Your Cosmetic Dentist: How Long Do Veneers Last?

Would you like to know the secret to those perfect celebrity smiles? They have porcelain veneers.

Hundreds of thousands of people have opted for veneers to improve their smiles, and that number is growing every year. As cosmetic dentistry advances, veneers look more natural and are more durable than ever before.

But how long do veneers last? Are they a permanent solution for a better smile?

In this post, we’ll answer those questions and more. Read on!

How Long Do Veneers Last?

The short answer is around 10-15 years. After that, most veneers need to be replaced with new ones.

Why? Like natural teeth, dental veneers are subject to damage. Over time, they can be broken, chipped, cracked, or discolored.

Of course, with advances in dentistry come veneers that are better and stronger than ever before. With proper care, you may be able to extend the life of your veneers to 20 or even 30 years.

Tips for Making Veneers Last

To protect your investment–and your smile–here are a few things to do to make your veneers last longer.

1. Maintain an Excellent Oral Care Routine

Your teeth will suffer if you don’t take care of them, and so will your veneers.

If you didn’t already have good hygiene habits, now’s the time to start. Brush your teeth at least twice daily and floss at least once.

It’s also important to keep up with regular visits to your dentist for checkups and cleanings.

2. Don’t Use Your Teeth As Tools

We’re all guilty of it occasionally. Maybe you need to cut or loosen something, but you don’t have scissors nearby, so you use your teeth instead.

When you have veneers, this is a huge no-no. Biting down on something that isn’t food is a sure way to crack or chip those precious veneers.

Keep those scissors, bottle openers, and other tools nearby–and never use your teeth instead.

3. Wear Protection During Contact Sports

If you enjoy playing hockey, football, or other contact sports, veneers won’t affect your ability to play.

However, you should always wear a mouthguard–just in case. If you take a blow to the face, it could damage your veneers.

4. Wear a Nightguard If You Grind Your Teeth

Do you clench or grind your teeth at night?

A lot of us do. “Bruxism” is the technical term for it–and it can be a nightmare for your veneers.

If you tend to grind, be sure to talk to your dentist before you get veneers. If you aren’t already wearing a mouthguard at night, you’ll want to get set up with one before any cosmetic procedures.

Are Porcelain Veneers Right for You?

So, how long do veneers last?

Like your natural teeth, the answers depend much on you. With reasonable precautions and a good routine of dental care, you should be able to enjoy your veneers for many years to come.

Do you have more questions about porcelain veneers? Check out our recent post on the topic.

We also invite you to contact us anytime with questions or concerns.

source https://www.golsendental.com/your-cosmetic-dentist-how-long-do-veneers-last/

Sparkling White: What’s the Best Way to Whiten Teeth Safely?

In our image-obsessed society, whiter teeth are a must. In fact, the global teeth-whitening market is set to be worth US$3.78 billion by 2021. 

While many people opt for professional whitening services, others look to alternative options in their search for the best way to whiten teeth. But, home remedies like baking soda can damage teeth enamel, while whitening strips are often ineffective. 

Here are some of the best ways to remove teeth stains and whiten your teeth safely. 

In-Office Whitening Treatment

If you’re looking for the quickest way to whiten your teeth, an in-office teeth whitening treatment is the way to go. 

One such in-office whitening method is Zoom!, which uses a concentrated hydrogen peroxide gel combined with a special light accelerator. Zoom! offers the most immediate and dramatic results, with a smile up to eight shades whiter in under an hour. 

At-Home Whitening Treatment

For more effective, gradual whitening, an individualized teeth-whitening kit is a sure-fire way to a brighter smile. 

Your dentist will fit you with custom-made trays that you’ll use at home with a whitening gel for whiter teeth within two weeks. This option also allows you to fine-tune the number of applications for the whitest smile possible.

Activated Charcoal

Activated charcoal binds is a popular ingredient in whitening treatments due to the way it absorbs and binds with whatever it comes into contact with. 

It’s nowhere near as effective as professional teeth-whitening. But activated charcoal can help to remove surface teeth stains caused by smoking, foods, and drinks. 

To try it for yourself, apply an activated charcoal paste to your teeth, leave it for around 10 minutes, then rinse and brush away any excess. But remember, charcoal can be abrasive. Make sure you use a charcoal product that’s suitable for your teeth and only use it once or twice a week. 

Turmeric and Coconut Oil

It seems counter-intuitive that a bright yellow herb could help to whiten your teeth. But there is a lot of anecdotal support to suggest that turmeric can remove surface stains.  

And, although no studies have evaluated these claims, turmeric’s anti-bacterial properties can help to fight bacteria in the mouth, making it beneficial for oral health in general. 

To use turmeric as a gentle tooth whitener, mix it with coconut oil and apply it to your teeth to remove surface stains. 

Healthy Dental Habits

The best way to prevent teeth stains and avoid teeth yellowing is to always practice good oral health by following these healthy habits:

• Brush twice a day with an electric toothbrush
• Floss once a day
• Visit the dentist for regular check-ups and cleaning sessions
• Drink plenty of water to encourage saliva flow and avoid dry mouth
• Swish with water after eating and drinking to clear food debris 
• Stop smoking
• Avoid staining foods and drinks like berries and coffee
• Eat foods that support good oral health. These include natural teeth-cleaning foods like apples, carrots and celery, and dairy, which helps strengthen and whiten teeth from within

Even if you’ve had a professional whitening service, you should follow these healthy habits to ensure your teeth continue sparkling for as long as possible. 

The Best Way to Whiten Teeth

Although some home remedies may help to remove surface stains, the best way to whiten teeth will always be professional teeth whitening. 

Not only will you avoid the risk of damaging your teeth with abrasive materials or wasting money on whitening strips, but you’re also guaranteed a whiter smile that lasts. 

If you’re ready for a whiter, brighter smile, contact us to schedule an appointment today!

source https://www.golsendental.com/sparkling-white-whats-the-best-way-to-whiten-teeth-safely/

It Might Not Be a Cavity: 3 Causes of a Toothache

Did you know that the dental industry’s estimated to reach $60 billion by 2024?

Struggling with pain in your mouth and wondering what are the causes of a toothache? Not to worry! In this article, we’ll go over some of the main culprits behind discomfort in your teeth.

Want to learn more? Keep reading to find out!

Causes of a Toothache

Even if you are super careful about your oral care, someday you may experience a toothache. There are many possible causes behind sensitive teeth other than a cavity. Nonetheless, keep up a good routine to promote healthy teeth.

1. Tooth Pulp Becomes Inflamed

Pulpitis refers to the inflamed and irritated tissue in the middle of the tooth. Pressure from the inflammation builds in the tooth. The surrounding tissue feels that pressure, and you’ll have discomfort.

Pulpitis can occur in one or more tooth. It’s caused by bacteria invading the tooth’s pulp, causing irritation and swelling.

You can have either irreversible or reversible pulpitis. Reversible pulpitis is the better of the two scenarios. The inflammation’s mild, but the tooth pulp is healthy enough to save.

Irreversible pulpitis is much worse. You may have symptoms of severe pain and swelling, and the tooth isn’t savable. Try and seek treatment right away because the discomfort will worsen.

2. A Dental Abscess

There are three types of abscesses: periodontal, periapical, and gingival.

A periapical abscess occurs when bacteria grow within the pulp chamber. It then becomes infected, and the infection drains into the tip of the tooth root. Pressure from the draining infection causes severe pain and swelling if untreated.

A periodontal abscess occurs when an abscess is on the gum next to the root of a tooth. It could spread to surrounding bone and tissue. Gingival abscesses are on gums.

You may have throbbing pain in your gums or near a tooth. The pain arrives fast and worsens over time. Other symptoms include jaw pain, facial redness, or swelling. If you have pain while chewing, you could have an abscess.

Make sure you seek treatment. Focus on your oral care and continue to floss your back teeth to keep your mouth healthy.

3. A Cracked Tooth

As you age, teeth weaken due to pressure from chewing and biting. The force from chewing or biting down on ice or hard candy can cause teeth to crack.

Teeth crack from teeth grinding, a hit to the face, or abrupt changes in temperature in the mouth. If you eat something cold and then something hot, you could crack a tooth.

If you have pain during chewing or biting, you might have a cracked tooth. Other signs include sensitivity to cold and hot temperatures or sour and sweet foods. Treatment for this condition depends on the direction and location of the crack.

If you have a tooth with a vertical crack extending through it to the gum line, you may need an extraction.

A split tooth has a crack traveling from its surface below the gum line. Its separated into two parts. With such a crack, your dentist could save a part of the tooth.

Contact Us Today

We hope you found this article on causes of a toothache insightful. Sometimes it’s not a cavity but something else. Try and continue a regime promoting good oral care and seek treatment from a professional if you’re in pain.

Want to learn more? Contact us today. We would love to chat with you.

source https://www.golsendental.com/it-might-not-be-a-cavity-3-causes-of-a-toothache/

How to Stop Waking Up With Dry Mouth

Having a dry mouth in the morning is an extremely unpleasant thing. Your breath is pretty raw, you have a deep desire to drink some water, and you wonder why it’s happening. 

It’s relatively normal to have this happen every once in a while. The state of your mouth depends on your nightly routine and what things you consumed the night before waking up. That said, a dry mouth could be a side effect of a deeper problem. 

Whether you have a problem or not, it’s useful to know the cure to waking up with dry mouth. 

Waking Up With Dry Mouth: The Cure

The root problem is a disruption of your mouth’s production of saliva. Saliva exists in our mouths, first and foremost, to protect our teeth. 

It neutralizes the acids that come as a result of bacteria in our mouth. This prevents the growth of that bacteria and serves to clear out some of the food particles that we build up during the day. Getting rid of that bacteria keeps our teeth white.

Again, it’s normal to have a little flux in the way our mouths make saliva. When the production goes down the drain, we wake up with a dry mouth. 

Other symptoms include general stickiness, a thickness of saliva, bad breath, problems with the throat, and an altered sense of taste. 

Taking care of the issue is difficult because it usually comes as a result of a deeper problem. The cure to dry mouth, then, is to identify those problems and address them. Here are a few possible causes:

Smoking and Drinking

Smoking cigarettes (or anything, for that matter) can seriously contribute to dry mouth. The nicotine in cigarettes can lead to the slowing of your saliva flow. Alternatively, smoking can thicken your saliva. 

Both thickening and slowing of flow in salvia will contribute to bad breath because the saliva doesn’t have the same chance of breaking down bacteria.

Aging

Aging is one problem that, for better or worse, has no cure yet. As we age, our salivary glands begin to lose their power. It’s just a natural process.

Not everyone loses salivary flow as they age, though, and the symptoms could be a result of some of the problems listed below.

Medications and Cancer Treatment

A lot of general medications (over the counter and prescribed) contribute to a dry mouth. Drugs used to treat depression and anxiety are two of the most common ones. 

Further, blood pressure medications, antihistamines, pain pills, and decongestants can all contribute. Cancer treatments, especially chemotherapy, can have temporary effects on your salivary glands. 

This is particularly true for radiation treatments when they’re applied to the head and neck.

Dry Mouth Leading to Stains on Your Teeth?

Waking up with dry mouth is immediately uncomfortable. It’s important to remember that when you have dry mouth, your teeth are lacking an essential tool that cleans them. 

If you’re looking for more tips for improving oral health or need dental work done, contact us to learn more. 

source https://www.golsendental.com/how-to-stop-waking-up-with-dry-mouth/

Does Baking Soda Really Whiten Teeth?

Is baking soda good for your teeth? If you have asked yourself this question then chances are you are looking for ways to brighten up your smile.

Besides whitening strips, baking soda has always been viewed as one of the best ways to get your teeth whiter. However, the question remains, is it really good for your teeth?

Take a peek at some of the things you should know about applying baking soda to your pearly whites.

Baking Soda Removes Surface Stains

After a few days of using baking soda you should be able to notice the surface stains on your teeth disappearing. This is one of the main reasons to go this route instead of spending an excessive amount of money on a teeth whitening procedure.

However, older stains will still be present and a procedure or teeth whitening product will be your best option to get them removed.

It Can Damage Teeth Enamel

Baking Soda and water create a chemical reaction to break down the surface stains on your teeth. This is a benefit and a drawback to using it because after continuous use those some chemicals will break down the enamel in your teeth.

You should also be wary that using baking soda will not provide the same positive results as fluoride in toothpaste, which will make your teeth stronger over continuous use.

It Will Not Fight Cavities

Another important thing to know about using baking soda on your teeth is that it will not prevent cavities from appearing, even with regular use. There aren’t any chemicals in baking soda that will fight cavities so properly brushing your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste is still the best option.

Tips for Using Baking Soda on Your Teeth

If you do decide to use baking soda to whiten your teeth strongly consider changing the way you brush your teeth. Most of us brush our teeth the same way we have since we were children, so changing the motion may be a foreign concept at first.

You can also use a variety of substances combined with baking soda to make the process a bit more productive. Combining lemon juice with baking soda can improve the whitening of your teeth.

Simply mix the lemon juice with baking soda for a few minutes, and rinse it with cold water. This combo has excellent bleaching capabilities and will get your teeth whiter in a few treatments.

Is Baking Soda Good for Your Teeth? Yes!

After going through our tips you shouldn’t need to ask yourself “is baking soda good for your teeth?” Knowing how effective the chemical can be in the teeth whitening process, it’s no wonder that millions of Americans will try this option before going down a more expensive route.

Are you ready to take the plunge and add baking soda to your teeth whitening arsenal? Leave a comment below and don’t forget to contact us here if you need to set up an appointment.

source https://www.golsendental.com/does-baking-soda-really-whiten-teeth/

Top 5 Benefits of Gum Contouring

If you suffer from gum diseases, you may be heard from your dentist about a medical procedure called gum contouring.

This practice can be done to help limit the effects of gingivitis or tooth loss. It can also help if your dentist believes your smile may be too gummy. Removing excess gum tissue may help slow the effects of tooth decay. Or if you suffer from any sort of periodontal disease, contouring may eradicate it entirely.

Keep reading if you’d like to learn more about this dental procedure.

1. Remove Extra Tissue

By using a method called ablation, your dental surgeon can remove excess gum tissue from your teeth. This allows for a more even gum line. It will also help limit the track of tooth decay that can occur from having too much gum tissue.

One of the easiest ways to brighten a smile is to lower the gum line. If you feel like your whitening procedures just aren’t doing enough to lighten your teeth, it may be time to talk to your dentist about contouring.

2. Even Gum Lining

Sometimes a crooked smile is a lot more than actual crooked teeth.

If you think your smile is looking a little wonky and that your gums may be the reason, it may be time to invest in some contouring. Reshaping the gums with a dental laser allows your smile to even up.

3. Helps Fight Tooth Decay

The most important part about gum contouring is how it can help fight tooth decay.

The healthiest mouth can become victim to tooth decay. Food can get caught in excessive gum tissues. This may make it harder to clean your teeth on your own. Ablation of the tissue will keep your teeth healthy as you age.

4. Laser Gum Contouring is Fast

With the modern age of periodontal cleaning, procedures like contouring are quick and easy to sit through.

It can be done in one office visit, making it convenient for those who work full-time jobs. Making sure you ask your periodontist about the recovery process is a good idea. For some patients, it can take a few days to recover. Certain painkillers may need to be taken as well.

But other than that, this procedure is relatively painless and the speed with which it can be done makes it a must try for anyone suffering from gum disease.

5. Contouring Will Last Forever

Luckily, the moment you decide to try gum contouring, you won’t have to make the decision again down the line.

Contouring is a permanent medical procedure. It will not need to be repeated in the future. Gum tissue will not regrow once it’s removed. So after you walk out of the office you can breathe a sigh of relief!

Turn to Your Dental Care Experts

If you’re interested in learning more about gum contouring and how its benefits can help you, make sure you contact your periodontal experts today.

Our professional staff will walk you through the entire procedure. Expert care is what you require and here, at our office is where you are sure to receive it.

source https://www.golsendental.com/top-5-benefits-of-gum-contouring/

From Yum to Yellow Teeth: The 5 Worst Foods and Drinks for Staining Teeth

First impressions are everything. And there’s no better way to strike a positive chord than with a dazzling smile. But that dazzling smile can be hard to keep when there are everyday foods that stain teeth.

Want to keep your teeth looking their best? Read up on which drinks and food can stain your teeth the most.

What is Teeth Staining?

In the simplest terms, teeth staining is when your teeth are any color other than their pearly whites. These other unsightly colors found on your teeth may be black, yellow or brown. Teeth develop these stains either on or below the tooth’s surface.

Teeth staining can be caused by a number of health factors ranging from poor brushing to medication. Teeth staining falls into two main categories: extrinsic and intrinsic stains. Read further to find out how each of these categories can rob you of your beautiful smile.

Extrinsic stains

Extrinsic staining occurs when particles accumulate on top of the tooth enamel that covers each tooth. Compounds that give food and drink their natural color then cover your teeth. Acids found in food and drink can also wear down your tooth enamel and make you susceptible to staining.

Intrinsic stains

Intrinsic staining occurs below the tooth’s surface in an area called the dentin. Intrinsic stains are usually caused by medications like tetracycline or other antibiotics. Some acne medicines may also create intrinsic stains.

Five Worst Drinks and Foods That Stain Teeth

Food and drinks that can stain your clothes can discolor your teeth. If something changes your tongue’s color, that will also stain your teeth. Here’s a list of the five biggest culprits:

Tea and Coffee

Both tea and coffee stains teeth because they contain tannins which gives them their dark color. Coffee is also very acidic and can modify your mouth’s pH balance. If you eat any other acidic foods after your coffee, you can damage your teeth even more quickly.

Soda

Light and dark sodas are also acidic and can erode tooth enamel quickly. Regular and sugar-free sodas also cause discoloration and might boost further staining from the other foods you eat. Eliminating this beverage from your diet can improve both oral and overall health.

Curry

Curry’s bright yellow pigment comes from the spice turmeric. This yellow pigmentation has a high staining factor. It can slowly discolor teeth over time.

Some people get confused over turmeric’s medicinal value. They ask “is turmeric unhealthy” or “does turmeric stain teeth?” Turmeric will stain your teeth but it can also prevent gingivitis and gum disease.

Berries

Berries are packed with many health benefits, such as antioxidants. But they’re also good at staining your teeth as well. Cranberries and raspberries can discolor teeth whether you drink them as juice or eat them whole.

Prevention Tips

Proper oral health care is always your number one defense against foods that stain teeth. Proper brushing can protect enamel and prevent unsightly black stains on teeth that comes from tartar buildup. You can also try a few of these tricks to prevent tooth stains.

Sip sodas and juices through a straw to keep them away from your teeth. Swallow them quickly so that they don’t linger inside your mouth. Eat crunchy fruits and veggies to boost saliva and remove stains quicker.

Don’t forget to check out our blog for other prevention ideas on how to keep teeth healthy and clean. When you do, you’ll be ready to share your smile with the world.

source https://www.golsendental.com/from-yum-to-yellow-teeth-the-5-worst-foods-and-drinks-for-staining-teeth/

Top 4 Signs You Have a Dead Tooth

What happens if you suddenly find yourself with a painful or discolored tooth?

These symptoms can point to a dead (or “non-vital”) tooth, which is a tooth that has lost or is losing the blood supply to its soft tissue, or “pulp.” In addition to discoloration or darkening, a dead tooth can also be extremely painful and sensitive.

Some teeth die due to past trauma, like a sports injury (wear those mouth guards!). Other teeth die due to untreated decay that has penetrated into the soft tissue.

Either way, the tooth is likely to become painful. And, since it can also cause an infection in the tooth or gum, it’s vital to see a dentist as soon as you can.

Are you worried you may have a dead tooth? Here are the top four indications.

Toothache

Most people know what it’s like to have a toothache — that constant, dull throbbing pain resonating through the tooth and up into the gums.

If you have a dying or dead tooth, you may have a toothache. It may come and go or be constant. You might find it’s triggered by hot, cold, or sweet foods. In any case, it’s likely this may be an extremely painful toothache.

An ongoing toothache is a sign that a visit to the dentist is in order.

Sensitivity

Sensitive teeth can have various causes, but a tooth that’s dying can exhibit sensitivity as a symptom. This sensitivity may become severe.

If you’re feeling sharp pangs in one specific tooth when eating hot, cold, or sweet foods, call your dentist.

Abscessing or Infection

As a tooth dies, the dying soft tissues can cause a bacterial infection that may lead to a tooth abscess.

An abscess is a pocket of pus caused by infection. It can occur in the gums next to the tooth, or at the base of the root.

In addition to pain, symptoms of an abscess can include a bad taste in the mouth, foul breath, or a pimple-like spot on the gums. If the infection that is causing the abscess isn’t treated, it can spread into the bone.

Change of Tooth Color

As a tooth dies, it might become a different color than the surrounding teeth, usually gray or black. It will be a markedly different color, so it’s unlikely you’d mistake a stained tooth for a dying tooth.

The red blood cells dying in the pulp are what cause this color change. The color change won’t go away on its own, so if you see this occurring in your tooth call your dentist.

How is a Dead Tooth Treated?

How quickly your dentist diagnoses your dead tooth can impact the treatment plan. A cracked or very decayed tooth may require an extraction.

However, if the tooth itself is in fairly good shape, your dentist may perform a root canal to remove the infected soft tissue inside the tooth and then seal the tooth with a crown.

Worried You May Have a Dead Tooth?

If you’re suffering from pain, sensitivity, or discoloration, and you think you may have a dead tooth, please contact our Alpharetta dentist office as soon as you can. The sooner you are seen and diagnosed, the better.

Our Alpharetta dental practice will provide you with exceptional care as we work to come up with a treatment plan that works best for you!

source https://www.golsendental.com/top-4-signs-you-have-a-dead-tooth/

What is Advanced Periodontitis and How Can You Avoid It?

According to the American Academy of Periodontology, half of all Americans struggle with some level of periodontal disease. That means that 50% of the people you come across every day are dealing with a major dental issue that could affect everything from tooth coloration to their respiratory health.

Chief among these diseases is advanced periodontitis, a dangerous disease that’s far too common for our liking.

But you can help reverse these trends.

Knowledge is power, as they say, so read on to learn more about advanced periodontitis as well as a few tips on how you can prevent it.

What Is Advanced Periodontitis?

Periodontitis is something you may not recognize by name, but you’re probably familiar with it in some capacity.

This oral malady occurs when gum tissue begins creeping up, leaving teeth vulnerable to bacteria. Since your teeth no longer have the protection they need, everything from food particles to plaque buildup can make its way into your gums, thus perpetuating symptoms.

Now, this may sound familiar.

It’s a common misconception that later stage periodontitis is the same thing as gingivitis. And though these two diseases may share many similarities, they’re a bit different. Namely, gingivitis precedes periodontitis. However, the latter is far more dangerous than gingivitis, and gingivitis is much more manageable.

But the dangers don’t stop at your gums. Periodontitis and gingivitis are both linked to a swath of health issues such as diabetes, heart conditions, and even reproductive problems.

Common Symptoms Of Periodontitis

So how do you know if you’re suffering from periodontitis? There are a few telltale symptoms you should be on the lookout for.

The most obvious is inflammation of gum tissue. Your gums may be sensitive to the touch or bleed when you brush your teeth.

Your breath is also a good indication of your oral health and it’s something that no amount of breath mints can fix, as it’s caused by harmful bacteria.

Finally, your teeth are maybe the best indication of your periodontal health. If your teeth are loose, sensitive, or discolored, it may be time to call your local dentist.

How To Prevent Advanced Periodontitis

Needless to say, nobody sets out to get sore gums. But few of us actually take the time needed to promote strong oral health.

Brushing on a regular basis is far and away the best method of prevention. It removed plaque buildup while helping your gums stay healthy.

Mouthwash is also a great way to kill off harmful bacteria. Make an effort to brush and rinse after every meal and you’ll decrease your chances of contracting periodontitis by quite a bit.

Additionally, you’ll want to schedule regular dental cleanings and checkups. That way you can catch any potential problems early on instead of having to pay thousands of dollars in periodontal treatments.

Final Thoughts On Oral Health And Periodontitis

It’s so important to take good care of your teeth and gums. A few minutes of brushing per day and the occasional visit with your favorite local dentist can stave off advanced periodontitis and may save your teeth.

Ready to schedule your consultation? Get in touch today. It may just save your teeth.

source https://www.golsendental.com/what-is-advanced-periodontitis-and-how-can-you-avoid-it/

What Causes Tooth Staining and How to Prevent It?

Did you know that as of 2017, the cosmetic dentistry industry brought in a revenue of at least $3 billion?

That’s not a surprise. People everywhere may be staining their teeth without even realizing it. Certain activities, like drinking tea or eating berries, affect your smile’s brightness.

Do you suffer from tooth discoloration? Do you hold back from laughing or being yourself in public?

Are you curious about what you might be doing to yellow your teeth? And more importantly, how you can prevent and treat it?

Then this article’s for you. Keep reading to find out the best way to enhance your smile.

Why Does Tooth Discoloration Occur?

Certain foods and drinks have more power than others to stain your teeth. And inconsistency with brushing, rinsing, and flossing? That will only contribute to discoloration as well.

Some of the biggest culprits include:

• Beets
• Red Wine
• Coffee
• Tea
• Juices
• Soda
• Fruits like blueberries

Tobacco also has a huge effect on the whiteness of your teeth. If you’re an avid smoker, you’re more at risk of discoloration.

How Can I Prevent It?

WebMD also offers many ways to avoid stained teeth:

• Drinking with a straw
• Losing the smoking habit
• Consistent professional cleaning at your local dentist
• Brush or rinse your teeth after meals, especially if eating or drinking one of the items listed above

One of the best ways to prevent tooth discoloration is through prevention. That way you don’t have to treat it.

How Can I Treat It?

But, treatment options are available if you’re past the point of prevention.

Have your stained teeth made you shy away from photographs, laughing, and smiling? Then it may be time to clean your teeth using a little cosmetic dentistry.

There are many ways to treat discoloration. From teeth whitening procedures to stain-fighting toothpaste, the options are there.

Of course, if you do spend the time and the money for a whitening, don’t forget consistent aftercare. Don’t feel like sacrificing much? Go for these items during the time after a procedure:

• Water, including tonic, soda, and coconut water
• Milk
• Vodka or white wine
• White yogurt
• Bananas
• Pancakes
• White beans
• Chicken
• Mashed potatoes
• Vanilla ice cream
• Rice
• Pasta

Catching the theme here?

All these items are white, clear, or a light yellow. The darker and more colorful the food or drink, the more power it has to stain your teeth. After a procedure, stay light and bright.

Share Your Smile with the World

No one should have to suffer from low self-confidence, especially if it’s avoidable. If you’re dealing with tooth discoloration, now’s the time to tackle the issue head-on. Teeth stains are one thing we have the ability to prevent or treat.

Plus, with white teeth comes the will to keep them that way. Your teeth-whitening journey may cause you to be more diligent in all areas of your dental upkeep. The more you wash and rinse – and avoid sugary, staining foods – the fewer cavities you’ll get, too.

If you need top-notch dental service, give the professionals a call! We’ll have you smiling again in no time.

source https://www.golsendental.com/what-causes-tooth-staining-and-how-to-prevent-it/

What Types of Dental Implants Are There?

As 15 million people in the U.S. have replacements for missing teeth, they types of replacements can vary. Between the wide variety of types of dental implants, it can be hard to choose which one is right for your budget, comfort, and health.

The type that you’re eligible can vary based on your age, how strong your jawbone is, and the general state of your dental health.

Here is more information about the four types of dental implants out there.

1. Endosteal Implants

These common implants are made out of titanium and end up implanted into the jawbone. You need two surgeries to install one of these.

First, a titanium screw is fitted into the socket where the root once way. It sinks into the jawbone and the jaw heals around it.

Then a second surgery places a porcelain crown, which looks like the rest of your teeth, is placed on top. A screw is fitted inside of the larger screw inside your jawbone to hold it down.

These are some of the most durable implants available and can last for the rest of your life when they’re taken care of.

2. Subperiosteal Implants

For these implants, a metal frame is affixed to your gums. The frame sits just above the jawbone and once fitted, crows are attached to it.

When someone loses a few teeth next to each other, this is often the best solution. If you don’t have a healthy jawbone or couldn’t easily withstand endosteal implants, This is the best solution for you.

Restoring your natural jawline and rebuilding the bone in your mouth is the goal of this surgery. Through bone augmentation, jawlines can be restored as well. Once the jaw is strong enough to support implants, the surgeon will then apply the subperiosteal implant.

3. Implant-Supported Dentures

When you have normal dentures, typically your gums will support them. Most modern dentures, however, are supported by implants. This allows them to be more secure and less likely to offer discomfort.

They are used in the lower was and most easily secured by two implants. They are removable and it’s recommended that they’re cleaned every night. Some are more permanent and set to be removed and cleaned by your dentist only during scheduled appointments.

4. Hybrid Fixed Dentures with Implants

Hybrid fixed dentures go over implants and while they’re removable, they should only be removed by your dentist. They’re cleaned by appointment just like natural teeth. People prefer the feel of these dentures because they are more natural when you’re speaking and eating.

They look good and they’re as close as you can get to having implants without the complication of intense surgeries.

Types of Dental Implants Available Depend on You

Talk to a dental professional to figure out which types of dental implants are right for you. This can depend on health factors, budget, or what other types of procedures you’ve had done before. Only a dentist who you know and trust can give you the answers you’re looking for.

To understand how your dental health fits into your total picture of health, check out our guide for more info.

source https://www.golsendental.com/what-types-of-dental-implants-are-there/

What Food to Eat (and Avoid) After a Teeth Whitening Procedure

Teeth whitening can transform your life in several ways. It increases self-confidence, which can boost your work performance and improve your business. It also gives you a bright smile and a healthy appearance, which helps you stand out.

Unfortunately, you can lose these benefits if you eat the wrong foods after a procedure. That’s because whitening teeth opens up the enamel pores for the bleaching agent to work. As such, the teeth will likely get stains afresh if you are not careful.

Keep reading to learn the right foods to eat after a teeth whitening procedure.

Foods You Should Eat After Teeth Whitening

In 2017, more than 127 million adults in America went to see the dentist. While most of the issues were about dental caries, others dealt with making teeth whiter. They probably believed it was going to be a big boost to their appearance.

The techniques for tackling yellow teeth include brushing well and using whitening trays. There are also whitening products you can use, such as mouthwashes. Yet, one of the key tips is to cut out foods that stain the teeth.

You should eat from a white diet food list for about two days. Here are the foods you should consider:

1. Drinks

In a perfect world, the only drink you’d want to take after a dental procedure is water. It hydrates your mouth and keeps enamel-destroying acids at bay. But since people may desire something else, there are other safe options available.

These include coconut and tonic water, clear soda, and milk. If you want an alcoholic beverage, consider vodka or white wine.

2. Breakfast

For breakfast, go for milk and white yogurt. Eat bananas, white bread, pancakes, and scrambled egg whites. Make sure anything you take – including juice – does not have colors.

3. Lunch and Dinner

Eating after teeth whitening is easy once you discover the many options you can choose.

Try white foods such as chicken, rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, and white fish. Choose things like risotto, white beans, turkey, or cheese sandwiches. If it’s a bread sandwich, make sure it’s white bread without the crusts.

4. Dessert

For dessert, you can try vanilla ice cream or yogurt. Perhaps the best choice is to avoid dessert altogether due to the sugar content.

Foods to Avoid After a Whitening Procedure

With this white-diet approach, you already have an idea which foods you should avoid. Yet, you should also avoid lifestyle behaviors such as smoking or chewing tobacco.

Avoid foods like berries, fruits, and red meat. Don’t drink colored juices, sodas, coffee, tea, soups, or marinades. Try to steer clear of frozen foods as well since your teeth may still be sensitive after the procedure.

Steer clear of spinach, carrots, tomato sauce, and dark chocolate as well.

Learn More About Cosmetic Dental Care

You now have the answers to the question, “What can I eat after teeth whitening?” Continue your daily practice of brushing and flossing to maintain the whiteness. Moreover, don’t forget to go for routine dentist visits to ensure the health of your teeth.

Contact us to learn more about cosmetic dental care.

source https://www.golsendental.com/what-food-to-eat-and-avoid-after-a-teeth-whitening-procedure/

Dentist Alpharetta GA

Do you know only 30% of people floss each day? Many individuals don't comply with this dentist beneficial activity as a result of they do not suppose it is essential to their total oral health. But the reality is, flossing is important to remove the bacteria and buildup that can result in inflammation, gum disease, and even tooth loss.

Flossing is ineffective, nevertheless, if you don't do it the best way. What's the proper approach? Well, flossing the precise method means realizing how you can floss again tooth, which is a difficult factor many people fail to do.

Your Guide to Flossing

Unsure tips on how to floss your enamel correctly? In this article, we'll cover what you want you to learn about flossing, so you'll be able to preserve your smile white and shiny and your teeth and gums comfortable and healthy.

Pick the Right Floss

The first step to flossing successfully is picking the dental floss option that's best for you. There are a lot of sorts of dental floss choices accessible, corresponding to nylon floss, which is stringy, and PTFE floss, which may easily glide between tight teeth. The perfect floss for you'll rely on quite a lot of factors like how wide the gaps in your teeth are or if you have things like veneers or braces.
Not a fan of ordinary floss? Here are some common flossing options you should use:

• Hand-held flosser
• Water choose
• Comfortable pick
• Air flosser

A very powerful factor is that you simply decide a flosser you are feeling snug using and that matches your personal preferences.

The best way to Floss

To begin off flossing, you need to grab a piece of floss that's between 18 to 24 inches long. Then wrap the ends of the Alpharetta Dentist floss around your index and center finger to make the floss tight sufficient to pull up trapped meals and buildup. Once the floss is prepared, you utilize it in a forwards and backwards, up and down movement in opposition to the perimeters of each tooth to properly clean them.

It would not matter which tooth you begin with as long as you floss every single one. Once you begin be sure to floss gently between the tooth and the gum line. It's necessary to be gentle because in the event you're not you're more likely to damage your gums or trigger them to bleed.


What About Back Teeth?

While you can get many of the trapped plaque and bacteria by flossing your front enamel, you also need to know the way to floss again teeth. In case you don't learn how to do this properly or skip it, you run the risk of bacteria sticking to the back gum pockets in your mouth, which will probably result in gum disease and tooth decay.

The important thing to flossing your again enamel is utilizing an extended piece of floss. This offers you with the pliability to succeed in the harder to reach spots. In case your back enamel are tight or crowded, you might wish to use PTFE floss, because it's extra durable and less prone to break when sliding between tight teeth.

Ultimate Thoughts on The best way to Floss Again Teeth

Flossing your back teeth isn't easy, so don't feel annoyed or defeated if you do not get a handle on it proper away. Just be sure you don't neglect your back molars because if you happen to do you run the chance gum illness and even tooth decay. However when you floss your again tooth correctly, you may ensure you'll have a cheerful and wholesome smile for years to come!
Are you in need of dental assist? Have further questions on flossing or oral health? Contact us now to schedule an appointment!

4 Tips to Prepare Your Child for His First Dental Visit

You want to set your child up with good dental hygiene habits that’ll last a lifetime.

The only problem is that you’re probably not that crazy about going to the dentist yourself – and chances are your child isn’t going to relish the prospect either.

With experts advising their first dental visit occurs within 6 months of the first tooth appearing, or before their first birthday, you need to prepare them early for this experience.

But never fear.

Follow our 4 tips, and you can prepare your child for their first dental visit – and make it as painless as possible for all involved!

1. The Earlier the Better

As mentioned at the outset, the earlier you take your child for the first dentist appointment, the easier it will be for everyone!

It will help your toddler to feel relaxed in the setting – it won’t be a new scary place that they first encounter when they are older and more aware of their surroundings.

Get them used to sights and smells by meeting that first year deadline.

2. Role Play First

Role play is a fantastic way to prepare for many of life’s daunting events, and going to the dentist is no different.

Get them to come equipped with their toothbrush, lie them back on a recliner and talk them through what to expect. You can even get a little mirror to show them what the dentist will do.

That way when they’re placed on the chair for the first time, there’ll be a degree of familiarity to the whole experience.

3. Don’t Talk It Up

It’s easy to subconsciously pass on our anxieties to our children and build up the event of baby’s first dental visit into a big deal in their minds.

So be careful to be nonchalant in the way you talk about it. Going to the dentist is the most natural thing in the world – and a vital part of maintaining good health.

Your relaxed approach the whole experience can help them to see that it’s not a big deal and nothing to be frightened of.

4. Start Good Habits Early

It would be a mistake to conclude that because your child’s first set of teeth will fall out anyway, they’re less important.

How you train your child to care for their teeth now will influence their habits for the rest of their lives. In preparation for your child’s first dental visit, get them into good habits.

Make teeth brushing a fun part of their daily ritual – never to be forgotten – and those baby teeth will make way for an adult set they’ll keep in tip-top condition.

How to Prepare Your Child for his First Dental Visit: The Verdict

By establishing good habits, getting in there early and making sure it seems like just a normal part of life, you’ll be able to make your child’s first dental visit a pain-free experience for all!

At Golsen Family Dentistry, we know exactly how to put your child at ease during their dental visit. Click here to schedule an appointment with us today.

source https://www.golsendental.com/4-tips-to-prepare-your-child-for-his-first-dental-visit/

The Ultimate Guide to Tackling Yellow Teeth

Do you crave white teeth and a dazzling smile?

You’re not alone! Having whiter teeth is one of the most common cosmetic desires, along with clear skin and a smaller waist.

Having white teeth is attractive because it is associated with good health. Your dental health plays a crucial role in the health of your heart. Therefore whitening the teeth through good dental hygiene is actually good for your whole body.

Let’s look at 4 steps to get rid of yellow teeth.

1. Cut Out Foods that Stain Teeth

Having fabulous teeth comes at a bit of a price.

Red wine, coffee, blueberries, and beets are all known to stain your teeth. If you want a set of pearly whites it could be best to avoid these foods altogether.

Eating an overall healthy diet will reduce plaque build up on the teeth. A general rule is that foods that are good for your overall health will be good for your teeth.

2. Brush Your Teeth Well

Brushing your teeth can sometimes feel like an annoying chore at the end of a long day.

However, brushing your teeth well is imperative to eliminating yellow teeth.

It’s important to brush your teeth at least twice a day for a full two minutes each time. Make sure you’re brushing every surface of the tooth. Don’t simply brush the part that people can see and then call it a day. You should be brushing the bottom, sides, and backs of all your teeth.

Brush in a circular motion and be sure to go along the gum line.

If you get bored easily and can’t stand to just stand there for two minutes, try adding in squats while your brush.

Your leg muscles and your teeth will thank you for putting in that extra effort.

3. Use Whitening Trays

Whitening trays will help brighten up your smile by bleaching the surface of your teeth.

Keep in mind that this is just a cosmetic fix and doesn’t do anything as far as cleaning your teeth.

Whitening trays will typically take 5-7 days before you notice any difference so be sure to start them ahead of any big occasion that you want whiter teeth for.

4. Use Whitening Tooth Products

There is no shortage of tooth whitening products on the market.

You can buy special toothpaste that has whitening capabilities as well as mouthwash.

Always follow a set dental routine of brushing, flossing, then mouthwash. If you keep this up every day while using whitening products you’ll notice a difference in no time.

Follow These Tips to Eliminate Yellow Teeth

If you follow these four tips you’ll be seeing a whiter smile within weeks.

Proper dental care might seem like a hassle but once you get used to it you will crave the clean mouth feeling it gives you.

Avoid high sugar foods and foods that are known to stain the teeth and if you do eat these foods be sure to brush right away.

Have questions about this article? Please contact us here.

source https://www.golsendental.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-tackling-yellow-teeth/

What Are Veneers? Here are 4 Benefits to Consider

Are you hiding your smile from the world? Do you freak out when you have to speak in public? Maybe going as far as to cover your mouth with your hand?

You should look into veneers. Tooth issues happen in life and you shouldn’t suffer from it. A veneer consultation is the first step back towards confidence.

But what are veneers? Not sure they’re for you? We’ve put together this guide to veneers and their benefits below.

What are Veneers?

Porcelain veneers are ceramic devices that hide teeth defects. These thin sheaths of medical-grade porcelain create a “new” tooth surface.

Veneers hide defects and the process is quick with no recovery time. At the first appointment, the orthodontist will make a mold of your teeth to create personalized veneers.

At the second appointment, they’ll fit the veneer over your defective tooth (or teeth) and you’ll be on your way. s

Benefits of Veneers

Veneers are less complex to apply and wear than crowns, which can easily pop off. They’re cheaper and don’t turn your mouth into a silver or gold grill.

They’re made to blend in with your natural teeth, so no one will know you got work done.

They’re Made for You

One of the best things about dental veneers is that they’re made just for you. A dentist can make you a new row of teeth or fix one problem area.

They cover things like misalignment, cracked teeth, large gaps, chips, and unsightly discoloration.

Your dentist will color match your teeth or you can combine your veneers with a teeth whitening treatment.

They Last

What are veneers going to cost you in the long run?

Thankfully, with proper treatment, porcelain veneers last up to fifteen years.

“Proper treatment” isn’t anything special or expensive, but things like

• Not chewing hard things (plastic pen caps, nails, jawbreakers)
• Actually flossing regularly
• Using soft-bristled toothbrushes
• A night-guard if you grind your teeth
• Routine Checkups
• Non-fluoride toothpaste
• Avoiding tobacco products

Basically, you treat your veneers like your existing teeth. It’s as easy as that.

They’ll Increase Your Confidence

The first thing people stop doing when they’re unhappy with their teeth? Smiling. Porcelain veneers can bring your smile back and even some happiness.

Yes, that’s right. Smiling (even if you force yourself) tricks your brain into thinking you’re happy.

Getting veneers can bring back your confidence allowing you to show the world your beautiful smile.

You Can Finance

If you don’t have dental insurance or they don’t cover aesthetic services, no worries. Our clinic works with clients to create affordable and realistic payment plans.

While any aesthetic-based medical procedure can seem expensive at first, think of it as an investment in yourself. Could you do more at work if you weren’t worried about showing your teeth?

Would you present your ideas with more pride? Being more confident in yourself can lead to a better performance and more success!

Finished Product

If you looked at random smiles off the street, you wouldn’t know who had veneers. They’re that natural and as long as you have an experienced Dentist, you can’t go wrong!

Now that you have the answer to the question, “What are veneers?” Stop in and let us help you with your smile.

source http://www.golsendental.com/what-are-veneers-here-are-4-benefits-to-consider/

How to Floss Back Teeth Properly to Keep Your Mouth Healthy

Did you know only 30% of people floss on a daily basis? Many people don’t follow this dentist recommended activity because they don’t think it’s important to their overall oral health. But the truth is, flossing is necessary to remove the bacteria and buildup that can lead to inflammation, gum disease, and even tooth loss.

Flossing is useless, however, if you don’t do it the right way. What’s the right way? Well, flossing the right way means knowing how to floss back teeth, which is a tricky thing many people fail to do.

Your Guide to Flossing

Not sure how to floss your teeth correctly? In this article, we’ll cover what you need you to know about flossing, so you can keep your smile white and bright and your teeth and gums happy and healthy.

Pick the Right Floss

The first step to flossing effectively is picking the dental floss option that’s best for you. There are many types of dental floss options available, such as nylon floss, which is stringy, and PTFE floss, which can easily glide between tight teeth. The best floss for you will depend on a variety of factors like how wide the gaps in your teeth are or if you have things like veneers or braces.

Not a fan of standard floss? Here are some popular flossing alternatives you can use:

• Hand-held flosser
• Water pick
• Soft pick
• Air flosser

The most important thing is that you pick a flosser you feel comfortable using and that matches your personal preferences.

How to Floss

To start off flossing, you should grab a piece of floss that’s between 18 to 24 inches long. Then wrap the ends of the floss around your index and middle finger to make the floss tight enough to pull up trapped food and buildup. Once the floss is ready, you use it in a back and forth, up and down motion against the sides of each tooth to properly clean them.

It doesn’t matter which tooth you start with as long as you floss every single one. When you start make sure you floss gently between the tooth and the gum line. It’s important to be gentle because if you’re not you’re more likely to hurt your gums or cause them to bleed.

What About Back Teeth?

While you can get most of the trapped plaque and bacteria by flossing your front teeth, you also need to know how to floss back teeth. If you don’t learn how to do this properly or skip it, you run the risk of bacteria sticking to the back gum pockets in your mouth, which will potentially lead to gum disease and tooth decay.

The key to flossing your back teeth is using a longer piece of floss. This provides you with the flexibility to reach the harder to reach spots. If your back teeth are tight or crowded, you may want to use PTFE floss, as it’s more durable and less likely to break when sliding between tight teeth.

Final Thoughts on How to Floss Back Teeth

Flossing your back teeth isn’t easy, so don’t feel frustrated or defeated if you don’t get a handle on it right away. Just make sure you don’t neglect your back molars because if you do you run the risk gum disease and even tooth decay. But if you floss your back teeth correctly, you can ensure you’ll have a happy and healthy smile for years to come!

Are you in need of dental help? Have further questions about flossing or oral health? Contact us now to schedule an appointment!

source http://www.golsendental.com/how-to-floss-back-teeth-properly-to-keep-your-mouth-healthy/

What To Expect During An In Office Teeth Whitening Session

What To Expect During an In Office Teeth Whitening

Even if you do all the right things to keep your teeth white, they still naturally discolor as we age. Home whitening treatments can help, but you’ll get much better results from a professional in office teeth whitening session.

Here’s what you can expect during and after the procedure.

Initial Consultation

That American Dental Association (ADA) recommends consulting with your dentist before using any whitening product. You should have your teeth professionally cleaned as part of the initial consultation. This allows for the removal of all surface stains and built-up tartar.

Once your teeth are clean, your dentist will examine your teeth and help you determine the best whitening procedure for your specific needs. Professional advice is particularly important when you have dark stains, crowns, or a lot of fillings. If your goal is to have noticeably whiter teeth after one treatment, an in office teeth whitening using a laser or special light is likely the best option.

Preparing for Treatment

When you arrive for treatment, you may receive a touch-up cleaning. A shade guide is often used to determine the initial color of your teeth. This will help document the effectiveness of the treatment after it’s done.

Professional bleaching solutions can irritate or damage the soft tissues in your mouth. The dentist will take protective steps including the use of:

• Dental dams
• Cotton rolls and gauze
• Cheek retractors

Protective eyewear and a face bib can also help avoid accidental contact with your face or eyes.

Whitening Application

Once you’re all prepared, the dentist will apply the whitening agent. If using a light or laser for activation, it will also start at this time.

The procedure typically takes 60 to 90 minutes. The dentist will likely chance out or refresh your whitener several times during the course of the procedure.

It’s possible that you may experience some teeth sensitivity. If it’s overly uncomfortable, the dentist may decide to cut your treatment short. This is not common, but it is an option if necessary.

The Final Results and Follow-Up

Immediately after your procedure is done, your teeth will actually be a bit dehydrated. This causes them to appear whiter than they actually are. As your teeth rehydrate over the next few hours, the color may darken slightly.

Despite the rehydration effect, your smile will be noticeably whiter and brighter after all is said and done. For best results, avoid smoking and drinking chromogenic agents like coffee, cola, or red wine within two hours of treatment.

Your dentist may also recommend that you follow up with an at-home tray-based bleaching product. This will help combat the rehydration effect. It also allows you to maintain optimal whitening until you’re ready for your next professional treatment.

Ready for Your In Office Teeth Whitening?

Having your teeth professionally whitened is an excellent way to boost your self-esteem.

Whether you’re ready to get started or still have some questions, we’re here to help. Contact us today by phone or email or use our convenient online form.

source http://www.golsendental.com/what-to-expect-during-an-in-office-teeth-whitening-session/

Top 7 Worst Foods for Your Teeth

Apart from keeping your teeth white and healthy, good oral hygiene also helps towards your overall health.

But even if you keep up a good oral hygiene routine, you can still dame your teeth with the foods you eat. That fur that sits on the surface and makes your mouth feel gross after you eat a candy bar? Well, that’s not the only thing to avoid.

Here are 7 of the worst foods for your teeth.

1. Sour Candies

We all know candy’s terrible for our teeth. It’s been drummed into us since we were kids.

But sour candies are the worst kind. Why? Because the sour coating is actually full of acid.

This soft, sugary, acidic mix washes over and sticks to your teeth, delivering a double-whammy of bacteria and tooth decay.

2. Citrus Fruits

While an apple a day keeps the doctor away, too many oranges, lemons or other citrus fruits might make trips to the dentist more frequent!

The citric acid in these fruits can cause your tooth enamel to be damaged and break down.

3. Sugary Soda

There are over 9 teaspoons of sugar in a regular 12oz can of Coke.

Yup, you read that right. 9 teaspoons. In 1 can. And soda’s acidic, too – even the diet stuff.

Just 1 can of sugary soda a day, over time, will have a major effect on your teeth. Sugary soda can damage and even dissolve teeth, so keep that in mind when you pick up your next glass.

4. Coffee

Aside from the staining effect of coffee on your teeth, this popular beverage also creates an acidic reaction in your mouth.

Over time, the continued exposure to this acid can lead to tooth decay. And if you add sugar or creamer to sweeten things up, it’ll make things worse.

5. White Bread

This might surprise you, but white bread breaks down into sugar in your mouth.

Now, it’s true that any carbohydrate-rich food becomes a form of sugar in your body. But white bread does that so quickly, it could eventually harm your teeth.

6. Dried Fruit

Another surprise? While dried fruit can be healthy as part of a balanced diet, the sad fact is that it’s chock full of sugar.

As we know, sugar leads to tooth decay. Plus dried fruit is chewy and sticky, so it’ll find all those sensitive little nooks and crannies, and wreak havoc.

7. Popcorn

You might be thinking that caramel or cinema-sweet popcorn are the ones to avoid. Unfortunately, the plain or salted stuff’s bad for your teeth too.

Unpopped kernels can cause tooth cracking or breakage. And the thin outer shell of the kernel, attached to the corn, can be even worse. It can get lodged between your tooth and gum and cause cavities and decay. It can even lead to bone and tooth loss. Yikes!

The Verdict on the Worst Foods for Your Teeth

Beautiful teeth make a great pearly white smile, but they also have the practical function of making eating a breeze!

Seriously though, when it comes to your teeth, you don’t know what you’ve got ’til they’re gone. Look after them, practice good oral hygiene, and keep your intake of the worst foods for your teeth to a minimum.

Do all that, and you’re sure to have a lovely bright smile for years to come.

But there are more benefits to healthy teeth than just making you look good. Check them out here.

source http://www.golsendental.com/top-7-worst-foods-for-your-teeth/

4 Tips to Help Keep Your Teeth White

Your smile is so important, that’s why 48% of people believe that a person’s smile is what leaves the biggest impression. So that means it should be equally important to you to keep your teeth white and healthy.

There’s no reason to feel ashamed of your teeth yellowing, it happens to almost everyone. But it is crucial to remember that it’s up to you and only you to do something about it.

1. Keep Your Teeth White by Reducing Yellowing Factors

One of the best ways to keep your teeth white is keeping your teeth away from things that will stain or yellow them.

What Causes Teeth Yellowing?

There are so many different things that can cause your teeth to yellow, from the things you ingest, to your general health, and even your hygiene habits. Here are some of the causes and things you might consider staying away from:

• Dark liquids- There are certain darker liquids out there that are notorious for yellowing and staining teeth. Things like red wine, dark sodas, and black coffee.
• Smoking- There are certain properties and chemicals in cigarette smoke that will cause your teeth to become more and more yellow over time.
• Lack of brushing and flossing- Yellowing teeth could be a sign that you aren’t brushing and flossing your teeth enough. Or, it could mean that you just aren’t getting them clean enough when you do.

If any of these reasons apply to you, you may want to cut them out.

2. Brush Your Teeth After Each Meal

Doing this may seem excessive, but it will make a huge difference in your teeth’s whiteness. The longer that food and beverages sit on your teeth between brushing, the longer chance it has to alter the color of your teeth.

Try carrying a travel toothbrush with you when you go out or go to work to make it easier for you to brush after each meal.

3. Brush Once a Week With Baking Soda

This is an age-old trick that you’re probably tired of hearing. However, you hear about it all the time because it works.

Add a little baking soda to your wet brush, and get brushing. Make sure that you get into all of your teeth’s cracks and crevices, and be thorough. This will provide you with the best results.

4. Make Sure You See Your Dentist Regularly

This is the most important tip, and keeping your teeth clean and healthy is crucial to your overall health. See your dentist regularly, at least every six months, and you will see a difference in your smile.

With That Being Said…

There are tons of ways to keep your teeth white, but the most valuable tip from this list is keeping your dentist visits a top priority.

Schedule a checkup today and talk to your dentist about your teeth habits and how you can start getting those teeth white and pearly! In the meantime, head on over to our blog and check out even more great information about keeping your teeth healthy and clean!

source http://www.golsendental.com/4-tips-to-help-keep-your-teeth-white/