Oak Brook Dentists

Looking to whiten your teeth? If you can’t afford to have it professionally done by your dentist and want to avoid spending money on store bought products, there are ways of achieving whiter teeth with simple household products that you might already have in your kitchen, medicine cabinet, and bathroom. Here is a simple method which involves mixing baking soda with hydrogen peroxide, and a toothbrush.

First thing to do is add a teaspoon of baking soda onto a small plate. Add 2 to 3 drops of hydrogen peroxide to it until the mixture achieves a consistency similar to toothpaste. Using a toothpick or a small spoon continue to mix the solution until it is almost paste-like. Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide alone might not taste all that great so feel free to add some mouthwash for a minty taste, although it has no impact on the whitening process.

Using your toothbrush, scoop up some of the mixture and brush your teeth with it as you normally would, which means doing so for at least 2 to 3 minutes. If it still tastes funny to you, rinse your mouth with mouthwash afterwards although water would be fine as well. Brushing your teeth again with normal toothpaste is also a good way to get rid of the baking soda taste if you find it unpleasant.

Soon you will notice that your smile is noticeably whiter, all without spending an extra dime on seeing any Oak Brook dentists or even on store bought teeth whitening products. Repeat this process at least once a week but remember to make sure not to do it everyday. Always rinse out the solution after you are done.

Of course, the key to teeth whitening also includes preventative measures such as avoiding known teeth staining products when possible such as coffee, cigarettes, and red wine. Good general dental habits such as visiting your Oak Brook dentist every 6 months, brushing your teeth twice a day, and flossing daily will also help.

If you have dental conditions like cavities, open sores, or gingivitis you may want to avoid using this teeth whitening technique as it may also cause your gums to lighten in color as well. Resolve the issues which you would want to see a dentist for, before proceeding. Otherwise, enjoy the benefits of this simple and straight forward teeth whitening method and you’ll be showing off your new smile in no time.

A healthy and balanced diet is one of the best defenses for good oral health. Nourishing your body with the appropriate vitamins and minerals helps your teeth and gums stay strong and maintain its ability to fight off decay and infections.

Consuming excessive amounts of sugar and carbohydrates through common foods such as pasta, bread, cereal, carbonated drinks, and even certain fruit juices can leave harmful acids and bacteria in your mouth. The carbonation found in soda also promotes erosion of tooth enamel. While there is no concrete link between poor eating habits and gum disease, nutrition-related issues can create conditions that favor gum disease.

Good eating habits begin in early childhood and can set the tone for long term oral health. Children should eat foods rich in calcium and other minerals, plus a healthy balance of fruits and vegetables, low fat dairy products, poultry, and meat. Fluoride supplements are also helpful as long as it is approved by a dentist. Stay away from junk food whenever possible since eating excessive amounts of potato chips, candy bars, soda, and other similar snacks will not only put them at risk of oral health issues but also other risks like diabetes, obesity, and osteoporosis.

As an adult, foods to avoid include “sticky” foods like caramel and dried fruits. These “sticky” foods are likely to leave unnecessary coatings on your teeth that serves to encourage plaque formation. If you are concerned about weight loss, adjust to a more balanced diet and exercise more often. Keep in mind that certain fad diets, while they may be effective in helping you lose weight, can also result in insufficient vitamin and mineral intake.

As you get older, it may be a common assumption that old age involve getting dentures the reality is that you have no reason why you cannot keep your real teeth for the rest of your life. As usual, this can be achieved through maintaining good eating habits, a healthy and active lifestyle, and obviously good oral hygiene. Continuing good habits of brushing and flossing daily is important. Taking steps towards avoiding serious health issues such as cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, and strokes can also help maintain good oral health. One could easily say that having a healthy mouth equates to a healthy body.

Of course, avoiding having to wear dentures should not be the sole incentive for maintaining good oral health. Older adults are also at risk of serious oral problems including periodontal diseases, gingivitis, dry mouth, and oral cancer, all of which can potentially be avoided by maintaining an overall healthy lifestyle.

Brushing your teeth is the best way to keep cavity-causing plaque and other debris off your teeth. Plaque is a colorless and sticky substance that reacts with bacteria and decaying food particles in your mouth that can erode the enamel. In order to prevent plaque build-up you should brush your teeth three times a day, including before bedtime and after meals.

The length of time you spend brushing is just as important as how frequently you do it. Unfortunately, most people do not brush their teeth for a long enough time. It is recommended that you brush for 2 to 3 minutes to make sure that tough to reach surfaces are not missed. Use short, circular motions while keeping the brush at a 45 degree angle and covering all areas of your teeth, including the gum line. Don’t just stop at the teeth, also make sure to gently brush your tongue, gums, and roof of your mouth. Bacteria can also be hiding in these areas as well.

Buy a toothbrush with soft and round-headed bristles, and with a compact head that can get to harder to reach areas. A wide handle can give you better control of your brushing. You should buy a new toothbrush at least once every three months, or even more frequently if you have been sick.

On top of brushing, flossing is also necessary for removing plaque and debris from tight areas where a toothbrush simply cannot reach. Flossing also helps with stimulating blood circulation in your gums. Gum stimulation maintains healthy gum tissues which is crucial since gums act as a foundation for your teeth.

It is recommended that you floss once a day, particularly before bed time to help keep your teeth protected while you sleep. No need to be concerned if your gums bleed the first few times you begin flossing. This is normal, and your gums will get used to it over time and the bleeding will eventually stop.

Flossing is not for everyone, especially for those with sensitive gums, gum disease, orthodontic work, or if they simply just find the act of flossing too difficult to perform. A good alternative is a water pick, or irrigator. Water picks use small bursts of water to wash away debris from difficult to reach places. They are more gentle on the gums, easier than flossing, and gives more flexibility when needed such as when wearing braces. Be sure to note that toothpicks are not a good alternative to flossing since they can tear delicate gum tissue.