Showing posts with label natural teeth. Show all posts
Showing posts with label natural teeth. Show all posts

Friday, April 20, 2012

Teeth Whitening Products and Side Effects

There is a large variety of teeth whitening methods and products, including in-office bleaching and teeth whitening, whitening toothpastes, whitening gels and trays, and others. The typical in-office whitening procedure involves the use of a bleaching agent, usually hydrogen peroxide. Speaking of laser teeth whitening cost is a major consideration. It ranges from $500 to $1,500 depending on where you live, the type of treatment, and the number of sessions required. On the good side, laser teeth whitening offers instant results while other treatment methods take more time to achieve the desired effect.

If you are on a tight budget and want to find a cheaper alternative, here are some quick teeth whitening tricks to consider. One thing to do is mix equal amounts of water and dilute hydrogen peroxide and add baking soda to the mixture. Use the paste to brush your teeth. You can also prepare a lemon juice paste by mixing equal amounts of lemon juice and salt. Brush your teeth using the paste.

Strawberries and basal leaves have teeth whitening properties as well. Rub some strawberries to your teeth and brush afterwards. Alternatively, you can mix equal amounts of dry basal leaves and orange rind and rub the mixture to your teeth. This is a good way to remove staining.

While home whitening and in-office treatment methods are considered safe, there are some teeth whitening side effects. The most common side effects are gum irritation and thermal sensitivity (sensitivity to hot and cold drinks and foods). These side effects are temporary and shouldn’t be a source of concern. Some dentists claim that using over-the-counter products is not always the best idea because certain products can damage the teeth and gums. When overused, they have been shown to damage the enamel. In the opinion of dentists, it is better to use custom-made mouth trays to whiten teeth and avoid side effects.

Thursday, January 14, 2010

What causes Bad Breath?

Bad breath can be very embarrassing, but is something that most people have to deal with at one time or other. It can be annoying to both the person with the offensive breath and to those around them. What causes bad breath? It can be caused by food, poor oral hygiene, tobacco, and medical conditions.

Foods with strong odors can cause bad breath. The worst offenders are onions, garlic and peppers. Bad breath can also be caused by acidic foods such as soda and orange juice. Dairy products can create bad breath due to the bacterial cultures in them. The bacteria will cause a reaction in the mouth that can cause bad breath. Coffee drinkers often have bad breath due to a lingering of the coffee odor. Drinking alcohol also causes a lingering odor that can be offensive.

Poor oral hygiene will also cause bad breath. When teeth aren’t brushed and flossed daily food particles can remain trapped in the mouth. These particles will rot and promote growth of bacteria which will in turn cause mouth odor. Plaque buildup also promotes bacterial growth and in turn bad breath. Having tooth decay or cavities also causes mouth odor.

Smoking or chewing tobacco also causes bad breath. In addition to the smell itself, chewing tobacco can cause acidity in the stomach which in turn can create more bad breath. Cigarette or pipe smoke will reduce the oxygen level in the mouth and provide a fertile environment for bacteria to grow.

Certain medical conditions can also cause bad breath. The most common are illnesses having to do with the respiratory system such as tonsillitis, bronchitis, and sinusitis. When the sinuses drain into the back of the throat, a nasty odor can come from the mouth. Also the coughing up of sputum can cause the breath to smell bad.

Other medical conditions will cause mouth odor. These include diabetes, acid reflux, liver problems, kidney problems, and some cancers. Unhealthy dieting can cause ketoacidosis which in turn causes bad breath.

Knowing what causes bad breath can help people avoid it. Staying away from foods that cause mouth odor, maintaining good oral hygiene and not using tobacco are great ways to avoid foul breath.

Sources: Whiten teeth

Disclaimer: This article is provided for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional and/or medical advice. The information found in this article is provided "AS IS", and all warranties, express or implied, are disclaimed by the author.