Uncategorized | Schertz TX Orthodontist

Here are some cool tips to keep your smile bright and beautiful after professionally whitening your teeth.

To prolong the life of your new smile try the following:

Avoid dark-colored beverages for at least an hour or two after your whitening treatment.
Some beverages that tend to stain your teeth are hot tea, more so than cold tea, red wine, coffee and dark berry juices such as grape and cranberry juice.
When possible, sip dark-colored beverages with a straw.
Practice good oral hygiene – brush and floss after meals and before bedtime.
Remember to get a professional cleaning twice a year.
In fact, if you really want to know the best time to do whitening, its right after a professional cleaning. The reason is the tooth picks up a hard "SHELL" of minerals and microscopic food particles that sort of plug up the pores of the tooth. During the professional cleaning this shell is polished off and the pores are readily available to absorb a whitener for the best results.
Before going out, use your take home whitening kit.
This will brighten your smile brighter than it will stay normally and last about 2 hours at a "SUPER" bright level. This is the gem of all.
For those of you who have already done whiteners you know that when you first take the trays off after having worn them for an hour or two the teeth are at their very brightest.
So, if you are getting ready to go out and you are fussing with your hair and makeup or going through a couple of changes of clothes to see what's perfect, you should be wearing your whitener trays.
In fact, you can wear them all the way over to your party or where ever you're going and then pop them off just before you make your entrance and see how many rave reviews you get on your smile. It doesn't get any better than this. Now of course the lucky folks who already have the white veneers don't have to do this.

Bad breath, also known as halitosis, can be caused by a variety of reasons. Whatever factor causing the halitosis may be one thing is for sure, it is unpleasant for you and those in your immediate environment. It could be the sign of something serious, or that you might need a simple cleaning. Whatever the case may be, the American Dental Association has supplied us with information on this subject and how to prevent and alleviate this issue.

Causes:

Certain types of food and dieting

Foods that contain garlic and onion are notorious for contributing greatly to this issue. Alcohol, dairy products, candies, mints, and most gum that are sugary also contribute to halitosis. Beverages such as coffee, tomato, orange, pineapple and grapefruit juices all contain acid, which can cause bacteria to reproduce at a faster rate.

Dry mouth also known as xerostomia

Dry mouth occurs when the flow of saliva decreases. Saliva is meant for cleansing the mouth of particles that would cause halitosis. Dry mouth can occur by breathing constantly through the mouth, certain medications or by a problematic salivary gland.

Tobacco products

Not only does tobacco stain teeth, cause bone loss and shrink gums, it causes bad breath. To find helpful tips on kicking this habit, consult with your dentist.

Medical disorders

The ADA has found that bad breath may be the sign of a medical disorder, such as a local infection in the respiratory tract, chronic sinusitis, postnasal drip, chronic bronchitis, diabetes, gastrointestinal disturbance, liver or kidney ailment. If you are using proper oral health techniques, and your mouth is determined to be healthy, you may be referred to a physician or specialist for further review.

Periodontal Disease

A major warning sign of periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is constant foul-smelling breath. Gum disease is caused by plaque forming on teeth. The bacteria in plaque create toxins that irritate gums.

Taking corrective measures:

Brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily to remove bacteria that might collect are essential to maintaining good oral health. The ADA recommends two cleanings per year, and also brushing your tongue. For early detection of gum disease, dry mouth, or a medical disorder schedule a check up with your dentist.

Maintaining Your White Smile

Do you have bad breath?

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