Need to Whiten Your Teeth? Here Are the Best Options for Whitening Your Teeth

One of the first things that people notice is a person’s smile or lack thereof and over time our teeth take on this yellowish color that is due to aging, foods, beverages and smoking. So what are some of the best options for whitening your teeth?

First you have the dentist. When you go to a dentist to get your teeth whitened, depending on the dentist, you will find there are a couple of different methods. One dentist may use the tray method, where another may use the light method.

1. The Tray method is used by your regular or cosmetic dentist who will take an impression of your teeth and have a silicon tray made that fits over your teeth. You then will use a special agent that you get from the dentist to fill trays and then place them on your teeth for 15 to 30 minutes at a time.
2. Light method is where a special chemical is brushed onto the teeth by the dentist and then for an uncomfortable 30 minutes or so you sit with your lips held back and a special light placed against your teeth.

While many think the only way to get whiter teeth is a trip to the dentist, there are actually some things that can be done at home to keep your teeth white so you can save the trips to the dentist for semi-annual cleanings.

You can certainly consider buying over-the-counter whitening aids such as strips or gels. Usually you have to do multiple applications over a period of days.

Fighting the stains is sometimes limited to ones budget but it is possible to have white teeth even on the most limited budgets. Some things that can be used are bamboo powder, sodium chloride, silica and calcium carbonate since they are good for removing plaque and stains from a person’s teeth.

1. Rubbing strawberries on your teeth or mashing them and using them on a toothbrush will help to whiten the teeth.
2. The use of an orange peel is helpful in giving a shine to discolored areas.
3. Baking soda can be combined with either water or hydrogen peroxide to create a paste to brush the teeth with. Do not swallow the peroxide and make sure to rinse your mouth when you are done.
4. Hydrogen peroxide can be mixed with numerous things even lemon juice and baking powder to whiten the teeth with. It is the most popular of whitening agents used due to its versatility.
5. Mix 1tsp baking soda, a dash of salt and a couple of drops of vinegar together and brush your teeth.
6. Bush your teeth with a mixture of mustard oil and salt.
7. A whitener between brushings can be made from ground, dry bay leaves and dried orange peels. Water may also have to be added.
8. Brush equal amounts of lemon juice and salt on to use as a whitener. This will take away that yellowish coloring teeth develop. Or you may use just apple cider vinegar to brush with.

The use of an electric toothbrush will take off 98 percent of the plaque from teeth. In addition to these home remedies for whitening the teeth there are numerous strips, sprays and brush-on gels and toothpaste being marketed for whitening the teeth.

Once you have your teeth white, there are three things you can do to keep them white:

*Use a straw
*Brush after all meals
*Avoid sugary foods

There are people that enjoy indulging in drinks with dark colors and dyes that stain the teeth easily. Using a straw to drink these with will keep them from coming in contact with the teeth and causing as much discoloration.

While the ideal is brushing your teeth after each meal this isn’t always possible. So having sugar free or even a whitening gum can be useful. Gum will help to keep stain-causing food from sticking your teeth.

Tip: Rinsing after you eat when you cannot brush will get the food out and decrease staining. Keeping your mouth clean is important in reducing the presence of plaque and tarter.

We all know that sugar in foods causes decay and cavities what most of us don’t know is that it can cause staining as well.

Whitening methods for teeth only work on your own teeth and not dentures and such. When eating habits are changed whitening becomes more effective. Purchasing toothpaste with an added whitening agent can be beneficial in the process of whitening your teeth and keeping them whiter between dental cleanings.

When beginning in efforts to whiten the teeth it is important to remember that using natural methods will take more time than the use of chemical agents but the results are just as noticeable over time.

(Disclaimer: This article does not necessarily represent the views of Dental411Network, nor is Dental411Network responsible for the advice given here. This was written by a person who is not a dentist or trained in dentistry.)

Over five million people in the United States alone, including many adults, are wearing braces to improve some type of dental problem. But, countless more are also in need of being fitted for a corrective dental appliance, as according to research conducted by the orthodontia industry, nearly two-thirds of all adults would benefit from wearing either braces or removable retainers in order to correct problems such as over and under-bites, crooked or crowded teeth, gaps, and uneven spacing.

The Many Types of Adult Braces

Braces aren’t just for teenagers anymore as today, more and more adults are also taking advantage of the many recent advances in orthodontics including those that are specifically designed for aesthetic appeal such as “invisible” braces, or even those that are attached to the backs of the teeth as opposed to the fronts.

Here are the four most common types of adult braces available today:

- Brackets: Bracket-style braces are actually bonded to the surface of the front of the teeth and are either clear or tooth-colored appliances made from ceramics or of strong medical-grade plastics.

- Clear: Clear braces, or their brand name, Invisalign Braces, are a relatively new technology in the world of braces that some say have revolutionized the entire industry as they offer a completely clear alternative to the highly noticeable metal braces of years past. Pairs of mouth guards called aligners, which have been likened to wearing contact lenses on the teeth, are created and worn for up to six weeks before moving on to the next set of aligners.

- Lingual: Lingual braces are braces that are attached to the back surfaces of the teeth instead of the front, usually for cosmetic reasons. Lingual braces may be less noticeable than those worn on the front surface of the teeth, but many people report experiencing far more discomfort with this type due to the irritation to the inside of the mouth and tongue, or that their speech was also affected.

- Traditional: The all-metal braces that have been around for many decades are still available today, although most people prefer to have one of the newer types of braces not only due to their appearance, but also for comfort and convenience reasons as well.

In addition to all of these different kinds of braces, there are always new orthodontic appliances being developed and rigorously tested to earn approval before being made available to the general public. Your dentist or orthodontist will have useful information about which type of braces would be best for you and your teeth.

What You Should Know About Getting Braces

While getting braces is definitely a positive experience as they allow you to have a better smile, or an improved bite and are able to help correct a host of other dental problems, there are a few certain factors to consider first, such as the expense and the adjustments that will need made in regards to care and comfort.

- Care: Caring for teeth with braces involves more than the daily brushing, but rather making sure the teeth are amply protected as well as thoroughly cleaned to avoid cavities and other problems from occurring. Plaque and bacteria will quickly form underneath dental appliances unless extra care is taken including more frequent brushings and using special rinses or a “water pick” to completely remove tiny bits of food.

- Comfort: Any type of braces will take some time to get used to, which will vary depending on the kind you have. Also, a removable retainer will usually be necessary after the braces are removed or no longer needed, which helps the teeth and the bones beneath the gums to adjust to their new and improved position.

- Commitment: There is a certain level of commitment involved with getting braces, and although the actual time one must wear them will vary greatly depending upon individual circumstances, the average length of time is roughly 18 to 24 months. Some people may only have to wear them for a year or less, while others might need up to three full years. In any case, several appointments with the orthodontist will be necessary for adjustments and to make sure the teeth are moving as they should.

- Cost: The cost for braces as an adult is no different than it is for younger children, what really matters is the complexity of your dental problems and the type of braces you need. Orthodontists also charge varying rates and costs may vary by your location as well as the size of their practice. In general, braces may cost anywhere from $2,000 to upwards of $7,000, however, if you have dental insurance that covers braces and related expenses, the overall expense will, of course, be considerably less.

The Top Five Things You Can do To Keep Your Teeth Healthy

While most of us don’t spend a lot of time thinking about our teeth, this could be a costly mistake.  A filling costs about a hundred dollars.  A root canal is nearly eight hundred, and a crown can cost you nine hundred dollars or more.  This doesn’t include the cost of other dental problems, like gingivitis treatments.  The high cost of bad dental hygiene is one reason to make sure we keep our teeth healthy, in addition to the pain and trouble we have to go through if there’s a problem.  It can be hard to get an appointment at the dentist, even in an emergency.  Fortunately, it’s not hard to make sure that you maintain your mouth properly.  All it takes is regular care and routine visits to your dentist.  Here are the top five things you can do to keep your teeth healthy. 

Plaque, the sticky substance that forms on our teeth, is responsible for almost all the dental problems we have.  This substance combines with starches and sugars in the foods we consume, and produces acids that attack the enamel of our teeth.  This is the source of tooth decay.  After plaque has been around for a while, it hardens into tartar.  This substance is much harder to get off of our teeth, and can form between the gum and tooth, causing gum problems as well.  If you allow your gums to become unhealthy, your teeth can eventually loosen and fall out!  Plaque induced cavities that are allowed to progress with result in extreme pain, and eventually the death of the tooth.  Some infected teeth become abscessed, causing even more pain and damage.  Preventative care is the answer to all these problems, however, and it’s easy to do.

1. Brush your teeth.  This is a simple one that we hear about all the time, but few of us do it correctly or often enough.  Brush at least twice per day, using a fluoride containing toothpaste, to make sure that you remove all plaque from your mouth before it gets a chance to cause decay.  Remember to brush all surfaces of your teeth, including the inner ones, and work the toothbrush into the crevices.  This will make sure that your mouth stays clean. And always be sure to have dental supplies stocked such as toothpaste, extra toothbrushes and floss.

2. Floss every day.  Most of us forget about flossing for days or weeks at a time.  This is a big mistake that causes food debris to stay between our teeth.  It quickly promotes decay, and creates hard tartar if left too long.  Floss once a day to remove all debris from meals from between your teeth.  Once flossing becomes a habit, it’ll be easy to stick with.

3. Eat the right foods.  What we eat can have a big impact on our dental health.  That means avoiding foods that promote tooth decay, such as sugary sodas and other drinks, starches and sweets.  Instead, try to eat foods that are healthy and which promote stronger teeth.  Make sure you’re getting the correct amount of calcium (especially if you’re an older woman), because bone loss in the jaw can lead to lost teeth later on.  If you do eat sugary or starchy foods, try to brush and floss soon afterward.

4. Go to the dentist regularly.  Checkups can be expensive and annoying, so we often put them off.  However, most cavities aren’t easily found until they’re very large.  Only an X-ray or a trained professional can find them.  That’s why going to the dentist to have your teeth cleaned and checked regularly is an important part of keeping your teeth as healthy as possible.

5. Use anti-microbial mouth rinses.  Mouthwash that kills bacteria also reduces plaque.  That means that these products help reduce the incidence of cavities, as well as making your breath smell fresher.  Use a mouth rinse after brushing or eating to make sure that you have the greatest protection from cavities.  You can also chew a sugarless gum to promote saliva production, which will help prevent decay.

Preventing dental problems doesn’t have to be hard.  All you need to do is perform a few routine tasks to maintain your dental health.  Brush, floss, and use mouthwash every day, and see your dentist on a regular basis.  Eat correctly for optimum dental health, and you’ll be able to keep your teeth in great shape throughout your life.