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 Affordable Solutions For Whitening Teeth
Francis Miles
A healthy smile is important, but having an attractive smile can be incredibly beneficial. From improving your look and making you smile more frequently to giving you a boost in your self-esteem and confidence, the benefits of a healthy and appealing smile should be easy to see. Unfortunately, you may have slight tooth discoloration that stems from age, diet, or different habits. While whitening treatments are effective, professional services may not be in your budget. Here are a few affordable ways to whiten your teeth.
Baking Soda
Even though it costs less than a dollar in most cases, a box of baking soda is an effective option for removing stains and whitening your teeth.
Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is a mild abrasive that scrubs residue from the teeth without the use of harmful chemicals. When it comes in contact with water, baking soda begins to bubble and fizz, scrubbing away food residue, plaque, and discoloration without a great deal of effort.
To use, sprinkle a few teaspoons of baking soda onto a wet toothbrush. Then, brush your teeth as normal. Allow the baking soda paste to sit on your teeth for a few minutes during the brushing process. Then, rinse your mouth with water.
It is important to remember that baking soda does not contain fluoride, so brushing your teeth with regular toothpaste is still recommended.
Also, because baking soda is somewhat abrasive, it may erode your tooth enamel if you use it daily. Ask your dentist for specific recommendations on when to use baking soda to whiten your teeth.
Strawberries
While surprising to hear, strawberries can also be used to whiten your teeth in an affordable manner.
Strawberries contain malic acid, which is basically an astringent. When used on your teeth, the malic acid eats through heavy food residue, removing buildup and stains without expensive whitening treatments or harsh chemicals.
To use, mash up a few strawberries in a bowl and add a teaspoon of baking soda. Mix with a spoon. Then, run your toothbrush under the sink faucet to dampen the bristles. Scoop up some of the strawberry and baking soda mixture onto the brush. Brush your teeth like normal.
Rinse your mouth out completely after brushing to remove any leftover strawberry and baking soda.
With the use of baking soda, strawberries, or a combination of both, you can remove heavy food residue and tooth discoloration without spending a fortune on whitening products and treatments.
Speak with a cosmetic dentistry professional to learn more.
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