Spirit Dental Resources

Wisdom tooth removal: it’s surprisingly common, yet it does make people super nervous. So we’ve compiled a short guide to what you can expect when you need to have one or more of your wisdom teeth extracted.    When Is It Necessary to Remove a Wisdom Tooth? Your wisdom teeth are also referred to as your third molars, and they’re the very last teeth that will erupt, all the way in the back of your mouth. For many people, these chompers will grow in just fine, but others will end up with wisdom teeth that didn’t erupt like they should’ve. When wisdom teeth don’t grow in right, they’re called impacted. This means that a tooth has grown in at an angle, either towards the second molar or towards the back of the mouth. It could also mean that, even though the wisdom tooth is straight, it’s trapped in the jawbone. Or it could even mean that the wisdom tooth has grown in sideways (horizontally) within the jawbone. How can you know if one or more of your four wisdom teeth are impacted? Well, your dentist will notice it on an X-ray if you don’t have symptoms. If you do have symptoms, you might experience pain, or you may find that food gets trapped easily around a wisdom tooth. There might also be decay, gum disease, or an infection, and the impacted tooth might be causing damage to surrounding teeth and bone. Even more frightening: cysts might develop around a wisdom tooth that’s impacted! Because these chompers are located in the back of the mouth, they can be difficult to keep clean, even when they grow in normally. Therefore, removal might be necessary if your dentist realizes that a tooth has become too damaged as a result of your inability to get back there when you brush and floss. When it comes to wisdom teeth that aren’t causing problems, even when they’re impacted, there’s a bit of debate in the world of dental care. Some experts will tell you that extraction won’t be necessary, while others will still recommend removing the teeth to help prevent potential future problems, such as infection. Also, removing wisdom teeth while you’re younger may reduce the risk of complications. This is why getting multiple opinions could help you decide if you need to remove your wisdom teeth when they’re asymptomatic. Fun fact: Did you know that some individuals won’t ever develop wisdom teeth? They won’t have to worry about impactions! What Should You Expect Before Wisdom Tooth Extraction? Your dentist or an oral surgeon can perform wisdom tooth extraction, and you’ll have an opportunity to talk to your dentist at an appointment before your procedure. Take this time to discuss health problems you’ve been diagnosed with, as well as medications that you’re taking. During this appointment, you’ll receive important instructions regarding how to prep for the extraction, but don’t be embarrassed to ask loads of questions as well. For example, you can ask about what you can expect during and after the extraction, what type of anesthesia will be best for you, what the risk of complications is, and what you’ll need to do to ensure a speedy recovery. Note: You’re more likely to have to see an oral surgeon if your wisdom tooth is severely impacted and will require a more surgical approach. What’s the Procedure Like? Depending on how difficult your wisdom teeth will be to remove, your dentist will choose the appropriate anesthesia so the procedure can be a pain-free experience. A local anesthetic can be used to completely numb the mouth, just as your dentist would do when you’re getting a cavity filled. Sedation might also be used to help you feel more at ease. For example, laughing gas might be recommended if you need something to help you relax. And IV sedation can help you feel drowsy, or even fall asleep. General anesthesia is an option when it’s best for you to be totally asleep throughout the surgical extraction.   During the actual procedure, the oral surgeon may need to make an incision in your gums, remove any bone that’s preventing access to the roots of the wisdom tooth, and divide the tooth in order to extract it in pieces. Then, the site of the extraction will be cleaned, and you’ll get stitches to close the wound, if necessary. Finally, a piece of gauze will be set in place to encourage the formation of a blood clot and control any bleeding. This sounds pretty intense, we know, but not all wisdom tooth extractions will be the same. It depends on how badly impacted your tooth is. What’s the Recovery Like? Once the procedure is over, you’re sure to feel a huge sense of relief. But now it’s time to recover. Your dentist will give you instructions on what you should do to help your body heal. For example: You can reduce swelling with an ice pack, as well as reduce soreness in the jaw with some moist heat. You’ll likely need to drink plenty of fluids and eat only soft foods. In terms of brushing your teeth, it’s best to use a bit of caution. You might be told to wait until the second day to brush, and to avoid brushing against blood clots. Also, rinsing your mouth might not be recommended for the first 24 hours either. To tackle any pain that you may experience, your dentist can prescribe the appropriate medications. Generally, discomfort and swelling can last a few days, and it could take weeks for your mouth to totally heal. However, if your condition isn’t improving, or it’s getting worse, be sure to call your dentist right away. What About Complications? Can They Happen? Long-term complications don’t often occur after the removal of wisdom teeth. When complications do happen, however, they may include damage to the jawbone, nerves, sinuses, or nearby teeth, as well as infection within the socket where the tooth used to be. Dry socket, which is painful, might also occur. Wisdom Tooth Removal: Not as Frightening as You Might Think Sure, any dental procedure can be scary, but with an experienced dental expert performing a wisdom tooth extraction, you can rest assured that you’ll be in good hands and that everything will be just fine. Remember, a lot of people have their wisdom teeth removed, so you aren’t alone, and this is a procedure that’s done on many patients every single day. Plus, if your wisdom teeth are causing you loads of problems, you’ll feel so much better when they’re out of your mouth! One final note: Having your wisdom teeth removed is daunting enough without having to worry about how you’re going to pay for it. That’s why the right dental insurance can come in super handy, so consider signing up for a plan that will help you cover the costs of extractions. That way, you can focus more on prep and recovery, and less on payment, when a wisdom tooth needs to come out.  Sources: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/wisdom-tooth-extraction/about/pac-20395268   https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/wisdom-teeth-adult#1 https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/wisdom-teeth/smoking-after-wisdom-teeth-extraction https://www.self.com/story/wisdom-teeth-removal-facts

When you aren’t in the mood for plain water, sparkling water might seem like the next best choice. After all, it isn’t sugary soda or juice, right? But it turns out that this water might affect your teeth in negative ways. How can this be possible? We explain it all below. It Starts with Carbon Dioxide If you’ve ever wondered where sparkling water gets its bubbles from, the answer is carbon dioxide. That’s why this beverage is also referred to as carbonated water. Once in your mouth, however, the carbon dioxide turns into carbonic acid as a result of a chemical reaction. While this isn’t a bad thing when it comes to flavor—it makes your drink refreshing and tangy—it does make the beverage more acidic, and that acid might contribute to enamel erosion. Who knew?! The more you drink this fizzy water, the more you end up exposing your teeth to the acid, especially if you swish it around your mouth before you swallow. Scary fact: A lot of people like adding lemon or lime juice to carbonated water in order to enhance the flavor, but this simple action increases the acidity. Yikes! Let’s Look at Some Studies, Shall We? A drink’s pH can tell you how acidic it is. Soda is really acidic (and, therefore, bad for your teeth), coming in at around 2 on the pH scale. Good ol’ water is around 7. See the difference? But what about carbonated water? Experts have completed studies to determine the acidity of a variety of popular drinks, including juice, soda, tea, sports drinks, and sparkling water. They found that this water is minimally erosive, with a pH higher than 4. Compare that to sports drinks, which are extremely erosive because their pH tends to be below 3, and it becomes pretty clear that sparkling water is the better choice. Researchers also discovered that the pH of carbonated water will rise when it goes flat and when it reaches room temperature. Translation: when the water is still nice and bubbly, as well as cold, it’s more damaging to your teeth.   According to the American Dental Association (ADA), however, experts noted that the effects of plain water and sparkling water were similar when they exposed teeth to these beverages in the lab. So, despite the fact that the bubbly water is more acidic than plain water, it’s still a better choice than the sugar-laden options available. When It Comes to Water, Boring Is Better Sure, it’s boring and tasteless, but pure water is really the best choice for your chompers. Sparkling water is a better option than sodas, and even orange juice, because it’s way less acidic, but because it’s more acidic than non-carbonated water, it still isn’t the ideal beverage for the health of your teeth. Tip: Can’t live without bubbly water? Choose sparkling mineral water, which will provide minerals like calcium phosphate that may help counteract some of the damage caused by the acidity of your drink. Cheers to that! Tip 2: It’s best to avoid sipping on carbonated water throughout the day, constantly exposing your teeth to the acidity. Instead, enjoy fizzy water with a meal, when you’re naturally producing more saliva that can help neutralize some of the acid.     Want to Know the Signs of Enamel Erosion? We’ve mentioned enamel erosion quite a bit so far, but what are the symptoms of this condition so you can recognize it when it starts to occur? Tooth sensitivity when you consume hot or cold foods and drinks Notches, particularly at the neck of a tooth (the neck is found between the root and the crown of a tooth) Yellowing or darkening of the teeth (this is the dentin becoming increasingly more exposed as the white enamel is worn away) Note: Erosion tends to develop slowly, so you might not notice it right away. In fact, your dentist may pick up on signs of erosion before you do. Worried About Your Enamel? Talk to Your Dentist! In addition to drinking carbonated water in moderation, and avoiding water with added sugar and citrus flavoring, see your dentist regularly to help maintain the health of your enamel. Your dentist can evaluate your teeth to see if erosion is a problem and if cavities have formed in the outer layers of your pearly whites. Plus, this is a great opportunity to ask a pro about steps that you can take daily to keep your enamel as strong as possible for many years to come.    Sources: https://www.today.com/health/sparkling-water-bad-your-teeth-dentists-weigh-t70761 https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/tooth-sensitivity/is-sparkling-water-bad-for-your-teeth https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/nutrition/food-tips/the-truth-about-sparkling-water-and-your-teeth

Nobody likes morning breath. Unfortunately, everyone gets it, thanks to the fact that, while you’re off in dreamland, your saliva production decreases and your mouth gets dry, allowing bacteria to multiply. But there’s hope! To help prevent that offensive odor, try out the simple strategies below. What’s Good for Your Teeth Is Also Good for Your Breath Are you the type of person who doesn’t bother brushing, flossing, and rinsing before bed? Then you might want to change your ways, as failing to clean your mouth at night can lead to really stinky breath in the morning. Basically, all of the food particles that are left in your mouth overnight will give bacteria even more to feast on. Yuck! This isn’t the time to be lazy or take shortcuts, so follow these three steps: Start by brushing for a full two minutes, and brush your tongue as well to help ensure fresher breath come the morning. Next up, grab some floss so that you can remove any remaining particles that your toothbrush left behind in between your chompers. Finally, use some mouthwash to kill additional germs and freshen your breath. Consider one that doesn’t include alcohol, which can dry the mouth. Follow the directions on the label, though, to reap the most benefits. So, if the mouthwash says rinse for 20 seconds, do it for that length of time to ensure you kill enough nasty bacteria. Pro tip: When you’re all done with your nighttime mouth cleaning routine, make it a point to avoid eating any food before bed. If you need something to drink, stick with water, which provides the added benefit of hydrating your mouth. Otherwise, you’ll undo all of the great work you just did. Watch What You Eat and Drink in the Evening Speaking of eating before bed, another reason why your breath smells terrible in the morning might be because of what you ate. Feasting on a meal that contains smelly foods, like onions and garlic, could increase the odds of morning breath, despite your best brushing efforts. Also, brushing your teeth with toothpaste that contains baking soda, or rinsing your mouth with a basic at-home mix of baking soda and water, might be beneficial when it comes to freshening your breath before you hit the sack. Why, you ask? Put simply, bacteria tend to prefer acidic environments, and baking soda can help reduce the acidity in your mouth. Not Enough? Try to Pinpoint the Underlying Cause for Morning Breath If you’ve tried the tips above and you’re still finding yourself waking up with funky breath, it’s time to start digging a little deeper to find the cause.   Here are a few of the reasons why you might find it hard to get rid of morning breath: Remember we mentioned that your morning halitosis could be the result of your mouth being drier while you sleep? Well, if you tend to breathe through the mouth or you snore, your mouth will likely dry out even more. The effect will be really bad breath upon waking. Consider talking to your doctor if you have trouble breathing through your nose or you snore a lot. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), often referred to simply as acid reflux, is another culprit to think about. All of that stomach acid making its way up your esophagus while you’re sleeping can cause your breath to smell horribly by the time the sun rises. Your doctor might be able to help you get relief from your symptoms with the right tips and medications.   If you have periodontal disease (a.k.a. gum disease), your morning breath might become worse, and that halitosis could persist throughout the day. Yikes! Just another reason to visit your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings. Allergies that result in post-nasal drip and dry mouth can also cause your breath to smell less than stellar. And certain medications may even contribute to bad breath if they cause dry mouth as a side effect. In either case, it’s best to talk to your doctor about what you can do. Do you smoke? Here’s yet another reason to quit: smoking dries the mouth and raises its temperature, making it a perfect environment for bacteria to thrive and multiply. Pretty gross, right? Still Stumped? Book an Appointment with Your Dentist! When all else fails, it’s time to see your dentist about morning breath. He or she can figure out what the cause of your halitosis is, as well as provide expert tips, treatments, and product recommendations that can help you keep your breath fresh, even while you sleep.  Sources: https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/bad-breath/morning-breath-prevention-treatment-tips https://www.everydayhealth.com/dental-health/why-do-we-have-morning-breath.aspx   https://www.healthyessentials.com/wellness-solutions/seasonal-allergies-and-bad-breath https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/bad-breath#1 https://www.menshealth.com/style/a19545677/how-to-beat-morning-breath/ https://www.healthline.com/health/morning-breath#2

Depression can negatively affect so many aspects of your health, but did you know that it could even adversely impact your teeth and gums? And did you know that, on the flipside, poor oral health might also have an adverse effect on your emotional state as well? Don’t worry, we’ll explain it all below. There’s a Connection Between the Health of Your Mouth and Your Mind Researchers from Deakin University released information that shows there might be a connection between depression and oral health. Put simply, when you’re experiencing problems with your teeth and gums, your odds of feeling depressed might go up. And here’s another interesting point: the worse your dental health, the more severe your depression could be. Who knew?! How does this work, you ask? Well, according to experts, depression falls into the category of inflammatory disorders. This means that inflammation in the body may lead to mental health problems like depression. And it turns out that, yes, poor oral health could actually be a source of inflammation within the body. When the researchers set out to see if there’s a connection between the health of your teeth and the well-being of your mind, they realized that the topic hadn’t yet been investigated very much, so they looked at helpful data from the National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey instead. What they realized was that many participants in the survey who reported feeling depressed also stated that the health of their teeth was merely fair or poor. So it appears that there may be a link between depression and oral health, but experts aren’t yet sure of the exact reason why. Additional research needs to be conducted to discover more and to figure out if it’s possible to prevent or manage depression with the help of good dental care. Feeling Down? Then You Might Be Neglecting Your Oral Care Routine If you’ve ever suffered from depression, you know that it can make you feel extremely unmotivated. You might find yourself no longer focusing on the things that you used to care about, and that includes your own health. So it isn’t really surprising to learn that experts have found a link between depression and a lack of good oral care at home. In other words, individuals who are depressed might be inclined to ignore self-care habits, like daily brushing and flossing, and that could adversely impact the health of teeth and gums. Beyond that, if you’re depressed, you might not feel the need to schedule those necessary appointments with your dentist for checkups and cleanings. This lack of professional dental care can also take its toll.   Here are some other bad habits that may result from depression and put your pearly whites at risk: Poor dietary choices Smoking Alcohol abuse Drug abuse Let’s Not Forget the Effects of Stress! Something else to think about when considering the connection between mental health and oral health: depression can cause stress, along with a rise in the release of a stress hormone known as cortisol. As a result, the immune system could take a hit, possibly boosting the risk of oral problems like gum disease. Stress isn’t pretty; we all know that. But a lot of people aren’t aware of the many ways that it can affect the mouth. As an example, when you’re feeling really frazzled because of anxiety or depression, you might find yourself clenching and grinding your teeth (this is known as bruxism). On top of that, stress and depression may also result in dry mouth, which is associated with a greater risk of tooth decay, mouth infections, and gum disease. Yikes! Side note: Some prescriptions for treating depression may include dry mouth and/or bruxism as a side effect—yet another way that depression and poor oral health might be linked.   Your Dentist Might Be Able to Help! Bottom line: your emotional well-being might have an impact on your oral health, and problems that originate in the mouth may be associated with mental disorders like depression. Fascinating, right? If you’re feeling depressed, don’t be ashamed to talk to your doctor to get some much-needed care. It’s also wise to let your dentist know about it, too. Talk about your symptoms, and tell your dentist if you’re taking any antidepressants so he or she can offer the best tips and treatments to help your mouth be as healthy as possible. And, to make all of this easier on your wallet and reduce the stress that can come with paying for dental visits, consider signing up for an affordable dental insurance plan that suits your needs. Tackling your mental health and oral health might help restore balance and wellness, so it’s important to take care of both body and mind. Here’s to feeling happy on the inside and smiling brightly on the outside! Sources: https://www.deakin.edu.au/about-deakin/media-releases/articles/link-found-between-poor-dental-health-and-depression https://www.dentistryiq.com/dental-hygiene/clinical-hygiene/article/16352136/how-depression-threatens-oral-health-and-other-oralsystemic-links https://bondidental.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Six-Links-Between-Depression-and-Oral-Health@2x.png https://www.deltadental.com/grinmag/us/en/ddins/2017/winter/oral-and-mental-health-connection.html https://www.deltadentalwa.com/blog/entry/2017/10/how-depression-affects-oral-health https://www.healthcommunities.com/index.html https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/overcoming-pain/201001/getting-the-crux-bruxism

Have you noticed that your gums bleed, especially when you brush or floss? If you’ve ever wondered why this happens, you aren’t alone.Although this is a common problem, it’s important to know that the reason for it may be serious, so keep reading to learn about a few of the main causes of bleeding gums, along with what you can do to remedy this oral health issue.Gingivitis: A Big Reason for the Blood on Your ToothbrushThe first stage of gum disease is gingivitis. It leads to inflamed, tender, red, and irritated gums that bleed easily, such as when you brush your teeth.What causes gingivitis? Well, it’s the result of plaque and bacteria building up along the gumline, causing irritation and swelling. Even though you might not have painful or obvious symptoms, if your gums bleed every time brush or floss, it’s time to take action.  The good news is that this is considered mild gum disease, and it’s preventable, treatable, and reversible. Brushing at least twice a day, and flossing at least once a day, is a smart and easy way to remove plaque before it can adversely affect the gums.What you can do:Improving your oral hygiene routine at home and seeing your dentist more often for cleanings can help you stop gingivitis and the bleeding that comes along with it.Interesting fact: Did you know that “pregnancy gingivitis” is a thing? Yep, if you’re pregnant, you might end up with gingivitis even if you’ve never had it before.When Gingivitis Isn’t Treated, It Turns into Terrifying PeriodontitisNot feeling motivated enough to see your dentist to treat gingivitis? Are you assuming it’s a minor problem that you can just deal with? Think again.Left untreated, gingivitis can worsen, leading to periodontitis (a.k.a. periodontal disease). This is a serious problem that ends up damaging more than your gums—it can attack the bone and tissue keeping your teeth in place. Translation: periodontal disease could cause you to lose your teeth. Yikes!Symptoms of periodontitis include gums that are infected, inflamed, and bleed easily. You might also notice that your gums are tender and swollen, and they’re moving away from your teeth. Plus, your teeth might even separate or become loose. Other symptoms include a bad taste in your mouth and halitosis. Scary stuff, indeed.What you can do: It’s time to see your dentist. Treatments for periodontitis include root planing, scaling, and antibiotics. If advanced, dental surgery might be recommended. For these reasons, experts recommend taking steps to prevent this problem before it occurs.Interesting fact: If you smoke, you might be at a greater risk of developing periodontal disease, thanks to the toxins in the smoke. Just one more reason to quit!Another Health Problem Might Be to BlameThere are several health conditions that could make you more susceptible to bleeding gums. These include diabetes, leukemia, Von Willebrand disease, hemophilia, scurvy, and thrombocytopenia.Certain nutritional deficiencies could also lead to oral health problems. If you aren’t getting enough vitamin K or vitamin C, for example, you might notice that your gums bleed easily.What you can do: If your gums bleed and your dentist has difficulty pinpointing the cause, it’s a great idea to talk to your physician to determine if another condition is the culprit. If you’ve been diagnosed with a health problem that may lead to bleeding gums, letting your dentist know is a smart move. To avoid nutritional deficiencies, experts recommend eating a varied diet full of natural foods, and you can also consider taking supplements, if necessary.Interesting fact:Some medications cause your gums to bleed as a side effect. Blood thinners are one example. Other potential offenders include anticonvulsants, immunosuppressants, blood pressure medications, and medicines that cause dry mouth. So be sure to let your dentist know about any medications that you’re taking.When Is It Time to Worry?Sure, bleeding gums might indicate that there’s a more serious problem that needs to be addressed by your dentist or doctor. But there are instances when gums bleed for totally benign reasons, such as:Brushing too aggressivelyUsing a toothbrush that has stiff or abrasive bristlesEstablishing a new flossing routine that your gums aren’t used to yetWearing improperly fitted denturesEating foods that scratch the gumsIn all of these instances, the bleeding should be temporary, so you don’t need to stress—but if you have any doubts, talking to your dentist is your best bet, of course.On the other hand, if you notice that your gums bleed regularly, and there’s always some blood on your floss and/or toothbrush, no matter how gentle you are or how soft the bristles are, you might have one of the conditions discussed above. Making an appointment with your dentist will help you get all of the answers and treatments that you need to heal those delicate gums.Work with Your Dentist to Keep Your Gums Healthy!One of the simplest ways to avoid bleeding gums is by following a strict oral hygiene routine that includes brushing, flossing, rinsing with mouthwash, and seeing your dentist for checkups. And if you have the right dental insurance, you’ll never have to miss an appointment or a professional cleaning ever again, so you can take the right steps to keep those gums clean and strong for many years to come.Sources:https://www.thehealthy.com/dental/bleeding-gums-causes/https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/gum-disease/5-causes-of-bleeding-gums-you-should-knowhttps://www.webmd.com/oral-health/bleeding-gums-other-conditions#1https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/periodontitis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354479https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003062.htm

Stained teeth are unattractive, so it’s no surprise that there are so many whitening products and techniques available today. Whether you want to take a DIY approach at home or you prefer to leave it up to the pros at your dentist’s office, whitening your teeth to the perfect shade is possible. To help you discover more about what your options are, we’ve compiled a list of the latest teeth whitening trends. Check them out below. Let’s Start with Some Stats Before we dive into all of the whitening methods out there, let’s take a look at a few interesting stats about this area of dentistry: The teeth whitening industry is a big one. Annual sales of whitening toothpastes around the world add up to around $3.2 billion. Plus, people spend a whopping $11 billion annually on whitening procedures and products. And the whitening market is expected to continue growing. Wow! In case you were wondering, professional whitening delivers better results. While 82.5% of patients stated that they saw a noticeable improvement in the color of their teeth after a professional treatment, 63.8% of people noticed improvements when they used an at-home whitening product. There are several reasons to take white teeth pretty seriously. You could be around 58% more likely to land a job after you’ve had your teeth brightened. Really! And nearly 100% of people (99.7%, to be exact) feel that an attractive smile is a social asset. Popular At-Home Whitening Trends Want to get a whiter smile in the comfort of home? You aren’t alone. Some people just don’t like being in the dentist’s chair, even if it’s for a cosmetic procedure, while others may want to try a more affordable option first. Whatever your reasoning is, there are a few trends that you can consider. Not all of these are created equal, though. Sticking with Whitening Strips, Gels, Trays, and Toothpastes When it comes to whitening products that you can use safely at home, you can choose from strips, gels, trays, and various toothpastes. Because so many of these types of products are readily available in stores and online, and because they’re affordable, you can try more than one to see which option will give you the results that you’re after. Toothpastes designed to whiten your teeth are easiest because you can take steps to brighten your chompers while brushing twice a day, so you don’t need to put any extra effort in. Basically, these toothpastes are designed to help reduce and remove stains on the surface of teeth. The polishing action doesn’t involve harsh bleaching agents, and toothpastes that are approved by the ADA are gentle enough to use daily. With trays, strips, and gels that you can purchase over-the-counter, you get even more brightening power in a shorter amount of time because you’re applying a whitening product right onto your teeth and allowing it to work over the course of several minutes. Using these too often, however, might lead to side effects like sensitivity and irritation, so it’s best to carefully read the label and follow the directions closely for optimal results.   Trying the Au Naturel Route For those interested in whitening their teeth at home without the use of synthetic ingredients, there are some natural tricks that have become trendy. These tactics might require more patience, and you may never really get the same impressive results that you could get from other whitening products. You can try brushing with some baking soda to help your teeth get to a brighter shade. Baking soda is safe to use (in fact, it might already be an ingredient in the toothpaste that you use daily). To create a paste, just mix some water with pure baking soda and then brush your teeth with it. The mild abrasion may help reduce surface stains caused by what you eat and drink daily. Another natural ingredient is hydrogen peroxide. A lot of whitening toothpastes use it to help brighten smiles, so some people like to dilute hydrogen peroxide with water before using it like a mouthwash—just be sure you don’t swallow it! A word of caution: doing this too much and too often may result in sensitivity. Taking an Unconventional Approach Beyond the usual products that you can purchase in stores, there are other whitening trends that have become quite popular lately. Oil pulling, which is an Ayurvedic treatment that claims to be a natural way to detoxify the body and whiten teeth, has become well-known, so a lot of people are giving it a try. Basically, you take a bit of oil, such as coconut oil, and swish it around in your mouth for several minutes. The problem is that there’s no scientific evidence to show that this tactic does anything to whiten your smile. Charcoal products have become a super trend in the world of teeth whitening, claiming that they can help you achieve a brighter smile in no time, and in a natural way. Unfortunately, like oil pulling, there isn’t enough science to prove that using charcoal on your teeth is safe or effective. Experts advise against using such abrasive products because they may cause long-term damage to the enamel—and that could actually make your teeth yellow! So, even though you might see some whitening effects after using charcoal, the short-term boost in brightness isn’t worth the potential damage it’s doing. Using LED Light Kits at Home Dentists use special lights during some professional whitening treatments in order to boost the effectiveness of the whitening gel that they’re using. So, if you come across an LED whitening kit that you can purchase for use at home, you might be tempted to give it a try.   Only using an LED light on your teeth won’t help remove stains; instead, you need a combination of a whitening agent and the light for this strategy to work. However, before trying one of these trendy products, consider that experts have warned that they might discolor fillings and cause discolorations between the teeth. The bleaching agent may even lead to damage from overuse, as well as sensitivity in the teeth and irritation in the gums. Want to Stick with the Pros? Some people don’t even want to waste their time with at-home products, especially when they want to dramatically whiten their teeth. This is where your dentist can help! Professional teeth whitening services use higher concentrations of ingredients that can brighten your smile quickly and safely. In addition to seeing your dentist for whitening treatments, though, you can help keep stains at bay simply by making regular appointments for checkups and cleanings.   Achieving and Maintaining a White Smile Is Easier Than Ever! Whether you opt to whiten your teeth at home or at the dentist’s office is entirely up to you. If you’re going to take the DIY approach, however, experts highly recommend sticking with products that are ADA approved for safety and effectiveness. Other than using at-home products or making an appointment for a professional whitening treatment, brushing and flossing twice a day is a wise way to keep your chompers sparkling and healthy, so don’t neglect your oral hygiene routine. Sources: https://www.oralhealthgroup.com/blogs/trends-teeth-whitening/# https://benefitsbridge.unitedconcordia.com/which-teeth-whitening-trends-are-actually-worth-considering/ https://www.wsls.com/news/virginia/roanoke/new-teeth-whitening-trend-may-cause-long-term-damage/ https://www.smilebrilliant.com/articles/does-led-teeth-whitening-work https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/teeth-whitening/led-teeth-whitening-right-for-you https://www.healthline.com/health/hydrogen-peroxide-teeth-whitening#3