The post How to make a dentist appointment in 3 easy steps appeared first on The Floss By Opencare.
]]>Maintaining high standards for your dental health is essential for your overall health and well-being. However, sometimes scheduling a dental appointment can feel like a hassle, especially if you’re switching to a new dentist. The keys to making a dental appointment are research and preparation. Follow these three easy steps when booking a dentist appointment.
If you’re happy with your current dentist, feel free to move on to step two. However, if you’re unhappy with your current dentist, just moved to a new area, or want to get a new dentist for any other reason, you’re going to need to do some research. Your search for a dentist can start by asking friends or family members for a recommendation, reading online reviews, requesting a list of in-network dentists from your insurance company, or looking at a map for dental offices near you.
Take into consideration if you’ll need a specialist. For example, if you have gum issues, you may want to see a periodontist. People with children should consider using a dental practice that has pediatric dentists. Pediatric dental offices typically have waiting rooms with toys and offices designed to make children feel comfortable.
A 2019 survey told people to pretend they were searching for a nearby dentist online. They then asked if responders would choose the one with the best online reviews, the closest one, whoever ranked highest in search results, the cheapest dentist, or the one with the best website. The top choice was to use whoever had the best online reviews, so you may want to check dentists’ reviews before choosing one.
Many people consider one of the most important factors when choosing a dentist to be price. If you have dental insurance, make sure to find an in-network dentist that accepts your insurance. Out-of-network dentists will often accept your insurance, but this can still end up being more expensive than an in-network dentist. In-network dentists have already agreed on prices with your insurance company while out-of-network dentists have not.
Between all of the in-network dentists, choose one you can visit who is located close to your home or work. You want a highly qualified dentist with positive reviews, but if the best dentist is several hours away, you’ll be less likely to visit frequently and feel more frustrated upon arriving there. Take office hours into account as well. You need a dental practice that has convenient hours. Find out how they handle emergency dental needs that occur outside of their standard business hours as well.
Some questions you may want to ask the dental office include:
How long has my dentist been practicing?
Where did my dentist do her training?
Can my bill be split into multiple payments?
Who would I contact in the event of a dental emergency?
Does my dentist offer free consultations?
Before booking your appointment, you’ll want to have certain information ready. If this is the first time you’re using this dentist, check to make sure they take your insurance (or dental discount plan) if you have it. They may need to collect basic information to coordinate pre-verification before your appointment, but remember your data will be protected under federal privacy regulations.
If you’re using a new dental practice, they will need the dental records from your previous location. Having the contact information of the last place you went to the dentist can help staff transfer records before your arrival. Getting your most recent dental x-rays sent over may allow you to skip having them done at your next appointment, but some practices retake x-rays anyway. You’ll likely be asked the reason for your visit, so be prepared to describe any dental issues you may be having.
Create a list with any crucial questions you want to ask. For example, if your primary language is different than what your dentist will likely speak, ask if any dentists speak your language or if any translation services are available. People who plan on driving might want to find out if the building is near any landmarks and whether or not there is ample parking. Is it a stand-alone building or on an upper floor of a complex? Inquire about any special accommodations you need to be made.
Whether or not you’ve been to this practice before, if you’re getting a procedure you’ve never had done, inquire approximately how much time it will take. For major operations, ask if you need someone to accompany you and if there are any post-operative guidelines you’ll need to follow. After an operation, you might want your fridge stocked up with soft foods and shouldn’t plan any strenuous activities. You may also want to know if you’re allowed to bring your own headphones or earbuds.
If you have a lot of questions to ask, it’s better to book your dental appointment over the phone. Hearing a real voice confirm your appointment is booked can also feel reassuring. For other people, booking online is a better option.
You may have already called a dental office to confirm they cover your insurance or to ask other questions. If your questions were answered satisfactorily, you can request to book an appointment right away or call back later. Mention if you have a fear of dentists or severe dental problems that may require a specialist. It’s possible the receptionist may say they aren’t accepting new patients at this time. In the event this happens, ask for a referral for who to contact next.
Hopefully, your top dentist will be available and no referral will be necessary. When you’re ready to book your appointment, consider the time you choose to see the dentist carefully. Scheduling an appointment for early in the morning typically means you have less of a wait time. Keep in mind that some dental procedures will make it challenging to eat right after your appointment, so you may want to have a meal prior to arriving at the dentist.
Be realistic about how long your dentist appointment may take. If you only have an hour lunch break, the receptionist estimates your visit will take half an hour, and the drive is usually half an hour round trip, anything going even slightly over will cause you to return late. Choose a timeframe where you’ll feel unrushed and comfortable. If this is a new location for you, your first visit may require extra time for filling out forms.
Have a backup date and time (or a few) prepared. The dental office may be fully booked for a few days or weeks. If your top time slot is unavailable, it’s better to know another time you’ll be free rather than frantically flip through your calendar or having to call back later when you’re more organized. People with flexible schedules who want to get in sooner can usually be placed on a list to be called if another patient cancels their appointment. Many dental offices offer to call, text, or email you appointment reminders. You can also call them to confirm your appointment for a day or two in advance. Inform the dental practice if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment. The sooner a receptionist is made aware of your situation, the faster she can get someone else to take your time slot and the easier you can reschedule. It’s also polite to call if you’re running more than a few minutes late for your appointment.
Here is a list of a few things you can say to make your phone booking easier:
There are several advantages to booking your dental appointment online. Some people feel anxious talking to others on the phone, booking online can be quicker, and you know right away whether your preferred time slot is available. When you make an online appointment, you will have to fill out a short form with basic information.
If this is a dental office you haven’t visited before, you can also check if there are other online forms you can fill out prior to your appointment. Additionally, you want to make sure your old dental records are sent to the new office. If you are asked for your email or phone number, it’s likely so they can send you appointment reminders over email or text message.
A receptionist may also call you to ask for additional information they need. Canceling a dental appointment online is usually even more straightforward than making the appointment. In the event you can’t make an appointment, go online to cancel as soon as possible so that another patient can use that time.
After you’ve completed your dentist appointment, you always have the option of booking your next appointment right away in person. The receptionist may or may not have an instruction sheet from your dentist. If not, tell him the type of follow up visit you need to schedule. This is also a useful time to ask any questions you have, such as payment procedures. Regular dental visits are one of the best paths to excellent oral health and the first step towards regular visits is getting used to booking your dental appointments. Scheduling your appointment becomes easier each time.
The general rule of thumb is to arrive 10 minutes early to your appointment to give time for check-in forms or any additional information your dentist may need.
In short, yes, it’s a good idea to brush and floss a few hours before your appointment. Use your normal brushing routine, don’t overdo it. This is optional but helps clear everything up and keeps your breath fresh for the dentist
Choosing a qualified dentist, who is a great fit for your personality, is the toughest step in making a dental appointment. If you’re still looking for your perfect dentist, sign up for Opencare today and find your match.
The post How to make a dentist appointment in 3 easy steps appeared first on The Floss By Opencare.
]]>The post Regular Checkups: How Often Should You Visit Your Dentist? appeared first on The Floss By Opencare.
]]>Over 100 million Americans do not visit their dentist consistently every year, and this has significant repercussions on the oral health of the population. Indeed, regular visits to the dentist are required to maintain good oral health. That being said, you are probably asking yourself the following question: How often do I have to visit my dentist? The answer to this question varies, contrary to most expectations. In this article, you will find the answer to the above question and an explanation of its reasoning.
Truth or Myth?
You’ve probably heard the recommendation that you should visit your dentist twice a year. However, as funny as it may sound, this recommendation originated from an advertisement for toothpaste and not from actual dental studies! This recommendation is a good rule of thumb for many people, but should not be applied to everyone – depending on their oral health needs, some people may need to visit their dentist more or less often.
So, why do some people need to see their dentist less often and why should others visit more frequently?
The only person who can give you a valid and precise answer to this question is … your dentist of course! As mentioned above, some people need to see their dentist more than twice a year, especially those with a greater risk of dental disease and other health conditions that require visits to their dentist every 3 months, or more. Patients with good oral health overall will probably need to visit only once every 12 to 24 months.
Pregnant women
With hormonal changes during pregnancy, gums can become red, tender, and sore. In that case, your dentist might recommend additional cleanings during your second trimester and early third trimester to help control gingivitis – hence the importance of seeing your dentist more often when pregnant.
Diabetics
Since people with diabetes are more prone to gum disease, and since literature suggests that treating gum disease can help improve blood sugar control, having professional deep cleanings more often than twice a year is recommended for diabetic people.
They allow early detections of dental and oral issues, allowing better health management:
In conclusion, the better you take care of your teeth, the less chance you will have of developing cavities and oral health problems. In turn, you will need to visit your dentist less often. Brush your teeth twice a day as recommended, and do not hesitate to use dental floss, interdental brushes, or an oral irrigator. Your dentist might then lengthen the time between your visits! Always follow your dentist’s advice in terms of your next appointment for optimal oral health.
Suzanna Maria Sayegh graduated in Oral Pathology, earned a Master’s in Research and a Doctorate in Dental Surgery at the Saint-Joseph University of Beirut. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Aesthetic and Prosthetic Dentistry. It is her top priority to provide high-quality, minimally invasive dental care to each patient, respecting their individual goals and needs. She is currently writing for Bond Street Dental.
The post Regular Checkups: How Often Should You Visit Your Dentist? appeared first on The Floss By Opencare.
]]>The post Dental veneers: Types, costs, procedure, and what to expect appeared first on The Floss By Opencare.
]]>Dental veneers are wafer-thin, custom-made tooth-colored shells intended to cover the front surface of teeth to enhance their appearance. These shells are attached to the front of individual teeth, altering their color, form, or size.
Generally, dental veneers are made of porcelain or composite resin. Porcelain veneers are more resistant to stains than resin veneers. They also better imitate the light-reflecting properties of natural teeth.
Veneers are regularly used to treat the following issues:
Insurers do not cover veneers since they are considered a cosmetic procedure. According to the Consumer Dentistry Guide, conventional veneers can cost an average of $925 to $2,500 per tooth, and they can last about 10 to 15 years. No-prep veneers cost between $800 and $2000 per tooth and last between 5 and 7 years. Traditional veneers are typically the most cost-effective option for the long term. However, your veneers’ cost will depend on factors like what type of veneers you want, what brand of veneers your dentist carries, the cost of living in your city, and the dentist’s expertise.
Ultimately, it varies by type of veneer:
Composite veneers: Often known as direct veneers, these coatings are applied to the teeth during a single dental appointment and cost around $250 per tooth. They typically last from 5 to 7 years and then need to be replaced.
Porcelain veneers: Often known as indirect veneers, these coatings are custom-made to match your teeth, so they require two dental appointments for the procedure: One to match your teeth to the veneers, and another to position them. Porcelain veneers cost more than composite veneers, usually at least $1,000 per tooth, but last for at least 10 to 15 years and often even longer.
These veneers are more resistant and natural-looking than composite veneers. However, composite veneers are thinner, so fewer dental surfaces need to be removed before they are applied.
Veneers offer the following advantages:
Based on records, it usually takes between one and two weeks after your dentist makes a mold to get your veneers back out of the lab. When your veneers are in, you should make an appointment to have them installed. At this visit, your dentist will check the fit, shape, and color of the veneers to make sure they are right for you.
First, the dentist brushes the teeth thoroughly. After doing this, they use a grinding tool to create a rougher texture for each tooth on which the veneer is to be applied. This makes it easier for the veneer to adhere to the tooth. Your dentist will then use dental cement to attach the veneer to the tooth. Finally, ultraviolet light is used to harden the cement quickly.
Dental veneer treatment can be performed in two visits over six weeks. The visits are extensive and can entail several hours of review and dental planning. Dental offices usually have facilities that include sedation and audio / visual entertainment, and dental spas also provide massages and other treatments to help you relax and remain comfortable during your visit.
The evaluation and assessment phase of care is necessary to recognize any oral health issues that need to be addressed before the veneer placement. Your dentist will also work with you to pick the right color for your teeth from a unique hue map. Imaging technologies will provide you with a snapshot of your expected outcome and allow you to view successful before and after images from other cases. Treatment starts when the assessment is finished and a personalized plan has been designed.
There are a few phases to the veneer process. The dentist is likely to give you a local anaesthetic so you’ll be comfortable during the process of your veneer placement. Your natural tooth is then prepared by minimally reshaping it with a small handheld rotary cutting device called a bur to get the best match. If your treatment requires direct composite veneers, your dentist can apply a correctly shaded composite to your teeth, form the material, and harden it with a high-intensity light.
Additional layers of composite can be used to make the veneer the correct form and length of your smile. When all the composites are mounted, the veneers will be finished and polished using burs and polishers to produce a vital, natural smile.
If your treatment involves porcelain veneers, the dentist will make an impression of your teeth from which the mouth is molded. This impression can be sent to an outside dental laboratory where the veneers are professionally produced.
However, some dentists have an in-house dental laboratory and technicians to provide remedial and aesthetic treatments in less time. Other dentists have CAD/CAM chair technology and can render veneers in just one visit.
Dentists usually collaborate with outside dental laboratories to produce the required restorations. And, as mentioned, some dental laboratories use CAD/CAM technology to create veneers. If your procedure is performed in a dental laboratory, you may obtain a temporary appointment at the time of your training.
Temporary veneers offer a hint of the planned result, although it should be noted that temporary veneers will not always be used. If your treatment requires one or a few teeth and enough enamel remains on the surface, your dentist can forgo a temporary procedure.
Increased sensitivity can also occur if you have temporary positions or for a limited period after the final veneers have been mounted. During the placement appointment, your dentist will eliminate the timeframes and position the final veneers, after which they will review and modify to ensure optimum fit and color.
Veneers are robust and have been shown to last for several years before they need to be replaced. Seeing your dentist and hygienist for routine exams and dental cleaning is vital for preserving your oral health and the durability of your recovery. Aftercare is also essential.
Chipped or broken porcelain veneers cannot be fixed, so your dentist can inform you of the expense and time associated with replacing damaged porcelain veneers.
Do not bite or chew hard objects such as nuts, shells, or bones to minimize injury risk, and don’t use your teeth to open or tear packets. Your dentist may also warn you to avoid some foods that can cause harm to you and your new veneers. Clean and floss your teeth as you usually would, and make sure to use a non-abrasive toothpaste.
In general, veneers do not need special treatment. Continue to observe good oral hygiene habits, including brushing, flossing, and rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash as usual. While porcelain veneers are resistant to stains, your dentist might recommend that you avoid staining foods and beverages (e.g., coffee, tea, or red wine).
Alternatives to veneers include bonding and crowning. Veneers could be your best option if you want to alter your tooth shape more than just a little bit, like bonding, but not enough to require a crown.
The main advantage of veneers is to enhance the quality of your teeth, giving you a brighter, more even smile. Dental veneers are sometimes used to treat the following cosmetic conditions:
Dental veneers are cosmetic devices that modify the appearance of a person’s teeth. Dental veneers enhance color, provide a natural tooth shape, minimize cracks, cover chips, and hide other minor tooth damage. Veneers can vary in cost and durability.
Porcelain veneers are usually healthier and last longer, but come with a far higher price. If you’re looking for a long-term solution for major cosmetic issues, dental veneers could be your ticket to a beautiful smile.
The post Dental veneers: Types, costs, procedure, and what to expect appeared first on The Floss By Opencare.
]]>The post 9 dental hygiene tips for a healthy smile appeared first on The Floss By Opencare.
]]>Good dental hygiene is a crucial part of a healthy lifestyle. A proper oral hygiene routine doesn’t have to be time consuming or complicated. Follow these nine simple dental hygiene tips, and you can have the healthy and bright smile you have always wanted.
Consuming sugar is terrible for your overall health, but it can be detrimental to your oral hygiene. The bacteria left behind after consuming something sugary turns to acid. This acid will eat away at your tooth enamel and cause significant problems down the road.
Pay attention to how much sugar you eat in a day. You may be surprised by just how much it is. Then try swapping your sugary drink of choice with water. Your teeth and your body will thank you!
As bad as sugar is for your teeth, the American Dental Association has found starchy foods far worse. Why? Because starch breaks down into sugar, and it sticks around.
When you eat starchy food, the particles often linger in your mouth. The result is food left sitting in and around your teeth, eating away at your enamel for an extended period of time. Try adding fresh, crisp produce to your diet instead.
It is probably not news that your dentist recommends brushing twice a day. Despite that being a known fact, a Delta Dental study found that only 55% of Americans brush their teeth twice a day. 14% do it three or more times a day, and the rest brush once, or not at all.
Not brushing your teeth before bed means that the sugar, starch, and bacteria from the day are left to sit and eat away at your enamel all night. That can have a devastating long term effect on your oral hygiene.
Your tongue can hold a lot of bacteria. If left untouched, that bacteria can spread throughout your mouth and body. This bacteria is a leading contributor to bad breath.
Making tongue cleaning part of your regular oral hygiene routine is the best way to ensure it gets done twice a day as recommended. Use your toothbrush on your tongue for a few seconds or use a tongue scraper. As a bonus, you may find that food tastes better with a clean tongue.
Mouthwash is an excellent tool for maintaining oral hygiene. Its many benefits include eliminating bacteria from hard to reach spaces in your mouth. Some mouthwashes can even strengthen enamel.
Mouthwash is a quick and easy way to finish off any dental hygiene routine.
Smoking isn’t good for your overall health, but it is especially bad for your oral hygiene. According to the CDC, smokers are at twice the risk of gum disease. Worse yet, gum disease treatments are often less effective on smokers, leaving them with lasting severe health issues.
If you are a smoker, consider seeing a dentist near you as soon as possible for a check-up. Catching a condition like gum disease early is crucial. Putting the pack down is one of the most crucial dental hygiene tips.
Cleaning your toothbrush is simple yet extremely important. All you have to do is thoroughly rinse the toothpaste and food particles from your toothbrush after each use. This simple rinse prevents bacteria from growing in particles that would otherwise get left behind.
It is also important that you never share your toothbrush. When you do, you are sharing all the bacteria found in your mouth and possibly even blood. For that reason, even sharing among family members isn’t recommended. Cleaning your toothbrush is a cornerstone of dental hygiene tips.
Flossing is one thing we all know we are supposed to do regularly, but nearly 59% of Americans admit to not flossing every day. That means small food particles are left between teeth to eat away at the enamel and cause cavities. This is a crucial dental hygiene tip.
Flossing can be a challenge for some. In that case, a water pick is a great way to get into the small cracks and tight spaces between your teeth.
Visiting your dentist at least once a year is one of our top oral hygiene tips. Whether you have underlying dental issues or not, a regular visit with your dentist will ensure that problems are dealt with quickly when they arise, and you can avoid any future issues.
Good dental hygiene is a crucial part of leading a long and healthy life. Following these nine dental hygiene tips will put you on the right track for a healthy and bright smile!
The post 9 dental hygiene tips for a healthy smile appeared first on The Floss By Opencare.
]]>The post How to get dental insurance appeared first on The Floss By Opencare.
]]>According to the American Dental Association (ADA), nearly half of adults admit that they haven’t kept up regular trips to the dentist. Why? Because of the cost.It’s true that dental procedures like root canals, cavities, and even simple cleanings aren’t cheap these days, with out-of-pocket costs easily running into the thousands. This is where dental insurance can help.
This article looks at the steps you should take before selecting a plan and how to get dental insurance. Still unsure? We have answers to some of the most commonly asked questions that will give you the confidence to get and use your insurance like an expert.
Thanks to today’s easy-to-navigate websites, purchasing insurance only takes a few minutes. But before you grab the easiest (and cheapest) plan available, follow the steps below to make sure what you pick will work for you.
Are you looking for coverage just for yourself? Or do you have a spouse or kids whose dental costs you’ll also need help covering? If you’re in the latter group, you need to consider your dependents. Determining just who needs dental coverage is step one. Single and loving it? Skip to pre-existing conditions.
Did you know dentists who treat kids often require training in pediatric dentistry? With its own special training and skill set, this type of dentistry is covered in some packages and not others. Full coverage plans will be your best option if you think your children will need braces. Overall, when purchasing dental insurance for kids you will need an idea of which pediatric dentists are within your coverage networks and what services are included in the plan.
The Affordable Care Act made it illegal for health insurers to deny coverage for pre-existing conditions, however, this only applies to health insurance. Dental insurance is, unfortunately, not clearly included under this act.
Pre-existing dental conditions — conditions experienced before you get dental insurance — can sometimes lead to the denial of insurance claims. Pre-existing conditions can include missing teeth or diagnosed gum-disease but can vary by plan. Figuring out if you have a pre-existing condition will help you find insurance that offers you coverage.
Budgeting for dental expenses isn’t impossible as long as you read through the insurance plan details and then compare.
Find out the co-pay amount and how much of a deductible you will need to pay before the insurance kicks in. Deductibles can run upwards of $1,000, so it’s important to try to set this money aside ahead of getting dental work done. That’s part one of your budget done. The type of dental insurance that a person has will typically guide how much they pay for services. Insurance plans often follow a 100-80-50 rule. Many plans also have $1,500 maximums that they’ll payout to claimants annually, though there are exceptions. Compare different plan options to see which out of pocket expenses fit within your budget.
Anyone looking to get dental insurance can probably go for cleanings or x-rays immediately. But be prepared for waiting periods from six months up to a year for coverage on root canals or gum disease treatment.
Why? Insurance companies are businesses at the end of the day. Without these waiting periods, nothing would prevent people from signing up for coverage only for a month or two to get some badly-needed dental work and then ditching their coverage.
Waiting periods don’t necessarily mean more in-depth dental work can’t be done right away, people just might have to pay out of pocket. Again, check your plan options for rules on waiting plans.
If it seems like we’re telling you to do a lot of reading, you got us. We are. But this will save you huge toothaches down the road.
The National Association of Dental Plans noted that as of late 2016, roughly 250 million Americans had dental coverage, falling into two types of plans:
How do you decide what to choose? Group plans generally are purchased through employers or groups like the AARP. If you’re purchasing insurance all on your own, you’ll likely select individual coverage.
After following the steps above, it’s time to select an insurance plan. Here’s what to do at this point to ensure you get the coverage you need.
Dental insurance generally breaks down into three types of plans. Knowing which one is right for you can help maximize your dollars and ensure you aren’t paying huge amounts for services.
Whichever you choose, you’ll want to be clear what the plan you’ve selected exactly covers and how much of covered expenses are paid out. More information can typically be found online or the literature they send you.
Yup, that’s right. More reading. Find a comfy spot and dig into those insurance booklets.
Unless you opt for indemnity insurance, you’ll be restricted on which dentists you can see.
While you aren’t outright restricted from going to out-of-network dentists, this can lead to extra charges. If you’re looking at a PPO or DHMO dental insurance plan, consult their online network list. Dental offices will also generally know which insurance plans they can accept. That said, choosing an in-network dentist shouldn’t prevent people from seeking second opinions.
Now you need to take a critical look at how much insurance you need.
A cheap plan of maybe a few hundred dollars a year with a couple of cleanings included will more or less pay for itself. Cleanings aren’t relatively expensive and are even available at dental schools for cheap, so while it can be tempting to forgo dental insurance entirely, we wouldn’t recommend it. For its relatively low cost and availability in times of emergency, dental insurance is worth the $20 or $30 monthly premium.
From there, you will want to decide if a PPO, DHMO, or indemnity plan is right for you and how much of a deductible you’re comfortable paying.
This is the due-diligence stage of getting dental insurance you’ll actually use. Check out reviews online of potential insurers to make sure there’s a good chance they’ll payout on any claims. Also, check out the reviews for dentists in their networks. It might be worth selecting a slightly more expensive plan if it leads to better coverage and a better dentist.
When you’re ready to get dental insurance, the process is pretty easy and generally happens one of three ways:
Again, it’s the work leading up to this stage that matters much more than the actual, simple transaction.
Confused? Need more information about the benefits of insurance? Here are some answers to a few common questions.
Not exactly.
Finding the best dental insurance depends on a range of factors, including a person’s level of need and their economic situation.
For younger people with relatively strong teeth, a high-deductible plan that’s good for occasional cleanings and emergency fillings or root canals might be the best dental insurance. This same plan, however, might cause serious financial hardship for people expecting to get a lot of use out of their dental insurance.
Dental insurance can usually be purchased a few different ways. Many people become eligible for group dental insurance after an initial waiting period at a job typically after 60 or 90 days. Others decide to purchase private insurance through an insurance broker or by contacting a dental insurance company directly. You can also get dental insurance online straight through providers.
This depends in part on if a person is looking to purchase dental insurance alongside their ACA plan. If this is the case, the answer is yes, though a person isn’t limited to purchasing dental insurance strictly during open enrolment periods. They can also purchase ACA dental insurance after a qualifying event, like the loss of a job.
Information on open enrolment periods can be found on Healthcare.gov or websites for state-based exchanges, such as Covered California.
It can be difficult to calculate the true cost of insurance. While premiums can run for under $20 a month, that’s only part of the cost.
Many insurance plans have deductibles that need to be met for the year before starting to cover costs. Other plans require certain work, such as root canals or gum-disease treatments, to be paid for partially (but substantially) out of pocket, often needing you to cover at least 50 percent.
Premium expenses can run about $360 a year for individuals and up to $680 annually for families.
Yes, but avoid the temptation to pull a fast one. The rules of insurance are clear and typically long for a reason.
As noted earlier, many insurance plans have waiting periods on procedures like root canals, to help prevent people from signing up for insurance right before having a bunch of dental work done and then quickly canceling.
Dental insurance isn’t a video streaming service or gym membership. Attempting to treat it like one is likely to fail — don’t try it.
Article updated as of June 2021
The post How to get dental insurance appeared first on The Floss By Opencare.
]]>The post Yellow teeth: Causes, home remedies, and treatment options appeared first on The Floss By Opencare.
]]>Many people have yellowish teeth, even those with excellent dental hygiene. What’s more, yellow teeth aren’t necessarily a sign of anything bad. Depending on what’s causing your yellow teeth, they may still be perfectly healthy.
Yellow teeth can be a huge insecurity for many, and so it’s common to look for ways to whiten their discolored teeth.
Here you’ll learn about what causes yellow teeth, remedies you can try at home, and what your treatment options are. For a perfect smile, understand these yellow teeth causes and remedies.
There are a few things that can cause yellow teeth. Proper oral hygiene like brushing and flossing regularly and visiting the dentist are all a big help in staving off tooth discoloration. However, even if you follow all of your dentist’s instructions, you might still have yellow teeth because there is another underlying cause.
Let’s take a look at some common yellow teeth causes.
Just as some foods can stain your clothing, they can also stain your teeth. Coffee and tea are common offenders and you’ll see that older lovers of these beverages will often sport yellowed teeth.
Other common offenders include red wine, dark sauces like soy sauce or balsamic vinegar, colas, and chocolate. Even some strongly-colored fruits and vegetables like beets, pomegranates, cherries, and blueberries can stain your teeth. However, this not an excuse to eat your beets —!
These are surface-levels stains that can be treated easily professionally, and even at home.
Smoking is seriously bad for you, causing a whole list of health problems including cancer, diabetes, stroke, heart disease, and more. Not surprisingly, the negative effect of smoking on your oral health is no exception. If you smoke, you should kick the habit for good starting now, but seek help if you need it!.
Both the nicotine and tar in tobacco can cause stains on the outside of your teeth. However, all is not lost if you dream of having whiter teeth. All you have to do is stop smoking and start using a tooth whitening product. Smoking stains can be stubborn, but with patience and a steady oral healthcare regimen, you can eventually enjoy a whiter smile.
If you’re a regular smoker, consider seeing a dentist frequently. Dentists can spot complications from smoking before they turn into preventable diseases.
In addition to their own symptoms, some illnesses can cause discolored teeth. What’s more, some medical treatments like chemotherapy for head or neck cancers can also have a negative effect on the color of your teeth.
The medications you take for certain conditions such as asthma or high blood pressure can cause yellow teeth. Even antihistamines can be a guilty party.
At your next dentist appointment ask for help with yellowed teeth and be sure to tell your dentist about any medications, even over-the-counter ones, that you may be taking. This can help them narrow down the root cause of your yellow or brown teeth.
Trauma to the tooth, such as being struck while suffering a sports injury, can also cause discoloration.
Yep, you can have too much of a good thing. Fluoride being one.
In small amounts, it can help strengthen your teeth and prevent cavities, but get too much and you’ll enjoy a dull, yellow smile instead.
Some people just have yellowish teeth. Dentin, the inner layer of your teeth underneath the enamel, is naturally a yellow color. Some people have thinner tooth enamel or it’s more transparent, causing the yellowish color of the dentin to shine through. They may have perfectly strong, healthy teeth, but have been unlucky enough to inherit yellow-colored teeth in a society that’s obsessed with pearly whites.
There are two types of teeth stains — extrinsic and intrinsic.
Extrinsic stains are caused by external factors. For example, smoking or eating dark-colored foods can lead to stained teeth. These stains primarily affect the tooth enamel and while you might have to work hard to remove them, rest assured they can usually be removed.
Intrinsic stains are a bit trickier to deal with. These stains are caused by internal factors and affect the dentin, an inner layer of your tooth that lies below the enamel.
For instance, taking some medications or overexposure to fluoride (particularly as a child) can cause brown spots on your teeth. Adults aren’t safe either. Keep in mind that prescription-strength mouthwashes prescribed by dentists to treat gingivitis and other tooth problems often contain chlorhexidine–a compounds that can also discolor your teeth.
Because of the nature of yellow teeth, it is possible to maintain the strictest tooth-brushing regimen in the world and still end up with yellow or brown teeth.
Good oral hygiene can help stave off extrinsic stains by attacking them before they can fully form. However, intrinsic stains are harder to control. All the vigorous flossing and brushing you can muster won’t keep your teeth from discoloring due to a medication.
It is relatively simple to prevent yellow teeth. Maintain proper dental hygiene and avoid the other factors that can cause tooth staining. In other words:
Unfortunately, you can’t control all of these factors, so do your best with the ones you can.
Depending on the root cause of your tooth discoloration, you may be able to enjoy pearly whites once more. For example, at-home or professional whitening can scrub away extrinsic stains relatively quickly.
Even discoloration from medications and the like can be removed when you use the proper technique. This is why consulting with a dentist can be helpful. First, they will work to discover the root cause of your yellow or stained teeth, and then they’ll recommend the best course of treatment.
If you’re “blessed” with genetically yellowish teeth, tooth whitening may not be as successful as you’d like, but there are still cosmetic dentistry options you can explore if all else fails. Use these teeth whitening remedies.
There are many methods for whitening yellow teeth. How effective they will be is dependent on what is causing the yellowing. It is important to be aware that some methods may erode your tooth enamel and should be avoided. Let’s look at a few common methods here.
There are a few really effective teeth whitening remedies. When your teeth are yellowing due to food stains, brushing with an electric toothbrush can be an effective option. The vibration of the bristles is more effective at loosening plaque and the pellicle, or thick film, on your teeth that is helping to cause the stains. Double that with a whitening toothpaste with activated charcoal and you’ve got a pretty effective recipe for whitening. You might also try adding baking soda to your toothpaste for an extra whitening boost.
Though it might seem counterintuitive since turmeric turns foods yellow and can stain clothing, oil pulling with a mixture of coconut oil and turmeric may help. This concoction is effective at cutting down on the number of bacteria in your mouth which could be contributing to your tooth discoloration problem.
That is, if you can stand the taste.
There are a few other home remedy suggestions that you’ll find floating out there on the internet, but steer away from acidic methods like strawberries and orange peels. Cosmetically, they may make your teeth look whiter, but the acid is destroying your tooth enamel, which can further exacerbate the problem later on. Don’t be so obsessed with getting white teeth that you cause your teeth to age and yellow prematurely!
There are a few at-home tooth whitening options you can try as well. You can buy whitening strips or gels over-the-counter and apply these to your teeth as directed. These formulas usually contain peroxide and can be effective at removing stains within a few days.
If you need some extra whitening power, it’s time for a trip to your friendly neighborhood dentist! Professional tooth whitening involves bleaching your teeth at the dentist’s office. Depending on the severity of your stains, you may need to have a few treatments. Your dentist may also use special lights or lasers to enhance the effect. Keep in mind that most dental insurance doesn’t cover teeth whitening.
Don’t have a regular dentist? No problem! We are dedicated to helping people find the perfect dentist. With a large network of dentists all across North America, we can help you find a dentist in your area that will meet your oral health needs.
We firmly believe that healthy teeth and proper oral health are necessary for a happy, healthy life and we’re happy to help you reach that goal!
The post Yellow teeth: Causes, home remedies, and treatment options appeared first on The Floss By Opencare.
]]>The post Stained teeth 101: How to prevent and clean stains from wine, coffee, and more appeared first on The Floss By Opencare.
]]>Most of us wish our stained teeth would suddenly appear whiter. If you too have found yourself inspecting your smile and wishing your teeth were more pearly than, well, any other color, you’re not alone.
80% of Americans between 18 and 49 wish their teeth were whiter. For women, that same survey reports the numbers are as high as 85%.
We’re going to review some of the main causes of teeth staining and prevention. To help you on your journey to a whiter smile, we’ll also share some tips on how to treat stained teeth.
There are essentially three main types of teeth stains. They are:
It’s worth noting that it’s rare to just have one type of stained teeth, the different types of stains can work in tandem and compound one another.
Teeth can get stained in a variety of ways. Here are some of the most common reasons that your smile can lose its sparkle.
A veritable fridge-worth of food can stained teeth. Here are 10 of the more common offenders:
You don’t have to avoid all the food above to keep your teeth white. But keeping in mind what types of food can cause stains can be a helpful tool when learning how to prevent future stains.
Liquids can be equally damaging to your enamel and lead to stained teeth. Here are some drinks that can lead to tooth discoloration:
As with the foods above, all of the drinks here don’t have to be forsaken to preserve teeth. Moderation is key, as are some other strategies we’ll talk about in the next section of this article.
Few things can stain teeth like tobacco, though it’s not just cigarettes you need to watch out for. Even electronic cigarettes can cause stains, as can smokeless tobacco.
Thank science for the main reason tobacco, in its various forms, is infamous for staining teeth. When combined with oxygen, nicotine turns yellow. Nicotine and tobacco tar also absorb into the tooth’s natural pores. Even the way a smoker smokes can affect their teeth, with this dental website noting: “Often, smokers will have certain teeth that become darker than others due to their method of inhalation.”
However it happens, brown stains on the back of teeth or brown stains on teeth near gums can be a sign that tobacco is beginning to wreak havoc on the mouth and that it’s time to take action.
Put simply, if you’re not listening to your dentist, you’re likely helping those stains get worse. Brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash all work together to keep your mouth clean and your teeth protected from stains. When you skip these steps, stains can build up quickly.
To avoid these problems, it’s important to see a dentist frequently. If you get regular cleanings at the dentist, you will not only get rid of intrinsic stains, but also prevent issues that can stain teeth down the road.
Feeling motivated now? Good news, because stains begin extrinsically, they can be removed if brushing, flossing, and mouthwash habits improve. If you decide to keep skipping the floss, remember when stains can get down to the intrinsic dentin level, they are far more difficult to eradicate.
Blunt trauma, such as from a fall, can cause teeth to become yellow or brown for children and lead to grey or black discoloration for adults.
When tooth trauma occurs in children, only the baby teeth are typically affected and healthy adult teeth grow in eventually. It’s usually just a matter of playing the waiting game to have a fully white smile again—with a pediatric dentist weighing in, of course.
When it comes to stained teeth, some people are just unlucky. More people are predisposed when it comes to tooth discoloration than you might expect.
A Massachusetts-based dental director noted that genetics are the top reason people have discolored teeth, telling Live Science: “Dentinogenesis imperfecta and amelogenesis imperfecta are two inherited disorders that cause the teeth to develop improperly and could lead to discoloration.”
Cancer, or chemotherapy more appropriately, can cause tooth discoloration. Pregnant mothers can get infections that affect the enamel development of their children, according to WebMD. In addition, tooth discoloration resulting from vitamin deficiency is something to watch out for.
Medications can cause stained teeth too, often enough that the National Institute of Health weighed in with a 2014 paper “to give an overview of the various medications that can be linked to tooth discoloration and to suggest the precautionary measures that can be taken to avoid or minimize it.”
Medications known to affect teeth, according to WebMD, include antibiotics, antihistamines, and antipsychotics.
Sometimes teeth will get more yellow as a person ages even if their oral hygiene is top-notch.
A 2010 article published by Harvard University noted that roughly 75 percent of people over the age of 65 still had some or all of their natural teeth. But because of this, this population was more likely to suffer from a variety of oral ailments, including dental decay and stained teeth.
Often a controversial subject, fluoride technically has been reported to cause staining, but not the same kind as sodas or medication.
NBC News noted in 2018 that nearly 75 percent of the United States receives fluoride in its community water supply. The article states, that despite the recent backlash, there are few negative symptoms of adding fluoride to water: “In this country, the only common side effect of fluoridation is fluorosis of the teeth — minor staining that is often only visible to a dentist.”
Do you currently have stained teeth? Fear not. The treatment strategies outlined below will help you deal with even the direst of teeth stains. But first — a few tips to help prevent teeth from ever becoming stained, to begin with.
Coffee and tea can mess up teeth easily (in fact, tea can surprisingly stain teeth at a higher rate than coffee). However, it’s not hard to fight back and reclaim that pearly, white smile we all desire.
Here are eight things that can be done to prevent coffee and tea from staining teeth:
Quesadilla lovers of the world, rejoice!
A Woman’s Day piece, cataloging six ways to keep red wine from staining teeth, noted that cheeses such as asiago and cheddar “coat your teeth in calcium, making it harder for the tannins to stick.”
And, the same piece noted that the petroleum in lip gloss can act as a natural barrier against tannins that stick to teeth.
A specialist confirmed that rubbing the insides of banana peels on teeth two minutes a day can yield whiter teeth after just three weeks.
There’s a caveat, though: “If you rub the skin it can act as a gentle exfoliator and will remove some surface stains, but the banana will not reach inside the pores on the surface of your enamel — so no true ‘deep’ cleaning will take place.”
A variety of remedies, such as brushing after smoking, can keep teeth looking their whitest, though the involvement of professionals might be needed to remove nicotine stains.
Simple, over-the-counter stained teeth remedies often work best with extrinsic or “surface-level” stains. Medical News Today spells out an assortment of strategies including brushing with a mixture of baking soda and water, rinsing with a diluted hydrogen peroxide solution, and using whitening mouthwashes or toothpaste.
However, those intrinsic, deeper stains often require the attention of dental professionals.
If you want whiter teeth, we can help.
Regular trips to the dentist can help your teeth look their whitest and present future stains.
The post Stained teeth 101: How to prevent and clean stains from wine, coffee, and more appeared first on The Floss By Opencare.
]]>The post How much do dental crowns cost? Types, prices, alternatives appeared first on The Floss By Opencare.
]]>If you’re considering getting a dental crown installed in your mouth, you should start by knowing your options, their implications for your oral health (and insurance!), and how much dental crowns cost.
Dental crowns are coverings, or caps, for ailing teeth. They’re typically used to refine the shape of a tooth, add support to a weak tooth, and conceal cosmetic issues like discoloration.
These days, crowns have become more common with advancements in dental technology. They’re certainly more similar in appearance to natural teeth than they used to be, with a variety of materials to choose from. Let’s explore.
Dental crowns may be classified according to their material, duration, and purpose. A variety of materials are available at different costs. Ultimately, of course, you should be working with your dentist to determine your specific needs and criteria.
Factors to consider include:
Whichever type of crown you and your dentist decide is right for you, it will be designed and made to fit snugly over the remaining piece of your natural tooth. Different material options include the following:
These are popular at the moment, with materials such as zirconia, porcelain, and others. Ceramic crowns do a very good job of mimicking the natural tooth. They have a warm, aesthetic appeal. However, they may crack and are generally not as durable as metal crowns.
Cost: $800 – $3,000
Just like their name, the upper, visible part of this option is made of porcelain, laid on top of a metal base. This option attempts to combine the best of both worlds (aesthetics and durability), though not always successfully. The metallic component may over time show up as a striking line above the gum. There is also a risk of metal allergy here too.
Cost: $500 – $1,500
This option offers impressive strength and durability. However, metal crowns do stand out visually in contrast to the appearance of natural teeth. For this reason alone, they’re typically used to repair back teeth. Metal allergy may complicate their use also.
Cost: $600 – $2,600
This option, while not aesthetically the best, can work for a kid’s baby teeth, if a crown is required.
Cost: $120 – $350
These offer neither aesthetics nor strength of their porcelain counterparts. However, they are much kinder to your wallet.
Cost: $300 – $700
On average, crowns will cost you between $800 and $1,700 per crown. Factors that come into play will include how badly your natural tooth is damaged, the type of material you select, and the level of skill required for the installation. (All-ceramic crowns require more skill and time.) The location of your dental practice may come into play also, as there are regional variations.
By material or type, costs of crowns will cost you the following:
Getting a more perfect smile is not achieved in isolation. Your dental treatment will usually involve a range of procedures that may include the following:
Depending on the extent of damage, these procedures may cost more than the crown alone. Additionally, your crown may require re-visiting some years down the line. Factor this in, too.
Many dental procedures are considered cosmetic, meaning insurance companies typically don’t cover their cost. But while crowns may be considered cosmetic, they’re mostly correctional and restorative. They can relieve considerable discomfort and prevent further damage to the tooth or surrounding teeth. Also, they can be fit in a bid to prevent certain kinds of teeth damage. For these reasons, your insurance company may cover up to half of the dental crown cost.
Click here to see if you may be covered for dental insurance.
If you need assistance paying for your crown, you may consider other forms of payment. These may include a dental plan or liaising with a financial company to help you gradually offset the bills.
The pricey nature of dental crowns largely stems from their materials, some of which can be hard to source. And of course, getting a crown requires the time and skill of a dentist. And one visit may not suffice.
To answer this question, remember why you need a crown in the first place. Dental issues may cause self-esteem problems. You may lose productivity and end up spending much more to treat extensive damage. Prevention is cheaper than cure.
So although costly, dental crowns offer comfort and protection from further damage – as well as aesthetic appeal.
And maybe most importantly, remember that crowns are long-lasting treatments. They may serve you for a decade or even two. Depending on your age at the time of treatment, you may have your crown for the rest of your years.
So, yes, in the long run, we believe crowns are worth the price!
Depending on their material, your oral hygiene approach, and your eating / chewing habits, crowns will typically last between five and 15 years. Some may take you through 20 years.
Naturally, metallic crowns last longer. They have a higher tensile strength and can withstand the force of chewing. Some patients love to chew tough substances such as ice, but it’s important to remember that crowns are at risk of fractures and even cavities.
So what if you can’t get a crown covering? Whatever your situation, it’s important to have a discussion with your dentist. And while dental crowns are often the cream of the crop, you have other options available, including:
Reach out to us now at Opencare. We’ll connect you to safe and professional dental services. We operate currently in Toronto, Canada and the United States. We’ll also save you the hassle of sorting out insurance. Opencare verifies your dental insurance even before your appointment.
So, looking for a dentist near you? Opencare will help you find one! Or we can help you book a dentist appointment right now.
The post How much do dental crowns cost? Types, prices, alternatives appeared first on The Floss By Opencare.
]]>The post What are hygienists actually doing when they clean your teeth? appeared first on The Floss By Opencare.
]]>Want to know what teeth cleaning looks like? Lots of us feel anxious before going for a dental cleaning procedure, and that’s fair. If you haven’t been to a dentist in years, you may not remember or even know how the process feels and what to expect.
Figuring out the ins and outs of dental cleaning can calm your anxiety and inspire you to book a dentist appointment more often. Let’s explore what regular checkups like these are all about.
Professional dental cleaning is a preventative treatment for oral disease. Patients need to do it regularly to remove tartar from spots that are tricky to reach at home. These areas are hard to work even with habitual flossing and brushing. The dental hygienist is usually the one who is responsible for the procedure, performing scaling, cleaning, and debridement (or plaque removal).
Ideally, you’ll need routine professional teeth cleaning every six months. If you have some dental issues, your dentist might recommend you do it more often. What’s important is that you find a dentist in your local area and don’t skip the routine checkups. Seriously, going to the dentist is one of the most important things you can do for yourself and your health. It’s critical to keep this up.
For most people, the noise, prodding, and discomfort is the main reason they don’t want to go to the dentist. But, getting a regular checkup should be on the top of your list. With consistent teeth cleaning, you will eliminate the tartar and plaque buildup. You will also help maintain an odorless oral environment and help avoid periodontal disease.
Every cleaning procedure begins with an oral examination. With the help of a small mirror, the hygienist will examine the state of your gums and teeth. They’ll look for obvious signs of gum disease, tooth decay, and gingivitis (gum inflammation). If there are no serious problems, the hygienist will start the cleaning process.
Note: If you use partial dentures, it’s still important to get regular checkups. You’re still susceptible to cavities and it’s critical to maintain ideal oral health.
The hygienist will use a scaler to remove all the tartar and plaque that’s affecting the gum line. They’ll also remove any leftover tartar that’s stuck between each tooth. It’s normal for the hygienist to keep scraping a particular area, especially if that spot has a lot of tartar.
After they remove the plaque and tartar, it’s time for deep cleaning. The hygienist will use a high-powered electric brush to get rid of the remaining tartar. This is a great option for any areas the scaler may have missed.
With a flossing session, the hygienist will work with the most stubborn tooth areas. This procedure helps identify any probable trouble spots that could bleed after flossing. It’s a practical cleaning process that will thoroughly clean the teeth.
At the end of the cleaning, it’s time for a mouth rinse. The water will remove the leftover debris and provide a clean working surface. You’ll then spit the water out.
Finally, it’s time to finish the teeth cleaning procedure. The hygienist may apply a fluoride treatment to help your teeth fight cavities the next couple of months. (You may even get to choose the flavor.) If so, your hygienist will use a sticky paste or a foamy gel to create a mouthpiece. This piece will fit over your teeth and stay there for a minute.
And it’s not uncommon for dentists to use fluoride varnish. The fluoride hardens the moment it comes in contact with saliva. As a result, you may not be able to drink or eat right after cleaning.
How long does a cleaning take?
A dental cleaning can last anywhere between half an hour to an hour, depending on the current state of your gums and teeth. For example, if there are elevated levels of inflammation or tartar present, you may need 45 minutes. But in a fairly healthy patient with minimal tartar buildup, it can take less than 30 minutes.
Patients who haven’t had scaling done in a long time may need an additional 10 to 20 minutes. When paired with gum disease or other teeth problems, the dental cleaning procedure could last longer. Look for a dentist near you the moment you notice bleeding gums, soreness, or enamel damage.
Your cleaning procedure shouldn’t hurt. But if there is some level of gum inflammation, oral disease, root exposure, or tooth decay, it may boost tooth sensitivity. Therefore, some patients may experience discomfort or minor pain during the cleaning procedure. If you’re worried about the discomfort, the dentist can apply a topical anesthetic on the gums to numb the area.
Everyone needs to do routine teeth cleaning once in a while — ideally, twice a year. The good thing is, there is nothing to worry about. This procedure is relatively comfortable and usually fast. And, most importantly, it will help keep your teeth in tip-top shape and will help to prevent cavities.
Whether your teeth hurt or not, you shouldn’t skip the cleaning process. The more often you go, the healthier your teeth are going to be. Now that you know what to expect, you may even look forward to your next appointment at the dentist’s office.
The post What are hygienists actually doing when they clean your teeth? appeared first on The Floss By Opencare.
]]>The post Natural teeth whitening: Tricks for a whiter smile appeared first on The Floss By Opencare.
]]>
Nearly everyone will be tempted to try natural teeth whitening eventually. Whether it’s to counter the look of yellowing that has developed over time or in preparation for a big event, teeth whitening can help. Maybe it’s due to poor brushing habits or not using an electric toothbrush, which can clean 100 percent better than a manual brush. Or it could be just bad luck.
These things happen but you’re not powerless against yellow teeth. Here’s a comprehensive guide on why teeth turn yellow, natural ways to whiten teeth, and how to prevent tooth staining.
Worried about yellow teeth? We have good news. Oftentimes there’s a clear cause.
Generally, for teeth to go yellow it’s because of some bad habits connected to lifestyle. Drinking coffee or tea and smoking or chewing tobacco are all common culprits. On the other hand, certain diseases, medications or even genetics can sometimes play a role in tooth discoloration.
Why is there good news? If the cause is related to lifestyle habits, that means you can also prevent your teeth from losing their white sparkle. More on that in a bit, in the meantime, here are some other factors that cause teeth to yellow.
Tooth enamel is precious. It also makes for a white smile, since enamel is white, with the under-layer, known as dentin, yellow-brown. Unfortunately, enamel is also easy to damage, with the many ways it can happen including excessive soft drink consumption, acid reflux disease, and certain medications.
In 2016, a professor at Tufts University’s School of Dental Medicine studied the outside factors that cause stains. Typically food, beverages, or other substances (like cigarettes) can create extrinsic stains while intrinsic stains are found deeper inside teeth.
This study noted how foods most likely to stain teeth include berries, popsicles, candies, pickles, soy sauce, curries, and tomato sauce. Don’t throw out your strawberries or spicy curry yet! You don’t have to avoid these foods, but knowing some of the big stain-causing contenders will help flag when you need to step up your dental care game — in the form of a thorough brushing — after eating.
But food isn’t the only culprit for teeth staining, according to A recent medical article medications like antibiotics can also cause stains.
Are you grinding those pearly whites? That habit can wreak havoc on your teeth and eventually lead to stains. Mouth guards are a common solution for prevention and if left unchecked, grinding can cause enamel loss, fractured teeth, gum recession, and premature aging and yellow due to shrinking dentin. If you’re hoping to show off a bright, white smile but are grinding your teeth you’ll need to quickly address.
To some extent, tooth yellowing can be unavoidable. Dentists state that as teeth age, dentin yellows naturally, causing teeth to change tone over time. If you wear down your enamel this is especially true, so protecting your tooth’s barrier today will help keep them white in the future.
Like aging, intrinsic factors are mostly out of your control. But how can you tell if intrinsic factors are causing those yellow hues? Intrinsic stains develop deep inside the tooth and are sometimes caused by unhealthy habits, but they can also happen because of trauma to the tooth, medication administered to young children, and even from in utero factors.
A Chicago-based dentist made note of an unsurprising fact: Intrinsic stains are far more difficult to fix than extrinsic stains. But treatments are available including options like installing veneers.
Anyone looking to avoid harsh chemicals while teeth whitening, this is the place for you. Did you know using harsh chemicals is generally frowned upon? You could risk damaging your enamel making these treatments often more trouble than they’re worth. Why risk it? When there are numerous methods for natural teeth whitening at home.
The following tips aren’t for instant teeth whitening and some of the methods illustrated here take time. But with persistence, they can yield results. And we bet you have a lot of the items needed in your home right now.
The name of this might sound noxious but bare with us. The way this method works is to apply coconut oil to your teeth after brushing and swish the melted oil for anywhere from five to 20 minutes. This is not a misprint, we said minutes.
But oil pulling, unorthodox as it might sound, can get results. In addition, a study available through the National Center for Biotechnology Information noted, “Oil pulling can be explored as a safe and effective alternative to Chlorhexidine.” While time-consuming, this method has converted many looking for whiter teeth. Side note: Do not try spitting the used oil in the sink, aim for the garbage can. Your plumbing will thank you.
This doesn’t mean you have to switch your current toothpaste for one that includes baking soda (but these are widely available and have great reviews.) Health information publisher HealthLine explains how to whiten teeth with baking soda. Start by mixing one tablespoon of baking soda with two tablespoons of water then brush with the mixture a few times a week.
“Brushing with a paste made with baking soda and water can reduce bacteria in your mouth and buff away surface stains,” HealthLine concluded.
An article in Medical News Today noted that hydrogen peroxide can be effective in fighting yellow stains. But before you grab the bottle under your bathroom sink, just remember that overuse of peroxide can cause enamel damage and if you have sensitive teeth you’ll probably want to steer clear of this method. Most store-bought whitening treatments use hydrogen peroxide with a strength of 10 percent but you’ll want to use 3 percent (commonly found in stores) to avoid hurting your enamel.
This article lists two methods of using peroxide including diluting it with water and swishing it around your mouth, or creating a paste out of peroxide and baking soda and applying it directly to your teeth.
An apple a day keeps the doctor away but it also might help with teeth whitening. A 2011 article from the American Association of Retired Persons’ noted that consuming apples can help prevent yellow stains.
The article listed other foods that can help keep teeth white, namely:
Most of these foods are believed to help whiten teeth because they increase the mouth’s production of saliva which helps wash away plaque and harmful bacteria.
This is a big one in the beauty influencer world. A few years ago a beauty blogger documented her experience while using natural teeth whitening agents including the vivid, yellow spice turmeric. Using her method, mix turmeric, coconut oil, and baking soda into a paste then apply to your teeth and let it sit for two minutes. After a week, she noticed a subtle difference in the brightness in her teeth, though there was a downside:
“I found myself cleaning (or, more accurately, scrubbing) my sink daily,” she wrote. “Turmeric is bright yellow and stains everything in sight.”
Is staining your shirts and sink worth the subtle difference? We’ll leave that up to you!
Prevention can be the best cure for yellow teeth. There are numerous prevention strategies including the simplest method: brushing after every meal. If you’re looking to step up your game, try rinsing with a disclosing solution from your dentist to discover your plaque quotient. This will show spots where teeth are likely to stain if brushing techniques doesn’t improve.
Brushing twice and flossing once daily can help keep teeth white as well as prevent other dangerous oral health issues. According to the ADA “brushing twice daily and flossing once a day are two critical behaviors to help prevent the risk of all oral infections.” As HealthLine notes, brushing and flossing regularly will help prevent harmful plaque from building up and causing yellowing.
Whitening toothpaste and strips can be purchased at your neighborhood drugstore and are a common solution. Reviews of these products suggest effective results. Though some dentists caution against using either. Why? The author of this article, Mark Burhenne, DDS, warns that strips specifically can damage your teeth and gums if used improperly. That whitening toothpaste? That’s a gimmick Burhenne states, as toothpaste can’t whiten teeth, toothpaste only cleans.
“However, if you do want professional results,” he adds, “the safest and most effective way to whiten teeth, in my opinion, is through custom-built teeth whitening trays from your dentist.” He lists other natural options that are safe and effective including activated charcoal as well as the use of stain-removing electric toothbrushes.
Some people recommend using lemon juice to whiten teeth but don’t try it! One dentist told Men’s Health he would never recommend this approach: “It’s very acidic and if not cleaned off properly it can pool on the tooth and erode the enamel, and that’s the last thing you want.” Healthy enamel is one of your best defenses against yellowing so we suggest you take this warning seriously.
Who rubs sea salt on their teeth? Apparently, enough people that a health website had to caution people against it. We know you’d never try this (right?) but here’s why it’s not worth the risk: Rubbing sea salt (or other abrasive substances) onto your teeth can cause microscopic scratches and abrasions, leading to the buildup of bacteria and decay. See? You’re too smart for this dangerous hack.
Teeth whitening is like losing weight. Just as pounds can return after weight loss, if lifestyle changes aren’t maintained teeth can start to yellow once again. After you’ve whitened your teeth, here are a few methods that are helpful for preventing teeth from staining again.
It’s rough, but some tasty foods are not going to help you on your quest for whiter teeth. Including your morning jolt and that delicious bolognese. Business Insider noted eight common offenders namely:
Depending on how healthy and white your teeth are at the moment, it might be wise to eliminate, or at least cut down on some of these foods and beverages. Or as we talked about before, if you can’t avoid these foods, brush right after you’re finished.
Aside from brushing and flossing daily, WebMD states that maintaining oral hygiene can include using antiseptic mouthwash and using whitening toothpaste (though only once or twice per week.) Fluoride, an included ingredient in many kinds of toothpaste, can also be helpful according to Medical News Today. Some municipalities also fluoridate their water supplies which can be controversial within some communities but is still a practice in some places throughout the U.S.
Key to hydration and a strong, bright smile. According to the ADA, water is the best beverage for healthy teeth. A 2016 study found that a Canadian city had higher rates of tooth decay after the municipality stopped adding fluoride to the water five years prior, than another city with uninterrupted fluoridation.
At a basic level, water can help you produce saliva which washes away bacteria and plaque to help keep your mouth clean. As a 2009 study in the British Dental Journal recommends, swishing with water after meals or consuming soda “for two to five minutes can be of help in removal of loosened food particles, dead cells and mucus from the oral cavity.” So get swishing as a natural teeth whitening remedy.
Natural teeth whitening isn’t always the healthiest way to maintain your smile.Many people don’t look forward to going to the dentist, with some surveys quoting up to 62 percent of adults fear sitting in the chair. But cleanings every 3-6 months help prevent buildup of plaque and keep teeth looking their whitest. There’s a reason all those toothpaste ads talk about a “fresh from the dentist” feeling, but really, only the dentist can grant that bright shine.
The post Natural teeth whitening: Tricks for a whiter smile appeared first on The Floss By Opencare.
]]>