Your smile creates an immediate, subconscious, visual impact on people you meet. A brighter smile gives the impression of youth, vitality, radiant health, happiness, and warmth. A bright smile is perceived as a healthy smile.
Be sure to consult with your AACD member cosmetic dentist to learn which whitening treatment is best for you. Teeth whitening remains one of the most economical ways to enhance your smile.
Smiles Are Valuable
Statistics reveal that we place a high value on our smiles. According to an American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry survey:
Deciduous (baby) teeth are typically whiter than the adult teeth that appear later. As we age, our adult teeth often become darker, yellower, or stained. This is partly why white teeth make people appear more youthful.
Just as there are a number of ways to lighten or brighten teeth, there are also several different ways for teeth to become discolored. The main causes of darkened teeth are genetics, antibiotics, and certain foods, plus teeth tend to darken as we age. Internal tooth discoloration is caused by changes in the enamel of the tooth and the dentin. The main causes of internal tooth discoloration are exposure to high levels of fluoride, tetracycline, use of antibiotics as a child, developmental disorders, tooth decay, restorations, root canal issues, and trauma.
External tooth discoloration is caused by factors outside the body, mainly foods and tobacco. The main causes of external tooth yellowing are smoking, foods with tannins, coffee, tea, carrots, oranges, and other foods.
Types of Teeth Whitening
There are various ways to whiten your teeth, but the two most common are in-office treatment and the do-it-yourself approach, with over the counter products. |       |
In-Office Teeth Whitening
Professional tooth whitening in a dental office is the preferred whitening method because even though stronger agents are applied, the rest of the mouth, including the gums, is protected from these materials. The best whitening systems feature a buffer in the gel that protects the tooth enamel from damage, are extremely effective, and can transform teeth in a single office visit. Your teeth can literally brighten up to 10 shades in about an hour.
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In-office whitening affects only the front eight teeth and is a great jump start for take-home whitening, which is always part of an effective whitening program.
Your dentist is best qualified to handle any issues that may arise from whitening treatments, such as tooth sensitivity. Today most tooth sensitivity cases are easily managed. Tooth whitening can last for one or more years, depending on how well you take care of your teeth, and if you’re following up regularly with a home whitening product for regular maintenance. | |
Over-the-Counter (OTC) or Home Tooth Whitening Systems
Commercially available tooth whitening systems have become popular, mainly because they’re relatively inexpensive and easy to use.
There are a few over-the-counter tooth whitening methods that can be purchased without your dentist’s supervision. They include whitening strips, paint-on tooth gel, mouth trays with gel, whitening toothpaste, and even whitening gum. These are typically safe products, but if you have oral concerns, it’s a good idea to ask your AACD member dentist if these products are safe to use.
Properly Fitting Mouth Trays. Often, over-the-counter tooth whitening trays do not fit the patient’s mouth properly. Improperly fitting trays may cause the tooth whitening gel to leak, which can result in gum irritation and a less effective treatment. More Comfortable Solutions. With today’s dentist-supervised systems, even patients with sensitive teeth can undergo teeth whitening treatment. source: http://www.aacd.com/index.php?module=cms&page=568 http://www.smilesbydesigninlivermore.com | |
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
Tracy Dentist - Teeth Whitening - Smiles by Design in Livermore
Monday, September 2, 2013
Tracy Dentist - Five Cleaning Tips for a Healthy Mouth - Smiles by Design in Livermore
Five Cleaning Tips for a Healthy Mouth
Cleaning rituals should also include taking inventory of teeth cleaning routines, according to experts at the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD). The following are five habits dentists recommend that adults do each day to keep oral hygiene in top shape.
4. Don’t Forget Mouthwash
Blend ingredients together with an emersion blender or regular blender. Store in the refrigerator in an air-tight container.
Cleaning rituals should also include taking inventory of teeth cleaning routines, according to experts at the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD). The following are five habits dentists recommend that adults do each day to keep oral hygiene in top shape.
1. Use an Electric Toothbrush
At more than 30,000 strokes per minute compared to the average of 100 strokes per minute with a manual toothbrush, electric toothbrushes work harder by pushing fluid between teeth and around the gum line, which provides a more effective cleaning.
Regardless of whether or not you have cavities, using an electric toothbrush over time prevents gum inflammation, gingivitis and periodontal disease.
2. Floss at Night
The CDC reports that nearly 65 million Americans—one out every two adults ages 30 and older—have gum disease. Therefore, flossing once a day is crucial to avoid plaque and tartar, a hard mineral deposit that can cause gums to become swollen and inflamed, leading to gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease.
The recommendation is to floss at night, because during sleep cycles, less saliva is produced to naturally clean teeth and gums, so oral bacteria are free to do more damage. Therefore, it’s important to brush, floss and scrape your tongue every night to get rid of bacteria and go to bed with your mouth as clean as possible.”
3. Select the Right Toothpaste
Be sceptical of any toothpaste that promises to "whiten" teeth. The reality is that removal of surface stains by a toothpaste will make the tooth "look" lighter, but not change its inherent color. To lighten or "bleach" teeth, schedule a professional in-office whitening treatment, or use over-the-counter name brand bleaching products that work on the internal aspect of the tooth, not just the external aspect as a toothpaste does.
4. Don’t Forget Mouthwash
A refreshing and cost-effective alternative to store-bought mouthwash is creating a Homemade Anti-Cavity Mouth Rinse. The following recipe was developed for the AACD by Dr. Shawn Frawley, a cosmetic dentist with a family practice in Beverly Hills, Calif. This recipes uses xylitol, a sugar substitute that studies show prevents tooth decay.
Ingredients:
Ingredients:
8 ounces water
2 teaspoons PreviDent GEL (1.1% Sodium Fluoride)*
½ teaspoon baking soda
1½ Tablespoons xylitol*
¼ teaspoon peppermint oil extract or favorite flavor
* Sodium Fluoride is available from a pharmacist
Directions:Blend ingredients together with an emersion blender or regular blender. Store in the refrigerator in an air-tight container.
Usage:
Rinse with 2 teaspoons for approximately 1 minute, 1-2 times per day after brushing. For best results, do not eat, drink, or rinse for 30 minutes after expectorating. Do not swallow.
This recipe makes approximately a 2-week supply.
5. Eat Foods Good for Healthy Teeth
Research studies show that certain foods naturally cleanse your teeth while you eat them. The AACD developed nine nutritious recipes from breakfast to dinner using these key ingredients:
• Fruits like strawberries and pineapple are high in fiber and vitamin C. The citric acid in pineapple also provides an all-natural bacteria-fighting mouthwash.
• Veggies like Kale and broccoli are high in minerals that strengthen tooth structure and prevent enamel erosion (or yellowing).
• Onions and wasabi –a type of Japanese horse radish both contain compounds that reduce oral bacteria.
• Quinoa has minerals including Calcium, Magnesium and Phosphorus to strengthen teeth.
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Tracy Dentist - Tips and Techniques in Cleaning Your Tongue and Maintaining a Healthy Tongue - Smiles by Design in Livermore
The tongue may be one of the most ignored parts of your body when it comes to cleaning. Keep in mind that by simply cleaning your tongue, you can get rid of common problems like halitosis or bad breath, put an end to other tongue problems, and of course, makes French kissing more enjoyable.
Keep in mind also that once you will get tongue problems, such as those tongue lesions and geographical tongues, which can be painful and may be difficult for you to enjoy eating thus make sure always that you have a healthy and disease-free tongue.
White patches and lichens planus are among the tongue problems that you should avoid. Geographical tongue or the appearance of map-like patterns is also a common problem that may lead to a sore tongue, which can be uncomfortable.
To help you in cleaning your tongue, here are some tips and techniques that you might find useful.
- After brushing and flossing, which are the main cleaning ritual you usually do with your mouth, do gently brush your tongue and gargle with water afterwards. You don't have to brush it hard. Even if you do have a whitish tongue, it won't help to brush it too hard. Rinse your mouth after brushing your tongue.
- With a tongue scraper, clean your tongue starting farther back up to the front, but don't push it too far to prevent you from gagging. The tongue scraper allows you to get rid of that whitish color at the surface of your tongue which can be home to bacteria and other food debris that may cause bad breath. You can repeat scraping your tongue until the white part is cleansed but don't apply too much pressure to the point of pain.
- Rinse with water after you are done with tongue scraping. You can then follow it up by rinsing with a mouthwash.
Tongue cleaning can prevent bad breath but keep in mind that tongue cleaning should always be accompanied with brushing of the teeth and flossing. Yes, scraping your tongue may get rid of some bacteria in the surface of the mouth, but there are still other hiding places in your mouth for bacteria, so always try to clean them all.
You may also want to put a thin coating of your toothpaste in your tongue before you gently it off. The ingredients in toothpaste such as zinc and chlorine dioxide will help neutralize the compounds produced by the bacteria that cause bad breath. Allowing the toothpaste to sit for a minute or two before scraping can also be done.
Practice cleaning your tongue regularly to avoid bad breath and other tongue problems. With regular cleaning, you can also learn to clean your tongue without gagging. If you are in a fight against bad breath, you may also want to clean the inner sides of your mouth and at the roof of your mouth to get rid of other bacteria and food debris hiding on them. Remember however that cleaning your tongue may not solely solve your bad breath problem but it can help a lot in trying to fight against it.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3856073
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Carolyn_Anderson
by Carolyn Anderson
http://www.smilesbydesign
Monday, August 26, 2013
Livermore Dentist - Oral Warning Signs Can Indicate Serious Medical Conditions - Smiles by Design in Livermore
Regular dental exams not only help to decrease a patient's
risk of oral diseases, such as cavities and periodontal (gum) disease, but they
may also help to diagnose other, sometimes life-threatening, medical
conditions.
Dentists are able to assess a patient's overall oral health
and may recognize symptoms of serious diseases, including diabetes, cancer, and
eating disorders, which often manifest as signs and symptoms inside of the
mouth.
Diabetes
More than 25 million people in the United States alone
suffer from diabetes.
"Because diabetes reduces the body's resistance to
infection, the gums are at risk for gingivitis, an inflammation usually caused
by the presence of bacteria in plaque," says Academy of General Dentistry
(AGD) spokesperson Julie Ann Barna, DMD, MAGD. "Additionally, those with
diabetes can experience high incidences of oral fungal infections and
persistent bad breath."
Oral Cancer
Oral cancer is one of the most common cancers, with
approximately 35,000 new cases reported annually in the United States.
"Indicators of oral cancer may include bleeding sores,
lumps, or thick, hard spots, as well as changes in the way teeth fit
together," says Dr. Barna.
Oral cancer is sometimes difficult to self-diagnose, so
routine dental exams are recommended. A dentist will feel for lumps or
irregular tissue changes in your neck, head, cheeks, and oral cavity and
thoroughly examine the soft tissues in your mouth, specifically looking for any
sores or discolored tissues.
Eating Disorders
"Eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa and
bulimia nervosa, can rob the body of much-needed vitamins and minerals,"
says Dr. Barna. "Without proper nutrition, the gums can lose their healthy
pink color and become increasingly soft and tender, bleeding easily."
Disorders that involve excessive vomiting, such as bulimia,
can cause discoloration and erosion of the teeth due to constant contact with
acid from the stomach. People who have eating disorders also may experience
swollen salivary glands, dry mouth, sensitive teeth, and loss of tooth enamel.
Diseases negatively impact your general health, but they
also can damage your oral health. Regularly scheduled dental exams
allow dentists to detect or monitor your health.
"Patients should inform their dentists about any and
all medical conditions and medicines that may affect their oral health, as well
as any changes in their medical history," says Dr. Barna. "Remember,
maintaining a healthy body includes taking care of your oral health.
Friday, August 23, 2013
Pleasanton Dentist - Healthy Teeth Habits for Pregnant Women - Smiles by Design in Livermore
Being pregnant comes with many responsibilities—and oral hygiene is no exception. For most women, routine dental visits are safe during pregnancy, but let your dental office know what month you are in when you make your appointment. If yours is a high-risk pregnancy or you have some other medical condition, your dentist and your physician may recommend that treatment be postponed. Be sure to let your dentist know if there is any change in the medications you take or if you have received any special advice from your physician. The benefits of receiving dental care during pregnancy far outweigh potential risks. Be sure to keep your dentist informed of any changes in your mouth such as swelling, redness or bleeding.
Tips for maintaining a healthy mouth during pregnancy:
- Brush thoroughly with an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste twice a day.
- Floss between your teeth daily.
- Purchase products that have the ADA Seal of Acceptance.
- Eat a balanced diet. If you snack, do so in moderation.
- Visit your dentist regularly for a professional cleaning and check-up.
- If you need help controlling plaque, your dentist may recommend rinsing at night with an antimicrobial mouth rinse.
- If you have morning sickness and are vomiting frequently, try rinsing with a teaspoon of baking soda mixed with water. If possible, avoid tooth brushing directly after vomiting when stomach acids repeatedly come into contact with teeth, the effects of erosion can eventually cause tooth enamel to wear away.
Source: http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/pregnancy/healthy-habits.aspx
http://www.smilesbydesigninlivermore.com
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
Tracy Dentist - Healthy Teeth Habits for Adults 40 - 60 - Smiles By Design in Livermore
We all know life can be busy, but don’t neglect your oral health. Your dental care is just as important now as it was when you were a kid. Untreated dental disease can lead to serious health problems such as infection, damage to bone or nerve and tooth loss. Brush your teeth twice a day, floss once a day and see your dentist regularly. This simple routine can help you remain Mouth Healthy for Life.
Missing Teeth
Did you know that the average adult between the ages of 20 and 64 has three or more decayed or missing teeth? If you are missing one or more teeth, there are plenty of reasons to correct the problem. Talk to your dentist for more information about improving your smile.Brushing
Brushing your teeth is the cornerstone of any good oral hygiene routine. To keep your teeth and gums healthy, always be sure to brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled brush. The size and shape of your brush should fit your mouth allowing you to reach all areas easily. Also, don’t forget to replace your toothbrush every three or four months or sooner if the bristles are frayed. A worn toothbrush won’t do a good job of cleaning your teeth. Finally, make sure to use an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste. It makes no difference whether you choose a manual or powered toothbrush—just make sure to brush thoroughly twice a day, every day!Flossing
Flossing goes hand in hand with brushing. By flossing once a day, you help to remove plaque from between your teeth in areas where the toothbrush can't reach. This is extremely important because plaque that is not removed by brushing and flossing can eventually harden into calculus or tartar. Click here to read about the best way to floss your teeth.
source: http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/adults-40-60/healthy-habits.aspx
Monday, August 19, 2013
Livermore Dentist - Healthy Teeth Habits for Adults under 40 - Smiles by Design in Livermore
Some people think tooth decay is just for children, but did you know you are at risk your whole life? Untreated dental disease can lead to serious health problems such as infection, damage to bone or nerve and tooth loss. Dental infections that are left untreated can even spread to other parts of the body and, in very rare cases, can be life threatening.
Dental disease is preventable
The good news is that dental disease is preventable. You can practice preventive dentistry on yourself by adopting these healthy habits: Always remember to brush your teeth twice a day, floss between teeth once a day, eat a balanced diet and limit between-meal snacks. And don't forget to schedule regular dental visits. By following a healthy dental routine and making smart food choices, you can lower your risk for tooth decay.Brushing
Brushing your teeth is the cornerstone of any good oral hygiene routine. To keep your teeth and gums healthy, always be sure to brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled brush. The size and shape of your brush should fit your mouth allowing you to reach all areas easily. Also, don’t forget to replace your toothbrush every three or four months or sooner if the bristles are frayed. A worn toothbrush won’t do a good job of cleaning your teeth. Finally, make sure to use an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste. It makes no difference whether you choose a manual or powered toothbrush—just make sure to brush twice a day, every day!Flossing
Flossing goes hand in hand with brushing. By flossing once a day, you help to remove plaque from between your teeth in areas where the toothbrush can't reach. This is extremely important because plaque that is not removed by brushing and flossing can eventually harden into calculus or tartar. Once tartar has formed, it can only be removed by a professional cleaning.source: http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/adults-under-40/
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