Whitening Home Remedies - Do They Work?

Wanting whiter teeth is an easy way to freshen up your appearance and even make you look younger. More people are looking for a natural approach to dental care and may try out some "natural home remedies," many of which have been passed down from generation to generation. With the invention of commercial toothpaste between 1800 and 1850, Americans concerned with dental health and whiter smiles had their first "go-to" product. In the 1960s, years of studying the element fluoride yielded another significant advance with cavity-fighting and teeth-whitening fluoride toothpastes. 

And, in the 1980s, another important step forward was taken -- recently stabilized hydrogen peroxide formulas meant that true whitening toothpastes could be developed and then sold to a public eager for whiter, brighter smiles. In the 1990s and 2000s, extremely effective whitening systems based on carbamide and hydrogen peroxide formulas became available to the public. Now, whitening systems based on this formula continue to innovate at a very fast rate.

Even with a wide variety of teeth whitening toothpastes and wildly popular whitening kits, strips, lights, and other procedures, some people are still turning to those so-called home remedies, primarily for budgetary reasons. But do they really work? And more importantly, could they actually be dangerous?

1. Whitening Teeth With Lemon Juice

Some people advocate brushing or rinsing with lemon juice to whiten teeth, but lemon juice is actually citric acid and can harm teeth, causing them to lose calcium (which gives teeth some of their off-white color). Once calcium is lost, it’s irreplaceable. Lemons have a pH of 2.3, which is very low. The lower the pH, the more acidic it is. If you put lemon juice directly on your teeth, it starts causing damage immediately. It is quite common for dentists to deal with tooth destruction caused by people sucking on lemons. 

And combining lemon juice with baking soda -- sometimes also recommended -- is another bad idea. Not only will the acid of the lemon juice (which has been shown to dissolve actual bone) leech calcium from teeth, the baking soda will erode tooth enamel with the potential to cause permanent damage.

2. Whitening Teeth With Strawberries

This is another "home remedy" purported to help whiten teeth, but can be dangerous. Strawberries get their power to brighten teeth from ascorbic acid -- and acids are harmful to teeth. If someone chooses to brush with strawberries, they should be sure to brush their teeth immediately afterwards with fluoride toothpaste, and then floss.

3. Whitening Teeth With Apples

Whitening your teeth by crunching on an apple? While apples have plenty of wholesome and healthy attributes, whitening your teeth safely isn't among them. Apples are fine as a snack, but not as a substitute for oral hygiene like brushing and flossing. And any brightening that might occur is the result of an apple's slight amount of naturally-occurring malic acid -- only you’d have to eat so many apples to see any difference that you’re running the risk of acid-based damage again.

4. Whitening Teeth With Baking Soda

Baking soda won't bleach your teeth, but it can remove plaque, as it is an abrasive. Be warned, though -- because of this abrasive quality, if you use baking soda too frequently, it will damage tooth enamel. Most commercial toothpastes will remove stains as effectively as baking soda, and do so without the side effects or risks.

5. Whitening Teeth Using Wood Ash

Can you believe some folks claim that brushing your teeth with wood ash from your fireplace is a safe way to whiten teeth? The reason wood ash whitens teeth is because it contains potassium hydroxide, also known as lye. Only hard wood ash contains significant concentrations of potassium hydroxide; soft wood ash does not. Whitening with wood ash is dangerous. The harshness of the potassium hydroxide could significantly damage your teeth over time.

6. Brushing Teeth With Sea Salt

Some folks also advocate the use of a paste or a "rub" of sea salt, combined with water or even an acid, such as cider vinegar, to whiten teeth. The use of abrasive compounds along with the acid-based vinegar will probably brighten teeth a bit, but no more so than a commercial application. Plus, with repeated use of the salt/vinegar paste, you will experience tooth damage through decay or increased sensitivity.

7. Be Safe, Not Sorry
The primary reason you should avoid whitening home remedies is that they're subject to misapplication. There are no formulas or procedures created to assure safe usage, so there's a real risk of severe and permanent tooth or gum damage. No dentist reviews your oral health before you begin to use them, so there's no way of knowing how any specific home remedy would affect your particular teeth or gums.

On the other hand, companies spend thousands of hours testing their commercial teeth whitening products and methods to determine a standardized application protocol that's safe for most people. Additionally, when you choose a teeth whitening method that requires dental supervision, you can be sure your dentist will evaluate your dental health before proceeding, adding a second level of care and caution to prevent damage or discomfort.
Since people have been trying to whiten their smiles for thousands of years, there are undoubtedly hundreds of goofy and implausible concoctions designed to do the job. Happily, we live in the 21st century, where reliable and affordable answers can be found in every drug or grocery store. So, do yourself a favor -- head for the dental care aisle and stay away from the fruit section.

  Dr. Claudio A. Sorrentino

  www.dentalpalermo.com.ar

Myths About Root Canal Treatment

Root canal is usually painful
Most people fear that a root canal treatment is usually associated with pain during treatment. Your dentist or endodontist will give a local anesthesia to numb the area around the tooth. If you are very apprehensive and tense you may need sedation, such as nitrous oxide. This eliminates the pain that is caused due to the procedure. If you have pain while the procedure is being done, tell your dentist about it. Your dentist will adjust the technique to avoid causing pain again or give more anesthesia if required.

As my tooth's nerves are removed, I won't feel any pain
Some people think that after the root canal treatment they won’t feel any pain in the treated tooth. However this is not true. Even though the pulp of the tooth is removed the nerves that surround your tooth can feel pressure and touch. These sensations are transmitted by the nerves in the surrounding tissue. In addition after the procedure you can have soreness in the concerned tooth for two to three days. You may be prescribed pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen to ease the discomfort.

Why should I get a root canal treatment if the tooth may have to be taken out eventually?
A tooth after root canal treatment can last for the rest of your life with proper care. To increase the longevity of your teeth maintain good oral hygiene. To maintain healthy teeth and gums brush with fluoride toothpaste (twice a day) and floss everyday. Go for regular dental checkups and professional cleanings. Root canal treatment has helped to save several teeth that would or else need extraction.

If I don’t have any pain, I don't really need a root canal
It is very much possible that your tooth that needs root canal therapy may not have pain. But remember that absence of pain does not mean that your tooth is healthy. Like an infection of the pulp of the tooth may not cause pain initially. But without treatment it can cause pain and swelling. In some cases untreated infection can cause pus accumulation at the root tip in the jawbone, forming an abscess. Untreated abscess can extend and destroy the bone around the tooth and cause pain. After examination if your dentist recommends root canal treatment get it done even if there are no symptoms.

In root canal therapy the roots of my tooth are removed, or my whole tooth is removed
A tooth has outer enamel, the dentin (main body of the tooth) and soft tooth pulp (in the center of the tooth and in canals also called root canals). Nerves and blood vessels enter the tooth through the end of the root (called the apex) and then pass through a canal inside the root to the pulp chamber. In root canal treatment, the tooth pulp which may be inflamed or infected is removed. After removing the diseased pulp tissue, the space is cleaned, shaped and filled. In root canal therapy the roots of the tooth or the whole tooth is not removed.

  Dr. Claudio A. Sorrentino

  www.dentalpalermo.com.ar

Taking Care of Sensitive Teeth

If you are suffering from sensitive teeth – or dentine hypersensitivity – the chances are you haven’t been caring for them properly; you have neglected them to an extent where they hurt when you bite into cold or hot things and cause you a lot of discomfort accordingly. However, there are means of tackling this unfortunate problem. We will look at ways of taking care of sensitive teeth.

Sensitive teeth is a physical feeling when the nerves inside the dentin of the teeth are exposed to different elements; this feeling can range from a slight discomfort to a sharp-shooting pain. The causes for sensitive teeth can vary, and they range from general wear and tear to decaying teeth due to neglect.

A recent study showed that 57 per cent of people suffered – to some degree – from sensitive teeth, with the 30-39 age bracket seems the most instances. Most of these people cited cold things are the reason for the pain, but others mentioned hot and sweet stimuli as well. These figures are a lot higher than had been envisaged by dental experts.

 So what can you do to take care of your sensitive teeth?

 1.    The first thing you should do is discuss the issue with your dentist. Explain your pain, your symptoms, and he should be able to seal the sensitive area with a bonding agent – or a fluoride gel – which can be rubbed into the sensitive teeth and gums after your daily brushings. Over time, this will cure the pain which is observed from sensitive teeth.

2.    Use a tooth-brush with ultra-soft bristles; these can be found in any pharmacy or dental shop. Avoid brushing your teeth in a horizontal method as this exposes the roots more so than with the vertical method.

3.    Your dentist should be able to prescribe you with the most effective toothpaste for sensitive teeth. Some tooth-pastes are specifically produced and customized to deal with the problems of sensitive teeth.

4.    Avoid the things which cause the pain until as such time as the problem has abated and resolved itself. If foods such as ice-lollies, or cold drinks wakes you wince with pain, then avoid them as best you can. Every time you indulge in sweet or sour foods such as candy, acidic foods such as wine and grapefruit juice, chew some sugar-free gum or brush your teeth – when practical to do so – to help the treatment progress. To take care of your sensitive teeth, keep these points in mind.

  Dr. Claudio A. Sorrentino

  www.dentalpalermo.com.ar

Want a healthy smile? Try vitamin D!

Vitamins and minerals have been shown to have a countless number of various benefits for the human body, and some may have benefits specifically for your smile. New research has shown that vitamin D may help lower your risk of tooth decay. And because the modern lifestyle often keeps us out of the sun (the main source of vitamin D) and few of us drink vitamin D-enriched whole milk these days, vitamin D supplements may be a vital part of your oral health regimen.

According to a review of research published in Nutrition Reviews, vitamin D was linked to a possible 50% reduction in tooth decay. Vitamin D has long been known to help strengthen bone, but dentists were long uncertain about the role this nutrient played in tooth health. However, after reviewing 24 different clinical trials from the 1920s to 1980s, it is now believed that Vitamin D helps keep cavities at bay, which is great news for your smile.

How can you up your vitamin D? When you’re exposed to sunshine, your body will naturally produce vitamin D. Just 10 minutes in the sun every day is about what’s needed to maintain healthy levels, but some of us don’t even get that much. You can also drink vitamin D enriched milk, and fish and eggs are a good natural source of vitamin D. Because vitamin D isn’t found naturally in very many foods, various foods are fortified with added vitamin D, like soymilk and orange juice. Check labels to find foods fortified with vitamin D.

Besides protecting your teeth from decay, vitamin D has been linked to the prevention of cancer, osteoporosis, diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension. It can help you maintain beautiful and healthy hair, and it can reduce the inflammatory response. If you’ve been experiencing chronic fatigue, you may find that supplementing your diet with added vitamin D can help. Lots of people overlook the importance of vitamin D, but now that we know that it can help you keep your smile in shape, we may be recommending more of it at your next dental checkup.

  Dr. Claudio A. Sorrentino

  www.dentalpalermo.com.ar

 

What Causes Tooth Sensitivity?

One common issue patients raise with their dentist is tooth sensitivity. Many experience it without knowing what causes it. In today’s post, we’d like to look at that question.

Often, tooth sensitivity occurs when the gums have receded, leaving tooth roots exposed. Tubules in the roots lead down to the tooth’s nerve. These let stimuli like hot and cold reach the nerve, creating a shock of sensation.

Gum recession is spurred by a variety of factors, including:

Gum Disease

Also known as periodontal disease, this is the primary cause of gum recession. What’s more, it’s been estimated that a majority of American adults have some form of the disease. Gum disease can be treated or prevented through regular oral care at home and regular visits to your local dentist.

Brushing Technique

How you brush can impact your oral health. When you brush aggressively using a hard-bristled toothbrush, you aren’t doing your smile any favors. This kind of brushing can harm your gums and your teeth alike. Brush thoroughly but gently, and ask your doctor for advice on what kind of brush you need.

Teeth Grinding/Cracked Teeth

Also known as bruxism, teeth grinding is a common sign of stress. Over time, grinding will damage teeth, possibly to the point that teeth become cracked. When teeth are cracked, bacteria can gain access to a tooth’s pulp, causing sensitivity. See your dentist about treating your teeth grinding with an oral appliance.

Age

It’s not uncommon for patients between 25 and 30 to experience sensitivity. If that fits your situation, talk to your doctor about what you can do to treat your discomfort.

Is sensitivity putting a damper on your sense of health and wellbeing? Call your local dentist. Sometimes changing hygiene products is all it takes to tooth sensitivity. You don’t have to live with your discomfort. A long-term solution is possible!

  Dr. Claudio A. Sorrentino

  www.dentalpalermo.com.ar

 

Is your toothpaste hurting you?

The Cosmetic Dental Home Care group has been involved in an interesting discussion of over-the-counter home care products. Their findings confirmed what we have been saying to our patients for years. Tartar control and whitening pastes can be especially abrasive and should be used with great caution. If you are using any of those products you should know that they do not contain any of the materials dentists use to whiten teeth, such as carbamide peroxide and other oxygen releasing chemicals.

What they do contain are abrasives and scrubbing agents that do not brighten enamel or penetrate into the microscopic openings in the tooth surface to where the real darkening is happening. They simply remove surface stains.  This is not real whitening and is only temporary.

But they also can cause microscopic scratches in the tooth enamel surface that not only collect stain, but can also harbor the biofilms that begin the decay process. And they can cause tooth sensitivity, especially to temperature extremes. This is significant damage and it can be reversed to some degree by dental offices that know how.

Real tooth whitening can only be done with professionally effective and safe materials. Dentists know that they have to be sure your teeth do not have defects that can be harmed by whitening materials and they have to supervise the process.

By the way, most toothpastes sold today are perfectly safe and effective.  Avoid those that claim to whiten teeth or remove stains from smoking. These are the bad guys. Toothpaste is, basically, a lubricant and detergent.  It is the brush that does the work of removing biofilm, food debris and other unwanted stuff.  And it tastes good. And it has fluoride.

All over the world there are cultures that clean their mouths very well without toothpaste.  But it's nice to have it. So choose what you like according to the flavor, feel, cost, etc.

You also need floss, or some other effective way to get between teeth safely. The important thing is to stay focused.  The goal is to remove biofim from all surfaces above and below the gumline, without damage.

 

 

  Dr. Claudio A. Sorrentino

  www.dentalpalermo.com.ar