{"id":113,"date":"2016-01-09T11:32:56","date_gmt":"2016-01-09T11:32:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.foreo.com\/mysa\/?p=113"},"modified":"2022-05-24T09:19:21","modified_gmt":"2022-05-24T09:19:21","slug":"your-guide-whiter-brighter-smile","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.foreo.com\/mysa\/your-guide-whiter-brighter-smile\/","title":{"rendered":"Your Guide to a Whiter, Brighter Smile"},"content":{"rendered":"
Ready to smile a little wider?<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
According to a survey by Harris Interactive, 89% of adults<\/a> identified a bright or white smile as a key component in making a good first impression. Of course, this isn\u2019t really news; the value of a bright smile is probably something that you\u2019ve known all along. The makers of teeth-whitening systems <\/a>know it too, and the market is flooded with products all claiming to be the perfect solution to the problem of having less-than-radiant teeth. In fact, whiter teeth is the number-one thing that most dental patients would change about their smiles, with approximately 90% <\/a>of dental patients requesting some form of whitening service.<\/p>\n However, even if every teeth-whitening product claims to be the end-all answer to your cuspid conundrum, the truth is that not all teeth-whitening products are alike. Some are safer, more economical, and achieve faster and better results than others, and some are basically snake oil and baking soda. Finding something that can actually get the job done can be a difficult endeavor, which brings us to that all important question:<\/p>\n To clear up the confusion and address any questions or concerns you may have about how to whiten teeth, we\u2019ve provided this helpful guide to a whiter, brighter smile.<\/p>\n In searching for the best way to whiten teeth, it\u2019s important not to overlook the role of good tooth care in promoting not just a healthy smile, but also a healthy you<\/em>.<\/p>\n Studies show<\/a> a strong correlation between the health of your mouth and the overall health of the rest of your body. In fact, a clear relationship has been shown between gum disease and health complications such as stroke and heart disease. In addition, dry mouth, mouth ulcers, and excessive gum problems can be oral manifestations of much more serious systemic diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers. Additionally, these issues<\/a> show up more frequently in women than men.<\/p>\n Practicing good oral hygiene begins with brushing regularly<\/a> with a properly designed toothbrush<\/a>, such as the ISSA<\/a> electric toothbrush with Sonic Pulse Technology. Flossing routinely, along with getting regular dental checkups, are also important in making sure that the teeth you plan to whiten are straight, strong, and healthy, and that the rest of you remains healthy as well.<\/p>\n We see it ourselves as we interact with people every day. Unfair though it may be, those with whiter teeth are generally better regarded than those whose teeth are stained and yellowed. At the same time, people with bright, white teeth have greater self-esteem and tend to smile more when interacting with others. Flashing your bright smile frequently will make you appear happier, more attractive, and more self-confident to everyone you come in contact with.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The primary causes of superficial tooth-enamel discoloration are many and varied. Stain-causing foods and beverages such as coffee, tea, wine, cola drinks, sports drinks, hard candies, berries, and tomato sauce have all been linked to tooth discoloration. The use of tobacco products is also a contributing factor to tooth discoloration. Even for those who manage to avoid all of these potential triggers, things such as age or even genetics may still cause teeth to darken.<\/p>\n Peroxide bleaching trays first found their way into dental offices in the late 1980\u2019s. Since that time, teeth whitening has become a multi-billion dollar industry and a number of myths and misconceptions about teeth-whitening products and processes have emerged.<\/p>\n To help you in your search for the best teeth-whitening product or system for you, here\u2019s a look at the pro\u2019s and con\u2019s of various whitening methods and products, in an effort to help you separate fact from fiction:<\/p>\n As mentioned above, a number of dietary foods and beverages contribute to discolored teeth. And while avoiding many of these items, such as tobacco products, coffee, tea, cola, and sports drinks is one solution, some of the items on the list, such as berries and tomato sauces, are loaded with health promoting antioxidants<\/a>. These should be used in moderation as opposed to being strictly cut out of your diet.<\/p>\n Using a straw, swallowing promptly, and swishing with water can all help to protect teeth from prolonged exposure to stain causing foods and beverages in your diet.<\/p>\n As for foods that may help the whitening process, strawberries, nuts, apples, oranges, pears, hard cheeses, celery, carrots, and even broccoli are examples of foods that are said to have various teeth-whitening properties.<\/p>\n Just as there are many factors at play when it comes to discoloring teeth, so too is it possible to whiten a smile with simple, everyday items. Naturally, these home remedies<\/a> aren\u2019t always as effective for some people as they are for others, but some might well be worth a try. Here are a few to consider.<\/p>\n This whitening remedy combines the mildly abrasive and acid-neutralizing properties of baking soda with the purported natural bleaching properties of lemon juice.<\/p>\n D<\/strong>irections: <\/strong>Mix several teaspoons of baking soda with enough fresh lemon juice to form a paste,and apply to teeth with a toothbrush. Rinse after one minute.<\/p>\n Effectiveness: <\/strong>While the abrasive properties of baking soda may be of some benefit, the whitening effects of lemon juice are marginal at best, and the acidic nature of the lemon juice, which the baking soda is supposed to counteract, may still cause erosion of the enamel over time.<\/p>\n High in vitamin C, which can break down discoloring plaque, and malic acid, which is said to help remove surface stains, strawberries are the main ingredient in this homemade remedy. Salt\u2019s abrasive properties and baking soda\u2019s buffering abilities also play a supporting role.<\/p>\nHow do you choose the best teeth-whitening solution for you?<\/h3>\n
The Importance of Good Tooth Care<\/strong><\/h2>\n
How White Teeth Affect Your Appearance<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Causes of Tooth Discoloration<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Ways to Whiten Teeth<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Dietary Changes<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Homemade Whitening Remedies<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Baking soda + lemon juice paste<\/em><\/strong><\/h4>\n
Strawberry + salt + baking soda<\/em><\/strong><\/h4>\n