiene, eating certain foods like garlic, smoking cigarettes, and drinking alcohol. Now, with a mask, there is an extra source of bad breath.

It’s normal for a mouth to house billions of different bacteria. These help to keep the mouth healthy and aid initial food digestion. These bacteria are divided into aerobic (need oxygen to survive) and anaerobic (do not need oxygen to survive). The anaerobic, non-oxygen bacteria are the ones that produce unpleasant breath.

Usually, we breathe in a certain amount of oxygen when we speak or eat.

Now, enter the face mask, which limits the amount of oxygen we breath in during the day.

This lower amount of oxygen can change the proportion of the bacteria in the mouth, making the anaerobic bacteria dominate, hence the bad breath.

These anaerobic odor-causing bacteria thrive in dark, warm, and moist areas that are devoid of oxygen, which is why our breath tends to be worse in the morning, and when using a mask.

What to do?

1. More oxygen – no, we are not advocating an oxygen mask. That said, if you are in a private area such as your home, take a few breaths through your mouth to increase the amount of air going in. Just make sure the air is clean and not too cold.
2. Mouthwash – swoosh several times over the course of the day. This will help to keep the bacterial load in check. We recommend any of our VG Mouthwashes. They don’t just whiten teeth but will freshen your breath as well.
3. Breath Spray – especially the kind you can easily put in your purse. Any of our VG breath sprays will do the trick. We offer 3 flavors and more on the way!!

While there are a number of reasons breath can have an undesirable odor, there are also a number of ways to combat it.

Wishing everyone clean and fresh breath and to stay healthy in 2020 and beyond.

In the last year, the world has experienced a fundamental shift in the way we view socializing, interacting with others, watching our health, and traveling.

The airline industry has made extensive changes in flight schedules, seating arrangements, and mask requirements on flights.

If you choose to travel, whether essential or not, here are the top five items we recommend to bring with you on the plane:

1. Mask – we can’t stress this enough! Whether you are flying to or from a state with mask requirements, a mask will likely be required to board the plane. Some airlines are now banning passengers who refuse or fail to wear a mask. In terms of safety, a triple layer mask, may be one item standing between you and a possibility of infection. We recommend a surgical triple layer mask with loops that are short enough to provide a snug fit over your nose, mouth and chin. These usually come in light blue color and have adjustable wiring to fit around the nose.
   
   
2. Breath Spray – after all that breathing into a mask for the entire flight you may feel a change in your breath. A freshening and tasty breath spray is very rejuvenating for the mouth. We recommend our Pear, Orange Ginger or Black Currant sprays. More flavors coming soon – Stay Tuned!!
   
   
3. Disposable Gloves – hand rails, luggage, door handles… You are likely to be touching multiple surfaces before, during and after your flight. Airports have thousands of people go through them on daily basis, which means you can’t be too careful. A pair of disposable gloves can save the day.
   
   
4. Hand Lotion – after your flight we recommend removing the gloves and thoroughly washing your hands. It’s likely that from gloves and soap hands will become dry. A moisturizing and highly absorbent lotion can save the day.
   
   
5. A really awesome lipstick – wearing a mask on your flight, as well as in public places means your lips are constantly in contact with it. We do not recommend wearing lipstick under the mask. When the mask finally comes off, using a great moisturizing lipstick will do wonders for your lips (and likely for your mood too!!). Any of our lipsticks will do the job to help you face the day in style!!

By the time we are adults, most of us have a clear understanding of what oral care entails. However, it can be confusing and vague as to how to care for baby teeth. As a dentist, I’ve seen the effects of neglect in younger patients, which often leads to caries (cavities) that lead to baby teeth loss early and adult teeth coming in incorrectly. As a new mom, I’ve done a great deal of research on the subject to make sure my little one has great teeth for years to come. The following will answer some questions and dispel several common misconceptions about caring for primary teeth.

MYTH: Baby teeth aren’t that important.
FACT: Yes, your baby’s primary teeth are temporary and will eventually fall out. However, they have many essential functions before adult teeth replace them. Baby teeth are very important for eating and getting proper nutrition. They also play a role in the development of the face structure and in holding space for adult teeth. If a baby tooth is lost too early because of decay, the other baby teeth could shift into its position, so there isn’t enough space for the adult teeth to grow in. Another reason those tiny teeth are critical: your baby’s speech development. These teeth will eventually help to produce sounds like th and sh.

MYTH: Teething can make your baby sick.
FACT: Although you may have heard that teething causes diarrhea, fever, and a whole host of other problems, recent research shows that any symptoms are quite mild. Gum irritation, drooling, and irritability are the most common symptoms associated with teething, according to a recent study in Pediatrics; some babies may also experience a slight rise in temperature. 

MYTH: You should brush your baby’s teeth once daily.
FACT: The latest research shows that twice a day is better. Cavities are caused by plaque, a thin film of bacteria that forms on the tooth surface. It takes brushing more than once a day to clean off the plaque. Before your baby has any teeth, clean their mouth and gums with a damp washcloth. Once the first tooth sprouts, switch to a small, soft-bristled toothbrush, and use a fluoridated toothpaste in small amounts. 

Myth: Babies can’t get cavities.
FACT: Any tooth can get a cavity. Baby teeth are part of a human body, small as it may be, and are therefore exposed to bacteria, which are present generally in the mouth. Also, the permanent tooth is forming right at the ends of the root of the baby tooth, so any infection in the baby tooth can damage the permanent tooth. One study found that children who had cavities in their baby teeth were three times more likely to develop cavities in their adult teeth. In addition to brushing, the most important way to reduce your baby’s likelihood of developing cavities is to avoid putting the baby to bed with a bottle of formula or juice or breastfeeding your little one on and off throughout the night. 

MYTH: You should schedule the first dental checkup by age 3.
FACT: The American Academy of Pediatrics and the AAPD now both recommend that a baby see a dentist after the first tooth appears or by first birthday at the latest. According to studies, about 60 percent of children in the U.S. have tooth decay by the time they’re five years old. At the first visit, a pediatric dentist will do an exam to evaluate your baby’s current cavity risk and talk with you about what you can do to keep your baby’s mouth healthy. After the first visit, your little one should have a dental checkup every six months or as recommended by your dentist.

With Candy for Halloween, pies for Thanksgiving and Eggnog for Christmas, it’s easy to lose track of the amount of sugar we eat during the Holidays. Which is why it’s extra important to practice great dental care during this time of year.

Here are a few myths (and myth busters) about Holiday diet and dental care routine.

Myth - You should stay away from Holiday sweets
Reality - Timing Matters
It’s totally ok to eat sweets and other sugary foods. Try to eat them with meals or shortly after mealtime. Saliva production increases during meals and helps cancel out acids produced by bacteria in your mouth and helps rinse away food particles.

Myth - Only candy and refined sugar can cause damage to your teeth
Reality – Be picky if it’s sticky
When it comes to picking healthy snacks, many people put dried fruit at the top of the list. But many dried fruits are sticky and tend to stay on the teeth longer than other types of food. If you find yourself eating a lot of dried fruits such as cranberries, make sure to rinse with water and brush carefully. To finish up? Try our Blood Orange and Ginger and French Golder Pear Whitening Rinse. Swoosh, swoosh!!

Myth – Alcohol cannot damage teeth
Reality – Moderation
‘Tis the season for Egg Nog and Thanksgiving Sangria! If you choose to drink, try to drink water alongside or after your drinks. Also, try our Alcohol-Free French Golder Pear Whitening Rinse. Not only will it rinse away alcohol, but it will add to that Holiday Flavor.

And remember: Too much alcohol can dry out your mouth.

Myth – All candy is equal
Reality – Not all candy is the same
Some candies are more problematic than others. Hard candies can put your teeth at risk because, in addition to being full of sugar, they’ve also been known to cause broken or chipped teeth. (Be careful not to break or chip your teeth when eating nuts as well!)

Myth – sweets are the only carbs that can damage your teeth
Reality – Watch out for Starch
Starchy foods, such as pasta and dough, are sneaky because they often get trapped in your teeth. If you choose to indulge in chips and cakes, take extra care when you floss that day to remove all the food particles that can lead to plaque build-up, brush well and rinse.

Suggestions? Our Black Currant Whitening Rinse.

Staying with great oral care routine is important every day of the year, but becomes even more so during the Holiday Season, which is filled with sweets and other yummy temptations.

Staying with great oral care routine and using proper oral care products will keep you smiling through the Holidays!!

While rounding out the second decade of the 2000's, many industries, such as automotive, beauty, and personal care, have been switching to the concept of clean and sustainable materials and ingredients.

What does 'Clean' and 'Sustainable' mean?

These are ingredients that don't cause harm to the human body while being produced in a safe environment that does not cause damage to communities or the local habitat. Veronica Greene Brand takes this concept very seriously, with none of the banned ingredients used in our formulas. Furthermore, all our ingredients are cruelty-free and never tested on animals.

Here's a quick pique of the banned ingredients that never make our formula list:

1. Aluminum Powder
Aluminum is the third most abundant element on earth. We are exposed to it through a variety of sources, including drinking water, pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and consumer products. Aluminum can also form as salts or oxides. The toxicity of different forms of aluminum depends in large part on its relative solubility in water and the pH (acidity) range. Aluminum compounds appear to be poorly absorbed by the human body, but elemental aluminum is a known toxicant at high doses. None of our formulas, such as French Golden Pear whitening rinse, would ever use aluminum powder in our formula. 

2. Animal Derived Ingredients
Derived Ingredients, such as Animal Musks and Animal Fats, are never used.  

3. BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole)
A preservative linked to cancer, irritation, and hormone disruption. This ingredient never is used in any of our formulas, including the Blood Orange and Ginger Whitening Rinse.

4. BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene)
A Toluene-based preservative linked to irritation.

5. Cyclic Silicones
Cyclic silicones include Cyclopentasiloxane (D4), Cyclopentasiloxane (D5), Cyclopentasiloxane (D6), and Cyclomethicone. Studies point to some of these chemicals having reproductive and developmental toxicity as well as endocrine disruption concerns. 

6. EDTA
Calcium Disodium EDTA, Tetrasodium EDTA, Trisodium EDTA, etc., are chelating agents, meaning they bind to metal ions, which inactivate them. These ingredients are not linked to consumer health issues, but they might be a problem for aquatic life since they don't break down in the environment and have been found in waterways. 

7. Parabens
Parabens are often used as preservatives for various cosmetic and oral care products. Unfortunately, certain parabens have been linked to hormone disruption. We do not use any parabens in our formulas, such as Veronica-Greene Black Current Breath Spray, including Ethylparaben, Butylparaben, Isobutylparaben, Isopropylparaben, Methylparaben, and Propylparaben.

8. Petrolatum and Paraffin
Petrolatum is a semisolid mixture derived from processed petroleum. Mineral Oil, Paraffin Wax, Liquid Paraffin, and several other ingredients are also petroleum distillation byproducts. The concerns with these ingredients are unsustainable sourcing and possible PAHs contamination. PAHs (which stands for Polyaromatic Hydrocarbons) are linked to cancer. 

9. Toluene
A solvent that is toxic to the immune system and may cause congenital disabilities. This ingredient would never be found in Veronica-Greene products such as Black Currant Whitening Rinse.

10. Triclosan and Triclocarban
These are anti-bacterial and preservative ingredients used in personal care, such as oral care, and home-cleaning products. They're persistent in the environment and may be associated with hormone disruption. We absolutely do not use this ingredient in any products formulated by the Veronica-Greene Brand. These include all formulas, such as French Golden Pear and Black Currant Breath Sprays.

Veronica-Greene is very vigilant about keeping all formulas Toxin and Cruelty-Free! 

We believe in Clean and Sustainable ingredients as well as tasty and lasting formulations that put us a Breath Above TM!

Over the last few decades, there have been studies and research done on the beneficial effects of kissing on the human body and overall well being. 

When kissing the right person at the right moment, everything can fall into place, and the experience can be exhilarating. Science has now found that the effects of kissing on the human body can be very uplifting and positive, as well.

1. Kissing helps reduce blood pressure
Making out is not just good for your emotional heart; it gives your anatomical one a workout, too. Kissing passionately gets your heartbeat elevated and helps lower your blood pressure. It dilates your blood vessels -- blood is flowing in a healthy, solid fashion and reaching all your vital organs.

2. Kissing fights cavities
Kissing increases the flow of saliva. Saliva is the primary natural mechanism to clean away plaque and residue from teeth, thereby preventing gum inflammation and cavities.

3. Kissing amps up your happy hormones
During times of stress, a little kissing can relax, restore, and revitalize you... The chemicals in the brain that create positive emotions are serotonin, dopamine, and oxytocin. These get released to create the feeling of rejuvenation. Pair that with our Black Currant breath spray, and you have a winning combo.

4. Kissing burns calories
Nothing can compare to a workout, but a vigorous makeout session can burn 8 to 16 calories per smooch. When fully engaged, kissing can be a form of vigorous exercise. You need to have a passionate kiss to burn those calories, but a 10-hour makeout session is not necessary.

5. Kissing boosts self-esteem
One German study found that men who received a juicy kiss from their wives before leaving for work made more money. Kissing can lower the feeling of emotional distress, so the sense of confidence can skyrocket. A kiss has a lot to do with self-esteem and feeling loved and connected. Try our French Golden Pear spray for a kiss that’s all about romance and sophistication.

6. Kissing is a barometer for sexual compatibility
It can be an excellent way to check out a potential partner for compatibility before getting naked and emotionally involved. But if your very first liplock with a new partner is meh, this could be due to several factors, one of them being less than desirable breath. In this case, offer them one of our breath sprays, such as Blood Orange and Ginger. It’ll boost that lip lock in no time!!

As a dentist with 15+ years in practice, I’ve seen patients of all ages, from a 2-year-old toddler to a woman in her 90s.

The transformation in a smile can be quite stunning… going from a row of shiny white teeth with three-dimensional structure to teeth that are flattened, short and irregular.

While we can’t slow down aging, there are approaches to making our smile stay looking younger and confidently flashing our pearly whites in mature age.

1. Problem - As we age our teeth become flatter from chewing and grinding. Any damage from hard foods, opening bottles with teeth or chewing on ice can cause a change in shape and create cracks in the enamel, the outer layer of the tooth. Cracks can lead to food and bacteria staying inside the tooth thereby causing cavities.
   
   Solution – Watching your diet is imperative as any hard foods can damage your teeth.  Visiting your dentist regularly to check for cavities is also very important. In my office I try to catch cavities as quickly as possible to prevent them from growing. Remember, just because it doesn’t hurt doesn’t mean there is no problem in the tooth. Teeth that become painful are usually in need of a root canal treatment, a much more invasive procedure than a filling.

2. Problem – As we get older the type and amount of bacteria in the mouth changes. This is the result of hormonal changes that can also lead to dry mouth and bad breath.
   
   Solution - Many dentists will recommend artificial moisturizers. Many women will also take hormonal supplements to combat changes in their bodies. Another recommendation would be to try a breath spray such as Veronica Greene Blood Orange and Ginger to freshen breath and to cleanse the palate.

3. Problem – Shorter front teeth lead to poor esthetics. The edges of front teeth should ideally show at least 3mm below the top lip when the mouth is slightly opened. This creates a youthful and properly proportioned look of the smile. With age teeth become shorter and often hide behind the upper lip making the face appear older.
   
   Solution – This one is actually not too difficult to fix. Your dentist should be able to ‘elongate’ your front teeth either by adding white composite (filling) material to the teeth, shaping it properly to look like your own tooth and then curing it in place, just like a filling. This specific procedure is called Dental Bonding. Alternatively you may choose to have porcelain veneers or crowns placed on your front teeth for a stronger restoration.

4. Problem – Teeth changing color with age. They can become yellow or grey.
   
   Solution – A whitening rinse such as Veronica Greene French Golden Pear will gently whiten teeth without harsh chemicals. We are very excited to launch our rinse next month. Stay tuned!!

Unbelievably enough, there is actually one advantage to aging teeth…a smaller pulp chamber.

What is a pulp chamber?

The nerve of each tooth, along with little blood vessels that supply the tooth with nutrients and moisture, is located in the middle of the tooth in an area called the pulp chamber. This chamber is very large in young age, which means that even a smallish cavity can lead to a root canal, i.e. a large chamber means less distance for bacteria to travel from the outside of the tooth until it reaches the nerve. As we age the chamber calcifies and becomes much smaller, which means even a deeper cavity will not reach or invade the nerve. This means no pain, no need for a root canal and less time in the dental chair.

But enough of the clinical stuff…

Next month I will address the more romantic side of oral care…one that will be sure to interest a woman of any age! Keep smiling and see you in October : )

Over my years in practice I’ve had many patients at various stages of pregnancy.

These nine months are usually filled with excitement and anticipation of motherhood and seeing one’s baby for the first time. Yet, they are also filled with questions about what to expect, not only medically, but also from perspective of taking care of the mom’s (and the baby’s future) smile.

Here are a few tips on what to expect and to do….

What to Expect:

• Gum inflammation is more likely during the second trimester. Your gums may be swollen, tender, and may bleed during brushing and flossing. 
• Plaque buildup during pregnancy is common, but brushing and flossing regularly can help. Your body may not fight off plaque as easily when you’re pregnant, which can lead to tooth decay and gingivitis.  A dental hygienist can remove plaque buildup during your regularly-scheduled dental appointment.
• Although pregnancy does not cause periodontal disease directly, it can exacerbate this condition, which can result from untreated gingivitis (gum inflammation).

What to do…

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Your gums will likely be swollen and tender due to pregnancy gingivitis and using a soft bristle toothbrush will definitely be more comfortable.
• Floss gently at least once a day, especially before going to sleep. This will reduce the amount of residue, plaque and bacteria.
• Visit your dentist regularly for a professional cleaning and check-up.
• Eat a diet rich with calcium, vitamin B12 and vitamin C to help keep your gums healthy.
• Avoid certain antibiotics, such as Tetracyclin, as these can cause harm to the baby’s future teeth.
• As your hormone levels change, so could your breath. Try a breath spray such as our Blood Orange and Ginger for instant yummy freshness!!

With the endless myriad of oral care products on the market, it’s easy to start questioning every ingredient in terms of its value and benefits to health versus possible harm.

As a doctor I am consistently asked about various ingredients in toothpastes, mouthwash and breath sprays.

After trying many oral care products myself and looking at the labels I have come up with three important factors to consider:

Fluoride
This is one of the most common active ingredients in toothpastes and over the counter mouthwash. Fluoride is an ingredient naturally found in soil and certain foods. It is also added to drinking water in many US states. Countless studies have shown the benefit of small amount of fluoride as caries (cavity) prevention.

Tooth decay is one of the most common health problems affecting children, and adding fluoride to the municipal water supply is a simple and effective way of preventing it.

In excessive amounts, however, fluoride can cause problems with bones, teeth (fluorosis) and neurological development.

As a dentist I have seen the affects of fluoride free tooth pastes, which is rampant decay in various parts of many teeth.

I would never advocate for fluoride free toothpaste, especially considering the toothpaste gets thoroughly cleaned from the mouth after brushing.

I would, however never advise any fluoride containing breath sprays.

Breath spray, such as VG French Golden Pear, is meant to freshen breath and create a feeling of a clean mouth for hours. It’s also meant to be safe if swallowed. Couple that with beautiful and easy to carry packaging as well as amazing taste and you have a winner breath spray!

Parabens 
These are preservatives widely used in beauty products as well as some oral care products. They help to stabilize the product, thus preventing it from denaturing (spoiling) over a long period of time.

Though it has not been proved, parabens have been suspected of possibly facilitating breast cancer as they mimic Estrogen, a female hormone.

As breath spray, such as our VG Black Currant, may potentially be swallowed, we aimed at making them as safe as possible. Thus – No Parabens!

Cruelty Free 
Numerous companies develop their products with use of animal testing in which various animal species, such as dogs and mice, experience horrible cruelty and are sacrificed for research. As someone who loves animals, I would never allow any of our products to be developed with use of animal experimentation. Our brand worked closely with all manufacturers to ensure no animals would be used in any of our product development. The result is creation of amazing products, such as our VG Blood Orange and Ginger breath spray, with absolutely no guilt!

After launching our liquid lipstick product line, I had received a tremendous number of questions about their use in every day life, their color quality, stay power and their overall look.

‘What do they do for my smile?’ and ‘How long do they stay on?’ were just some of the questions sent to us on Social Media and through our website.

Well, here’s a rundown on all there is to know about the Veronica Greene liquid lipsticks and what to look for in a liquid lipstick in general.

1. You only need ONE COAT
Liquid lipsticks have tremendous amount of pigment and you can achieve that opaque lipstick look with only one application. You can certainly use more coats if desired to achieve a more dramatic look, but typically it’s not at all necessary. (Suggested lipstick – Va Va Vixen)

2. They can come in more than one FORMULA
Some liquid lipsticks can have a lot of luster, while others can be matte. The formula is determined by the list of specific ingredients and how they are mixed. The end result is either lots of shine for glamor or a matte texture for a very sophisticated look.

3. The COLORS can range from the softest and lightest, (such as our Sweet Whisper and Rose Garden) to dramatic and glamorous (such as Rock a Fuschia and Coral Rush). Since the base formula for liquid lipsticks is typically preset, it is the added pigment that determines the actual color. Since pigment can range from the lightest rose to deepest blackberry, the liquid lipstick color possibilities are endless.

4. Liquid lipsticks have AMAZING STAY POWER
This is one of the most frequently asked questions that we received about the Veronica Greene liquid lipsticks. Due to there high pigment content you can expect your lips to retain the color day into night. Even when the luster of the lipstick is faded, the color will still be on your pout.

5. Liquid lipsticks can be LAYERED, creating a very unique look
These lipsticks glide on with a lot of pigment, but a lighter look can be achieved by blotting the lips with a tissue. This way your lips will appear to have a stain rather than lipstick. (Suggested lipstick – Sweet Whisper)

6. APPLYING liquid lipstick
The best way to apply is to cover your entire bottom lip first. With Veronica Greene wand it’s very easy, because the wand is flat and has a very precise edge that will make the application more accurate. Afterwards, blot the lips together, then fill in cupid’s bow and any remaining areas. (Suggested lipstick – Coral Rush)

7. The matte formulas of liquid lipsticks are perfect for KISSING
The color in the matte formula is rich, but once it sets on your lips it’s perfect for some intense kissing as the color won’t smudge onto your partner. (Suggested lipstick – Rose Garden and Rock a Fuschia)

8. They will keep the desired SHAPE on your lips
Traditional lipsticks have a tendency to run down your face with rising temperatures. Liquid lipsticks are great at retaining their texture and will stay firmly on your lips in exactly the shape that you outlined.

9. Watch out for MISTAKES! 
Since liquid lipsticks are formulated to stay on your lips all day, there is very little leeway for coloring outside the lines. If you make a mistake you will only have a short amount of time to fix it.  We suggest taking a cotton swab (Q-tip), dipping it into a liquid make up remover and gently erasing the extra lipstick. Then use a tissue to blot away the make-up remover. (Suggested lipstick – Rock a Fuschia)