Teeth Whitening & Oral Health Blog

Many of us long for Hollywood style teeth; gleaming white and evenly spaced. Whilst, the shape and spacing of our teeth requires cosmetic dentistry to alter; the shade of our teeth is something that can be improved with home teeth whitening. It is important to remember that there are a number of different shades of white and that we all have a natural shade. Over time, with age, teeth change color and can make us feel noticeably older. Cigarette smoking is a primary cause of yellowing of teeth and red wine is another culprit when it comes to teeth staining.

Whitening Your Teeth At Home

If you choose the right kit, you can improve the shade of your teeth with easy home use methods. There are many different home whitening kits and the choice will depend on personal preference as to the most suitable method, and the type of effect the user is after. Home whitening kits use safe bleaching agents designed to whiten teeth in between 3 to 10 days. They will work on tobacco stains, coffee stains, food stains, staining caused by tetracycline (found in some medications) and genetic discoloring. A complete range of home teeth whitening methods can be found here, Whiter Smile – Whitening Kit Specialist.

Home Whitening Kits

When choosing a home whitening kit, ensure that it is FDA approved and that you talk it through with your dentist. The most commonly known whitening kit is the moldable mouth tray kit whereby you mold the trays at home and fill them with a whitening gel, wearing them usually for up to an hour. For users who do not feel they can mold trays to the required shape, there are trays created in dentist labs. The materials to create a mold of the teeth are included; the user takes an impression of their teeth and sends it to the dentist. The dentist then creates a custom made mouth tray and returns it, to be used with the bleaching gel included in the kit. Some people find the moldable tray systems too complex and prefer to buy a one size fits all pre-filled mouth tray which can then be used straight away, directly fitting into the mouth. Alternative products to the tray system are those applied directly to the teeth, such as; teeth whitening strips, a favorite being the Crest Whitestrips. Pre-filled trays with bleaching gel are available in different sizes and strengths, such as the Opalesence TresWhite Kit. Teeth Whitening Pens with peroxide encapsulated into the cells of the gel and painted onto the teeth are also good for maintenance of a white smile; along with whitening toothpastes and rinses; and whitening lozenges that are dissolved slowly in the mouth. In addition, there are whitening home kits that use a combination of light and gel; the light accelerator systems increase the oxidation process of the gel, thus speeding up the bleaching and achieving faster results than gel alone. A popular choice being the e-Beyond Light Accelerator System. Complete kits are also available that combine all the ingredients you need for effective home teeth whitening; dental mouth trays, tubes of gel in various strengths, 26 LED accelerator whitening light, remineralisation gel for post whitening and whitening pens for touch up and maintenance, such as the Whiter Smile Light Activation System. Whatever method you choose, it is possible to improve the look of your teeth, significantly, with home whitening kits.

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http://www.whitersmile.com.au

Not all toothbrushes are the same; as anyone confronted by the many shelves of toothbrushes at a pharmacy or supermarket can vouch for. Choosing a good toothbrush is a mixture of preference and need. Certain types of toothbrushes may be needed depending on the condition of the users’ teeth and the age of the user. First, baby teeth need to be treated differently to a set of dentures, and small, evenly spaced teeth have different requirements to those teeth that are crooked and awkward to clean. However, what is important is that the choice is given as much thought as is the choice of your hair and body products.

Oral hygiene

A toothbrush is part of a range of products that should be used to maintain good oral health. The whole mouth needs to be considered when establishing a good oral hygiene routine. Bacteria especially like the tongue and awkward spaces between teeth in which to grow and produce their smelly sulfur compounds. The formation of plaque, bad breath and serious gum disease can be prevented with good oral hygiene. Choosing a good toothbrush is part of this oral hygiene routine; along with, regular flossing, use of mouth rinses and six monthly check ups at the dentist.

Types of toothbrush

There is a bewildering variety of toothbrushes on the market and much advertising revenue spent on convincing consumers that the latest and newest types are the best. The most expensive, in this instance, is not always the best. Natural bristle brushes may be great for the hair on your head, but become soggy and out of shape when used as toothbrushes. Nylon is a good material for toothbrushes as it can be precisely shaped, has an even texture and is hygienic to clean; it does not trap bacteria. Nylon does, however, have to be reasonably thick in order to maintain its shape, so the ends of a nylon toothbrush need to be rounded to avoid damaging the gums. Many people choose a hard toothbrush because they believe, wrongly, that this is the only way to clean teeth effectively. In reality, hard toothbrushes and over vigorous brushing can damage the tooth enamel and make gums bleed. The other mistake a lot of people make is, using a toothbrush past its lifespan; even a good toothbrush needs replacing every three months. A toothbrush with a small head is more likely to be able to get into each and every part of the mouth and behind the teeth. The handle needs to be comfortable for the user and encourage up and down brushing. A good nylon toothbrush is the “Supersmile, Next Generation Toothbrush”; it guarantees the ADA recommended 45 degree angle when brushing and its soft nylon bristles will not damage the gums. An alternative to nylon is a polyester compound as found in the the “Dr. Collins Perio Toothbrush”, with an ergonomically designed handle, and bristles that are more durable and longer lasting than nylon, and absorb less water so harbor fewer germs. The bristles are tapered into a needle like shape which means penetration between teeth is improved; gums are massaged as you brush and the tooth enamel is protected from the abrasion caused by hard toothbrushes. Using this toothbrush means that plaque prevention is improved, and with its superior cleaning the risk of gum disease is reduced. Choosing a good toothbrush is a vital part of overall oral health; remember that, and your teeth will thank you for it!

© Copyright Whiter Smile : Australia’s Largest Teeth Whitening Superstore! Stocking a huge range of the best tooth whitening kits, teeth bleaching gel, bad breath, and oral care health products on the planet. Best Price Guarantee!
http://www.whitersmile.com.au

Grinding or clenching your teeth at night can lead to a number of dental disorders and significant pain for the sufferer. When teeth are ground together, a pressure is exerted that is 20 to 30 times that of normal biting. Night grinding often occurs in children up to the age of six or seven, but they tend to grow out of it. Night grinding becomes a problem when it continues into adulthood.

Night Grinding: Causes

Night grinding, or bruxism, is very common; about 1 in 10 people do it; what is unusual is that many people have no idea they are doing it. Often, the first knowledge of the night grinding or clenching of teeth is when a partner reveals that you are gnashing away in your sleep! There are two main causes; malocclusion, which is where your teeth do not meet properly or, stress related illnesses. The idea that teeth poorly meeting causes night grinding is not one all dentists agree on. However, for some, having their teeth properly aligned does reduce the night grinding.  The most supported theory is that night grinding is a way to release tension, caused by the stresses of the day.

Night grinding: Symptoms

Those who grind their teeth may be unaware that they are doing it until their dentist suggests it. The common symptoms of bruxism are; aching jaw from clenching; chipped or jagged teeth; headaches in the morning; neck and shoulder pain; loosened teeth and increased tooth sensitivity because the tooth has been ground away exposing the nerve endings.

Night Grinding: Treatment

There are a number of lifestyle factors that, if changed, may reduce night grinding. Avoid drinks containing caffeine, chewing gum, and cut down on alcohol consumption. As stress is the number one cause that the medical profession agrees on; reduce your stress through meditation, warm baths, soothing music. Some homeopathic medicines are known to be beneficial in combating stress. Where night grinding is affecting the structure of the teeth and causing pain, more significant intervention is required. Orthodontic treatments to realign crooked teeth can help. The main treatment is aimed at preventing the damage caused by night grinding; by fitting a mouth guard for night-time. Mouth guards are commonly used in contact sports to protect teeth from damage; they are made of plastic and vary in design. There are three types of mouth guard; off the shelf mouth protectors found in sporting goods stores; boil and bite mouth guards which are softened in hot water then fitted in the mouth to the wearers teeth; or the custom made dentists night guards. The sporting goods mouth protector is; standard size, frequently bulky and uncomfortable and makes talking very difficult. This is not a solution recommended by dentists. The boil and bite mouth guard is made from thermoplastic material, and more malleable, but hard to fit properly without professional advice. For an exact fit that will protect your teeth from the effects of night grinding it is crucial to get advice from a dentist. An effective night guard must be comfortable, durable, tear resistant and easy to clean. Night guards should not restrict your breathing or speech. One of the best night guards on the market is the “Dr Brux Night Grinding Guard”. This meets the need for a customizable bite tray without costing an excessive amount. The night guard fits to the top row of teeth, acting as a firm barrier between the teeth. The Dr Brux version, as well as being affordable, can last for years with standard use. It has two degrees of hardness; one to give stability and comfort to the outer teeth and gums; the second, harder part, supports the teeth when grinding, allowing movement that resists deterioration. For more information, and for other night guards see oral care products. There is no cure for night grinding of teeth; but sensible precautions can minimise the damage it causes to the structure of the teeth and jaw.

© Copyright Whiter Smile : Australia’s Largest Teeth Whitening Superstore! Stocking a huge range of the best tooth whitening kits, teeth bleaching gel, bad breath, and oral care health products on the planet. Best Price Guarantee!
http://www.whitersmile.com.au

There is nothing more embarrassing than having someone back away from you as you start talking to them, and you realize it is because your breath smells. The chewing gum industry makes a lot of profit based on people wanting to sweeten their breath.  However, too often, chewing gum and sucking mints will actually worsen your breath in the long run, as the sugar in these products hastens teeth decay, a major cause of bad breath.

Bad Breath: Causes & Symptoms

Bad breath, or halitosis as it is properly known, can be the result of a temporary situation, such as eating certain foods, or a sign of a more significant health problem. Certain illnesses have bad breath as a secondary symptom such as sinusitis, tonsillitis, bronchitis and pneumonia, but they share a common denominator; bacteria in the mouth, throat or nasal passages. Halitosis is caused by sulphur compounds, waste products created by the bacteria in our mouths. These compounds are highly volatile, which means they evaporate rapidly and cause an unpleasant smell.  Any form of gum disease, gingivitis or periodontal disease will have bad breath as a symptom. Lack of oral hygiene is the chief cause of bad breath. Brushing teeth alone does not remove the bacteria in a persons’ mouth. Bacteria live well at the back of the tongue; a place often missed by toothbrushes. Plaque builds up in the mouth, and even a thin layer can be an oxygen-starved environment in which bacteria can thrive. These anaerobic (non oxygen requiring) bacteria flourish and grow; with that growth comes the excretion of waste and this waste smells! A chronically dry mouth, known as xerostomia, increases the chance of bad breath as saliva is a natural mouth cleanser, washing away bacteria and waste products. Periodontal disease and gum disease are also associated with halitosis as the bacteria have endless places to lurk in a mouth where gums are decaying and pulling away from teeth.

Bad Breath: Treatments

There are a number of remedies for bad breath; some are less scientific than others. Whiter Smile – Bad Breath stocks a comprehensive range of products to treat bad breath. If the bad breath is caused by eating foods such as onions and garlic, rest assured, the enzymes in the stomach will eventually break down and utilize all the offending molecules and the smell will go. The only remedy is time, avoidance of these foods or tolerance of the smell! Non medical suggestions are, eating parsley or cheese after garlic. The best approach to bad breath is preventing it, with good oral hygiene. However, if the bacteria are present in your mouth, you need to act fast to neutralise them. As part of your new, smart, oral hygiene routine, you will have to tackle the areas of the mouth harbouring the bacteria. In addition, the balance of good versus bad bacteria in the mouth needs to be addressed, the bad needs to be neutralised and the good bacteria increased. This is possible with two compounds; one treatment, OXYD-8TM, to oxygenate the mouth, thus preventing the anaerobic bacteria from producing odorous sulfur compounds; the second treatment contains Aktiv-K12 a probiotic which adds good bacteria to the mouth. Getting rid of halitosis requires several steps; the tongue must be thoroughly cleaned, especially at the back; the teeth need to be brushed to the gum line; gums need to be treated with the appropriate rinse; if possible some rinsing agent should be swallowed to clean the throat; and to help throughout the day, when brushing is not possible, lozenges or gum can be used if they are of the right type. A complete regime for banishing bad breath can be found in the “TheraBreath Advanced Aktiv-K12 ProBiotics Kit“. Bad breath is a sign of an unhealthy mouth, not just something to be embarrassed about socially; it must be treated and once treated, prevented from further recurring.

© Copyright Whiter Smile : Australia’s Largest Teeth Whitening Superstore! Stocking a huge range of the best tooth whitening kits, teeth bleaching gel, bad breath, and oral care health products on the planet. Best Price Guarantee!

http://www.whitersmile.com.au