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Smiles for Life Dental Clinic

Answering Common Questions About Stained Teeth

Everyone wants to have a pearly white smile, but that’s easier said than done. Foods, drinks and poor oral hygiene can all contribute to stained or discolored teeth. To help set the record straight and provide some advice for people looking to keep their teeth white, we thought we’d answer some common questions on the subject. Below, check out some answers to common questions about stained teeth and how to whiten them.

Common Questions About Stained Teeth

Here are some of the questions we hear most when it comes to stained teeth and teeth whitening.

Which foods and drinks stain your teeth the most?

Some of the foods and drinks that are the worst for your teeth when it comes to stains are dark liquids and berries. Frequent consumption of these options can have a more noticeable effect. Drinks like coffee, tea and red wine can all stain your teeth, as can raspberries and blueberries. Try to consume these options in moderation.

How can I mitigate stains when eating or drinking these types of foods and liquids?

Obviously good oral hygiene will help prevent stains, but when you’re consuming these food and beverage options, it’s in your best interest to do so alongside water. Water can help remove these dark liquids and foods from your teeth’s surfaces, and it also helps to remove sugars and acids that may be left behind. Water is a great way to help limit stains.

What else can stain my teeth?

Aside from food and liquids, the most common way people stain their teeth is through the use of tobacco products. Avoid smoking cigarettes or using smokeless tobacco if you want to keep your teeth as white as possible.

How else can I prevent staining?

Aside from consuming water, you can help prevent staining by regularly brushing your teeth, flossing and using mouthwash. All of these can help prevent stains or remove plaque that can help hold stains. It’s also a good idea to continue to get regular semi-annual cleanings and checkups by a dental professional.

Should I use charcoal to whiten my teeth?

You may have read about using charcoal to help whiten your teeth, but there’s no real evidence to show that it works. In fact, you can easily do more harm than good, so avoid using charcoal products to self-whiten your teeth.

Should I use at-home whitening products to whiten my teeth?

If you want a whiter smile, you may consider looking into over-the-counter whitening products. While we don’t believe this is the best solution, if you find a product with the American Dental Association’s seal of approval and carefully follow the directions, you will probably experience good results. We’d be happy to answer any questions or provide recommendations if you’re considering this route.

What’s the best way to whiten my teeth?

Our preferred way to get your teeth whiter is to allow a dental professional to perform a whitening operation. This way we know that we’re using the safest solutions and it is being professionally administered. It is a little more expensive than products you can buy in store, but it’s much safer and effective. Contact us to learn more about your whitening options.


Diet Dental Health

Which Health Trends Are Hurting Your Teeth?

Health trends come and go, and while some of them may help you take an inch or two off your waistline, sometimes these fads can prove harmful to your teeth. But which health trends are safe for your teeth, and which ones should come with an extra word of warning? We separate fact from fiction when it comes to health trends and your teeth in today’s blog.

Health Trends and Your Teeth

Here’s a look at some of the trendy health fads and how they may impact your teeth:

Apple Cider Vinegar

There have been claims that apple cider vinegar can help boost weight loss, but it’s not something you should be downing by itself. Vinegar is highly acidic, and this acid can erode your teeth. Considering there is no real medically sourced data on the weight loss effects of apple cider vinegar, avoid this fad so your teeth stay healthy.

Kombucha

As we detailed in this blog about kombucha, it’s not all that bad for your teeth. That being said, due to its acidity, it’s not something you should drink frequently or as a stand alone option. If you’re going to drink kombucha, drink it alongside some water to help remove acids from your teeth.

Juice Cleanses

Another trend we’ve heard about recently is the juice cleanse. Some people swear by them, but there’s little scientifically-backed evidence that they are effective. However, there is some hard evidence about how they can affect your teeth. Juice cleanses are often packed with sugar, which can lead to cavity formation. If you’re going to do a juice cleanse, drink through a straw to help keep sugars off your teeth, or drink alongside water to wash it off of your teeth’s surfaces.

Non-Dairy Milk

Some people choose almond milk or coconut milk due to lactose intolerance or for other reasons, but it’s not the same as cow’s milk. For starters, many of these milks are sweetened, so make sure you are choosing an unsweetened variety, otherwise the sugar can harm your teeth. Also, these milks don’t often have as much calcium as cow’s milk, so look for enriched options or those with higher calcium content to help keep your bones and teeth strong.

Are you considering trying a new fad diet or cleanse?

Do some research to see how the diet could affect your oral health. Or better yet, give us a call. We’d be happy to give you a professional opinion on the trend you’re considering, and we can provide some tips on how to help keep your teeth protected while you try it out.

We want to help keep your teeth as healthy as possible, but some health trends aren’t the best for your teeth. Keep them in mind when pursuing different health trends, and we’re confident you’ll have a healthy and happy smile for years to come. For more information, contact us at Smiles For Life Dental in Bloomington today.


New-Dentist

Answering Common Questions About Dental Emergencies

Dental emergencies can happen at a moment’s notice, and when they do, you’ll want to know how to react accordingly. Hopefully you’re reading this post before a dental emergency occurs, but it may not be a bad idea to bookmark this page so that you’ll have answers to your questions in the event you or a family member has a tooth emergency down the road. Below, we answer some common questions about dental trauma and emergencies.

Common Question About Dental Emergencies

When it comes to dental emergencies, these are the top-of-mind topics among patients.

What should I do if a tooth is knocked loose or knocked out?

If the tooth isn’t fully dislodged, leave it in your mouth but be careful not to swallow it. If it’s dislodged, keep it moist as best you can. You can keep it in your gums, stored in a glass of milk or in a tooth preservation liquid that you can find at the pharmacy. Once you’ve found a way to keep it moist, get to a dentist’s office.

What should I do if my child loses a tooth?

If your child loses one of their permanent teeth, follow the steps outlined above. If it’s a baby tooth, find the tooth have them bite down on some gauze until the bleeding stops. Once it has stopped, place the tooth under their pillow for the tooth fairy. Just make sure they don’t try to put the tooth back in their mouth.

What do I do if I have a severe toothache?

Rinse your mouth out with warm water to clean it out. Then use dental floss to remove any food particles that may be causing the pain. If the pain persists, give us a call to schedule an appointment.

Can I play sports with braces?

Yes, but we highly recommend that you wear a mouthguard. In fact, it’s one of the most important pieces of protective gear you can wear when playing a contact sport.

What do I do if my braces are poking my cheek?

If a wire is poking your cheek, use dental wax to cover the end of the wire. If a bracket is loose or comes off, give us a call to schedule an appointment for a repair.

How do I prevent dental emergencies?

While you can’t prevent every dental emergency, you can take steps to protect your teeth. Always wear a mouthguard when playing contact sports. If you grind your teeth at night, talk to us about getting a night guard. Avoid using your teeth as tools, and don’t chew on ice, popcorn kernels or hard candy.

Do you have other questions about dental emergencies?

If you have a question about how to handle a dental emergency, give us a call. We’re here to help you.

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