It seems like there is a new headline nearly every week featuring someone who swears their teeth are whiter and brighter due to their natural home remedy for stain removal. These articles showcase the idea that whitening can be cheap and easy, if in some cases unpleasant. It can be tempting to consider trying for brighter, whiter teeth without investing time and money on in-office or at-home whitening under a dentist’s care. However, before you pin your hopes on one of these “natural whitening” methods, take a look at the truth behind some of the recent fads.

Fad 1: Oil Pulling
Oil pulling has been cropping up in headlines for months with claims of a wide variety of potential health benefits. It is a very old folk remedy in which a person swishes a tablespoon of edible oil, such as coconut, sunflower, olive, etc., in their mouth and between teeth for up to 20 minutes daily.

Despite the number of years this practice has existed and the number of health issues it purports to treat, there is no evidence that oil pulling whitens teeth or improves health.

Fad 2: Fruits
Due to celebrity endorsement, some people have begun to try rubbing mashed strawberries on their teeth to try to achieve a whiter smile. Others are using lemon or orange peels, and still others tout the virtues of eating pineapple or swishing apple cider vinegar.

However, there is no science to support any of these claims. In fact, one recent study found that brushing with a mixture of baking soda (which is known to have whitening effects on teeth) and strawberries did not whiten teeth. Even worse, the citric acids found in all of these fruits and vinegars can actually be harmful to the enamel on your teeth.

Fad 3: Hydrogen Peroxide
While it is true that many forms of in-office and over-the-counter teeth whitening make use of hydrogen peroxide, there is more to consider before opening a bottle. The hydrogen peroxide used in professional teeth whitening, whether in-office or at-home, is mixed with other substances and provided in a form designed for use in teeth whitening.

Simply swishing from a bottle of hydrogen peroxide will have little or no effect on the whiteness of your teeth, but may cause irritation to your gums and mouth and can be dangerous if accidentally ingested.

If you want whiter, brighter teeth, there are safe and effective ways to achieve your goal. Talk with our doctor for a recommendation for what kind of whitening will be best for your needs. For more information about whitening, contact our office.

Resources:
http://www.webmd.com/

It has long been known that dairy products contain high amounts of calcium, which is important for developing and maintaining strong teeth and bones. However, not all dairy works in the same ways. Did you know that a recent study has found that cheese can actually help protect teeth against cavities?

How does cheese prevent cavities?
Eating cheese helps stimulate the production of saliva in your mouth, which washes away sugars, acids, and bacteria on your teeth. Additionally, cheese is a great source of both calcium and phosphorous, which can help strengthen tooth enamel. What’s more, the scientists who performed the study found that some of the other compounds found in cheese seem to adhere to tooth enamel, further protecting the teeth from acids in the mouth.

Are all cheeses the same?
No, some cheeses are healthier for your family than others. To get the greatest benefit from your cheese intake, stick with real cheese varieties, rather than processed cheeses. American cheese, cheese dips, and pre-packaged cheese products, such as those found in jars or spray cans, have added sugars to enhance their flavor. These sugars can be harmful to teeth, rather than protecting them. In addition, these types of cheese products contain a significantly reduced amount of actual cheese content. These processed cheeses can even wear down tooth enamel, increasing risk of decay.

What kinds of cheese should I eat?
There are hundreds of types of real cheese available, which are packed with calcium and great for tooth protection. If you enjoy aged cheeses, Cheddar, Swiss, Monterey jack are all tasty options. If you prefer softer cheeses, Mozzarella, Brie, or Camembert may be a great way to enjoy a snack that makes you smile. Gorgonzola, Roquefort, and other similar cheeses have much to offer for those who have a more expansive palate.

What if we’re on a low-fat diet?
Good news! The fat content of your cheese choices do not affect its ability to protect your teeth. The low-fat or non-fat versions of your favorite varieties of cheese contain just as much calcium, phosphorous, and other tooth-protecting compounds as the full-fat varieties.

With so many great options to choose from, consider eating cheese instead of sugary or starchy options for a snack or end of meal treat. Cheese tastes great and is healthy for your teeth. For more ideas for healthy snacking, contact our dental office.

Resource: https://www.sciencedaily.com

Did you know that 1 in 4 adults avoids smiling due to the condition of their mouth and teeth? If you’ve been hiding your smile in photos and in your day-to-day life, it’s time to consider our cosmetic smile solutions. Our practice is equipped to help you achieve your dream smile. Strong, healthy teeth need to be both functional and beautiful. Cosmetic dentistry, when done properly, will allow for a proper occlusion (bite) and can treat bruxism (grinding), TMD (TMJ), and other problems related to function.

Our goal is to give you a smile that you are proud to show off. Each vastly skilled member of our team has a background that includes years of education, training, and cosmetic dentistry experience. We are dedicated to working with you to help you achieve a beautiful, healthy smile.

We know that every smile is different, so our solutions are customized to fit your individual needs and your personal smile goals. We schedule ample time for every appointment in order to give you our undivided attention for a personalized visit. Our training and skills in cosmetic dentistry makes our team and office the ideal choice to be your patient-oriented cosmetic dental practice in your community.

There are many benefits to receiving cosmetic dental solutions, such as:

Improved Self-Esteem
Cosmetic dentistry can drastically enhance your overall appearance. Not only will you feel and look better, you will enjoy greater self-assurance. Choosing to utilize our cosmetic dentistry procedures can provide you with the look you’ve always wanted so you can smile with confidence again.

Improved Oral Health
While cosmetic dentistry helps to improve your smile, it also contributes to your oral health. Even with the best dental care, if your teeth are chipped or cracked, they are more prone to developing cavities. Fixing these problems will ensure your mouth is as protected as possible, preventing further problems from arising.

Improved Overall Appearance
Age can have an effect on the appearance of your teeth. Restoring the look of your smile through cosmetic dentistry can make your entire face appear younger.

Cosmetic dentistry is an ideal solution for many people. If you are looking to improve your self-esteem, dental health, or overall appearance, cosmetic dentistry may be right for you. If you would like more information or to schedule a cosmetic consultation, contact our office today. Your dream smile awaits.