A big, bright smile isn't just your best accessory, it also
happens to be a key indicator of your overall well-being so it's crucial
to schedule a professional cleaning at least twice a year to help buff
away tartar, bacterial deposits and external stains, and to check for
cavities. During your visit, your dentist can also scope out early
warning signs of sickness elsewhere in the body since poor oral hygiene
has been linked to heart disease and diabetes.
Best In-Office Teeth-Whitening Treatments
Not all discolorations can be bleached, so it's best to check
in with your dentist to set expectations. For instance, according to the
ADA, grayish gnashers, bonded teeth and tooth-colored fillings won't be
whitened by a bleaching agent, whereas yellow and brown stains will
lighten right up. If your smile is bleachable, ask your doc about an
in-office treatment like Luma-light or Zoom, which activates a high
concentration of hydrogen peroxide with light wavelengths, taking teeth
up to 10 shades lighter.
Best At-Home Teeth-Whitening Treatments
When it comes to what you can do at home to whiten your teeth,
most products rely on contact time to spruce up your smile -- think
Crest Whitestrips -- but there's a new generation of gadgets like the
Glo Brilliant Personal Whitening Device, $275, which recreates the
one-two punch of light plus bleach in the comfort of your own bathroom.
Everyday Tips for Whitening Teeth
Keep your whitened-teeth longer by avoiding a few common causes
of discoloration. Steer clear of blue- or green-tinted mouthwashes,
which, according to Emanuel Layliev, D.D.S., director of the New York
Center for Cosmetic Dentistry, contain dyes that can lead to staining,
especially if the rinse is loaded with alcohol. He says, "The alcohol
dries the surface of teeth and restorations thus making the teeth more
prone to darkening." He also advises patients to sip coffee, red wine
and dark sodas through a straw, since these daily treats can contribute
to yellowing. Not sure what will compromise your bright white smile?
Layliev says, "A good rule of thumb is, anything that will stain a white
shirt will stain your teeth."
How to Brush Your Teeth Without a Toothbrush
While brushing and flossing is "the very best way to clean
teeth," according to Layliev, certain foods can help naturally scrub
your smile if you're caught unprepared. When you can't brush, nosh on
fibrous fruits and veggies like spinach, lettuce, broccoli and apples --
their crunchy textures help eliminate build-up. For fresher breath,
chew on all-natural bacteria-busters like parsley, cilantro, and mint.
Cucumbers also contain "odor-fighting phytochemicals," Layliev says.
How to Brush Your Teeth Without a Toothbrush
While brushing and flossing is "the very best way to clean
teeth," according to Layliev, certain foods can help naturally scrub
your smile if you're caught unprepared. When you can't brush, nosh on
fibrous fruits and veggies like spinach, lettuce, broccoli and apples --
their crunchy textures help eliminate build-up. For fresher breath,
chew on all-natural bacteria-busters like parsley, cilantro, and mint.
Cucumbers also contain "odor-fighting phytochemicals," Layliev says.
How to Prevent Bleeding Gums
If you've been lax on flossing, your body may be trying to send
you a message. Jonathan B. Levine, a doctor of dental medicine in New
York City, says, "The main reason your gums bleed is because plaque has
been allowed to form along the gum line." Since the health of the mouth
affects your general health, Levine says it's important to nip gum
disease in the bud by adhering to a daily flossing and a twice-daily
brushing routine. If you're not a fan of traditional ribbon floss, clean
between teeth with an interdental floss-up or flossette, which is much
easier to maneuver.
When Not to Brush Your Teeth
Somewhere along the way it was drilled into us that we have to
brush after imbibing, and for the most part that's true. But according
to research, there's a glaring exception to that rule-of-tooth. If
you're sipping on drinks containing citric or phosphoric acid -- i.e.
fruit juices and sodas -- wait a full hour before brushing, says Kenton
A. Ross of the Academy of General Dentistry. "The acid in the drink
weakens the enamel and brushing can then remove microscopic amounts of
that important enamel layer." Give your mouth a swish with cool water to
dilute the acid then brush up later.
How to Alleviate Sensitive Teeth
If your dentist has determined that a cavity or cracked tooth
isn't the cause of sensitivity, worn enamel or an exposed root could be
the problem. Too-rough brushing is one of the possible causes of
worn-down enamel and receding gums, so ban hard-bristle brushes. To
treat sensitivity, try swabbing on a desensitizing toothpaste, which
will necessitate several treatments before pain is mitigated. A trip to
the dentist can also help quell discomfort since your doc can apply an
enamel-strengthening fluoride gel or seal the tooth root to prevent
painful jolts every time you snack on something hot or cold.
Best Toothbrushes: Sonic vs. Static
The beauty of a sonic toothbrush is that it does the work for
you. Levine says, "People who use a manual brush have to learn how to
angle the bristles properly to get under the gum area at the root."
Instead of using a gentle up-and-down stroke to remove plaque, he says,
"Many people brush too hard and use a horizontal back-and-forth motion
that can erode the gum area and accelerate tooth wear." Play it safe and
invest in a sonic model, which costs anywhere from $90-$150 but often
comes with a long-term warranty.
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