If you have to think twice about smiling because you’re embarrassed about your yellowed teeth, then it’s time to do something about it. You might consider having your teeth professionally whitened for quick and effective results, but first, you may want to try whitening your smile at home with these natural methods.
Hydrogen peroxide:
Most teeth whitening products you find on store shelves contain hydrogen peroxide. The liquid creates bubbles on your tooth enamel that helps remove stains. The higher the concentration of peroxide and the longer you leave it on, the whiter your teeth will become. However, be careful because too much contact can lead to tooth sensitivity. Some people enhance the whitening properties of hydrogen peroxide by mixing it with baking soda to form a paste to put on the teeth.
Strawberries:
Regularly using strawberries on your teeth can whiten them. Just cut them in half and rub them on your teeth, allowing the juice to penetrate. After a while of using this technique, you should notice your teeth becoming brighter.
Lemon or orange peels:
Rubbing the peels of lemons or oranges against your teeth and leaving the residue on for a few minutes can whiten your smile. Be sure to rinse your mouth afterward. Don’t leave the peel extracts on your teeth for too long because the acidic content may eventually harm your tooth enamel.
Apple cider vinegar:
Stubborn stains like those from coffee or smoking can be especially hard to eliminate. Rubbing apple cider vinegar on your teeth is one way to combat persistent stains. Apply it for no more than ten minutes and then rinse your mouth, because you don’t want to damage your tooth enamel. It takes one to two months of consistent daily use to achieve a whiter smile.
Brush immediately:
The most well-known way to maintain a white smile is to brush your teeth after every meal, as well as after drinking a dark-colored beverage. This helps get rid of stains and prevent new ones from forming.
Are dental issues holding you back? Take control of your oral health by booking an appointment with our experienced team at our Sicklerville dental office.
Sports and Energy Drinks: A Hidden Danger to Your Teeth
While sports and energy drinks may seem like a healthy choice for a post-workout boost or late-night study session, they can have a significant negative impact on your oral health. Surprisingly, research has shown that these drinks are up to 10 times more harmful to your teeth than cola.
Why Are These Drinks So Harmful?
The primary issue lies in their high acidity levels. Manufacturers add acids to balance the sweetness of these beverages, but this acidity can erode your tooth enamel even more aggressively than soft drinks. Once the enamel is compromised, your teeth become more vulnerable to cavities and other oral health problems.
Additionally, the way people consume these drinks contributes to the damage. Sipping on them throughout the day constantly exposes teeth to acid, compounding the risk of enamel erosion and decay.
Protecting Your Teeth from Damage
Here are some tips to enjoy these drinks while minimizing their harm:
- Use a Straw: Drinking through a straw reduces the amount of contact the liquid has with your teeth, protecting them from prolonged exposure to acid.
- Chew Sugar-Free Gum: This stimulates saliva production, which naturally rinses away acids and protects your teeth.
- Brush After Drinking: Cleaning your teeth immediately after consuming sugary or acidic beverages helps remove residue and safeguard your enamel.
- Choose Water First: Water is the best choice for hydration and oral health. Reducing your intake of sodas, sports drinks, and energy beverages will benefit your teeth and overall well-being.
Take these simple precautions to preserve your smile and promote good dental health.
Family and general dentist in Sicklerville
Do you live in Sicklerville or the surrounding area? Our team is ready to help you achieve your smile goals. Schedule your appointment today.
Oral surgery to correct problems with the jaw is known as orthognathic surgery. Jaw issues can result from birth defects, growth changes, or injury or trauma to the face. While orthodontics can correct bite problems when only the teeth are involved, oral surgery may be required when repositioning of the jaw is necessary to correct the issue. If you suffer from any of the following concerns, orthognathic surgery may be a consideration:
- Difficulty chewing, biting, or swallowing
- Problems with opening and closing your mouth, or with speaking
- Persistent jaw or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain
- Clenching or grinding of teeth causing excessive wear
- Inability to make the lips meet without straining
- Un-proportional facial appearance or protruding jaw
- Malocclusion, open, or incorrect bite
- Recessive lower jaw and chin
- Habitual mouth breathing
- Sleep apnea and breathing problems
- Facial injury or trauma
Most jaw surgeries are performed entirely inside the mouth, so there are no visible facial scars. The oral surgeon makes cuts in the jawbone and repositions it to the correct position. Once aligned, screws and bone plates are used to secure the jaw. In some cases, additional bone may be taken from your hip, leg, or rib.
Orthognathic surgery is typically performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon in a hospital setting. Recovery time for jaw surgery typically takes three to six weeks. Your general or family dentist can refer you to a skilled oral surgeon for a consultation and examination to determine a treatment plan. Jaw surgery can improve not only your facial appearance but also your chewing, speaking, and breathing functions.
Take the first step towards a confident smile. Contact our Sicklerville dental office to schedule your consultation!
Movie stars and celebrities often have dazzling smiles that instantly grab attention. In recent years, cosmetic dentistry has gained widespread popularity, and many people are eager to achieve the stunning smiles they see on famous faces. A beautiful smile can boost self-confidence and enhance self-esteem, making it a highly sought-after feature.
Your dentist in [Sicklerville] can help transform your smile, often using a combination of techniques tailored to your needs. A smile makeover may involve procedures like teeth whitening, tooth-colored fillings, and porcelain veneers. Skilled cosmetic dentists can also restore damaged teeth and rebuild your smile, allowing patients to invest as much or as little as they want in enhancing their appearance.
When considering a smile makeover, it’s important to define what you consider a perfect smile. Think about specific aspects of your teeth that you would like to change. Do you want straighter teeth, or perhaps to address spaces between your teeth? Are your teeth looking a little dull and in need of whitening?
Popular cosmetic dentistry treatments include:
- Dental Implants: To replace missing teeth
- Invisalign Clear Braces: For discreet teeth straightening
- Porcelain Crowns and Fillings: To replace old restorations
- Porcelain Veneers: To create a uniform and stunning smile
By discussing your goals with your cosmetic dentist in [Sicklerville], you can explore various treatment options. Many patients find it helpful to bring in photographs of smiles they admire, which can guide the development of your treatment plan. Keep in mind that everyone’s smile is unique, so your treatment will be customized to suit your facial features, skin tone, gender, and age.
Are dental issues holding you back? Take control of your oral health by booking an appointment with our experienced team at our Sicklerville dental office.
Gum disease, or gingivitis, can cause significant inflammation, pain, and sensitivity, making everyday activities like eating and speaking challenging. Understanding the causes and potential consequences of gum disease is essential for preventing its development or catching it early before it leads to more severe problems.
What Causes Gingivitis?
The primary cause of gingivitis is plaque buildup, but several other factors can contribute to the condition:
- Illnesses: Diseases such as HIV, diabetes, and cancer can weaken the immune system, increasing the risk of gingivitis.
- Hormonal Changes: Pregnancy, menstruation, puberty, and menopause can alter hormone levels, making gums more vulnerable.
- Medications: Some medications, such as those affecting saliva production or promoting abnormal gum tissue growth, can harm oral health.
- Smoking: Tobacco use can impair gum healing and make it harder to recover from gum disease.
- Poor Dental Hygiene: Failing to brush and floss properly, or neglecting oral care, can lead to plaque buildup.
- Genetics: A family history of gum disease can increase your risk.
Symptoms of Gingivitis
Gingivitis can develop without obvious symptoms, even in its later stages. However, some warning signs may include:
- Bleeding, red, or swollen gums
- Chronic bad breath
- Receding gums
- Deep pockets between teeth and gums
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Changes in bite or how teeth fit together
Regular checkups are vital, as a dentist can detect symptoms even before you do.
Treatment for Gingivitis
The treatment approach depends on the stage of gum disease, your response to previous treatments, and your overall health. Treatments range from therapies to control bacterial growth to surgical procedures aimed at restoring gum tissue. In many cases, gingivitis can be managed with regular dental visits and good dental hygiene.
What Happens if Gingivitis Is Left Untreated?
If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, causing permanent damage to the gums and supporting structures. Advanced gum disease has also been linked to serious health issues like stroke, heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and complications of diabetes.
Take the first step towards optimal oral hygiene. Reserve your dental appointment at our Sicklerville dental office now and experience personalized care.
The first impression you make on the world often starts with your smile. Dingy, dull, crooked or chipped teeth create the appearance of an “old” smile, making you look older than your actual years. Restoring your smile’s youthful look is an easy way to subtract years from the image you portray to the world. Thanks to advances in modern cosmetic dentistry, your smile can appear as young as you feel.
As tooth enamel thins with age, teeth lose their shine and appear darker. Thin enamel also causes teeth to weaken, making them easier to chip and causing wear and shifting. Cosmetic dentistry offers many procedures and treatments to address these problems and help return your smile to a younger, more vibrant state. Just a few options you may want to consider include:
- Professional teeth whitening to improve the color of teeth that have been darkened by stains or discolored from age.
- Porcelain veneers and bonding to correct gaps, chips, and teeth with uneven lengths. Veneers can also reshape teeth, restoring the youthful appearance created by longer teeth. Veneers can also be used to build up your back teeth to support the cheekbones, replacing the fullness lost with aging and giving your face the appearance of a “lift”.
- Orthodontia with either clear or traditional braces corrects the misalignment caused by teeth that shift as you age.
If your desire is to look as youthful as you feel, cosmetic dentistry may be a perfect solution to address the problems of an aging smile. Many procedures can be completed in as little as one office visit, with little to no recovery time. Consult with a qualified cosmetic dentist to find out how you can achieve a younger, more perfect smile.
We look forward to seeing you in our Sicklerville dental office
