5 Natural Ways To Brighten Your Teeth

When someone greets you, the first thing they notice is your grin. However, as you age and develop other habits, you may notice a yellowing of your teeth. While a cosmetic dentist can perform a whitening procedure in the office, you can incorporate all-natural teeth whitening products into your daily home regimen.

What Causes Teeth to Appear Discolored?

Many factors can contribute to yellowish or gray teeth, including:

  • Coffee
  • Tea
  • Soda
  • Wine
  • Tobacco
  • Age
  • Poor dental hygiene
  • Medication

Furthermore, if you are undergoing orthodontic treatment, the coloured ties you choose for your metal braces may cause your teeth to change colour. Experiment with different colour combinations to see which one makes your pearly whites sparkle the brightest!

How to Get White Teeth Naturally

There are several alternatives for teeth whitening, including over-the-counter treatments and premium professional teeth whitening procedures. However, there are several natural methods to keep your smile bright in between treatments.
 

1. Baking Soda

Does baking soda help to whiten teeth? Baking soda is well-known for its excellent cleaning properties, therefore you may be asking how to whiten your teeth with baking soda. Since it is a mild abrasive and natural whitener that is commonly found in dental products. Just make sure to consult with your dentist to determine whether it is something you should include in your dental regimen.

2. Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen Peroxide is a mild bleach that is frequently used in professional teeth whitening treatments. If you’re concerned about tooth discoloration, your dentist may advise you to use a mouthwash or toothpaste containing hydrogen peroxide to keep your smile looking bright. 

3. Coconut Oil

When it comes to teeth whitening, oil pulling is a contentious topic. Is coconut oil good for tooth whitening? Some people believe that swishing the oil around in your mouth for around 10-15 minutes might help eliminate germs that cause discolouration.

Several studies have found significant reductions in plaque and gingival indices after oil pulling with coconut oil. These findings suggest that coconut oil may aid in the maintenance of white teeth.

4. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple Cider Vinegar is a powerful health treatment for a variety of ailments, but can it help whiten your teeth? When used sparingly, a few swishes of diluted vinegar will efficiently destroy germs and decrease plaque.

While vinegar may be used to whiten teeth, according to several published research studies white vinegar can cause enamel damage in comparison to apple cider vinegar. Make sure you’re using the appropriate sort of vinegar, and always check with your dentist before using any natural whitening remedy.

5. Activated Charcoal

Another natural teeth whitening solution that is gaining favour as a technique to brighten your smile is charcoal. However, there is insufficient scientific evidence to support whether activated charcoal is as efficient as other techniques of tooth whitening.

Another natural teeth whitening solution that is gaining favour as a technique to brighten your smile is charcoal. However, there is insufficient scientific evidence to support whether activated charcoal is as efficient as other techniques of tooth whitening.

How Much Does It Cost To Whiten Teeth?

The cost of teeth whitening is determined by the treatment you select as well as the degree of discoloration. Although professional whitening procedures are more expensive than over-the-counter home kits, they whiten teeth faster, more effectively, and for a longer period of time.Get your oral health back on track! To make an appointment, please contact us right away.

10 Tips To Ease Your Dental Anxiety.

If the notion of seeing the dentist makes you feel sick, you’re not alone! Dental fear is a genuine problem, but it is extremely treatable. Continue reading to learn 10 dental anxiety-relieving ideas for your next dental appointment.

1. Look for a dental practice that caters to dental phobia.

Because dental anxiety is so widespread, many dentists make efforts to reduce it. When scheduling your appointment, inquire about how your dental practice handles dental anxiety.

2. Don’t go on your first dental appointment alone.

You will feel more at ease if you know that someone you know is with you.

3. Arrive on time but not too early.

The last thing you want is to have to wait a long time to visit the dentist since this will only increase your anxiety. So bring something to read to keep yourself occupied while you wait.

4. Use some relaxation techniques like music or breathing exercises.

When you find a successful relaxing strategy, you’ll be astonished at how much power you have over your anxiety.  If your dental concerns are related to the sounds of the drills and other dental instruments. You can listen to music through headphones during the visit that will blackout noise and focus on soothing and relaxing sounds you enjoy. However, some people’s dental anxiety manifests as irregular breathing patterns.  it might be helpful to try breathing exercises but simply making an effort to take constant deep breaths can  relieve stress and help the patient feel more comfortable 

  5. Ask your dentist for appropriate sedation options.

Painless dentistry is a reality, and it is the dentist’s obligation to make sure you are not uncomfortable while the dentist is working in your mouth.

During a dental procedure, sedation dentistry involves the use of medications to assist the patient to relax and experience less pain and anxiety. Ask your dentist whether this is a service they provide since it might help you feel more at ease during your dental appointment.

6. Ask questions.

During a procedure, don’t be scared to ask the dentist to clarify what they’re doing. Often, just hearing a calming voice is enough to get you through dental procedures.

7. Take breaks.

Ensure that you take as many breaks as you require. When it’s required, a caring dental team will allow you to unwind.  You can work out a way to use hand signals to get the attention of the dental professional during a procedure. By developing a hand signal  you can signal your dentist when you feel you need a break especially if you are listening to music during your treatment 

 

8. Make your next appointment before you leave the office.

If you don’t have to call the office to make a follow-up appointment, you’re more likely to attend.

Visit North Bramalea Dental

Here at our dental practice, we help our patients feel more comfortable and relaxed by creating a friendly environment. Use these dental anxiety strategies to help you get through your next appointment, and you’ll have a healthy smile when you get back. Our friendly dental professionals are more than happy to answer your questions and address your dental anxiety concerns 

Patients in Brampton and the surrounding areas receive great dental treatment from North Bramalea Dental. Make an appointment with us now for gentle and sensitive care.

TMJ Awareness Month: All You Need To Know

What is TMJ 

 The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) acts like a hinge connecting your jaw bone to your skull, one on each side of your head. It is a ball and socket joint with an intervening disc, that works together with supporting jaw muscles and ligaments to help you chew swallow, and even speak.

 What Is TMJ Disorder?

 TMJ disorder can cause pain when moving your jaw. The pain can be felt in the joints and muscles that are used. 

Symptoms Of TMD

  •  Painful and or difficulty chewing.
  •  Stiffness or locking of the jaw.
  • Pain in the TMJ or jaw muscles.
  • Clicking or popping of the joint.
  • Limitations in jaw movement.
  • Headaches, especially in the temples.

 What Causes TMD?

 There could be multiple causes of TMD including :

  •  Stress or injury.
  •  A misaligned bite.
  •  Orthodontic treatment.
  •  Teeth grinding. 
  • Arthritis or degenerative bone defects.
  • Poor posture.

When To See A Doctor 

If you have persistent pain in your jaw or have issues opening or closing your jaw you should see a doctor immediately to discuss possible treatments. To eliminate prolonged pain we suggest eating softer foods, avoiding repetitive movements such as gum chewing, ice chip chewing, or eating sticky foods, and wearing a fitted night guard to reduce tension from teeth grinding or clenching 

What Can You Do To Relieve TMJ Pain?

 If you have been experiencing some or all of these symptoms and still haven’t found a permanent solution, do not despair! Our doctor can offer a fresh approach to treating the root cause not just your symptoms.

 Here are five self-care steps you can do at home to prevent and relieve the symptoms of TMJ disorder:

  1. Avoid overworking the jaw joint by eating hard foods or chewing gum.
  2. Try gently massaging the muscles to release tension.
  3.  Implement a mid daily exercise routine.
  4. Earn stress-reducing techniques.
  5. If you are in front of a computer all day maintain good posture by taking short breaks to rest your arms and loosen up your back and neck muscles.

Can North Bramalea Dental help with TMJ Disorder?

 Your symptoms could improve by applying the self-care steps. However, to treat and eliminate the root cause of TMJ disorder, schedule a visit with our qualified dentist who specializes in the proper examination and diagnosis of the TMJ joint. Contact us to start your treatment today. 

How To Tell If You Have A Bad Bite

Overbite and underbite are terms you’ve undoubtedly heard before. If left untreated, a misaligned or poor bite can be both unpleasant and lead to future issues. There are numerous indicators that you may have a poor bite and should schedule an appointment with your orthodontist to receive treatment.

What Is A Good Bite?

If you have a healthy bite, you should be able to completely close your teeth, feel your top and bottom teeth come together at the same moment, and it should be painless and pleasant. Changes in these sensations might suggest an issue with your bite.

Signs Of A Good Bite

1. Pain-Free

If you have pain in your jaw bone or the muscles around your jaw, it might be a sign that your bite is incorrect.

2. Teeth Evenness

If your teeth are aligned and symmetrical on the upper and lower jawbone lines, it’s a good indicator that your bite is in good shape.

3. Tongue

Your tongue can be a good predictor of a terrible bite. If your bite is bad, there’s a good possibility your tongue will be cut or nicked on the sides, leading to exposed sores that are more likely to become infected.

What Makes Up A Bad Bite?

  • Genetics
  • Thumb sucking  and pacifiers
  • Lost teeth, extra teeth, or impacted teeth 
  • Birth defects like cleft palates 
  • Differences in the size of your teeth 

Symptoms & Signs That You Have A Bad Bite?

It may be clear to some individuals that you have a terrible bite, but it may not be so obvious to others. The following are some of the telling signs:

1. TMJ Symptoms

Pain while moving your jaw, stiffness, discomfort, and clicking noises when opening and closing your mouth are all signs of TMJ.

2. Headache

Because headaches may be caused by a variety of causes, they may not appear to be a glaring indication of a misaligned bite, but they are a symptom. When your bite is out of line, the muscles that move your jaw are likely to be tight and strained. This stress can cause headaches ranging from moderate to severe.

3. Trouble Speaking

If you have difficulty pronouncing or enunciating particular phrases due to stiffness in your jaw, you may have a misaligned bite.

4. Grinding Your Teeth

Teeth grinding is a severe problem that can have negative repercussions for your smile. Grinding your teeth can also cause jaw discomfort and headaches.

5. Your Dentist Takes Notice

This is the final warning sign; if something doesn’t fit quite right, your dentist will let you know at your check-up. Even though your smile appears to be in good shape, your dentist’s skilled eye may be able to detect teeth that aren’t fitting together properly. 

How To Fix A Bad Bite?

As a result, aligning your jaw can only be done with orthodontic intervention. Fixing a misaligned bite is a complicated task, so transparent aligners like Invisalign might not be the best choice. When it comes to putting enough pressure on the teeth to straighten the jaw, braces are the greatest choice, and elastics are the finest method to do it. However, consulting an orthodontist is the best method to tell for sure if you have a poor bite. Only orthodontists are qualified to correct your teeth, jaw, mouth, and face. If you suspect your bite is wrong after reading this article, schedule an appointment at north Bramalea dental to have your jaw evaluated right away!