Difference between revisions of "Have Clean, White Teeth"

Having healthy teeth that look and feel [[Have-White-Clean-Shiny-Teeth|clean and sparkling]] can help with a number of facets of your life. It can reduce pain, increase your self-confidence, and help make positive impressions on others.<ref name="rf15506">http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/DataStatistics/SurgeonGeneral/sgr/chap6.htm</ref> Having clean, white teeth depends on two important components: having a healthy oral hygiene routine and using cosmetic treatments to [[Whiten-Teeth|whiten teeth]].  

#Brush two to three times daily. You should [[Brush Your Teeth|brush your teeth]] every morning and every evening before bed. You can also add a third toothbrushing in the middle of the day if you like.<ref name="rf15507">http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/expert-answers/brushing-your-teeth/faq-20058193</ref> Brushing your teeth properly will help prevent tooth and gum disease and can help remove food stains, leaving you with a healthier, cleaner, whiter smile.

#* The acid in certain foods, such as sodas or some types of fruit, can weaken your teeth's enamel temporarily. Wait at least 30 minutes after eating these foods before brushing your teeth. Otherwise the brushing may have an unhealthy effect on your teeth, weakening your enamel and leading to damage and wear.<ref name="rf15507" />

#Brush for two to three minutes each time. Brushing has to be done methodically and carefully, for at least two to three minutes each time. Do not skimp on your brushing.<ref name="rf15508">http://kidshealth.org/kid/stay_healthy/body/teeth_care.html#</ref> If you have a hard time brushing for the right amount of time, play one of your favorite songs that lasts two to three minutes. Use this as a guide to make sure you are brushing for long enough.<ref name="rf15508" />

#* Angle the toothbrush toward where your tooth meets the gum, at about a 45 degree angle, in order to get the best result.<ref name="rf10469" />

#* Brush the inside, outside, and chewing surface of each tooth. Make sure you brush your tongue and the back teeth as well as your front teeth.<ref name="rf10469" />

#Buy fluoridated toothpaste. Toothpaste with fluoride is the most effective way to clean your teeth.<ref name="rf15509">http://kidshealth.org/kid/stay_healthy/body/teeth_care.html</ref> There are other toothpaste options, but a fluoridated toothpaste will prevent cavities more effectively than non-fluoridated toothpastes.

#Replace your toothbrush every three months. Old toothbrushes become less effective at cleaning your teeth. Be sure that you buy new, fresh toothbrushes every three months or so.<ref name="rf15508" /> Replace your toothbrush when you notice the bristles bending or fraying, or after a tooth extraction or oral surgery.<ref name="rf15510">http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/healthy-mouth-15/your-healthy-mouth/the-ugly-truth-about-your-toothbrush</ref> You should also replace your toothbrush after illness to prevent the spread of disease.<ref name="rf15510" />

#* Keep your toothbrush cool and dry to make sure that it doesn't breed harmful bacteria or mold.<ref name="rf10469" /> Store your toothbrush upright so that it can be exposed to the air and dry properly.<ref name="rf15510" />

#Buy toothbrushes with soft bristles. Soft bristles are the best way to clean teeth without damaging them.<ref name="rf15508" /> Scraping too hard against the teeth can hurt or scratch the enamel: be gentle with your teeth.<ref name="rf15511">http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/tc/basic-dental-care-home-treatment</ref> Use a soft touch and a soft brush to keep your teeth as clean, healthy, and strong as possible.

#* An electric toothbrush can also help you to brush effectively and can reduce tooth and gum disease.<ref name="rf10469" />

#[[Floss|Floss]] daily. Flossing helps to remove plaque and bacteria that your toothbrush might miss. Flossing requires using a special waxed thread to clean tight spaces in between your teeth that a toothbrush cannot reach. You can floss before or after brushing: both methods work well.<ref name="rf10469" />

#* Use at least 18 inches (46 centimeters) of floss each time. Be sure that you are using fresh, clean floss on each tooth.<ref name="rf10469" />

#* Floss gently in between every tooth. Do not skip any teeth, even if they are hard to reach (such as your back teeth). Make sure you gently scrape the floss against the gumline to remove plaque and buildup.<ref name="rf10469" />

#* Special flossing tools can be purchased to help those who have trouble getting a good angle.<ref name="rf15512">http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/tc/basic-dental-care-home-treatment?page=2</ref>

#Use a mouthwash with fluoride once a day. If you would like to provide your teeth and mouth with extra protection, you can use an over-the-counter mouthwash. Make sure the mouthwash has fluoride.<ref name="rf15513">http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/dental/art-20045536?pg=2</ref> Most people do better with an alcohol-free mouthwash. Rinse your mouth with the mouthwash for 30–60 seconds using a swishing motion. Then spit out the mouthwash into the sink: never swallow mouthwash.

#Irrigate your mouth to remove food particles. Some people have a particularly difficult time getting their teeth cleaned. If you have trouble brushing and flossing effectively, you can buy a special tooth irrigator to assist you, such as a water pick. These tools spray water in a directed way into your mouth, removing harmful food particles and keeping your mouth clean and healthy.<ref name="rf15513" />

#See your dentist. Make sure your mouth is healthy before undertaking an [[Get-Whiter-Teeth-at-Home|at-home whitening regime]].<ref name="rf15514">http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/healthy-teeth-14/teeth-whitening-safety</ref> Your dentist will be able to tell you whether your teeth are discolored because of disease or other underlying causes. Your dentist should also be able to recommend safe, effective products that will not irritate your mouth.

#* Women who are pregnant or nursing should not use whitening products.<ref name="rf15514" />

#Purchase whitening products with peroxide concentrations of 10% or less. Over-the-counter whitening products are all designed to place bleaching agents on the teeth for several minutes at a time in order to lift stains. Use products with a low concentration of peroxide to get a whitening effect without causing irritation.<ref name="rf15514" /> Look for products that have been approved by your national dental association to ensure their safety. Whitening products take several forms including:

#* Strips. These strips adhere to your teeth, allowing your teeth to be exposed to whitening agents.<ref name="rf2947" />

#* Paint-on products. By brushing the whitening product on your teeth before bed, you can lift stains overnight.<ref name="rf2947" />

#* Gel trays. You fill a tray molded to your teeth with the whitening gel. You bite the gel tray and hold it in your mouth for the recommended amount of time in order to expose your teeth to the bleaching agent.<ref name="rf2947" /> You can also purchase an accelerator light, which uses LED lights to activate the gel and enhance the whitening process.  

#Follow package instructions carefully. Each whitening product works slightly differently. Some have to be removed after just a few minutes. Others can be left overnight. Read instructions on the package carefully to make sure that you receive the maximum benefit without causing harm to your teeth or mouth. It is essential that you do not leave products on for longer than the recommended time.<ref name="rf15514" />

#* Avoid acidic foods and drinks after use. These can hurt the effectiveness of the whitening product as well as irritate your sensitive teeth.<ref name="rf15514" />

#* Repeat whitening treatments as necessary. Don't whiten your teeth too often: simply provide touch-ups as needed every six months or so.<ref name="rf15515">http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/healthy-teeth-14/teeth-whitening-safety?page=2</ref>

#Brush with a whitening toothpaste. Whitening toothpastes are a gentler, slower way to whiten teeth. They will not work as quickly or effectively as other whitening methods, though they can be a great way to preserve your desired shade of teeth once you've achieved it in other ways.<ref name="rf2947" /> Whitening toothpastes do not have bleaching agents, but rather use polishing and other chemical reactions in order to remove surface stains.<ref name="rf3029" />

#* Look for a whitening toothpaste that has been approved by the American Dental Association or other professional dental group in order to ensure that the product is safe and effective.<ref name="rf3029" />

#Consider a toothpaste with baking soda. Some studies show that toothpastes with baking soda might be more effective at cleaning teeth than other toothpastes.<ref name="rf15516">http://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-05-2011/5-foods-that-whiten-teeth-naturally.html</ref> Baking soda has also long been used as a natural tooth-whitening agent; however, baking soda can also irritate your delicate skin around your mouth. A toothpaste with baking soda should have concentrations low enough that you will receive some benefit from the baking soda without experiencing irritation.

#Be cautious about natural tooth-whitening treatments. There isn't solid data about the usefulness or safety of natural tooth-whitening treatments; however, some individuals report positive effects from their use.<ref name="rf15517">http://www.cosmopolitan.co.uk/beauty-hair/beauty-trends/how-to/a37655/how-to-make-natural-teeth-whitening/</ref> Be wary when using these treatments, and it is a good idea to talk to your dentist first. These natural treatments include the following:

#* Applying mashed strawberries to your teeth. Strawberries have an enzyme, malic acid, that supposedly brightens teeth. Mash fresh strawberries and apply them to your teeth. Let them sit for five minutes and then rinse.<ref name="rf15516" />

#* Using lemon juice and baking soda. Shake a small amount of baking soda onto a thick fresh lemon wedge. Bite into this wedge and let it sit for a few minutes, until the fizzing subsides.<ref name="rf15517" />

#* Note that strawberries and lemons both contain citric acid, which can cause your teeth to become weaker and predisposed to developing sensitivity. Use natural tooth whitening treatments with caution, and be suspicious of their claims.<ref name="rf15518">http://www.livescience.com/48472-teeth-whitening-methods-really-work.html</ref>  

#Ask about professional whitening treatments. Professional tooth-whitening treatments often work more quickly than at-home care; however, these treatments can be pricey and are not often covered by dental insurance. Most professional whitening treatments involve a higher concentration of a bleaching agent along with lasers or other lights to aid the whitening process.<ref name="rf3029" /> Because you will undertake these treatments in a dental office, your gums will be protected from the harsh chemicals used on your teeth.<ref name="rf3029" />

#* Be aware that some studies show that at-home treatments can be just as effective as professional treatments, though they do take longer to cause a positive benefit.<ref name="rf15519">http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/03/20/ask-well-whiter-teeth/?_r=0</ref>

#Make sure you see only licensed dental professionals. Most developed nations have licensing systems to ensure that practicing dentists and other dental professionals are safe and responsible. Only see a fully licensed dental professional who has been trained in a certified dental program. Do not go to a salon or kiosk for tooth-whitening treatments: these might be less expensive but also carry risks.<ref name="rf15520">http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/dentalhealth/Pages/teeth-whitening.aspx</ref>

#Don't eat snacks between meals. Food particles on your teeth help to lead to tooth decay and staining. For this reason, you want to minimize the amount of time that your teeth are exposed to foods.<ref name="rf15521">http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/nutrition</ref> Try to avoid snacking in between meals in order to maximize the amount of time that your teeth are totally clean and particle-free.

#Eat less than 50 grams of sugar each day. Sugar is one of the most harmful substances for teeth, and it can hurt your mouth's health and appearance.<ref name="rf15521" /> Try to avoid products with added sugars to minimize tooth decay and staining. This includes table sugar as well as other sugars including: molasses, honey, maple syrup, corn syrup, and brown sugar. Your teeth and body will thank you.

#*Be aware of "fermentable carbohydrates," which begin to break down and turn to sugar in your mouth instead of further down your digestive tract, which can be very damaging to your teeth. Fermentable carbohydrates include crackers, bread, bananas and breakfast cereals as well as the more obvious things like cookies, cakes, and candy.<ref name="rf15522">http://www.colgateprofessional.com/patient-education/articles/mouth-healthy-eating</ref>

#Drink sugarless beverages. Beverages sweetened with sugar are particularly bad for teeth. Sipping sugary drinks exposes your teeth to harmful substances for long periods of time, hastening tooth decay.<ref name="rf15521" /> Even healthy-sounding beverages like sports drinks are chock full of sugar.<ref name="rf8141" /> Find unsweetened alternatives to sugary beverages. Plain tap water (which is treated with fluoride in most U.S. cities) is the healthiest beverage option for your mouth health and the best option for your teeth's appearance.<ref name="rf15521" /> Beware of drinks like:

#Limit tooth-staining drinks. Coffee and tea can cause unsightly yellow stains;<ref name="rf8141" /> however, coffee and tea are not too bad for your mouth health as long as you drink them without sweeteners. Still, if you want your smile to remain bright and white, try to keep your consumption of tooth-staining drinks to a minimum.

#Eat fresh fruits and vegetables. Fresh foods with a lot of fiber and water, such as fruits and vegetables, provide your body with essential nutrients for keeping your teeth strong. They also help naturally clean and brighten your teeth.<ref name="rf15521" /> Apples, carrots, and celery can all help remove food particles from your teeth while nourishing your mouth health.

#* Limit citrus fruits, but don't cut them out completely. They contain citric acid, which can damage tooth enamel, but they also help create a slightly alkaline pH environment in your mouth (the bacteria that cause tooth decay thrive in acidic environment). Try to eat citrus foods as part of a larger meal instead of on their own.<ref name="rf8141" />

#Don't eat sticky foods unless you rinse afterwards. Sticky foods remain on your teeth longer, leading to additional staining and decay.<ref name="rf8141" /> Stay away from sticky, chewy foods like raisins, chewy granola bars, candy bars, and caramel. Try to find healthy, natural alternatives instead; however, if you absolutely must eat sticky foods, be sure that you rinse your mouth with water soon afterwards: this can minimize the damage they can cause.

#Eat low-fat dairy and nuts. Low-fat dairy foods (such as yogurt and hard cheeses) and nuts help clean teeth naturally.<ref name="rf15512" /> The proteins and calcium in dairy can help strengthen teeth as well.<ref name="rf15516" /> Instead of reaching for a candy bar, try some plain yogurt and a handful of almonds instead.

#Do not eat before bedtime. Plaque development is the worst overnight, when your saliva flow is reduced. Refrain from eating or drinking anything (other than water) in the hours before bedtime.<ref name="rf15512" /> Not eating before bedtime can also reduce the likelihood of acid reflux, which hurts your tooth enamel.

#[[Quit Smoking|Quit tobacco products]]. Tobacco products can stain teeth and lead to mouth diseases, including mouth cancers.<ref name="rf15523">http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/tc/basic-dental-care-home-treatment?page=3</ref> Cigarettes, cigars, and [[Quit Chewing Tobacco|chewing tobacco]] are all harmful to your smile. [[Quit-Smoking|Quit them]] if at all possible, or at least cut down considerably in order to have clean, white teeth.

* Tooth whitening products work best on yellowed teeth stained by food or drinks. They are not as effective on teeth stained by disease or medications.<ref name="rf15524">http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/features/whiten-your-teeth-at-home?page=2</ref>

* Note that tooth whitening products do not work on caps, veneers, or fillings: only on the teeth themselves. Talk to your dentist about creating an even smile if you have a number of caps, veneers, or fillings.<ref name="rf15524" />

* While teeth whitening treatments are generally considered to be safe, there may be some unknown or unreported adverse effects on dental health, gum health, or general health.<ref name="rf15525">http://www.ada.org/~/media/ADA/About%20the%20ADA/Files/whitening_bleaching_treatment_considrations_for_patients_and_dentists.ashx</ref> Use caution when undertaking any cosmetic treatment for your teeth.

* Whitening products often cause gum and tooth sensitivity, though the effect should be only temporary.<ref name="rf15524" />

* Talk to your dentist immediately if a whitening product causes your gums to change color.<ref name="rf15524" />

* Over-bleaching your teeth can cause staining, mouth sores, or enamel loss. Follow your dentist's instructions carefully as well as the instructions on your whitening product.<ref name="rf15526">http://www.foxnews.com/health/2015/11/12/are-at-home-teeth-whitening-products-safe-to-use-all-time.html</ref>