New Study: Changing lighting can cut anxiety for children at the Dentist.

A trip to the dentist can be an anxious experience for children, but changing the lighting, adding soothing music and other sensory changes may help.

In an upcoming issue of the Journal of Pediatrics, researchers in Israel compared anxiety levels among 35 children who took two routine cleaning visits to the dentists.

The children were between the ages of six and 11. Sixteen of the children had developmental disabilities, which may make them more prone to anxiety because of the sounds, smells and lights of a dentist’s office.

Dr. Michele Shapiro of the Issie Shapiro Educational Center and colleagues from Hebrew University measured anxiety levels of the children during the visits. The researchers used a behaviour checklist and monitored electrodermal activity, an objective measure of arousal.

The first trip was like a regular visit to the dentist, with fluorescent lighting and an overhead dental tamp.

In the second trip, researchers changed the setup so there was no overhead lighting, a slow moving, repetitive colour lamp was added and the dental hygienist wore a special LED headlamp that shone light into the child’s mouth.

The children also listened to soothing music and wore a heavy vest designed to feel like a hug. The dental chair itself was modified to vibrate.

All of the children showed lower anxiety levels under the new setup. “This new approach may even replace sedatives and other invasive procedures in the future,” said Shapiro.

Anxious behaviour didn’t last as long, dropping from an average of 3.69 minutes to 1.48 minutes in typical children. Among those with developmental disability, the change was even greater, with the average time for anxious behaviour dropping from 23.44 minutes to 9.04 minutes, the researchers said.

Don’t forget to look for Toronto Dentists who provide  specialized care for your children.

After years of grinding, chomping, and chewing, your once-pearly whites may have seen better days. The gloss of lustrous white enamel has faded, exposing the natural yellow layer beneath. Add to that a lifetime’s worth of pigments from coffee, tea, red wine, and soda that have gotten lodged in tiny cracks in your teeth. The result: that unattractive yellowish-brown tint that’s made tooth whitening one of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures in the United States.

Nearly all cosmetic dentists offer whitening treatments and the number of procedures they perform has jumped about 50 percent each year since 2005, according to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. More people are also turning to cosmetic enhancements beyond whitening, such as bonding and veneers, which can improve both the function and appearance of crooked, chipped, or worn-down teeth.

Cosmetic options abound. To decide which may be right for you, experts say, see a dentist for an evaluation. “Any tooth decay, cavities, periodontal disease, and root or gum recession will have to be resolved before going ahead with whitening,” says Matthew Messina, a consumer adviser to the American Dental Association.

Sometimes, he adds, just correcting those issues can improve the color and appearance of teeth. When that’s not enough, dentists can make additional improvements using well-tested whiteners or prosthetics. But an informed do-it-yourself approach may be cheaper and, ultimately, just as effective.

Whether applied at home or in a professional’s office, reputable whitening products use peroxides, chemicals that release oxygen bubbles to lift out staining pigments and debris. Where whiteners differ is in their peroxide concentrations, the time they take to work, and, of course, cost.

Whitening toothpastes.

Supermarkets and pharmacies offer a dizzying array of whitening pastes for less than $10 a tube. Crest alone boasts seven varieties of toothpaste whiteners. Colgate has eight. And that’s not even counting the number of different flavors (Caribbean cool, anyone?), gels, baking sodas, and 2-in-1 paste/mouthwashes that promise to brighten your smile. But do they really work? “It depends on the active ingredient,” says Laura Kelly, president of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.

Only some brands contain a peroxide, and those that do have very low concentrations—usually 1 to 2 percent. That’s enough to remove surface stains and give teeth a good outer cleaning but not enough to make tooth shades whiter. “They’re more effective at maintaining your shine after you’ve undergone stronger in-office or at-home whitening treatments,” says Kenton Ross, a spokesperson for the Academy of General Dentistry.

Over-the-counter (OTC) whitening products.

The best-known OTC whiteners are strips—thin, cellophane-like tape that adheres directly to the teeth—and gel-filled trays, both falling in the $15-to-$50 range. The bleaching agent in these products can cause irritation or blotching if it comes in contact with the lips or gums, says Ross.

To minimize that problem, manufacturers keep peroxide concentrations low, which means you should expect relatively slow, modest results. “The OTC products are ideal for someone going to prom in a week or needing a little touch up here and there,” says Messina.

In-office whitening.

You’ll fetch the most dramatic improvement in the shortest time with bleaching procedures done at a dentist’s office. But convenience and results come at a price—often between $500 and $1,000 and even more in major metropolitan areas.

Some products, including Zoom and BriteSmile, make use of a high-intensity blue light or laser that purportedly activates the highly concentrated hydrogen peroxide solution and speeds up the process, but it’s debatable whether such flashy extras make a difference. In studies, researchers such as Bruce Matis, the director of clinical research at Indiana University School of Dentistry, have found that they don’t.

With minimal home follow-up care, in-office bleaching can last for up to five years. However, teeth are vulnerable to restaining shortly after the procedure, so Messina recommends a “white diet” for the first few days: fish, chicken, rice, and water.

At-home whitening.

Those looking for in-office results at a lower price can use a dentist-supervised “at-home” treatment. Patients get a custom-fit tray and a whitening gel that’s about a third as strong as the solutions used in offices. “Most at-home kits need to be worn once or twice a day, about an hour each time, and up to two weeks,” says Ross. Costing $200 to $400, the kits work as well as or better than in-office treatments, according to Matis.

In studies, he has found that at-home treatments outperform all tested in-office products. To prevent restaining, which is most likely to occur during and just after the treatment period, users of the kits need to avoid pigment-laden substances like cola, coffee, and tobacco smoke.

The most common side effect of all whitening treatments—tooth sensitivity—will usually resolve within a day or two, says Ross. In rare instances, the discomfort can cause a dentist to cut short a treatment.

Bonding.

Made of a pliable composite resin that hardens in place, bonding is a good option for small repairs like fixing chipped teeth, whitening a single tooth, closing gaps, or creating a straighter appearance. The bonding material, says Kelly, will “match the exact color shade of your tooth, blending into the natural structure.”

Because it’s typically meant for touch-up jobs, it tends to cost less—between $300 and $600 per tooth—than other cosmetic options, like crowns, bridges, and veneers. And unlike veneers, bonding is often covered by insurance, especially if it corrects a structural, rather than merely cosmetic, problem. But just as teeth can stain, so can bonding material.

Veneers.

Extreme cases of discoloration, or misaligned or worn-down teeth, may warrant veneers instead of whitening, crowns, or bonding. Usually made of porcelain, veneers are designed to mimic the bright white enamel and shape of healthy teeth and are cemented directly onto the surface of the teeth.

They’re more expensive than most other cosmetic options, costing $700 to more than $2,000 a tooth, but they last for decades with very little upkeep. And because they come with a stain-resistant coating, veneers, at least, will stay white forever.

Toronto Dentist

If you’ve ever wondered why so many individuals in public life have such perfect smiles, you might be surprised to find out how many of them have had cosmetic dental work!

If you already have crowns on your front teeth, replacement with all porcelain jacket crowns may give you a more natural, attractive appearance. Or think about cosmetic repositioning as an alternative to orthodontics with the placement of porcelain veneers as seen below.

Cosmetic Repositioning

Porcelain veneers and crowns are extremely lifelike and hold their brilliance, unlike bonding which often appears bulky or fake. Although porcelain is an extremely translucent material, it is also very strong. Porcelain veneers and crowns are permanent restorations, and they can be expected to last for many years. Also, there are no food restrictions - once they are cemented you can eat normally (apples, corn on the cob, etc.) - porcelain simply covers the imperfections in your own smile!

Porcelain jacket crowns and laminate veneers both require two office visits. At the first appointment we remove any old bonding and prepare the teeth. We also take impressions and choose the shade and shape of the porcelain. When you leave the office, temporary bonding is used to cover the prepared teeth. Approximately one week later, the porcelain veneers or crowns are permanently cemented at the second appointment.

You may find the solution to your individual dental problem by viewing the before and after photos of our patients who have had cosmetic dentistry improve their smiles. With digital imaging software, we can show you how cosmetic dentistry can improve your smile before you begin treatment.

Overview

The 20th century saw huge advances in dentistry and major improvements in oral health. Caries and the periodontal diseases have been brought under control, fewer teeth are restored or extracted and the longevity of the natural dentition has been extended for many more people. Improved oral hygiene has been a major contributor to this — great news for both public health and individual’s quality of life.

However, dental practitioners are now seeing a paradox: these healthier longer-lasting teeth are showing signs of increasing tooth wear. In Europe, dental professionals consider acid erosion as the primary cause.

Acid erosion is strongly linked to the consumption of acidic foods and drinks. Acids demineralise and soften the tooth surface making it more susceptible to abrasion, particularly by toothbrushing with or without toothpaste.

In its early stages tooth wear is often thought to be harmless. However as it progresses tooth wear can result in dentine hypersensitivity, loss of tooth shape and colour, and may require complex restorative intervention. Yet many people remain unaware of the consequences of tooth wear and the measures that can be taken to protect teeth from this slow and insidious process.

At the 2005 FDI World Dental Congress international experts reviewed the prevalence, aetiology, diagnosis, pathophysiology, and management of tooth wear in front of a record audience of over 900 dental professionals. There was agreement that acid erosion is becoming a significant issue.

Causes

The awareness of tooth wear has increased markedly over recent years. Much of this is linked to changes in diet and oral care

1. Teeth are lasting longer

Increased success by dentistry in the control of caries and periodontal diseases has extended the longevity of the natural dentition. Healthier unrestored teeth are exposed for longer to the gradual processes of everyday wear.

2. The modern diet paradox

Modern diets are often rich in acids from a wide range of sources. Notably, many fruits, fruit juices and wine - have a low pH, sufficient to soften and demineralise enamel surfaces at approx pH 5.5 and below, and dentine at pH 6.5 and below, depending upon other factors such as titratable acidity, and calcium, phosphate and fluoride content.

Acid temporarily softens the surface of the enamel. It is a process normally mitigated by the natural action of saliva due to the presence of calcium, but frequent or prolonged acidic encounters leave less time for remineralisation to occur. In this weakened state, surface enamel is prone to wear from the abrasive action of toothpaste and tooth brushing.

Signs and Diagnosis

Everyone with natural teeth is likely to develop some signs of tooth wear, but many patients are unlikely to be aware that it is happening to them until it has reached an advanced stage.

Currently, dental erosion normally only reaches a diagnostic threshold when restorative dentistry is indicated. Improving recognition of the early signs and symptoms is crucial if effective preventative measures are to be taken.

The pathophysiology of acid erosion.

At any stage of dental erosion, dentine hypersensitivity may occur. This could range from infrequent twinges during consumption of hot, cold or sweet foods, through to fairly continuous sensitivity readily provoked by the mildest of stimuli. Occasional sensitivity may well go unreported by the patient during routine examinations.

Prevention

Early intervention is key. Increased vigilance during routine examinations together with lifestyle advice can slow the progression of symptoms.

Due to the range of potential causes, options for tackling tooth wear should ideally be tailored to an individual’s circumstances. Ask the patient whether they swill carbonated drinks around their mouth or retain food or drinks in their mouth for extended periods. Enquire after tooth brushing habits, and possible gastric conditions involving heartburn (oesophageal reflux).

Once clinical examination has identified the key factors, and a differential diagnosis of acid erosion has been made, recommendations may include:

• Reduce or eliminate intake of carbonated drinks
• Cease retaining acidic foods and drinks inside the mouth
• Chew gum or suck a sugar-free lozenge to encourage saliva production and protect enamel, or eat a piece of cheese after an acidic meal
• Leave brushing of teeth for at least one hour after consuming acidic food or drink
• Brush with a soft toothbrush, using a low-abrasion, low-acidity, high-fluoride dentifrice

Acid erosion and abrasion

The next time your children get cavities, they might get tooth regeneration instead of fillings.

That’s because materials scientists are beginning to find just the right solutions of chemicals to rebuild decayed teeth, rather than merely patching their holes. Enamel and dentin, the materials that make teeth the strongest pieces of the body, would replace the gold or ceramic fillings that currently return teeth to working order.

“What we’re hoping to have happen is to catch [decaying teeth] early and remineralize them,” said Sally Marshall, a professor at the University of California at San Francisco. Marshall gave a talk last week at the spring meeting of the Materials Research Society on rebuilding the inner portions of teeth.

While regrowing your uncle’s toothless grin from scratch is still a decade away, the ability to use some of the body’s own building materials for oral repair would be a boon to dentists, who have been fixing cavities with metal fillings since the 1840s. Enamel and dentin are remarkably strong and long-lasting, and they can repair themselves. But as scientists are continuing to find out, dentin in particular is a remarkably complex structure.

The outer covering of teeth is enamel. The body makes it by growing tiny mineral crystals in a highly regular crystal lattice. Underneath that ceramic-like covering, dentin is like hard clay reinforced by fibers of collagen, similar to the way adobe bricks contain clay reinforced by straw fibers.

“The tooth is a beautiful structure,” said Van Thompson, dentistry professor and chairman of New York University’s Department of Biomaterials and Biomimetics.

But teeth, because they are made from minerals, are susceptible to what is essentially erosion. Acids, like those produced by bacteria or Coca-Cola, demineralize the enamel of the teeth. Usually the body is constantly repairing small amounts of damage, Marshall said. But when the body’s defenses become overwhelmed, bacteria break through into the dentin below, and you get tooth decay, commonly called a cavity.

The acid produced by the bacteria eats into the minerals in the dentin, turning it mushy and useless. Normal dentin is twice as stiff as pinewood, but damaged dentin is more like rubber, which makes it pretty hard to chew with.

Marshall’s newest work, which has been accepted for publication in the Journal of Structural Biology, focuses on regrowing dentin in damaged teeth with the help of a calcium-containing solution of ions (electrically charged particles).

By putting a layer of the solution on individual test teeth, Marshall has already been able to remineralize some parts of the teeth. The challenge is to get the crystals to regrow throughout the dentin.

To heal properly, the crystals need to form from the bottom of the tooth up to the enamel. Marshall isn’t sure whether that’s happening yet, but she is confident that she’ll find a way to restore dentin functionality over the next few years.

Stephen Bayne, professor of dentistry at the University of Michigan, noted that while many groups are working on regrowing teeth, Marshall has “incredible stature” in dentistry for her groundbreaking work helping dentists understand the structure of the tooth.

Still, even with the recent progress, the very complexity that Marshall and other researchers have discovered in the humble tooth is likely to keep her technique out of your local dentist’s office for a few more years.

“We’re still a ways from being able to grow back dentin and enamel,” Bayne said.

Toronto Dentist

Many of the underlying causes of sleep apnea can presently be tackled with by a sleep apnea dentist; there is even a medical branch known as dental sleep dentistry that has known an increase in the number of specialists over the last decade. Medical practice has shown that sleep apnea may be caused by certain dental and mandibular problems that can be corrected by the surgical or non-surgical intervention of a dentist. Thus, there are all sorts of dental appliances used for the maintenance of a proper opening of the airways and only a sleep apnea dentist can recommend and design one for you.

In case the apnea patient suffers from a jaw deformity or mandibular deficiency that prevents the correct opening of the airways in a deep relaxation state, a sleep apnea dentist will have to create a special appliance to be worn at night. Such a device would either pull the tongue forward or adjust the position of the jaw so that the air flow may pass unhindered towards the lungs. It should be said nevertheless, that the apnea dentist solutions usually work for the mild and moderate sleep breathing cessation problems, as the more severe cases require other forms of medical intervention.

After close medical investigations a sleep apnea dentist will tell you what type of oral device best matches your condition. The two most popular such devices include the splint and the mandibular advancement device. The former holds the tongue in a position that allows the air to pass unhindered; this is mainly used for people who suffer from apnea caused by too large a tongue as compared to the diameter of the airways. The latter is a device that forces the jaw in a lower position, thus creating enough room for the air flow; the only problem with the mandibular device consists in the eventual jaw pain after its usage.

Regular visits to the sleep apnea dentist may be necessary particularly if you experience discomfort after the trial period is over. If you don’t get used to an oral apnea device within a fortnight, contact the sleep apnea dentist and see how you can improve the situation. Do not purchase any type of apnea appliance since such items require a certain size and molding design that is unique for each individual. A general model will surely be very uncomfortable, even if you’d think it a real bargain.

Toronto Dentist

It is generally acknowledged that more than 46 percent of consumers do not have a general dentist. The Academy of General Dentistry has developed these guidelines to help consumers identify qualities to look for when selecting a general dentist in Toronto or the GTA

1. Ask around. Ask your friends, local family members and coworkers who their dentist is. If you have just moved and are new to the community, contact national or local dental groups for a referral to a dentist in your community.

Another alternative for a referral is to call the Toronto Academy of Dentistry. The members of the Academy  are dedicated to continuing dental education as a means of providing the best possible care to the patient and keep up to date with the latest trends in dentistry.

   2. Schedule a consultation. If you are nervous or unsure, request a consultation with the dentist. Ask to see the dental office. Most dentists are happy to discuss treatment options and plans with potential patients. It is important to establish a good dentist/patient relationship right from the beginning.

Insurance coverage, billing procedures and payment plans may be discussed at this time.

“Consultations are very important,” says Dr. Perno. “It’s the patient’s opportunity to ask questions so they are comfortable.”

   3. Test the dentist’s credentials and knowledge. Ask if the dentist is involved in organized dentistry through the local dental society or the Academy of General Dentistry. Continuing education is essential in dentistry because technology is ever-changing. It is important that your dentist keeps up to date on current dental trends and techniques.

Academy of General Dentistry members are required to take a minimum of 75 hours of continuing education courses every three years as part of their membership maintenance; however, most Academy members surpass the membership requirements for continuing education.

   4. Start with something simple. After the consultation, set up an appointment for a simple cleaning. Use this appointment to get a feel for the office. Are they thorough in administrating the procedures and treatments? Is the staff devoted to quality care? Do you think the staff is personable? Did they spend enough time with you and answer all your questions? Do they make you feel important? Are they accommodating to your schedule?

   5. Be comfortable. It is essential that the patient feels comfortable with the dentist and the dental office. If you have a good experience with your initial visit, it is a good indicator that this office is a good match for your needs.

Open communication is key to good oral hygiene and to continue a good dentist/patient relationship. Concerns as well as praises need to be communicated to the dentist.

From the time your first tooth poked its way through your tender gums, those pearly whites have played an enormous role in your life. Not only do the 32 nuggets in your mouth help you talk and chew, they can make or break your appearance.

Although aesthetics are important, however, even more important is tooth and gum health. In the last few years, researchers have uncovered a link between periodontal (gum) disease and increased risk of heart disease. One study found that men with periodontitis had a whopping 72 percent greater risk of developing coronary disease than those with healthy gums.

To keep your choppers in tip-top shape (heck, just to keep them in the first place), we’ve come up with the following 22 tips that go far beyond just brushing and flossing.

1. Go on a white-teeth diet. What goes in, shows up on your teeth. So if you’re quaffing red wine and black tea, or smoking cigarettes or cigars, expect the results to show up as not-so-pearly whites. Other culprits to blame for dingy teeth include colas, gravies, and dark juices. Bottom line: If it’s dark before you put it in your mouth, it will probably stain your teeth. So step one: Brush your teeth immediately after eating or drinking foods that stain teeth. Step two: Regularly use a good bleaching agent, either over-the-counter or in the dentist’s office. Step three: Be conscious of the foods and drink in your diet that can stain your teeth, and eat only when a toothbrush is around. If there isn’t one, eat an apple for dessert — it will provide some teeth-cleaning action.

2. Hum while you brush. The ideal amount of time to brush in order to get all the bacteria-packed plaque out is at least two minutes, British researchers found. Today you can actually purchase a song called “The Brush Along Song,” which runs exactly 2 1/2 minutes, to accompany your brushing. (www.alianda.com/brushalong/brush2.html) It’s targeted toward kids, but so what? Isn’t there a kid within all of us? Otherwise, keep a timer in the bathroom and set it for two minutes.

3. Grip your toothbrush like a pencil. Does your toothbrush look like it just cleaned an SUV? If so, you’re probably brushing too hard. Contrary to what some scrub-happy people think, brushing with force is not the best way to remove plaque. According to Beverly Hills dentist Harold Katz, D.D.S., the best way to brush is by placing your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle against your gums and gently moving it in a circular motion, rather than a back-and-forth motion. Grip the toothbrush like a pencil so you won’t scrub too hard.

4. Drink a cup of tea every day. Flavonoids and other tea ingredients seem to prevent harmful bacteria from sticking to teeth, and also block production of a type of sugar that contributes to cavities. Tea also contains high amounts of fluoride.

5. Chuck your toothbrush or change the head of your electric toothbrush at least every two to three months. Otherwise, you’re just transferring bacteria to your mouth.

6. Use alcohol-free mouthwash to rinse away bacteria. Most over-the-counter mouthwashes have too much alcohol, which can dry out the tissues in your mouth, making them more susceptible to bacteria. Some studies even suggest a link between mouthwashes containing alcohol and an increased risk of oral cancer. To be safe, be a teetotaler when it comes to choosing a mouthwash.

7. Clean your tongue with a tongue scraper every morning to remove tongue plaque and freshen your breath. One major cause of bad breath is the buildup of bacteria on the tongue, which a daily tongue scraping will help banish. Plus, using a tongue scraper is more effective than brushing your tongue with a toothbrush, says Dr. Katz.

8. Even if you’re a grown-up, avoid sugary foods. Sugar plus bacteria equals oral plaque. Plaque, then, leads to bleeding gums, tooth decay, and cavities. Plus, the acid in refined sugars and carbonated beverages dissolves tooth enamel.

9. Instead, eat “detergent” foods. Foods that are firm or crisp help clean teeth as they’re eaten. We already mentioned apples (otherwise known as nature’s toothbrush); other choices include raw carrots, celery, and popcorn. For best results, make “detergent” foods the final food you eat in your meal if you know you won’t be able to brush your teeth right after eating.

10. Gargle with apple cider vinegar in the morning and then brush as usual. The vinegar helps help remove stains, whiten teeth, and kill bacteria in your mouth and gums.

11. Brush your teeth with baking soda once a week to remove stains and whiten your teeth. Use it just as you would toothpaste. You can also use salt as an alternative toothpaste. Just be sure to spit it out so it doesn’t count as sodium intake! Also, if your gums start to feel raw, switch to brushing with salt every other day.

12. Practice flossing with your eyes shut. If you can floss without having to guide your work with a mirror, you can floss in your car, at your desk, while in bed, and before important meetings. In which case, buy several packages of floss and scatter them in your car, your desk, your purse, your briefcase, your nightstand.

13. Keep rubber bottle openers and a small pair of scissors in your purse or desk drawer. That way, you won’t have to use your teeth as tools, which can damage them. In fact, never, ever use your teeth as tools for anything except eating.

Toronto Dentist

Store shelves are overflowing with mints, mouthwashes and other products designed to help people control bad breath. Yet these products help control bad breath (halitosis) only temporarily. And, they actually may be less effective in controlling bad breath than simply rinsing your mouth with water after brushing and flossing your teeth.

Certain foods, health conditions and habits are among the causes of bad breath. In many cases, you can improve bad breath with proper dental hygiene.

Here are the top 8 foods that can cause bad breath.

1. Foods high in proteins: Proteins found in meat, fish and seafood, eggs. Cereal grains, peas, beans, and lentils are a so a source of protein as are the ingredient of foods like cakes.

Red meat is also one of the major causes, not just because of how it reacts in your mouth but because it is so hard to break down and digest. As the stomach acids interact with the red meat, this can cause foul odors to regurgitate back into your throat and cause bad breath.

2. Spices: Garlic, onions and exotic spices such as curry are common sources of problems/ for many people. As these foods are digested, certain compounds are transmitted from the blood through the lungs and exhaled for up to 24 hours.

3. Dairy Foods: Milk, cheese, yogurt, ice cream etc are terrible for your breath. For the majority of the population, the proteins found in dairy foods cannot be broken down because of a lack of a specific enzyme (lactose). The fat content does not matter, it’s the protein content that counts. Skim milk is just as bad as cream. This condition is known as Lactose Intolerance. The problem is that these bad breath bacteria can break down the dairy proteins (which are full of Sulfur) to produce odours and bad tastes.

4. Volatile Sulfur Compounds: Chewing gum and mint with sugar and then anaerobic bacteria break them down they produce Volatile Sulfur Compounds or bad breath.

5. Sugary foods are a problem because all bacteria thrive in a sugar environment. Sugar provides an excellent fuel for their growth. If you need to use mints and candies, make sure they are sugarless. Do not be fooled by the false sense of minty taste. Taste is merely one of our five senses. You can have a great taste in your mouth, but the fumes you are exhaling can be an offensive smell to someone else. Stay away from candies, mints, and chewing gum if they contain sugar!

6. Alcohol: Regardless of whether it is contained in an alcoholic beverage or a/ mouthwash, alcohol is a desiccant or drying agent. A dry mouth provides an excellent breeding ground for the anaerobic bacteria which cause bad breath.

7. Coffee: If you have to drink it, drink it in moderate amounts only. Coffee contains acids which cause anaerobic bacteria to reproduce more quickly. It does not matter whether you drink regular or decaffeinated coffee. Both contain high levels of acid.

8. Smoking: Not only does it make you and your breath stink right from the start, it also dries your mouth, contributing to accelerated anaerobic bacteria reproduction and bad breath. If you really want to prevent bad breath, you will not smoke.

If these simple self-care techniques don’t solve your problem, you may want to see your dentist or doctor to rule out a more serious condition that may be causing your bad breath.

Best Teeth Whitening Product Reviews

Overview:

This site was established to rate, review, and compare the various “Teeth Whitening” products sold on the internet. I quote the word “Teeth Whitening” because not all of the products reviewed actually whiten your teeth! Yes, they are all marketed as teeth whiteners, but not all of them are, in fact many are just gimmicks that range in price any where from $10 to $1000! The fact is that some teeth whitening products do actually work! The problems is cutting through the hype to find out which ones are real and work, which ones are real and kinda work, and which ones are just overpriced gimmicks!

That is exactly the purpose of this website, as I was in the same position you are in a year ago when I first heard about all the new teeth whitening methods in the fashion magazines and on TV. I wish there was a site like this a year ago, so I could have cut through the hype, and just purchased the one that actually delivers results. All in all, I think it was worth it, as I now know first hand what WORKS and what DOESN’T, and if you’re like me, you wouldn’t mind trying a few different products to find that one product that can dramatically enhance your smile, confidence, and overall appearance.

I honestly never thought that increasing the brightness of my smile a few shades would make much of difference in my overall look, but now I can’t imagine going a day without my favorite teeth whitening product. Ofcorse, I never had a terrible smile, just some very slight discoloration (probably caused by my little Starbuck’s habit), but nothing major. I never received compliments about my “about average” smile, and if I ever did catch a compliment, it was usually the standard “beautiful eyes” line. But now after 4 months of using my favorite teeth whitener, I get 2-3 compliments a day about how “nice” my smile is from both men and women. I also seem to be getting kissed by my boyfriend a lot more often (always a good thing)… So, here are my honest teeth whitening reviews:

Last Words:

For women wanting to enhance their appearance, a good teeth whitener is a must! Women often underestimate the importance of having a brighter smile. Aside from your eyes, which first impression characteristic do people usually remember about you? Think about it! A whiter, brighter smile equals youth and friendliness! If you’re reading this, I’m sure you feel the same way. That’s why I tried all of these Teeth Whitening methods, and since I know which ones worked for me and which ones didn’t, I figure I should let everyone know. It’s my way of giving you some good info, getting back at the products that didn’t work, and thanking those that worked for me. As said above, I completely recommend Celebrity Sexy Teeth, it’s a potent Teeth Whitener that works. Britesmile is good too, but is pricier and not as effective. Both come with a money-back guarantee, so your best bet may be to try both and stay with the one that gives you the perfect smile!