White teeth are a sign of beauty and health. Having pearly whites shows that you take pride in your appearance and gives you a confident air. There are many ways to achieve a brighter smile; here are some tips to help you get that shiny glow.
Professional whitening is a sure-fire way to brighten your smile by numerous shades. In only an hour, your smile can go from dull and dingy to white and polished. Your dental professional can guide you in the best ways to enhance your look with tools such as lasers or whitening trays. Professional methods are the quickest route to a dramatic improvement in the shade of your teeth.
If you prefer methods in your own home, drugstores have lots of options. Whitening strips, gels, and toothpastes are only a few of the choices available. These typically require consistent use for an extended period, but they can improve the color of your teeth with proper use. Follow the instructions carefully for the best results.
There are also natural ways to whiten your teeth at home. Rubbing your teeth with the back of a lemon or orange peel can help, and adding a little salt can make it even more effective. Strawberries may be directly rubbed onto your teeth, or made into a paste by mashing them up with a little water and then brushing onto your teeth for five minutes. Each of these methods should be followed by thorough rinsing of the mouth to eliminate residue or acids left behind.
Baking soda is a proven ingredient to help brighten your smile. Mixing baking soda and water to form a paste that can then be brushed onto your teeth is a great tip. Follow up by rinsing with water or hydrogen peroxide, and then brushing normally with toothpaste.
Consult your dentist to make sure you aren’t harming your teeth or mouth when you try any whitening methods yourself. If you experience pain, stop and ask your dentist for advice. Do not use over-the-counter or professional whitening methods during pregnancy without consulting your doctor first.
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Some people take a bite of ice cream or a sip of hot coffee and experience discomfort, usually brought on by teeth sensitivity. These unpleasant sensations typically occur when you eat anything that is cold, hot, or sweet. Several factors can cause teeth sensitivity, including tooth damage, over brushing, enamel wear, and whitening products.
To give your mouth relief and lessen sensitivity, consider these helpful hints:
Brush correctly
In an effort to maintain good oral health, some people brush too aggressively and end up damaging their teeth. Choose a soft-bristled toothbrush and gently clean teeth at least twice a day.
Use the right product
For people with sensitive teeth, specially formulated toothpastes may reduce the symptoms. These products usually contain potassium nitrate, an ingredient that helps block the tiny tubules in the layer of dentin and reduces sensitivity with each use.
Watch your diet
Foods and beverages high in acid content, like tomatoes, oranges, and fruit drinks, contribute to enamel erosion, which is a main cause of tooth sensitivity. Limiting your intake will help lessen your discomfort. When you do consume these items, rinse your mouth with water afterward to minimize exposure.
Deal with bruxism
Clenching and grinding your teeth can make teeth sensitivity worse. Wearing a night guard will help control bruxism and help you feel better.
Be careful when you whiten
A bright smile is a great asset, but some people overuse whitening products, which can cause teeth to feel sensitive. Usually this sensation passes once you stop whitening. Make sure to follow all the directions carefully so that you don’t hurt your teeth.
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When your tooth pulp that is located in the center of each of your teeth becomes damaged or infected, the best way to save the tooth is to have root canal therapy. This safe and effective treatment is not as painful as its reputation, and should not be avoided. Watching for signs that your tooth pulp has been compromised is an important step in saving your tooth, so that treatment may be performed before your condition becomes too advanced.
There are not always signs associated with a tooth that requires root canal therapy. Sometimes only examination, X-rays, and other tests will reveal problems. This is one reason regular dental visits are important. In other cases, symptoms are present to indicate pulp damage. Some typical signs include:
- Pain that is often related to inflamed tooth pulp, which can be caused by deep decay, chipped or cracked teeth, repeated dental procedures, faulty crowns, infection, tooth grinding, or periodontitis. Inflammation increases pressure inside the pulp cavity and triggers the tooth’s nerves. The pain may be in the tooth itself, or it can be referred to other areas in your mouth. Pain when eating or sensitivity to hot or cold is also common.
- Gum swelling near the damaged tooth
- Facial swelling
- Tooth loosening
- Pus around the damaged tooth
- Tooth discoloration, which usually occurs over a longer period of time. Discoloration can take weeks, months, or years to appear. This is another reason for regular dental checkups.
If you experience any of the symptoms above, or if your dentist identifies problems upon examination, it’s time to consider root canal therapy. Saving your natural tooth is almost always better than having to replace a lost tooth. Root canal therapy can help you keep your smile intact, as well as its function. Your natural sensations of a real tooth remain, as well as normal biting abilities. Don’t shy away from treatment; take care of tooth pulp problems when they arise.
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Lots of things can go wrong with your oral health if you aren’t aware of potential problems and how to avoid them. There are some simple ways that can help you maintain good oral health and steer clear of sometimes painful problems.
Cavities
Your first line of defense against cavities is good oral care, including regular and thorough brushing and flossing. Reducing your consumption of sugary and acidic foods and drinks will also help. Ask your dentist about fluoride treatments and dental sealants, both of which can provide extra protection against cavities. Quitting smoking is another good way to avoid problems, since the habit makes your teeth sticky and more prone to allowing bacteria to cling to your tooth enamel.
Gum disease
Practicing good oral hygiene is the best way to fight gum disease, also called gingivitis. Once you develop gingivitis, it can develop into the more serious periodontitis if you’re not careful. Brush at least twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and a soft toothbrush, which can be manual or powered. Floss every single day, and you may also rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash. Professional teeth cleanings and checkups twice a year, eating a balanced diet, and quitting smoking are also helpful in preventing gum disease.
TMJ
Temperomandibular joint disorder, or TMJ, is an increasingly common problem. It causes chronic jaw pain, popping, headaches, and neck problems. Teeth grinding or clenching are leading causes of TMJ, but it can also result from arthritis or trauma. If you suspect you are grinding or clenching your teeth, or are experiencing pain consistent with TMJ symptoms, visit your dentist. Some treatments include sleeping with a custom mouth guard, applying a warm washcloth to relax your jaw muscles, and practicing stress-reducing techniques like meditation.
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Everyone wants to attain a brilliant, white smile. Modern dentistry can help you achieve this goal with Invisalign teeth whitening or cosmetic enhancements such as veneers or porcelain crowns. Brushing and flossing will help you keep your smile in prime condition. Your diet can impact your teeth as well. Certain foods and beverages can darken your teeth, including:
• Tea Time
Considered a healthy beverage, tea may not keep your teeth white. In fact, black tea can leave more stains than coffee.
• Saucy Saucy
Yummy extras like soy sauce, tomato sauce, and curry sauce may taste delicious, but they have significant potential in the stain department. Choose lighter cream sauces or brush right away to limit issues.
• Sports Power
Highly acidic beverages, like sports or energy drinks, erode tooth enamel and make teeth more susceptible to stains. Try water when you exercise as a safer choice for your smile.
• A Little Wine
If a drink will stain your linens, it can also alter the appearance of your pearly whites, so limiting your intake of wine can protect your smile.
• Berry Good
Though blackberries, cherries, and blueberries are great for your body, the deeply pigmented molecules in these fruits can stick to enamel and cause discoloration. Pies and juices containing these foods can also stain teeth.
• Bubbling Over
Frequently a cause of stains, sodas and other carbonated drinks have acid and chromogens, which can lead to serious stains. Even lighter colored drinks have enough acid to allow staining from other foods and beverages.
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Waiting for the birth of a baby is an exciting time for any woman. Your body changes in many ways, including in your mouth. Though picking out names and nursery colors is important, taking proper care of your teeth and gums before, during, and after pregnancy will keep your oral health on track. These tips can help you keep your vibrant smile in top shape.
Before Pregnancy
While you are trying to conceive, schedule an appointment with your dentist. At this visit, the dental team can clean your teeth, examine your mouth, and address any issues before you have a baby on the way. Because x-rays are not recommended during pregnancy, this appointment is a good time to have those taken as well.
During Pregnancy
If you are pregnant make sure to tell your dentist right away. Procedures like cosmetic enhancements and X-rays should be avoided during pregnancy. Checkups are very important when you are pregnant, so don’t skip your visit. As a precaution, you should wait until the second trimester to see your dentist.
While your pregnancy progresses, watch for signs of pregnancy gingivitis, which usually involves tenderness, bleeding, or swollen gums. Talk with your dentist if these symptoms appear. Practicing good oral care and eating right will help minimize any impact on your oral health.
After Pregnancy
When you feel up to it, visit your dentist after delivery for a full evaluation of your oral health. Your dental provider can work out a detailed plan to address any issues from the pregnancy and renew your smile.
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