Wednesday, November 23, 2011

The Worst Enemies To White Teeth FAQ

The worst enemies of white teeth are not limited to some drinks and foods, but include medications and age. While age is a factor you cannot control, you can avoid unhealthy drinks, foods, and substances that stain teeth. For one, everyone knows that chocolates and sweets are harmful to white teeth. They stain teeth, have a damaging effect on the enamel, and make teeth more vulnerable to different dental conditions. Here is a short list of products that are definitely foes of white teeth..

Tea and coffee are enemies of your teeth. The truly unhealthy tea variety is black tea. Coffee, regardless of the kind, damages the tooth enamel. You should be serious about giving special attention to the color of your teeth. Drinking too much coffee and black tea, along with smoking, are the main cause of tooth discoloration, staining, and tooth darkening. It is best to quit drinking coffee and black tea or at least limit their consumption. If you do not have the willpower to do this, try adding some amount of milk in your cup of tea or coffee. Milk reduces the negative effect of tannin on your teeth.

Carbonated drinks are another big enemy. They contain large amounts of sugar and cause plague to develop and accumulate, thus damaging enamel. The acidic content of carbonated drinks is also harmful to your teeth.

Circus fruits are good for your health, but they can damage the tooth enamel if consumed every day. This is because this fruit is rich in natural acids, which can erode and make the tooth enamel softer, weaker and unhealthy. If citrus fruit is present in your daily menu, it is a good idea to use mouthwash after having them and drink fruit juices with a straw.

This may come as a surprise, but diet pills are an enemy too. They work toward weight loss by lowering the amount of saliva the glands produce, resulting in a dry mouth. A dry mouth on the other hand, is a fertile environment for the development of plaque and bacteria, causing tooth decay.

Wine is one more drink to discuss. Red wine is a natural antiseptic, which can help lower the extent of plaque formation and prevent tooth decay. It also has high acidic and sugar content, which ends up damaging the tooth enamel. If you drink red wine often, it is very likely to lead to tooth staining. Other foods that cause staining include popsicles, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, beets, tomato sauce, and curry. Take tomato sauce, for example. While Italian food does not taste the same without it, tomato sauce is highly acidic and stains teeth. To prevent staining, have a lettuce or spinach salad, before you eat pasta or pizza. They are beneficial in forming a protective layer over your teeth, which reduces staining. How quickly can you whiten your teeth The answer is easy with this guide.

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

How To Prevent Tooth Discoloration

All change can come as a surprise, including the appearance of unwanted tooth stains. Tooth discoloration is one of the most common complaints that dentists get from their patients. To reduce the lever of staining, it is best to avoid carbonated drinks and beverages like tea and coffee. Another major staining agent is tobacco, smoked or chewed. Soy sauce, curry, all darkly colored fruit juices, and wine should be consumed in moderation. In general, anything that can stain clothes can stain teeth too. Well, almost everything.

You cannot do much about aging, although that too contributes to tooth stains. This happens because the enamel gets thinner, and the yellowish dentin shows up from beneath. Some stains show up on the inside of the tooth, and here aging is not a factor. This happens to children who take the antibiotic tetracycline. Other sources of staining are chemotherapy and head and neck radiation. Staining is also caused by infections in pregnant women. Fillings can have a staining effect, too. Finally, antihypertensive medications, antipsychotic drugs, as well as some mouth washes and mouth rinses (like those containing cetylpyridinium chloride) can cause tooth discoloration.

Some people want glistening white teeth so badly that they go to extremes, risking damage to their teeth and gums in the process. You need to know that your teeth can never be perfectly white even if you take very, very good care of them. Stains showing up on the inside of the tooth can only be corrected by a dentist with special cosmetic procedures. Some people opt for tooth bleaching or professional dental cleaning, which is a less costly and less time-consuming option. After your teeth have been cleaned to your satisfaction, you need to take certain steps to keep them that way. First, it is important to brush them regularly and if possible - after every meal. Brush them manually, not with an electric toothbrush Do not try too hard, though. If you brush with a hard-bristled brush or press too hard, pits may form at the roots of your teeth. It will take a while to get used to but yes, you should floss. Flossing is good because it limits the plaque that accumulates between teeth and at the gum line and attracts stains. Plaque develops when bacteria, food debris, and other elements are present. If you limit the amount of plaque that accumulates, you limit stains as well.

Smoking contributes to tooth staining. Yes, it is bad for you and for more than one reason. Try to quit. If you cannot, try to cut down as much as you can.

If you can't go without soft drinks, coffee, and tea, try to have them twice a week and brush your teeth every time you have them. Use a straw or take small sips rather than gulp. Interested in whitening, find what you are looking for at this guide.

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

How To Find The Best Teeth Whitening Solution

White teeth are associated with friendlier appearance and give people whom you communicate with a place to focus on. White teeth help minimize the appearance of wrinkles, making people look younger and full of energy. White teeth are associated with health and many seek ways to whiten their teeth.

So, everybody wants the pearly whites they had when they were in their teens. Yet, not everyone should go with teeth bleaching. Some organizations have conducted research on teeth bleaching, comparing systems that use heat and light and such that do not, i.e. they work with hydrogen peroxide only. No difference in the results was discerned except that systems using light are more expensive. Steer clear of UV light tooth bleaching as it can be dangerous to your skin and eyes.

If you are firmly decided on bleaching of the teeth, you should realize that it is not only about getting whiter teeth. There are some possible side effects involved. They include chemical burns as a result of gel bleaching (if the bleaching agent comes into contact with unprotected tissue), adverse effects on sensitive teeth (excruciating pain), and higher sensitivity to hot and cold. If your teeth are sensitive or your gums are sore, this will subside when you discontinue bleaching your teeth. Other possible effects include higher risk of developing tongue cancer, and the risk of over-bleaching, which is prevalent especially with products that change your tooth shade markedly over a very short treatment period, such as one hour.

Another possible side effect is the rebound effect. Research has shown that close to half of the initial color change may be lost in just one week. This happens when a large part of the whitening comes from tooth dehydration (high risk of tooth sensitivity). As the tooth is replenished with water, it reacquires its darker shade.

If your gums are receding or your gums and teeth are sensitive, you should discuss this with your dentist. It you are sensitive or allergic to hydrogen peroxide, you may want to discuss other options with your dentist as well. The tooth's enamel may be damaged by serial bleaching, especially if you opt for a home-use whitening product with acidic content.

Teeth bleaching for children under the age of 16 should not be performed. This is because the nerves of teeth are still developing during this period. The nerves can become more sensitive. Women who are nursing or pregnant should also avoid bleaching.

If you have fillings, porcelain, some kind of ceramics, and/ or gold in your teeth, the bleach will not affect their color, so the uneven appearance will be retained. If you have cements and dental amalgams, they are likely to be affected.

Furthermore, if you have had a root canal done, a good solution is internal bleaching. This treatment involves teeth whitening from the inside of the tooth. The peroxide is sealed within the tooth for several days, working wonders.

Cosmetic Dentists are dental professionals, and this guide is here to help.

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Is Laser Teeth Whitening Affordable

You may be considering laser teeth whitening because friends told you it gives great results, or you may just need more information before you choose a whitening method. In any case, you want to know what the results will be. You expect and demand good results, and you are willing to pay top dollar for them. Yet, there are some things you should not expect. Magazine and TV ads show celebrities with impossible to achieve white teeth. Nobody has teeth that white. At the same time, in-office laser teeth whitening can brighten your smile considerably, with one or few visits to the dentist's office. If you have decided to go with this procedure already, the first step is to have your teeth professionally cleaned, and this will also produce better results when it comes to whitening. Getting your teeth free of the plaque that has accumulated over time is mandatory before starting any kind of teeth whitening treatment whatsoever, not just laser treatment.

Not everyone should opt for laser teeth whitening. Persons with tooth decay, a pronounced gag reflex, or sensitive gums may consider another whitening method. Your dentist will advise on the best treament option for you.

What is more, professional teeth whitening is a pricey. In fact, it is the most expensive of all treatments. Some argue, however, that laser treatment does not require a follow-up, which makes it affordable overall.

More affordable teeth whitening products are home kits like whitening strips, gels, and trays. Their low price is the major advantage, because the results with home kits will never be as good as those from laser teeth whitening, and laser teeth whitening is a lot less time-consuming. The level of comfort also varies because you might have to hold them in your mouth. Naturally, home teeth whitening remedies are the least expensive, but not many dentists will recommend them.

Your teeth may become up to 6 shades whiter after the in-office procedure. Most people notice immediate results. This procedure cannot take place at home, however, and a visit to the dentist is required. In severe cases, you may need several visits to the dentist over several months for the best results. This time you will spend in the dentist's chair is mostly determined by the extent of discoloration. On the other hand, if you are a busy person, the in-office procedure may be just right for you. As with other whitening methods, some side effects may occur. Your gums may get irritated. Dentists cover the gums to protect them from this effect. Another side effect is greater sensitivity of the tooth, especially when consuming very hot or very cold items, or highly acidic foods and beverages such as citrus fruit and soft carbonated drinks. Despite this, most people report that this treatment is well worth its cost.

Still looking for the perfect whitening solution? Look no further and visit How to Maintain Teeth Whitening.

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

The Best Affordable Whitening Products

There is a variety of effective and affordable teeth whitening methods and products, including teeth whitening gels and trays, homemade hydrogen peroxide solutions, in-office bleaching, and others. It is not difficult to get a beautifully white smile while on a budget. Whitening strips are among the easiest products to use. This system excludes gels and creams. The strips help keep the whitening solution on your teeth. You have to wear them for around 45 minutes at a time on average. Results can be seen after five days to two weeks. As an added advantage, teeth whitening strips can be used discreetly and comfortably, allowing users to keep up working rather than taking time off. Of course, not all teeth whitening strips are the same. Some strips may cover only part of your teeth and gums, with this resulting in a tingling or burning sensation.

In addition, only the front teeth are covered. Teeth that are further back will not become visibly whiter.

Another effective and low-cost option you can look into is teeth whitening trays. Teeth whitening trays are very comfortable to use as well, and offer all the advantages of whitening gels. The trays can be either pre-molded or can be set to fit your mouth after you buy them. An optimal whitening effect is achieved because each tooth is surrounded by the whitening agent. On the downside, the whitening agent, a hydrogen peroxide gel, comes into contact with the gums and irritates them. Some people experience discomfort when wearing a teeth whitening tray for a long period of time. You cannot contort your face or talk while wearing the tray. Whitening swaps or tips are also cheap and simple to use. They can be applied directly to the teeth after dabbing them into the whitening powder, gel, or another agent. You can place it exactly where you want, but the whitening solution could wash off your teeth, so you have to avoid getting an excess of saliva in your mouth. This means that you should try not to speak.

Homemade whitening pastes are another solution - you can make one by mixing table salt, baking soda, and hydrogen peroxide. Results will be neither astonishing nor immediate, but this is nonetheless a good and inexpensive solution for home tooth whitening. Some foods also improve the condition of teeth due to their cleansing effect. Crunchy foods such as celery and apples remove food leftovers and prevent staining. Staining is mostly produced by sticky foods. Products with lots of pigment will stain your teeth. Examples of these are curry, balsamic vinegar, berries, soy sauce, etc.

Another idea is to use store-bought agents for brush-on whitening. They present the same problem as tips - the effect of blotchy teeth results from the solution washing off.

At home teeth whitening can be easy, and this guide is here to help.

Monday, August 8, 2011

How to whiten your teeth at home

Having discolored or yellow teeth is a contributing factor to being depressed or being anti-social, as you wouldn't dare to smile or laugh around people. Everyone wants to have shining white teeth but people who take caffeine, alcoholic drinks or smoke regularly find their dream a little difficult to come true. The reason being the sky-high fees of dentists owing to which most people shy away from paying a visit to the dental clinics and hence end up having discolored teeth. Don't be sad though, as dentists are not the only way to get whiter teeth.This is because, with advanced technology, there are many other ways of teeth whitening at home that are cheap and simple.

We often ignore the power of Mother Nature and therefore consider home based remedies for any problem to be obsolete and not at par with medical products, however, you can get teeth whitening at home by just using home based remedies that have been handed down since ages.

One of most basic tips for home teeth bleaching, is to use the table salt for brushing your teeth. The best way to go is to take some salt and add a few drops of lemon juice in it and then use it as toothpaste. It is effective and the most inexpensive thing you can use for teeth whitening at home.

The citrus fruit can also be used as an effective strategy for dealing with yellowed, discolored teeth. The best suitable peels are orange peels and lemon peels. Don't forget to add in a bit of salt to make the teeth strong, shining and white the natural way. Make sure you do not rub these peels against your teeth for long since this action of yours can harm teeth enamel.

Related to fruits, another very interesting technique for teeth whitening is the usage of strawberries. Take 2 to 3 strawberries and rub them against your teeth while brushing.

Baking soda has been an age old method for whitening the teeth. Take a spoonful of baking soda and mix it with water so that it forms a thick paste and then apply this on the teeth just like you brush.

Apart from these cost-savvy home remedies, you can also go for over-the-counter whitening products like whitening strips, whitening kits etc. You can avail these products right online or from a local drug store. Make sure you buy such products of a credible company and apply them consistently as advised. Any method can work for you but keep in mind that none of the aforementioned things can bring back the sparkle of your teeth instantly.

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Caring For Your Teeth After Whitening - Things Beginners Should Know

Now that you are done with bleaching, what do you do? You are finished with the daily bleaching procedures that lasted as long as 4 hours. Can you brush your teeth now, and should you? What can you drink and eat, should you floss and rinse and if yes, how often and how?

Let's start with rinsing. You should do that first. Do your best not to swallow the gel. If your kit comes with mouthwash, use it. If not, look for a product that contains fluoride. Fluoride is needed because bleaching results in demineralization of the tooth enamel (reduction of the mineral content), and fluoride helps reverse this process. Your saliva acts to reload minerals, and this is a natural process, but it takes at least thirty minutes during which your teeth are not protected. This is where the fluoride comes into play. Avoid rinsing with liquids that are colored or have high acidic content, because they are quite harmful. Consequently, you should not drink fruit juice, carbonated beverages, and other artificial liquids. Have just water at first. Do not rush to brush your teeth after the last bleaching procedure. You should wait at least half an hour. Then, brush lightly because your enamel is still vulnerable from insufficient minerals. Good toothpaste by anyone's standard should contain both potassium nitrate for sensitive teeth and fluoride.

As for eating and your daily menu, you should not consume anything right after the treatment for the same reason. Wait around an hour before you have a meal. Avoid cold and hot meals. Do not use colored mouthwash for 48 hours if your bleaching procedure took place in the morning or early afternoon. If this is the case, use white toothpaste only. If the bleaching session took place late at night, you should not brush your teeth before you go to bed. You can do this in the morning. Again, do not use colored mouthwash or hard toothbrushes.

Drinks that leave tooth stains include all things carbonated, tea, coffee, coke, colored juices, etc. In this group are all colored alcoholic beverages, including all kinds of beer and wine. Foods you should avoid in the next 48 hours include sweet corn, peas, green beans, broccoli, sprouts, beetroot, sprouts, mushrooms, and tomatoes. Other foods to avoid are red or green lettuce, all fruits except bananas, bread, most sauces (especially the likes of Bolognaise), and all cream. You should not consume margarine or butter, and especially chocolate and other sweets. Candy leaves stains and damages sensitive teeth!

Do not worry though! The list of allowed foods is lengthy as well. You can have skimmed milk, white wine, gin, vodka, tonic water, and sparkling water. You can have dry or boiled chicken of the fat-free variety, turkey, white fish, white rice, and white pasta with white sauce. Other products on your menu include boiled, baked, and mashed potatoes, cottage cheese, and sugar free chewing gum.