Unusual Ways You Can Maintain a Healthy Mouth

Keeping your teeth in tip-top shape does more than just prevent cavities. It keeps the rest of your body healthy, and may even keep you from developing heart disease. Although a good dental habit may flush away bacteria from your mouth, brushing and flossing alone may not be enough to maintain a clean mouth.
If you want to have a healthy and bright smile, here are three unconventional tricks to try.

Coconut oil

Coconut oil has countless of uses and health benefits. While it may be used to treat skin conditions and minor wounds because it is antimicrobial, it can also substitute as a mouthwash. This is known as oil-pulling, a natural way of killing bacteria in the mouth. Microorganisms such as Candida and Streptococcus, which cause inflammation, tooth decay, and secondary infection, can be effectively killed by the oil-pulling process.
In order to keep those nasty bacteria at bay, try swishing a tablespoon of unrefined coconut oil in your mouth for about 15 minutes. Make sure to spit it out when you’re finished.

Activated charcoal

Who wants a discolored or stained set of teeth? I bet no one does. We all desire for stark-white teeth. However, tooth bleaching can be fairly expensive, and sometimes even dangerous. Activated charcoal is said to be a natural alternative to such treatment.
If you are interested in teeth-whitening but are low on budget, activated charcoal is a good alternative to try. Activated charcoal is commonly used in water filters and as a remedy for poison in emergency rooms. Lately, it is starting to be known as an effective, natural teeth whitening solution.
Activated charcoal works by pulling teeth-staining tannins and toxins from the mouth, and prevent harmful toxins from making their way to the heart. It is not the typical charcoal that one can easily buy in the market. The kind that you should use for your teeth should come in capsules.
Instead of using store-bought toothpaste, you can open the capsule up and use that as your toothpaste. Your teeth will turn black, but that’s only temporary. Let it sit on your teeth for a few minutes before rinsing thoroughly.

Xylitol

Did you know that xylitol does not only satisfy your sweet cravings, but actually protects your teeth, as well? It is typically used as a natural alternative to sugar in beverages and foods. However, it could also be your defense against harmful germs. You can up your bacterial protection by sprinkling xylitol on your toothbrush when brushing your teeth. It would not only give you better breath, it would also help prevent plaque buildup.
Doing these unusual oral hygiene habits does not and should not mean that you are forever excused from visiting a dentist in Scottsdale. These natural ways can help minimize any damages to your teeth, keep your mouth clean, and reduce the risk for heart disease, but keep in mind that a routinely dental visit is still the most effective way of fighting and winning against any dental problems.

Teeth Whitening Benefits & Methods

Stop people in their tracks with that brilliant smile of yours! If it wasn’t for the perfect sparkly white teeth, your smile would stop having the desired effect. Not everybody is lucky to have pearly white teeth. But teeth whitening can certainly help you whiten your teeth and bring back the lost shine.
There are different teeth whitening methods that help to whiten teeth. However, each uses a different technique. Factors like how long it lasts, the side effects and the end results need to be considered before finalizing on a method. However, the end results remain the same!

Methods for Whitening Teeth

Toothpaste:

Certain kinds of specialized toothpaste help to whiten the teeth. However, the time taken can be relatively longer and therefore not much favored. There are no side effects associated with this form of whitening.

Whitening Strips:

This is a whitening product that can be procured from over the counter. It is used to make teeth whiter than they presently are. The side effects that have been reported with this technique are that it makes teeth sensitive from repeated use.

Gels:

Special gels are used to whiten the teeth as well. The gel is placed on a small tray which is then placed in the mouth and kept on for a specified time. Some have complained about the inconvenience of having to place a tray inside the mouth. In addition, sensitivity of the teeth is also an issue.

Dental Bleaching:

Bleaching has to be done professionally at the dental clinic. Different chemicals are used to whiten the teeth. Zoom whitening is also another method used by the dentists to whiten teeth. Zoom whitening uses ultraviolet rays to have the desired effects. It has been researched to show that it can whiten teeth to seven times their present color.

8 Teeth-Whitening Faux Pas You Don’t Want to Make

Some people think that taking teeth-whitening measure into their own hands would save them more time and money. Little do they realize that not consulting their dentists or buying non FDA-approved products online can cause them more harm than good. Don’t fall for bad bleaching habits like they did. Avoid these 8 teeth-whitening faux pas.

1. Skipping Your Dentist Appointment

Never go rogue with teeth-whitening until you’ve consulted your dentist first. Though visiting the clinic can sometimes be a drag, having your dentist make sure you are clear from tooth decay or cavities can save you major pain and severe teeth damage in the future.

2. Giving Whitening Mouth Rinses a Shot

Don’t. It won’t give you the result that you want. Plus, teeth-whitening mouthwashes contain a high level of alcohol which could be harmful for other parts of your mouth. Save your money instead, and give teeth-whitening mouth rinses a miss.

3. Leaving Strips on For Too Long

Breaking the rules is one thing, not following instructions is another. Don’t be that kind who doesn’t. The time limit instructions are there for a reason. And if you think you are doing your teeth a favor, then you’re mistaken. Leaving whitening strips on for too long and using them too often can lead to splotchy teeth, burned gums, and irritated nerves.

4. Neglecting to Check for the FDA Seal

Bleaching can be costly. That’s why more people opt for budget-friendly options online. But be careful! Many products online are not FDA-approved. These non FDA-approved teeth-whitening products damage your teeth because they contain chemical concentrations and fillers.

5. Taking Teeth-Whitening to the Extreme

Going overboard with bleaching may result to your teeth losing its vitality and healthy sheen, having a chalky appearance, and taking on a blue-ish hue—a fry cry from that stark white and dazzling smile you are aiming for. A good indicator of a perfectly healthy set of ivories is when the color of your teeth matches the whites of your eye.

6. Being Inconsistent

Whitening does not work overnight. It takes time so you must be consistent in using them. When you stop using the product and doing your usual teeth-whitening routine, you may have to go through the process again and start from scratch. The bottomline? Follow the instructions.

7. Sticking to Your Lifestyle

If you want change, then you need to make a change. And, in this case, it needs to begin with your lifestyle. Wanting teeth as white as ivories? Cut back on teeth-darkening vices such as cigarette smoking, and coffee and tea drinking.

8. “One size fits all.”

This isn’t true when it comes to dental trays. Skipping a dentist’s customized dental tray for your teeth and instead, opting for a generic tooth guard is a huge mistake. Since these tooth guards does not fit your teeth perfectly, using it will result to you accidentally spilling and swallowing the whitening solution which, in turn, can irritate your throat and gums.
For queries regarding any teeth-whitening procedures, contact Dental Studio, the experts in cosmetic dentistry in Scottsdale.

What is the Best Teeth Whitening Method?

When it comes to the best method for whitening teeth, there are plenty of opinions and options out there. Many of the patients coming to Dental Studio 101 have tried over-the-counter store bought products and found them to be less effective than they’d hoped.
Every year Americans spend about $1.5 billion on nonprescription teeth whitening products. However, according to research by Boston University, most of the people purchasing whitening agents at the store are wasting their money.
That’s mainly because there are two types of discoloration. There’s intrinsic which is basically your natural color and changes over time. Extrinsic coloration comes from external factors such as smoking, coffee and medication, all of which stain teeth over time. Over-the-counter solutions simply aren’t strong enough to combat discoloration that has formed over long periods of time.

Why is Professional Whitening Better?

If you want the best teeth whitening possible, seeing a professional cosmetic dentist is the only way to go. This is not only based on the experience of the dentist, but on the method and equipment used.
There’s a common myth that the whitening agents people buy at the store are no different than those used by professional dentists. This assumption simply isn’t true. The formula used by cosmetic dentists is highly concentrated and special care must be taken to protect to protect the gums and ensure the whitening is done safely.
Another reason you’ll get the best teeth whitening from a professional cosmetic dental studio is that the whitening will last longer. Our treatments tend to last around two years. Sometimes, patients are offered take-home treatments. When this is the case, it is extremely important to use the whitening treatment as advised.
Options range from an in office procedure leading to instant gratification to at home gradual procedures. There are even options for patients who have found themselves to be sensitive to other whitening products.

Talk With Dental Studio 101 About Your Options

Make an appointment with Dental Studio 101 before you decide to go forward with a whitening procedure. We’ll help you determine if it is the right treatment for you. Whether you choose whitening, veneers or crowns, it is important to talk to a professional cosmetic dentist about the advantages of each procedure.
We want to make sure your needs are met. For more information, or to set up an appointment, call Dental Studio 101 today at 480-488-4852.

Teeth-Whitening: What Are My Options?

Want a brighter, whiter smile? When it comes to removing teeth stains and discoloration, tooth bleaching is among the most widely known cosmetic dental procedures that a dentist can perform to enhance the look of a person’s set of teeth. And in order to maintain the teeth’s improved color, tooth whitening needs to be repeated from time to time. There are many ways to whiten the teeth, but generally, you only have two options: at-home care or in-office teeth whitening.
Both bleaching options use bleaching agents that are peroxide-based, but in-office systems contain more of it than over-the-counter (OTC) or at-home systems. Typically, teeth become whiter if the solution is kept on them for a longer period of time. However, if a high percentage of peroxide is present in the whitening solution, it should not sit on the teeth for too long. Letting so will dehydrate the teeth, increasing teeth sensitivity.
Each option has its pros and cons. If you are considering a tooth whitening treatment, be sure to consult your Scottsdale cosmetic dentist to weigh your options.

In-Office Tooth Bleaching Option

Also called power bleaching or chairside bleaching, a professional whitening procedure can be done much faster than at-home bleaching procedures. With the use of light, heat or a combination of the two, in-office whitening can be intensified to speed up the process.
Results vary, but it usually makes the teeth three to eight shades brighter with each treatment lasting for no more than 60 minutes. The downside of this option is that it can be costly. An in-office whitening procedure can range from $500 to $1,000. But the results last longer, meaning you will have to repeat the procedure only every year or so.

At-Home Tooth Whitening Option

When it comes to at-home whitening care, there are several choices to choose from.
Tooth bleaching strips and gels: These OTC products are applied directly to the teeth either with a brush or a thin strip once or twice a day for about 10 to 14 days. Unlike in-office bleaching, this kind of at-home whitening treatment only last for a couple of months. On the bright side, it is way cheaper as compared with power bleaching.
Tray-based tooth whitening systems: This kind of at-home care is usually supervised by a dentist, and the whitening supplies are purchased through the dentist clinic, although there are some OTC tray-based whitening systems that you can buy.
Tooth bleaching toothpastes: These are relatively cheap but since they do not have the aid of a bleaching agent, they contain chemical or polishing agents instead. These help brighten your teeth by one shade.

Prevent Stains and Keep Your Teeth White

Whatever whitening options you choose, remember to keep a healthy oral routine and lifestyle. Brush and floss daily, and avoid acidic and teeth-staining substances.
In addition, bleaching can cause tooth sensitivity. And when used improperly, may burn your gums. So make certain to talk to your Scottsdale cosmetic dentist prior to undergoing any tooth whitening procedure.

How to Keep Your Teeth Stain-Free After Whitening

Professional teeth whitening is very effective and yields noticeable results right away. A good whitening can last as long as a year if you take proper care after the procedure. At Dental Studio 101, we have a few common recommendations for our patients to help them make the most of their whitening procedure.

Know the Common Teeth-Staining Culprits

The first thing you’ll need to do is identify certain food and drink that is more likely to stain your teeth. You don’t have to avoid these foods, but identifying them will help you take the right steps to avoid the after effects. The major culprits are:

  • Coffee
  • Tea
  • Red wine
  • Soft drinks
  • Juice
  • Berries
  • Tomato Sauce
  • Beets
  • Rinse After You Eat These Foods

If you want to minimize the impact of the above-mentioned foods, rinse your mouth out after you eat.

Drink Through a Straw

This is an easy way to keep your favorite drinks from staining your nice white teeth. That’s because using a straw will keep the liquid away from the front of your teeth, which are the most visible.

Quit or Cut Back on Tobacco

Both cigarettes and smokeless tobacco are the major culprits when it comes to staining your teeth. The ideal solution is to quit all together. You’ll not only look and feel better, but will also decrease your risk of cancer and heart disease. Even if you don’t quit, your teeth will stay whiter if you at least cut back as much as possible.

No Shortcuts in Your Daily Routine

Make sure your daily cleaning routine is thorough. That means brush, floss and rinse with a quality antibacterial mouthwash. This will help keep your teeth whiter for longer while fighting plaque and gum disease.

About The Author

Dr. Boyle

Dr. Megan Peterson Boyle

Dr. Megan Peterson Boyle completed her Doctorate in Dental Medicine from Midwestern University College of Dental Medicine in Glendale, AZ. As a leader in the field of cosmetic dentistry and full-mouth rehabilitation, she is committed to providing exceptional dental care to the local community. She is also affiliated with prestigious organizations, including the American Dental Association. Her extensive involvement in these reputable institutions speaks to her commitment to advancing the field of dentistry.