I am proud to say that I have all my own teeth at the age of 65. While that may not sound unusual to some people, everyone in my family who is my age or older wears dentures. I always tell people that that flossing is the key to good dental health. I have arthritis in my hands, but I don't let it keep me from flossing every day. My trick is to use those little "flossers" you can buy at the drug store. They have plastic handles floss stretched out on top of the handle. These make flossing easier on days when my arthritis is acting up. I started this blog to let other people know that they can keep their teeth healthy into old age when they take care of them. If you have hand pain, find ways to make flossing easier, like I did.
Don't Let Hand Pain Keep You from Flossing
2-Step Home Treatment For Taking Care Of Your Dental Crowns
Francis Miles
If you have new dental crowns, you may wonder if there is anything you can do at home to thoroughly clean and treat them and the area around them, especially if they are protecting damaged or decayed teeth. If so, use the two-step home treatment below to keep your crowns clean, white and germ-free.
About The Ingredients
The home treatment below uses baking soda and herbal essential oils. These oils can be found in pharmacies, some department stores and herbal health stores.
The baking soda helps neutralize the acids that cause the plaque. Its slightly abrasive quality helps to break through the sticky surface so the oils can penetrate deep into the plaque.
The aloe vera oil helps soften plaque that can accumulate around the edges of your crowns. It also has a healing effect on your gums, which can be beneficial if you have gum disease that may have led to your teeth's decay.
Peppermint oil acts as an antiseptic that kills germs on and around the crowns, as well as between your teeth. If you have recently had your dental crowns placed, the oil can also alleviate any pain or swelling, thanks to its pain-relieving properties.
The lemon juice used in the second step has bleaching properties that help keep your crowns white. The acid in the juice also helps kill bacteria, leaving the surfaces of the crowns extra clean. When using lemon juice, however, do not leave it on for longer than recommended, as it could cause some irritation to your gums if you are sensitive to it. The acid could also break down the enamel of your teeth if left on too long.
Step 1: Use A Homemade Paste To Remove Plaque And Kill Germs
The first step in your home treatment is to use a homemade paste made from baking soda, aloe vera oil and peppermint oil. You will also need a small saucer, a cotton swab, your toothbrush and a glass of warm water.
To make the paste, mix together a tablespoon of baking soda with five drops of aloe vera oil and six drops of peppermint oil. The consistency should be slightly runny.
Use the end of the cotton swab to apply the paste to your teeth, applying a thicker layer on your teeth with the crowns, as well as around the bases. Leave the treatment on for three to five minutes.
Gently brush your teeth with a moistened toothbrush to help remove the loosened layers of plaque. Rinse your mouth with warm water, then go on to the next step.
Step 2: Apply Lemon Juice To Whiten Your Crowns
Once you have thoroughly cleaned your crowns, this next step involves whitening them with lemon juice. You can either use it freshly squeezed or already squeezed in a container sold at a supermarket. You will also need a small container, a teaspoon of water, a cotton swab and a glass of warm water.
In the small container, mix together a teaspoon of water and a tablespoon of lemon juice. Saturate the end of a cotton swab with the mixture, and apply it directly to your teeth and crowns. Try to avoid getting the solution on your gums as much as possible.
Leave the treatment on for a couple of minutes. Then, rinse your mouth twice with warm water to ensure you have removed all of the juice.
Using the above home remedy twice a week can help keep your dental crowns in optimal shape, making them last longer. However, if you have further questions or experience any pain or discomfort around your crowns, you may want to contact a dentist, such as those at Bae & Bae Family Denistry.
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