How Often Should You Visit Your Dentist?

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.

The typical twice-a-year recommendation:

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.

Who should go to the dentist more often?

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.

• Smokers are more prone to periodontal diseases and more likely to have stained teeth, and therefore may need appointments more often.
• People with gum disease.
• People with a weak immune response.
• People who are prone to cavities or plaque build-up

Why are regular check-ups important?

They allow early detections of dental and oral issues, allowing better health management:

• Even if you brush your teeth twice a day and floss as recommended, you still need to visit your dentist. Patients are unable to detect things like cavities or gum disease before they get too advanced and painful. Regular visits make it possible for early detection of oral health problems, so patients can avoid them or halt their progress. An additional and major benefit is the fact that oral cancers are most often detected by dentists since they examine not only your teeth, but also your gums and mouth. These oral cancer screenings can therefore help detect cancerous lesions that can be more effectively treated when caught early.
• Ultimately, visiting your dentist as regularly as recommended will save you time, discomfort, and even money in the long run.

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.

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.

Dental veneer types:

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.  

What kind of issues are solved by dental veneers?

Veneers are regularly used to treat the following issues:

• Teeth that are discolored due to food, drink, or smoke staining
• Treatment of root canal
• Tooth stains caused by tetracycline or fluorosis
• Large filling of resins
• Teeth that have been worn down
• Teeth that have been chipped or lost

The cost of dental veneers

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.  

Benefits of dental veneers

Veneers offer the following advantages:

• Offers a natural appearance to the tooth
• The gums handle porcelain well
• Porcelain veneers are immune to staining
• You may pick a shade to make dark teeth whiter
• They usually don’t need to be formed as much as crowns do, but they are more robust and look better

How are veneers applied on the teeth?

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.

Veneer Process – What to Expect

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.

Step by Step Procedure

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.

Dental Laboratories, CAD/CAM, and Timeframes

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.

Recovery and Post-Process Treatment

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).

Risks of dental veneers

• The procedure cannot be reversed.
• Veneers cost more than the bonding of composite resin.
• Typically, veneers cannot be fixed if they chip or crack.
• Since the enamel has been lost, the tooth may become more sensitive to hot and cold food and drinks.
• Though unlikely, the veneers could dislodge and fall off. So, do not bite your nails, chew on pencils, ice, or other hard objects, or otherwise place too much pressure on your teeth to reduce the risk of this happening.
• Veneers are not the right choice for people with oral health concerns (for example, those with decay or active gum disease), damaged teeth (due to deterioration, fracture, large dental fillings), or those who do not have enough existing enamel on the tooth surface. 
• People who clench and grit their teeth are poor candidates for porcelain veneers, as this can cause veneers to crack or chip.

Dental veneer substitutes

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.

Dental veneers can be used to treat: 

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:

• Chipped teeth
• Extreme discoloration or irregular coloring that cannot be corrected by whitening
• A gap in the teeth
• Smaller than average teeth
• Pointed teeth 

Summary 

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.

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.

1. Swap sugary drinks for water to maintain proper dental hygiene.

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!

2. Avoid starchy foods and add fresh crunchy produce to promote oral hygiene.

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. 

3. Don’t skip your nighttime brushing for a healthy dental check.

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.

4. Brush your teeth and your tongue for better dental 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.

5. Add mouthwash to your oral hygiene routine.

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.  

6. Don’t smoke to maintain proper oral hygiene.

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.

7. Clean your toothbrush, and don’t share it for better dental hygiene.

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.

8. Floss or use a water pick for a healthy dental check-up.

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.

9. Visit your dentist regularly as part of a great oral hygiene routine.

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.

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.

What to do before getting a dental insurance plan

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.

Step 1: Who needs coverage?

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.

Step 2: Understand pre-existing conditions

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.

Step 3: Budget for out-of-pocket expenses

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. 

Step 4: Anticipate waiting periods

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. 

Step 5: Decide between group or individual coverage

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:

• Public plans like Medicaid, covering approximately 83.9 million people
• Private and group plans, covering approximately 164.2 million people

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.

How to Choose a Dental Insurance Plan

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.

Get Clear on Your Coverage

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.

• Dental Health Maintenance Organizations, or DHMOs, have lower premiums, higher deductibles, and restricted provider networks.

• Dental Preferred Provider Organizations, or DPPOs, have higher premiums, higher deductibles, and broader treatment networks.

• Dental Indemnity Insurance, which is becoming less common, has the highest premiums but allows people to go to any dentist they want.

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. 

Know which dentists are in your network

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. 

Select your coverage level

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.

Narrow down your choices

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.

Get dental insurance

When you’re ready to get dental insurance, the process is pretty easy and generally happens one of three ways:

1. Through a job
2. Through an insurance broker
3. On a dental website

Again, it’s the work leading up to this stage that matters much more than the actual, simple transaction.

Five FAQs to consider when you get dental insurance

Confused? Need more information about the benefits of insurance? Here are some answers to a few common questions.

1. Is there a best dental insurance?

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.

2. How do I get 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.

3. Does dental insurance have open enrolment like the ACA?

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.

4. How much will dental insurance cost me?

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.

5. Can I use a policy tomorrow that I purchase today?

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.

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.

What causes yellow teeth?

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.

Food

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

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.

Illness

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. 

Medications

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

Trauma to the tooth, such as being struck while suffering a sports injury, can also cause discoloration.  

Fluoride

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. 

Genetics

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. 

What are the types of tooth discoloration (stains)?

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. 

Why are my teeth yellow even though I have good dental hygiene?

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. 

How can yellow teeth be prevented?

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:

• Don’t smoke or chew tobacco
• Limit red wine, coffee, tea, etc.
• Avoid taking medications that may affect your teeth, if you can
• Don’t overdo it with fluoride
• Don’t get a chronic disease like cancer or diabetes
• Don’t be born with the genetics that predisposes you to get yellow teeth

Unfortunately, you can’t control all of these factors, so do your best with the ones you can. 

Can yellow teeth become white?

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.

How do you whiten yellow teeth?

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.

At-home teeth whitening remedies

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!

Teeth whitening treatment options

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.

How to find a dentist

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.

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. 

3 Primary Types of Tooth Stains

There are essentially three main types of teeth stains. They are:

• Extrinsic Stains: These are your fairly simple, surface-level stains. They’re often caused by certain types of food and drink, tobacco use, or, sometimes, just plain poor oral hygiene habits. The bad news is that extrinsic stains are common. The good news? These stains on the enamel can be dealt with more easily than the other two primary types of tooth stains.

• Intrinsic Stains: These types of stains are trickier to address. Intrinsic stains are more deeply-ingrained below the surface of the teeth in the dentin layer. Wondering why that whitening toothpaste didn’t make a difference on your stained teeth? You might be dealing with intrinsic tooth stains, which can result from trauma, root canal treatment, and fluorosis. More sophisticated methods are needed to counteract these stains.

• Age-Related Stains: To some extent, stained teeth are unavoidable throughout a lifetime. This is because dentin naturally yellows over time. As toothpaste giant Crest notes, enamel also thins as teeth age, allowing yellowing dentin to show through. This doesn’t necessarily mean that older people are doomed to yellow teeth, but they are almost certainly more at risk.

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.

How Teeth Get Stained

Teeth can get stained in a variety of ways. Here are some of the most common reasons that your smile can lose its sparkle. 

Various Foods

A veritable fridge-worth of food can stained teeth. Here are 10 of the more common offenders:

• Citrus fruits
• Tomatoes
• Sweets
• Popsicles
• Soy sauce
• Curry
• Beets
• Blueberries
• Blackberries
• Pomegranates

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. 

Drinks

Liquids can be equally damaging to your enamel and lead to stained teeth. Here are some drinks that can lead to tooth discoloration:

• Juices made from any of the foods above
• Soda (which contain dyes and acids that can stain teeth)
• Coffee (which has tannins that can cause discoloration)
• Tea (with tannins that discolor teeth at a higher rate than coffee)
• Alcohol (people experiencing alcohol use disorder tend to have higher plaque levels and are 3x more likely to experience tooth loss)
• Wine (which also has tannins and, as Vox noted, can stain teeth hereditarily)

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.

Tobacco Products (Not Just Cigarettes)

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.

Poor Dental Hygiene

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.

Trauma

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.

Unlucky Genes

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.”

Disease, Pregnancy, and Vitamin Deficiency

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.

Medication

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.

Age

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. 

Fluoride

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.” 

Treating and Preventing Stained Teeth: At Home

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.

8 Ways to Prevent Coffee and Tea Stains

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:

1. Wait to brush: Coffee, especially, is acidic. As this article notes: “Brushing your teeth immediately after eating or drinking anything acidic weakens tooth enamel and causes staining.”
2. Eat strawberries or lemons: Their natural fibers can break down bacteria from food and drink, including from coffee and tea.
3. Drink through a to-go lid or a straw: Doing this can “reduce some of the acid created in your mouth.”
4. Rotate your beverages with water: This can ease thirst, while also helping clean the mouth.
5. Drink water quickly: Quickly drinking or swishing water can wash away coffee and tea’s tannins and residue from the mouth.
6. Drink milk: A study by the School of Dentistry at the University of Alberta found that casein in milk helps prevent teeth staining.
7. Chew sugar-free gum: This is another well-known remedy, though this dentist says to make sure to find gums with the American Dental Association’s seal of approval.
8. Limit consumption: Those who look into it generally recommend that adults have no more than a few cups of coffee per day. Among the benefits: Healthier teeth.

Create a Barrier that Wards Off Stains

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.

Whiten with Banana Peels (No, Seriously)

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.”

Make a Dent in Nicotine Stains

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.

Professional whitening

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.

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.

Factors to consider when choosing dental crowns

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:

• The position of the affected tooth / teeth. For a molar tucked at the back, your dentist may recommend a metal crown. For those positioned more prominently, she or her may recommend ceramic or porcelain. 

• The condition of the affected tooth / teeth. Your dentist will consider how much of the natural tooth will remain behind. 

• The state of your gum tissue. With advanced gum recession, the part of the crown closer to the gumline will become more obvious. This may not look as nice if you’re considering a metal crown.

• Your peculiarities. These include your individual habits and even any allergies you have. For example, if you tend to chew hard materials or gnash your teeth, more durable materials will be more appropriate.

• Personal preference. Your concern for aesthetics will definitely influence decision making.

• And of course, your budget. 

Types of dental crowns

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:

Ceramic crowns

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

Porcelain fixed to metal (PFM) crowns

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

Metal crowns

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

Stainless steel crowns

This option, while not aesthetically the best, can work for a kid’s baby teeth, if a crown is required.

Cost: $120 – $350

Composite resin

These offer neither aesthetics nor strength of their porcelain counterparts. However, they are much kinder to your wallet.

• Provisional / temporary crowns. These may be constructed of different materials and are typically installed for a short time while you wait for a final or permanent crown to be made. In some cases, your dentist may deliberately leave a temporary crown in place for a long time. This is commonly done to reduce pain.

Cost: $300 – $700

How much do dental crowns cost?

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:

• All-ceramic: $800 – $3,000
• Metal: $600 – $2,600
• Porcelain fixed to metal: $500 – $1,500
• Provisional stainless steel: $120 – $350
• Provisional resin: $300 – $700

What are the associated costs of getting a dental crown?

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:

• A full dental exam: $20 – $150
• Supplementary investigations such as X-rays, casting, or scans: $10 – $300
• A root canal: $300 – $2,000

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. 

Does insurance cover the cost of dental crowns? 

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.

Why are dental crowns so expensive?

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. 

Are dental crowns worth it?

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!

How long can a crown last?

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. 

Alternatives to dental crowns

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:

• Veneers. These are typically thinner and are usually applied to the front of a tooth’s surface. They’re largely cosmetic and hide visible faults on the surface of your teeth. They are not as invasive as tooth caps and preserve much of your natural tooth. 
• Bonding. If you have a simple chipped tooth, your dentist may recommend a procedure called bonding. Here, a bonding material is applied to the tooth. A light source is used to make this bind to the affected tooth. 

In need of dental advice?

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.

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. 

What is a dental cleaning?

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.  

What happens during teeth cleaning?

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. 

Step 1: Teeth and gum examination

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. 

Step 2: Scraping plaque and tartar buildup

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. 

Step 3: Deep cleaning

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. 

Step 4: Expert flossing session

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. 

Step 5: Mouth rinse

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. 

Step 6: Teeth protectant

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. 

Does dental cleaning hurt?

 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. 

Final thoughts

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.

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. 

Common Reasons Teeth Turn Yellow

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.

Enamel Thinning

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.

Stains

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.

Grinding

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.

Age

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. 

Intrinsic Factors

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.

Easy Ways to Naturally Whiten Teeth at Home

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.

Oil Pulling

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.

Put Baking Soda on your Toothbrush

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.

Use Hydrogen Peroxide (in the Appropriate Amount)

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.

Eat your Fruits and Veggies

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:

• Carrots
• Celery
• Cheese
• Oranges (up for debate elsewhere)
• Milk
• Pineapples
• Strawberries (when mashed up, rubbed on teeth, and left for five minutes)
• Yogurt

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.

Try Turmeric

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!

How to Prevent Stains

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 and Flossing

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. 

What about Whitening Toothpaste, Strips, or Trays?

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. 

Avoid Anything Acid-Based

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. 

Don’t Put Salt on your Teeth

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. 

A Few Ways to Prevent Teeth Stains

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. 

Make Dietary Changes

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:

• Acidic or citrusy foods
• Coffee
• Curry and tomato sauce
• Sports and energy drinks
• Soda
• Sugary foods and sweets
• Tea
• Wine

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.

Maintain Excellent Oral Hygiene

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. 

Drink and Swish Water

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.

Get to the Dentist

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.

Ignoring misaligned teeth, gaps, and crossbites won’t make dental problems go away as we grow older. Putting off making a dental appointment is common, even among adults who are experiencing mild tooth pain or worsening cavities.Braces, unfortunately, aren’t comfortable to wear, yet many still need them. But over the last 20 years, a new type of clear, transparent dental aligners emerged as an alternative to metal braces: Invisalign. But how much does Invisalign cost?

This short but concise guide covers the most crucial information about Invisalign’s cost, how it works, and how to find a dentist or orthodontist near you.

What is Invisalign?

Humana’s statistics claim million people in the US have braces to correct cosmetic defects and other serious dental issues. Adults account for about 25 percent of this figure. 

The most troublesome downside of wearing braces is the sheer effort required to clean and maintain them properly, and keeping your teeth clean to prevent cavities from starting underneath the brackets. Children often dislike the feeling of metal in their mouths which can create cuts in the cheeks and sometimes even the tongue.

Invisalign’s purpose is to straighten teeth without using metal braces, the traditional means of addressing many oral health ailments. The treatment uses clear aligners instead of stainless steel or ceramic. The general idea is to hide the fact you’re wearing a dental device.

A critical difference between Invisalign and braces is that Invisalign aligners need to be changed every few weeks. They’re practically disposable. Braces aren’t disposable and require much more effort in keeping them clean and your teeth flossed.

As an alternative, Invisalign’s treatment process is unique in the orthodontic field and follows a proven step-by-step method.

How does Invisalign work?

Clear, transparent aligners like Invisalign can treat these common dental ailments:

• Overbites
• Underbites
• Crossbites
• Gaps in teeth
• Crowded teeth
• Crooked teeth

A dentist will decide whether or not Invisalign will work because it won’t correct severe posterior malocclusion or crossbite. In those instances, patients instead may need traditional metal braces and retainers.

Invisalign treatment begins with the dentist taking with the dentist taking either a silicone mold or a 3D image of the patient’s mouth. This technology allows dentists to custom-fit aligners to the exact contours of the mouth. This initial scan is non-invasive, highly accurate, and doesn’t take long to complete.

The patient then receives a thermoplastic oral device that looks similar to a retainer, but it works by applying pressure to teeth where needed.

Then, the Invisalign aligners needs replacing every two weeks. The number of Invisalign treatments most people need ranges between 20 and 30, or about a year.

How much does Invisalign cost?

Invisalign costs as much as other orthodontic work, and it usually comes in specific packages. Invisalign Teen, for example, is an option.

The average cost of Invisalign ranges from $3,000 to $5,000 USD and depends on the specific type. This depends on the specific case and numbers of aligners needed. It can cost up to $8,000 USD depending on the treatment. Insurance may cover a good chunk of that (typically up to $1500-3500 USD)

The newest version is Invisalign i7, but Invisalign Full is the most common choice and costs about the same. It’s worth noting some patients will need more dental treatment than just Invisalign alone. In these cases, the total cost of the visit goes up.

Retainers are another cost to consider since most people will need to wear one after treatment. The idea is to give teeth time to settle in and strengthen.

Thankfully, there are many ways to offset the cost of Invisalign treatment, which we’ll go over shortly.

How much do you pay a month for Invisalign?

There is some flexibility with payment plans for Invisalign. Consult your dentist for an accurate quote, as the cost of Invisalign differs per treatment. Typically,  the cost of Invisalign is a minimum of $99 per month for 36 months. The cost upper range could also be $200 for 24 months with or without down payment.

Is Invisalign less expensive than braces?

Invisalign bracers cost about as much as traditional braces. In some cases, metal braces cost significantly more. It depends on the teeth’s underlying conditions. 

Traditional metal braces cost about $3,000 to $7,000 on average. Ceramic braces cost anywhere between $4,000 and $8,000.

Since the price difference isn’t too substantial, many choose Invisalign over the hassle of wearing braces for years.

The only downside of Invisalign is its cost, which remains on par with most orthodontic procedures. Most people rely on health insurance to offset Invisalign’s hefty price tag.

Quick price comparison of Invisalign

Does health insurance cover Invisalign?

According to Invisalign, yes, health insurance covers some of Invisalign’s cost at this writing time. Insurers may cover as much as $3,500 for Invisalign treatment. The catch is that every health plan offers different levels of dental care.

Some insurance plans place a cap on how much they’ll cover for dental work. Other times there’s a percentage taken off the total amount, so people pay out of pocket from the remainder.Often, orthodontists will perform Invisalign treatment on a payment plan, but this will vary from practice to practice.

Are there other ways to pay?

Aside from traditional health insurance and payment plans, people can pay for Invisalign through particular types of savings accounts. Flexible spending accounts (FSA) and health savings accounts (HSA) offer a means to pay for Invisalign using pre-tax dollars.

Some dental offices also accept financing and payment plans.

Are retainers included with Invisalign?

The brand name for Invisalign retainers is Vivera. Dental patients can order Vivera retainers without using Invisalign first. That’s why they’re so popular today.

An Invisalign retainer costs several hundred dollars but not always. It depends on the level of package someone chooses and the support services offered by the dentist.

Usually, Invisalign treatment features retainers as part of your package.

How long does an Invisalign retainer last?

Invisalign Vivera retainers are known for quality and can last over a year if someone takes care of it properly.

The retainer contains material that is 30 percent stronger than other plastic materials used in retainers. Invisalign also offers accessories like retainer cases to help people store the dental device safely.

Are there cheaper alternatives to Invisalign?

Alternatives to Invisalign exist, but none have the same technology or reputation for quality. How much is Invisalign compared to competing products? The cost is about the same overall. 

Millions of people over the last 20 years owe their beaming, straight smiles to Invisalign specifically. That’s why this brand stands out from similar clear aligners.

Other brands of clear aligners include:

• Clear Correct
• Smile Direct Club
• ClearPath
• K-Line
• Ormco Aligners

These treatments typically cost $2000-3000. While much cheaper than Invisalign, you lose the professional consultation with a licensed dentist. This is a really important thing to consider when adjusting your smile forever. We believe these products have merit, too. However, this article aims to go over Invisalign because that’s the most successful product and uses unique digital mapping technology.

Braces or Invisalign? Which one’s the best choice?

Now that we’ve covered the essentials, the question is, which is better? Unfortunately, not everyone is a candidate for Invisalign.

Braces are necessary for some instances, such as when a patient has difficulty chewing food due to our back molars not being in proper alignment.

It’s up to a dentist or orthodontist to approve Invisalign as the treatment of choice. Otherwise, braces are the only option to fix oral severe health problems.

How to find a dentist near you

Opencare simplifies the process of finding a quality dentist near you. We connect patients and dentists in one easy-to-use platform. Our goal is to provide tools anyone can use to find the right dentist for their needs.

We strive to reassure patients that they are getting reliable, factual information without sales fluff or confusing medical jargon. Improved health and wellness – a whole new vibrant lifestyle – can be a powerful force for change when we can easily find healthcare. To make a dentist appointment to receive Invisalign today, click through to start using our streamlined platform.

The post How much does Invisalign cost? How It works, prices, and alternatives appeared first on The Floss By Opencare.