Teeth whitening is the single most popular cosmetic dental procedure on the planet, and thanks to modern dental technology, everyone can afford to have his or her teeth bleached professionally.
The ancient Egyptians would whiten their teeth with ground pumice mixed with vinegar. As unpleasant as it may sound, the ancient Romans used urine for teeth whitening. The ammonia found in urine acts as a bleaching agent because of the acidic content. During the 16th century, barbers got into the act. After a shave and a haircut, the barber would file down the surface of the teeth before applying acid. This worked wonders, but it also eroded the tooth’s enamel, which led to tooth decay.
Thankfully, these days you do not have to resort to ancient teeth whitening methods as there are dozens of over the counter teeth whitening products available.
Before you shell out the bucks for a teeth whitening kit, make an appointment with your dentist who can determine if you are a good candidate for teeth whitening altogether. People who have crowns, root canals and other dental restorative work will not see a difference when it comes to teeth whitening as tooth bleaching will only work on natural teeth. Your dentist may also recommend professional teeth whitening, which can last for quite some time as long as you avoid red wine, tobacco products, and any other food or liquid that has a tendency to dull your pearly whites. Professional tooth whitening, is not permanent, and may need to be retouched every few years.
Professional tooth bleaching requires two visits with your dentist. During your first tooth whitening appointment, your dentist will create molds of your teeth so that your clear, custom tooth whitening trays fit perfectly. After your trays are made, you will be checked for proper fit at your second dental appointment. Your dentist will give you a whitening solution that works with your tooth bleaching trays. Depending on the degree of staining on your teeth, you will either wear your trays thirty minutes twice a day, or overnight for about two weeks.
Tooth bleaching works best for patients who have stained or yellowed teeth, outer layer wear on teeth or stained teeth due to tetracycline, and other medications. If you were subjected to excessive fluoride when your teeth were developing you may have flourosis that can be helped with professional tooth whitening.
After you have the desired results from your professional teeth whitening treatment, there are some things you can do to keep your teeth white and bright.
Avoid coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco products. Some spices can also stain your teeth. Go easy on the curry powder and rinse after eating colorful foods.
Brushing and flossing not only helps keep your teeth white, but it can also prevent tooth decay. Ask your dentist about tooth whitening pastes and mouthwashes as they can help prevent professional tooth bleaching touch ups. Check on the American Dental Association website where you will find a list of teeth whitening products that are safe for your teeth and gums.
If you have noticed some yellowing, but are not scheduled to see your dentist for the next few months ask your dentist about in home whitening products that will give you results in-between professional tooth whitening touch ups. You can also whiten your teeth the natural way using products that you would find in your pantry or fridge.
Believe it or not, if you rub strawberries and other fruits on your teeth you can whiten your teeth naturally. Just be sure to brush with toothpaste immediately after to remove the acids and sugars. Make a paste out of lemons and salt. Use like toothpaste and apply to your toothbrush for a couple of days. Don’t forget to brush after, as lemons are highly acidic and can eat the enamel on your teeth.
Eat crunchy vegetables. Enjoying celery, broccoli, cucumbers, and carrots can also help keep your teeth bright as crunchy veggies and fruits are natural teeth whiteners, and because of the crunch, will get your saliva going. Apples contain malic acid, which is found in over the counter and professional tooth whitening products. The malic acid dissolves the stains on your teeth keeping the dentist, and the doctor away.
Brushing with baking soda work wonders on tooth stains. In fact, baking soda was used before toothpaste was even invented. Make a paste with a pinch of salt, baking soda, and water. Brush as you normally would and be sure to rinse. Your dentist recommends that this method only be used a couple of times a week as baking soda is very abrasive. You could also add some lemon juice to the paste.
Hydrogen Peroxide is the most powerful bleaching agent in the world. You may use it to disinfect or cleanse a wound, but H202 can also be used as an oxidizer and toothpaste. Hydrogen Peroxide is an active ingredient in mouthwashes and toothpastes. Make a safe solution using equal parts with water and you can use it like a mouthwash. Declared safe by the American Dental Association, H202 is a great way to whiten your teeth at home.
If you would like more information regarding teeth whitening, schedule an appointment with your dentist today.
Dr. Michael Layton (DDS) is the dentist for Peace Arch Dental, a dental office in the South Surrey/White Rock, B.C. area. He has been in the dental industry for the last decade and received his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Washington. He takes pride in providing positive and caring dental solutions for people of every walk of life. You can follow him on Google+.
Searching for a family dentist can be tough at best. Not only do you want to find a dentist that can look after the adults, but you also want to find a family dentist that specializes in all facets of dentistry, including pediatric dentistry.
The American Dental Association recommends asking your friends, family, co-workers, and neighbors if you are on the hunt for a good family dentist. Talk to your doctor or ask your pharmacist for recommendations. If you and your family are relocating, ask the family dentist that you have now who may be able to offer a few suggestions. The American Dental Association has a list of state and local family dentists on its website, which may be of some help as well.
Once you have a few suggestions, there are some things that you should be aware of before you schedule your first appointment.
Make sure that the family dentist you have in mind will be able to schedule appointments within two weeks. Kids, teenagers, and adults should never have to wait for a check-up. If there is an emergency, your family dentist should be able to see you within a few hours, and no longer than a day or two. Even offices that are busy should be able to see a new or existing patient within two weeks.
One of the most important tips for finding a good family dentist is his or her ability to handle children. Pediatric dentistry is a skill and takes additional training. The last thing that you want is for your kids to grow up avoiding the dentist because of bad childhood memories. Look for a family dentist that specializes in pediatric dentistry and you will be well on your way to finding the perfect family dentist.
If you walk into a family dentist’s office, and the only thing on offer is a few outdated magazines and a bunch of old metal chairs, you may want to reconsider. Dentists that look after their patients with comfortable furniture, TV sets, current reading materials, and an area for your kids to play will put you at ease while you are waiting to see your dentist.
Not all family dentists are created equal, in fact, some offer very little in the way of services using archaic equipment. You want to find a family dentist that is up on the latest dental technologies. Seek out a dentist for your family who keeps up with modern techniques and is constantly improving his or her craft by attending continuing education workshops and conferences. Find a new dentist that offers 21st century dental procedures such as dental implants, porcelain veneers and porcelain inlays and porcelain onlays. Never settle for a family dentist that only offers the basics.
This may sound ridiculous, but you might want to consider the receptionist in your decision. Observing the dental receptionist will give you a good indication as to how your new family dentist runs the rest of the office. Look for a receptionist who greets you upon arrival, is well organized, and is upbeat and friendly.
Do your research when it comes to searching for a family dentist. Head to the World Wide Web and look for unbiased reviews of the family dentist that you have in mind.
Ask plenty of questions before you schedule your first appointment. Enquire about office hours and the location. You will want to make sure that the family dentist’s office is easy to get to from home or the office. Find out where the dentist that you have in mind has been trained and what his or her approach is when it comes to preventive dentistry. Ask what type of anesthetic is used and whether or not the family dentist that you have your eye on is certified to help you feel comfortable and relaxed. Before you schedule an appointment, it is imperative that you get information on payment plans and fees. You will also want to make sure that your new family dentist participates in the family dental plan that you have. You should also ask what the dental offices policy is regarding missed appointments.
A good family dentist is imperative when it comes to the health and well-being of your family. Ask, observe and listen and you will be well on your way to finding the perfect dentist for you and your family.
Dr. Michael Layton (DDS) is the dentist for Peace Arch Dental, a dental office in the South Surrey/White Rock, B.C. area. He has been in the dental industry for the last decade and received his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Washington. He takes pride in providing positive and caring dental solutions for people of every walk of life. You can follow him on Google+.
A healthy diet is important for your body, but avoiding certain foods could also help you keep your teeth. According to the Huffington Post, several foods should be avoided if you want to limit your time in the dentist’s chair.
Starchy foods such as potato chips, French fries and those donuts that you enjoy at the office could be causing tooth decay. Your dentist will tell you that starchy foods can be stuck in-between your teeth quickly converting to sugars that will erode the enamel on your teeth. If you do eat starchy foods, rinse or brush after enjoying.
Energy drinks may give you that boost you need after a good workout, but the best choice would be a bottle of water for healthy teeth. Carbonated sports drinks are extremely acidic and can be quite thick. This means that sports drinks will stick to your teeth longer than water.
You may think you are doing your body (and your healthy teeth) good with a bag of dried apricots, but the truth of the matter is that dried fruits can be just as bad for your teeth as those caramels or gummy bears that you munched on last night. Even chocolate can affect the way your teeth feel, especially if you are still tasting the chewy toffee that you had on your coffee break. 
When sticky food is stuck in between your teeth your saliva will have a tough time getting to the location in order to remineralize the acid. Bacteria will convert all types of sugar into acid including fruit sugars and refined sugars. Be sure to brush your teeth afterwards if you want to continue eating sticky foods and still maintain healthy teeth.
Foods that are acidic can wreck havoc on healthy teeth. Pickles, tomatoes, fruit juice, lemons, grapefruits, and oranges can raise the levels of acid, which over time; will eat away the enamel on your teeth. Even that glass of wine that you had with dinner last night is highly acidic. According to your dentist, foods that you would not suspect include certain types of fish and breakfast cereals. There are some acidic foods that you need to stay healthy, but moderation is the key if you want healthy teeth.
It is okay to indulge in an occasional burger from your favorite fast food restaurant, but if your diet is based on foods that are poor in nutrition, you could be asking for trouble. Loading up on pizza, hot dogs, fries, and candy will imbalance your immune system making you more susceptible to gum disease and tooth decay.
For healthy teeth, watch what you eat, brush twice and floss once a day, and remember to include regular dental checkups in your routine if you want healthy teeth and gums.
Dr. Michael Layton (DDS) is a dentist based in the South Surrey/White Rock area. With over 10 years of experience in the dental industry and a Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Washington, Dr. Layton enjoys providing safe and easy dental solutions for every patient that walks through the doors of his practice - and reads his blog. You can follow him on Google+.
Most people have no idea that their bad breath is causing others to turn away. The fact is, you cannot smell your own breath, and if you have chronic halitosis, the only ones who will tell you are close friends and family members.
Your dentist will tell you that chronic bad breath is a sign that something could be wrong with your teeth and gums, and unless you suffer from diabetes or other systemic diseases, your halitosis could be signaling gingivitis, or worse yet, periodontal disease.
Poor oral hygiene is one of the biggest contributors to bad breath, and if you do not brush twice and floss once a day the food that you consume will remain in between your teeth eventually causing plaque and tartar. Remember, good oral hygiene also means regular dental checkups.
Bad breath could be caused by the food you eat. If you are partial to garlic and onions, keep in mind that they can stay in your system up to 72 hours after digestion being absorbed by your skin and lungs. Try avoiding spicy foods and skip the garlic for a while. If your breath is still suffering after cleaning up your diet, it could be time to make an appointment with your dentist.
If gum disease is not to blame, it could be your old fillings. Composite and silver amalgam fillings that are more than 10 years old, or fillings that are cracked or chipped could be harboring tooth decay underneath. Rotting teeth could be the cause of your chronic bad breath and if that is the case, it is time to see your dentist for a checkup.
Chewing tobacco and smoking can not only stain your teeth, but can also irritate your gums and cause bad breath. Try giving up smoking and if you need help see your doctor.
Other chronic halitosis issues could be caused by yeast infections in your mouth or dental appliances that have not been fitted properly.
Bad breath can be downright embarrassing and if you suspect that your halitosis is the reason that you sit home every night, make an appointment with your dentist who we be able to determine the true cause of your bad breath.
Dr. Michael Layton (DDS) is a dentist based in the South Surrey/White Rock, B.C. area. He has been in the dental industry for the last decade and received his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Washington. He takes pride in providing positive and caring dental solutions for people of every walk of life. You can follow him on Google+.
Spring is just around the corner and if you have been promising yourself a new you (and nicer teeth), schedule an appointment with your dentist. That clean eating diet isn’t the only thing that you should be taking care of if you have been less than diligent with your oral hygiene.
Brushing your teeth twice and flossing them once a day is recommended by a dentist. But if you aren’t seeing your dentist twice a year, you could be asking for problems, especially if you have old fillings.
If your fillings are 5, 10, 15 or 20 years old make an appointment with your dentist who will take x-rays to determine if tooth decay is present under your restorations. Old amalgam or tooth colored resin fillings may be broken or cracked. Often you will not feel any pain or discomfort, if you do; it is often too late, as the decay has grown closer to the pulp and the nerve inside your tooth. If this is the case, your dentist may recommend a root canal.
Sometimes a dentist will repair a single tooth multiple times. If a tooth has been filled more than once it may be too large to fill again requiring a crown.
Cavities can develop anywhere on your tooth and if left to their own devices could become abscessed. Abscesses are dangerous and if not taken care of immediately can cause serious physical problems.
The only way to cleanse your body and that includes your teeth and gums is to schedule an appointment with your dentist who will thoroughly examine your mouth. If problems are present, the two of you will discuss your options.
Gum disease affects everyone, and if you have red and swollen gums or bleed after you brush and floss, it may be a sign that plaque and tartar have started to build up between the root of your tooth and your gum line.
Regular checkups can prevent tooth decay and gum disease, give your mouth a clean bill of health this spring and make an appointment today.
Dr. Michael Layton (DDS) is a dentist based in the South Surrey/White Rock area. With over 10 years of experience in the dental industry and a Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Washington, Dr. Layton enjoys providing safe and easy dental solutions for every patient that walks through the doors of his practice - and reads his blog. You can follow him on Google+.
Hundreds of years ago, it was nearly impossible to keep your teeth, but thanks to the wonders of modern dentistry and proper home care and maintenance, keeping and preserving your pearly whites has never been easier.
Although decay prevention has come a long way, one in four children will show early signs of tooth decay, and this is before they ever attend a day of school. Dental care needs to begin at the age of around six months when the first tooth usually appears. You can wipe teeth clean with a cloth or a very soft brush supervising their own brushing around the age of two.
When your kids molars begin to come in, talk to your dentist about dental sealants. Sealants have been used to prevent tooth decay in the pits and fissures on the chewing surfaces of molars. The thin protective coating that is painted on by your dentist will reduce cavities according to the Center of Disease Control and Prevention. Adults who have molars without restorations may also be good candidates for dental sealants.
Fluoride is most probably the most significant advance in oral health as it strengthens the enamel on your teeth and helps to prevent tooth decay. Most water is fluoridated, but if yours is not, talk to your dentist about fluoride application. There are also toothpastes and mouthwashes that contain fluoride as well.
Gum disease and tooth decay can be prevented if you brush twice and floss once each day. Make sure that you change your toothbrush about four times a year. Ask your dentist about electric toothbrushes and other oral hygiene tools that can help prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
In addition to brushing once and flossing twice a day dentists recommend that you chew gum, or rinse your mouth after eating as this can help prevent gum problems and tooth decay. Sugar free gum will help get your saliva going, which will wash away the bacteria while neutralizing damaging acids and bacteria.
Sporting activities can be dangerous to your teeth if you or your kids do not wear mouth guards. Even an afternoon on roller blades without proper protection could prove problematic, especially after a bad fall. Ask your dentist about custom fitted mouth guards for you and your kids.
Tobacco will stain your teeth and puts you at significant risk when it comes to oral cancer and gum disease. If you smoke or chew tobacco quit now, or talk to your doctor about a good program that will help you stop smoking or chewing tobacco.
Eat a well balanced diet that is full of nuts, grains, dairy products, fruits, and vegetables. Healthy Omega-3 fats that you find in fish may also help to reduce inflammation, which can lower the risks of gum disease.
Skip the sugar, as it will form bacteria in your mouth producing acids that will erode the enamel on your teeth. Fruit drinks and soda also pose a threat, as most people tend to sip raising the dangerous acid levels, especially with long-term use. According to the American Dental Association, carbonated drinks will make matters even worse.
Experts recommend that you see your dentist twice a year or more so if you are treating gum disease. Contact your dentist today and schedule a checkup. Good oral hygiene can help you keep your teeth for the rest of your life.
Dr. Michael Layton (DDS) is a dentist based in the South Surrey/White Rock, B.C. area. He has been in the dental industry for the last decade and received his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Washington. He takes pride in providing positive and caring dental solutions for people of every walk of life. You can follow him on Google+.
Painless Dentistry isn’t an impossible dream, in fact, Peace Arch Dental believes in practicing the most Painless Dentistry possible in order to make patients feel safe and comfortable.
According to the Huffington Post, there are a few common fears that people all over the planet feel when their next dental appointment is just around the corner.
Most dental offices do their best to muffle the sounds of their dental tools, but if by chance, you should hear the sound of a drill and you want to run the other way, you could be suffering from odontophobia, or dentophobia. If walking through the door of your dentist’s office makes you want to pass out from genuine fear, you need to contact your dentist and ask about Painless Dentistry.
These days when you sit in your dentists chair waiting for the doctor you can sit back and relax in front of a just for you television watching your favorite shows. You feel confident that your dental fear has subsided until your dentist walks in. Your heart starts to beat faster, especially when your dentist puts on the ominous looking green mask. Painless Dentistry can eliminate your fear of the dentist once and for all.
That bib that is placed on your chest during x-rays is terrifying to some who feel trapped and unable to move. Painless Dentistry allows you to relax and be at ease with all dentistry procedures including root canals, implants and other necessary dental treatments.
People who can get past the green mask may have other issues. Unfortunately, although equipment has certainly improved, it is still nearly impossible to make a silent dental tool.
The sound of the sharp tools that scrape away the stains, tartar and plaque on your teeth is minimal, but for some it sounds like a continuous echo from a deep cave, especially the cavity drill.
Most dentaphobes will either stick around or run the other way. “Fight or Flight Response,” happens when someone visits the dentist and truly believes he or she is fighting for his or her life or death.
Dentists will tell you that they have come across people who have not seen a dentist in a decade because of fear. After a decade, the problems become much worse only aggravating a real fear of the dentist.
These days it is possible to take care of dental issues no matter how severe. Painless Dentistry makes it easy to get your teeth and gums healthy again. Contact your dentist and ask about painless dentistry. You will be surprised at just how quickly you will be able to flash your beautiful smile without feeling self-conscious about your teeth.
Dr. Michael Layton (DDS) is a dentist based in the South Surrey/White Rock, B.C. area. He has been in the dental industry for the last decade and received his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Washington. He takes pride in providing positive and caring dental solutions for people of every walk of life. You can follow him on Google+.
It’s the New Year and that usually means taking stock of your life and making resolutions to improve your eating habits, lifestyle, and choices. If you overindulged over the holidays, a gym membership and a new juicer are probably the first on your list of must haves. Enjoying chocolate covered cherries, Aunt Rebecca’s homemade fudge, and the fruitcake that your cousin sent you from overseas undoubtedly added a few extra pounds, but savoring that plum pudding and English Trifle didn’t do much good for your teeth and gums either.
Going from party to party probably meant fewer chances to get away and rinse your teeth, much less brush, and floss. Even going without brushing and flossing for a day can damage the enamel on your teeth leading to tooth decay.
Do yourself, your mouth, and the rest of your body a favor and make an appointment for a dental checkup. That toothache that has been bothering you since last October isn’t going to heal itself, and putting it off will only make things worse.
If you can’t remember the last time you saw your dentist you could already be dealing with tooth decay and gum disease. Much needed root canals can go undetected because the nerve in the tooth has died leaving you with no pain. If your toothache suddenly disappeared, you could be asking for an abscessed tooth.
People who see the dentist at least twice a year have less gum disease and fewer cavities and practice good oral hygiene including brushing twice and flossing once a day. Seeing a dentist every six months is also included on the list of good oral habits.
You may have healthy teeth and gums, but if you are constantly hiding your smile because of a missing tooth or a crooked set of front teeth talk to your dentist about Cosmetic Dentistry. Much has changed in the past few years and procedures such as whitening, veneers, crowns, bridges, braces, and tooth colored fillings are affordable for everyone, not just those in the public eye.
Pick up the phone or schedule an appointment online for a checkup, or inquire about affordable cosmetic dentistry. Your smile will thank you for it and so will the rest of your body.
Dr. Michael Layton (DDS) is a dentist based in the South Surrey/White Rock area. With over 10 years of experience in the dental industry and a Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Washington, Dr. Layton enjoys providing safe and easy dental solutions for every patient that walks through the doors of his practice - and reads his blog. You can follow him on Google+.
