woman smiling and showing her white teeth

What Is the Best Way to Whiten Your Teeth?

Written by drdalesandro on April 3, 2024. Posted in Teeth Whitening, Cosmetic.

A recent survey revealed that nearly two-thirds of Americans are insecure about their teeth. Some people can’t stand their crooked teeth, while others hate the spaces between them.

However, the biggest complaint people have about their teeth is the color. Dull and discolored teeth ranked at the top of the list of complaints people in the U.S. have about their smiles.

Do you wish your teeth were whiter? Finding the best way to whiten teeth, from baking soda to professional treatments, can help you take pride in your smile again. Below, learn about the top options when brushing teeth isn’t enough.

Exploring the Top Teeth Whitening Method Options

The best method to whiten your teeth is to prevent surface teeth stains from building up in the first place. You can do this by following the advice of the American Dental Association and practicing good oral hygiene. Take these steps to prevent stained teeth from the get-go:

Brush your teeth twice each day for at least two minutes.
Floss your teeth once each day.
Schedule a cleaning with a dental hygienist once every six months.
Avoid acidic foods, coffee, wine, and anything else that can cause tooth discoloration.

You can also aim to make teeth whiter by arranging to have your dentist provide professional teeth whitening treatments. It’s often the most effective way to whiten teeth.

Additionally, many at-home teeth whitening options exist. Although they’re not always as effective as professional treatments, they can also deliver a whiter smile in many instances.

How To Whiten Teeth With Professional Treatments

People seeking to whiten their teeth should do so through a reputable dentist whenever possible. A dentist can supervise teeth whitening procedures, which is typically the best method to whiten discolored teeth.

Before a dentist breaks down the teeth whitening options that might work well for your teeth, they’ll perform an evaluation to check for signs of oral health issues, including tooth decay, gum disease, or problems with dental implants. They may need to treat your teeth and/or gums before whitening your teeth to deliver the best results.

From there, a dentist will use special teeth bleaching products to adjust the color of your teeth and make them look whiter. These teeth whitening solutions will contain a concentrated tooth bleaching agent that can get teeth whiter after just one session in many cases.

Depending on the condition of your teeth, you may need to undergo the whitening process more than once to get the desired results. Still, professional whitening can make your teeth whiter while keeping them healthy.

At-Home Teeth Whitening Products To Consider

Even though professional teeth whitening is the superior option for those interested in whitening teeth, not everyone decides to go in this direction. More than 35 million Americans purchase at-home tooth whitening products each year.

Since the demand for teeth whitening products has increased dramatically, there’s no shortage of options for those who want to try the at-home teeth version. Popular options include:

Tooth whitening toothpastes: A whitening toothpaste usually contains mild abrasives like calcium carbonate, carbamide peroxide, hydrated silica, or sodium bicarbonate that can sometimes remove surface stains from teeth effectively and give them a whiter look. Some even contain hydrogen peroxide. A whitening toothpaste containing active hydrogen peroxide may produce whiter teeth than other whitening toothpastes. You can also look into using a whitening mouthwash.
Tooth whitening strips: Whitening strips normally contain active hydrogen peroxide that acts as a bleaching agent when these strips are placed on your teeth. The bleaching agents in whitening strips must remain on your teeth for anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours to make stained and yellow teeth disappear. You may need to use whitening strips several times to get the right results from its whitening gel.
Tooth whitening light devices: While whitening toothpastes and strips with whitening gels are probably the most popular whitening products, they aren’t the only at-home solutions for teeth bleaching. Whitening light devices have also become popular, especially among young people whitening their teeth. When using them, you’ll place a whitening agent on your teeth before holding a blue LED light over them to accelerate the whitening effect.

In addition to testing these at-home methods for achieving whiter teeth, some people prefer trying natural teeth whitening methods. Examples include:

Mixing baking soda and water to create a whitening gel that may act like a mild abrasive
Performing oil pulling with coconut oil to make teeth whiter and potentially improve oral health as a whole
Swishing with diluted hydrogen peroxide to possibly erase surface stains
Rubbing apple cider vinegar on teeth to gradually lighten their appearance with its teeth whitening properties

Just be careful about putting too much faith into the many teeth whitening “hacks” that have emerged online since some may stain teeth. If, for example, you use hydrogen peroxide or baking soda for too long, it may do more harm than good. Both can lead to tooth sensitivity, and you might even end up staining teeth with certain natural teeth whiteners instead of stain removal.

What Is the Best Solution for Whitening Sensitive Teeth?

Dental health studies suggest just over 12% of Americans have sensitive teeth. If you fall into this category, whitening your teeth might present problems the average person with healthy teeth won’t have.

In this scenario, the best way to whiten teeth is to seek assistance from a trusted dentist specializing in professional whitening services. They can perform desensitizing treatments and monitor the teeth whitening process. This will help prevent teeth whitening methods from damaging tooth enamel or causing increased tooth sensitivity.

Want Whiter Teeth? Contact Us To Schedule Professional Teeth Whitening Services

If you’re unhappy with your stained or yellow teeth, Dr. Dalesandro & Associates can help you use the best whitening product to get your teeth whitened. Our Tucson dentists, dental hygienists, and dental assistants can provide proven teeth whitening methods to eliminate tooth stains and leave you with teeth that look significantly whiter.

The Connection Between Oral Health and Overall Health

Written by drdalesandro on July 28, 2023. Posted in Dental Services, Preventive, Teeth Whitening.

When we think about health, our minds often drift towards maintaining a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep. However, there is an important aspect of our well-being that we sometimes overlook: oral health.

Surprisingly, our oral health is closely intertwined with our overall health; neglecting one can profoundly affect the other. In this blog, we will explore the significant connection between oral health and overall health and understand why it is crucial to prioritize dental care as an essential component of our overall well-being.

The Oral-Systemic Link

The mouth acts as the gateway to the body, and oral health plays a vital role in maintaining an individual’s overall health. Oral health problems such as poor hygiene and untreated oral diseases can contribute to various systemic health issues.

The oral-systemic link refers to the bidirectional relationship between oral health and overall health, where problems in one area can influence the other.

Cardiovascular Health

Numerous studies have found a correlation between oral health and cardiovascular disease.

Poor oral hygiene can lead to gum inflammation and periodontal disease, allowing oral bacteria to enter the bloodstream. These bacteria can cause inflammation throughout the body, including the blood vessels, potentially increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular complications.

Diabetes

Diabetes and oral health have a significant connection.

Individuals with diabetes are more susceptible to gum disease due to a weakened immune system and impaired blood sugar control. Conversely, gum disease can make it harder to control blood sugar levels, leading to complications in diabetes management. Thus, maintaining good oral hygiene and avoiding worsening oral health is crucial for individuals with diabetes to prevent oral infections.

Respiratory Health

The health of our respiratory system can also be affected by our oral health. Poor oral hygiene, such as gum disease and tooth decay, can contribute to respiratory infections like pneumonia.

Bacteria from the mouth can be inhaled into the digestive and respiratory tracts, causing inflammation and increasing the likelihood of respiratory complications, particularly in individuals with compromised immune systems.

Pregnancy and Birth Complications

Oral health is of utmost importance for pregnant women. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can increase the risk of gum disease, which, if left untreated, can lead to complications like preterm birth and low birth weight.

Taking care of oral health during pregnancy is crucial for the mother and the baby’s well-being.

Inflammation and Chronic Diseases

Chronic inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, certain cancers, and inflammatory bowel diseases have been linked to poor oral health. The chronic inflammation associated with gum disease can contribute to the overall inflammatory burden in the body, potentially exacerbating these conditions.

Maintaining Good Oral Health

Now that we understand the connection between oral health and overall health, it becomes clear that maintaining good oral hygiene is essential. Here are some key practices for maintaining your optimal oral health workforce:

Brush your teeth at least twice a day using fluoride toothpaste.
Floss daily to remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth.
Limit sugary and acidic food and drinks that can contribute to tooth decay.
Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups, professional cleanings, and early detection of oral health issues.
Avoid tobacco products, as they significantly increase the risk of oral cancer and gum disease.
Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and nutrients that promote oral health.

Maintaining Health and Well Being

Taking care of our oral health is not just about having a bright smile; it is an integral part of maintaining overall health and well-being by avoiding oral and systemic diseases.

The connection between oral health and various systemic diseases highlights the importance of regular dental care and good oral hygiene practices. By prioritizing oral health, we can reduce the risk of developing serious health issues and improve our quality of life.

Consult with Dr. Dalesandro & Associates

Dr. Dalesandro & Associates are exceptionally qualified Tucson dentists to care for all your general, emergency, and preventative dentistry needs.

In addition, our staff of Dental Hygienists and Dental Assistants are warm and professional. Plus, we serve multiple family members, from young children to adults. Whatever your needs, from preventative care to restorative such as cavity fillings to emergency first aid services for accidents, we do it all.

The Family Dental Practice Tucson Trusts

At our Tucson dentist office we strive to make our clients feel safe and proud of their smiles! We keep our dental office clean and ready for your appointment.

Contact us today and set up your first visit with the Dr. Dalesandro dental care team by continuing to explore our website.

How to Choose the Right Toothbrush and Toothpaste for Your Family

Written by drdalesandro on April 17, 2023. Posted in Teeth & Gums Problems, Family Dentistry, Preventive, Teeth Whitening, Tooth Decay.

Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial for a healthy and happy smile, and choosing the right toothbrush and toothpaste is an integral part of that. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. In this article, we’ll provide some helpful tips on choosing the right dental care products for your family.

Choosing the Right Toothbrush

While toothpaste can contribute to the effectiveness of toothbrushing by providing additional benefits such as fluoride or antimicrobial agents, the mechanical action of brushing with a toothbrush is what ultimately removes plaque and debris from teeth and gums, making it a more crucial factor for maintaining good oral health.

When it comes to toothbrushes, there are several factors to consider:

Bristles

When choosing the right bristle hardness for a toothbrush, it’s important to consider individual factors such as the condition of the teeth and gums, personal preference, and brushing technique.

Soft bristles are generally recommended for people with sensitive teeth, receding gums, or a history of gum disease, as they are less likely to cause damage or irritation.

Medium bristle toothbrushes can be a good choice for those with healthy teeth and gums who want a little more scrubbing power. However, for most people, a soft bristled toothbrushes is still the safest and most effective option.

A hard bristle brush head is generally not recommended as it can cause enamel erosion, gum recession, and tooth sensitivity over time. It’s always a good idea to consult with a dentist or dental hygienist to determine the best toothbrush and brushing technique to keep your teeth healthy.

Size and Shape

Toothbrushes come in a variety of sizes and shapes, and it’s important to choose one that is comfortable and easy to use. Look for a brush with a head that can easily reach all areas of your mouth to remove food particles and plaque.

Electric vs. Manual

Both manual and electric toothbrushes are effective at removing plaque and promoting good oral hygiene, but there are some differences between the two.

Manual toothbrushes are affordable, widely available, and easy to use. They require no batteries or charging and come in a variety of bristle styles and sizes. However, using a manual toothbrush requires proper technique and can be difficult for people with limited mobility or dexterity.

On the other hand, an electric toothbrush can be more expensive and require batteries or charging, but they can provide a more thorough and efficient cleaning. They also often come with features like timers or pressure sensors to ensure proper brushing technique.

Ultimately, both brushes can prevent against tooth decay and gum disease when used properly.

Choosing the Right Toothpaste

Toothpaste comes in many different types, flavors, and formulations. As discussed above, brushing technique is more important for overall oral health than the type of toothpaste used, but each comes with a variety of benefits that can include that fresh-mouth feeling.

Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing the right toothpaste for your family:

Fluoride toothpaste

Look for a toothpaste that contains fluoride, as it helps to strengthen tooth enamel and prevent cavities. However, consult your dentist first if you prefer a natural or fluoride-free option.

Whitening

Whitening toothpastes are formulated to remove surface stains on teeth and make them appear brighter. They typically contain mild abrasives and chemicals like hydrogen peroxide or baking soda that work to break down stains and improve the appearance of teeth.

However, it’s important to note that whitening toothpastes may not be effective for deep stains or discoloration caused by factors like genetics or certain medications.

Some whitening toothpaste can be abrasive and may cause enamel erosion or tooth sensitivity if used excessively or incorrectly. It’s best to consult with a dentist before using a whitening toothpaste to ensure it’s safe and appropriate for individual needs.

Toothpaste for Sensitive teeth

If you or a family member has sensitive teeth, look for a toothpaste that is specifically designed for sensitive teeth. These formulas contain ingredients that can help to reduce sensitivity and discomfort.

Flavor

Toothpaste comes in a variety of flavors, from mint to fruit to bubblegum. Choose a flavor that your family enjoys, as this can make brushing more enjoyable and encourage good habits.

When choosing the right toothbrush and toothpaste for your family, consider factors such as bristle softness, size and shape, electric vs. manual, fluoride, whitening, sensitivity, and flavor. And don’t forget to consult with your dentist for personalized recommendations based on your family’s unique needs. By choosing the right products and practicing good oral hygiene habits, you can help ensure that your family’s smiles stay healthy and happy for years to come.

FAQs on Oral Hygiene

Why do my teeth feel sensitive?

Teeth feel sensitive due to worn enamel or exposed roots, often caused by aggressive brushing or gum recession. Maintain gentle brushing with a soft-bristle toothbrush to alleviate sensitivity.

Which areas get missed when I brush my teeth?

The most commonly missed areas while brushing are the gum line, back molars, and tongue. Use proper brushing techniques and consider a toothbrush with a small head to reach all areas effectively.

Should I be using a different toothbrush?

If you’re experiencing discomfort or inadequate cleaning, consider switching to a toothbrush with softer bristles or an electric toothbrush for improved results.

How often do I need professional cleanings?

Professional cleanings should be scheduled every six months, but some individuals with specific dental conditions may require more frequent visits.

Why do my gums bleed when I brush?

Gums bleed when brushing due to inflammation caused by plaque buildup or improper brushing technique. Maintain consistent oral hygiene and use a soft-bristle toothbrush with gentle pressure to reduce bleeding.

Do dentists recommend soft or medium toothbrushes?

Most dentists and dental hygienists recommend using a soft-bristled toothbrush for daily brushing. Soft bristles are gentle on the gums and teeth, and they are less likely to cause damage or irritation than medium or hard bristles.

Consult with Dr. Dalesandro & Associates

Dr. Dalesandro & Associates are exceptionally qualified Tucson dentists to care for all your general, emergency, and preventative dentistry needs.

In addition, our staff of Dental Hygienists and Dental Assistants are warm and professional. Plus, we serve multiple family members, from young children to adults. Whatever your needs from preventative care, to restorative such as cavity fillings, to even emergency first aid services for accidents, we do it all.

The Family Dental Practice Tucson Trusts

Dr. Dalesandro & Associates

At our Tucson dentist office we strive to make our clients feel safe and proud of their smiles! We keep our dental office clean and ready for your appointment.

Contact us today and set up your first visit with the Dr. Dalesandro dental care team by continuing to explore our website.