Brighten Your Smile at Home

According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, many people wish they could brighten and whiten their teeth. Dr. Bender offers professional whitening, cosmetic bonding, and porcelain veneers to help brighten your smile, but here are a few ways you can whiten your smile at home.

Proper hygiene: 

Brushing and flossing daily will help remove the bacteria and food particles that darken your smile. Many types of toothpaste contain abrasive substances that can help remove surface stains. Whitening toothpastes have particles that are shaped differently than regular toothpastes to clean your enamel more deeply. It’s important to remember that toothpastes don’t actually change the shade of your enamel, but they help remove discolorations on the surface of your teeth. It’s also important to note that some of the abrasive substances can actually wear away your enamel.

Over-the-counter: 

Whitening strips, gels, and other systems are available at your local drugstore. Many over-the-counter whitening products use a peroxide gel to help remove stains and polish your teeth. These products are less expensive than other treatments. Although they take more time to see the desired results, if used properly, they will eventually brighten your smile. The downside is that over-the-counter treatments are not fitted personally for your mouth, increasing your risk of irritation and leakage.

Take-home trays: 

The most effective at-home whitening system uses custom-fitted whitening trays, supplied by your Atlanta dentist. The trays are fitted for your mouth and filled with a bleaching agent. You will wear the trays for a specified amount of time, brightening your smile in just a few weeks. Professional whitening kits contain a higher concentration of peroxide to whiten your smile more quickly than over-the-counter treatments. Keep in mind, however, that improper or long-term use of whitening trays can damage your teeth and gums.

Healthy diet:

 You can also brighten your smile by watching what you eat. Avoid consuming dark-colored foods and beverages, like coffee, soda, tea, blueberries, and other famous tooth-stainers. Instead, choose strawberries—which contain a tooth-whitening enzyme called malic acid—and crisp fruits and vegetables—which promote extra chewing and produce more saliva to help wipe away stains. You should also eat oily foods like cheese that create a coating across your teeth to block stains.

Dental Insurance - An Investment Paying Dividends

aving dental insurance is an unfortunate necessity. After all, the care and keeping of one’s teeth and gums is an expensive undertaking, no matter what the procedure.

From simple cleanings to the re-building of bridges and denture work, there is no such thing as an inexpensive dental procedure. Let’s take a look at the different ways to make sure you ares insured and ways to avoid needing the more costly dental procedures at all.

It all feels like such a chore. The brushing, the flossing, the stinging mouthwash swirling around in the mouth—all of it needing to be done at least twice if not three times a day in order to keep a mouth healthy.

The alternative though, hours in a dentist’s chair, the smell of the drill being used to excavate cavities, having teeth pulled—it makes the daily grind of mouth maintenance feel worth it.

Most people fear going to the dentist and is it any wonder why? The experience is almost never pleasant ant it is always expensive.

Don’t Be Shy - Get Your Dental Insurance Now!

Having dental insurance is something that nobody should shy away from. In fact, it is something a person should be able to get from his or her employer. Employers often offer dental insurance as part of their health care packages. In the event that a person’s employer does not offer a sensible dental plan, there are still options available.

The first place to check is with the person’s state of residence. Some states offer great dental coverage for a fraction of the cost that they would pay for private dental insurance. It is also a great way to make sure that finding a dentist goes smoothly. Most dentists will take the state issued insurance.

Internet Rates Are Great Dental Insurance Value

Another place to look is the internet. There are several websites available to compare and contrast private dental insurance plans. Simply put in the zip code of residence and the software will present a variety of local providers and their plans to choose from.

Yet another way to go is with a discount dental plan. These can also be found on the internet. Unlike dental insurance, the discount dental plan offers discounts on certain dental procedures, and will provide people with lists of where the discounted procedures are available to them.

Save Money On Procedures - Look After Your Teeth And Gums Yourself

Most importantly, the best way to make sure that an entire paycheck isn’t spent on paying the dentist bill is to take care of those teeth and gums.

In addition to regular brushing (with toothpaste that contains fluoride), daily flossing and the use of mouthwash on a regular basis, it’s important to eat a healthy diet.

A regular intake of calcium can help increase the strength of the teeth. Staying away from sugary foods and drinks (like soda) and foods that have a high acidity (certain fruits) is also important.

Following a few simple dietary rules and daily routines will ensure that the need for dental insurance is minimal.

Dental insurance can help people make sure that they don’t end up spending their entire paychecks on dental bills. It can also provide peace of mind that in the event of a dental emergency, care can be provided at an affordable cost.