Apple, Celery & Carrot: These healthy fruits and veggies act like natural stain removers by increasing saliva production, which serves as the mouth’s self-cleaning agent. They also may kill bacteria that causes bad breath, and their crunch factor works to scrub teeth clean.

“ One 2008 study found toothpastes that contain baking soda — long considered a tooth-whitening home remedy — do a better job of removing plaque than toothpastes without the ingredient.”

Orange & Pineapple: Eating tart fruits such as oranges and pineapples may cause the mouth to produce more saliva, which washes teeth clean naturally. Beware of using lemons directly on teeth, because too much acidity can damage teeth.

Source: www.aarp.org

Americans spend billions on teeth whitening products annually, and in dentists’ offices, bleaching is the most requested procedure among patients aged 40 to 60, according to a survey conducted by the ADA. Teeth whitening toothpaste is now more popular than any other kind.

“ In a 2002 University of Southern California School of Dentistry survey of 100 people, 50% experienced mild to moderate sensitivity after using an over-the-counter-strength whitening gel.”

Dentists all around the world are working hard to identify who makes a good candidate for teeth whitening and who should skip the procedure. The answers are becoming more clear but researchers are also uncovering what may be the true hazard of whitening- overuse of chemicals inside the whitening products.

Source: www.scarsdaledentistry.com

Causes of papillae hypertrophy or inflammation include, for example:

1. Poor oral hygiene
2. Dry mouth
3. Dehydration
4. Smoking or other oral tobacco use
5. Alcohol use (excessive)
6. Mouth breathing
7. Low roughage diet (eating mostly soft or mashed foods)
8. Mechanical irritation from sharp tooth edges or dental appliances
9. Fever

“Mechanical irritation from sharp tooth edges or dental appliances might be a prior symptom.”

Examples of conditions associated with white patches or other discolorations of your tongue include the use of certain medications, such as prolonged use of antibiotics that may bring on an oral yeast infection.

Source: www.mayoclinic.org

Boil and bite mouth protectors also can be bought at many sporting goods stores and may offer a better fit than stock mouth protectors. The “boil and bite” mouth guard is made from thermoplastic material. It is placed in hot water to soften, then placed in the mouth and shaped around the teeth using finger and tongue pressure.?

“ Generally, mouth guards cover your upper teeth only, but in some instances (such as if you wear braces or another fixed dental appliance on your lower jaw), your dentist will make a mouth guard for the lower teeth as well. ”

Custom-fitted mouth protectors are individually designed and made in a dental office or a professional laboratory based on your dentist’s instructions. First, your dentist will make an impression of your teeth and a mouth guard is then molded over the model using a special material.

Source: www.webmd.com

A number of things can cause your gums to be too low or too high. Gums that cover a large portion of your teeth can make your teeth look small. This may be the result of genetics, a particular health problem, or taking certain prescription drugs.

“ Not only can gum recession make your teeth look long, it can lead to serious dental problems such as decay and tooth loss. ”

Gums that are too high and make your teeth appear long are often caused by gum recession, a condition in which gum tissue pulls back from a tooth and exposes the tooth‘s root.

Source: www.webmd.com

Salmon has a ton of Omega fatty acids, so it’s good for your body in general. But did you know it’s also good for your teeth, too? Salmon contains a significant level of vitamin D and calcium as well as those wonderful omega fatty acids. To have healthy teeth, you also need regular servings of vitamin D and calcium to keep your teeth healthy.

“ Celery is a treat for your teeth and gums because chewing the celery stalk gives your teeth a good workout. Because you have to chew celery stalks quite a bit before you can swallow them, your mouth produces plenty of saliva. ”

The calcium strengthens bones and teeth. And vitamin D enables the body to absorb the calcium you ingest adequately. So, adding a regular serving of salmon to your diet will benefit your overall body health.

Source: www.springfieldvirginiadentist.com

Think of the general dentist as the general practitioner when it comes to medicine, this healthcare professional can diagnose, treat and manage your oral health needs such as root canals, gums, fillings, crowns, veneers, bridges and can give you general recommendations.

“ This healthcare professional focuses on taking and interpreting X-ray imageology and useful data that comes out of these images, in order to help diagnose and manage conditions of the oral and maxillofacial region.”

The endodontist is a specialist in the care, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of the myriad of diseases and conditions that affect human dental pulp and the nerve of the tooth.

Source: www.loopdent.com

But these are exactly the kind of things you might experience at a holistic dental office, sometimes called integrative or biological dentistry. Get to know how this approach is different from traditional means we’re used to and if you would want to try it for yourself.

“ All holistic dentists either have a degree of doctor of medical dentistry or a doctor of dental surgery. “

They try to treat oral problems considering the patient’s overall health and wellbeing. They pursue higher education to provide a safer, non-toxic treatment for patients wanting a more natural approach to their oral health.

Source: www.kyrenefamilydentistry.com

The #1 reason people avoid going to the dentist? Fear. In fact, three out of four adults report at least some anxiety when facing a dental visit, from feeling slightly afraid to feeling terrified, according to the Dental Fears Research Clinic. Approach the issue gingerly and ask your husband if he feels anxious about going to the dentist.

“ Common sources of dental anxiety include the fear of pain or injections, the sound of drills and other instruments, lying flat in the chair, and simply that lack of control that comes with being at the mercy of someone else.”

You may be rebuked at first, but be persistent. It’s actually quite common for men to feel fear due to the lack of control they experience in situations like dental visits. In a society that puts a lot of pressure on men to be in control and never show emotion, it’s no wonder your guy is having a hard time admitting this.

Source: www.demetrioudmd.com

According to the Mayo Clinic, children will lose their first teeth around the age of 6. The timing varies from child to child; make sure that you do visit your dentist if your child loses a tooth prematurely due to an accident or tooth decay, especially since the latter scenario could indicate a bigger problem.

“ Furthermore, when a primary tooth falls out prematurely, your child’s permanent tooth may not have enough room to come in properly.”

A tooth can sometimes take a few days or even a few months to fall out once you or your child notices that it’s loose. The length of time that it takes to fall out depends on how quickly the tooth root will dissolve or absorb. It also depends on how much your little one wiggles it.

Source: www.colgate.com