Teeth whitening is all the rage, and you can easily find many systems that will show you how to whiten teeth at home using trays and gels, whitening strips, whitening pens and toothpaste with whitening agents added. Often you will hear that the best way to whiten teeth is to spend the money to sit in a dentist chair and have a professional cleaning performed.

There is no doubt that all of these methods are effective and have been proven to be safe for general use. However, teeth whitening is nothing new. Before all of these modern products came along, people had to find other ways to lighten teeth that had grown dull and stained over time. In fact, you may be surprised to learn that food items you use every day at home can do double duty as a natural teeth whitener.

Now, when you want to know how to whiten teeth fast, your best bet is to pay a visit to your dentist, or obtain a custom home whitening kit. However, if you wish to know how to whiten teeth naturally, and you are not concerned with how long it takes, then the following homemade remedies may be just what you need.

Baking Soda Teeth Whitener

When I was growing up, my father always used baking soda when he brushed his teeth. I later found out that baking soda has proven to be an effective way to neutralize odors and to cleanse. Now, yet another great use for this common product has come to light. History has recorded that many dental practitioners and individuals would mix together a solution of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide and use this as a simple cleaner and whitener for teeth.

The power of these two ingredients is well known to dentists and manufacturers of dental cleaning products. This is why when you stroll down the aisle of your local market, you'll find several brands of toothpaste and mouthwash that include either baking soda or hydrogen peroxide.

If you decide to make your own baking soda teeth whitener at home, go easy on the amount of ingredients in the solution. A little goes a long way. Be sure to only use it about 3 times a week. Also, if you experience any gum irritation or tooth sensitivity, discontinue use.

Table Salt Teeth Whitener

You're probably wondering how on earth table salt can aid the whitening of your smile. But, here again, this is a case where people throughout the ages have found alternative uses for a common food item. Table salt contains sodium chloride, which has the ability to naturally whiten tooth enamel. Simply apply a small amount of table salt to your toothbrush and brush as normal. Rinse with water. Follow by brushing with your regular toothpaste. This works best when done once every other day.

Strawberry Teeth Whitener

One of the most unusual natural teeth whitening remedies comes in the form of a well-known red fruit. If you love the taste of fresh, ripe strawberries, you'll love them even more now that you know they can also whiten your teeth. Strawberries contain a powerful natural acid that works well on tooth enamel. To use this remedy, just mash up some fresh strawberries and brush your teeth with them. Be sure to rinse and follow up with your normal toothpaste. Make sure you remove all of the strawberries from your teeth because the acid can erode enamel if left on too long.

Please be aware that the above solutions will take time to work and will not give you the same results as commercial methods. Now that you know how to whiten teeth naturally with home remedies, you will be able to save yourself some money and have a healthier looking smile.

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Invisalign teeth straightening aligners are the ideal way to create a healthy, beautiful smile without the need for bulky metal braces or wires. While the invisible aligners let you enjoy orthodontic care without anyone knowing, it’s important to ensure you take care of your aligners at all times.

Failing to keep the aligners clean can cause bacteria to build up. Dry saliva and plaque both encourage bacteria growth, which can produce a foul smell. If the bacteria is allowed to continue building up, the clear plastic can become discolored.

When you’re at home and living your normal daily routine, caring for your Invisalign retainer is easy. However, looking after your oral hygiene care needs is a little more challenging when you’re going camping.

Here are some Invisalign care tips to make it easier to keep them clean when you’re away from home.

Pack an oral hygiene bag: Take the time to pack a portable oral hygiene kit that you can take with you on your camping trip. You should include your toothbrush and toothpaste, floss, and your Invisalign cleaning kit.

Rinse: Always take the time to rinse your aligners properly whenever you remove them. Invisalign was designed to be easily removed whenever you eat, so be sure you rinse them before you start your meal. When you’re finished eating, rinse your aligners again before putting them back into your mouth.

Soak: Take the opportunity to soak your Invisalign retainers while you’re eating. After you’ve rinsed the aligners, pop them into a tray to soak while you’re eating. You might use your official Invisalign cleaning crystals or you might have packed another brand of denture cleaner.

Brush and floss your teeth: One of the more convenient aspects of straightening your teeth with Invisalign is that you won’t be struggling to brush or floss in between brackets and wires. Simply brush and floss your teeth as normal.

Brush your aligners: You might also want to gently brush your aligners before putting them back into your mouth again. Be sure you rinse your toothbrush and only use water when brushing your Invisalign braces, as some brands of toothpaste could be abrasive and cause damage.

Keeping your invisible teeth straightening retainers clean and sanitized doesn’t have to be difficult just because you’re going camping. The key is to be prepared in advance with your oral hygiene needs.

Find opportunities to work your cleaning needs into your normal routine. For example, choosing to rinse and soak your aligners while you’re eating minimizes the time you have them out of your mouth and reduces the need to spend more time later on cleaning and soaking. After all, you need to remove them while you eat anyway, so get both tasks done at the same time.

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The conversation has now shifted from whether children should use an electric toothbrush, to choosing the best electric toothbrush for kids.

Dentists are clear in their recommendation. An electric brush has several benefits for even younger users. It helps make the process of cleaning your teeth more enjoyable and so it's easier for kids to develop a brushing habit.

So how to go about finding the best electric toothbrush for kids? There are certain things to keep in mind that are different from the issues which guide your buying choices for adults.

1. Kids Are Easily Scared

Electric toothbrushes can take some getting used to. They vibrate, buzz and make strange noises while you clean. And the sensation caused inside your mouth can be uncomfortable initially. Children are also more sensitive to gagging which makes the experience of using an electric toothbrush more challenging.

Since their air passages are smaller, kids find the larger brush heads more uncomfortable than adults. Brushing more gently and selecting the right sized heads are important steps to ensure your kids will enjoy using an electric brush. Remember, the goal is to get kids to enjoy cleaning their teeth and maintaining oral hygiene.

2. Kids Want Guidance

Parents are often the first people a child will turn to for advice – on anything. If you demonstrate the right way to use a toothbrush, kids will happily mimic you and enjoy using one. So before even planning to get children an electric brush, it might be a good idea for parents to buy one and start using it in front of them – just to show them it's a 'good thing', even quite fun.

3. Observe How Kids Breathe

Most children breathe primarily through their nostrils, but some are mouth breathers. This means they take breaths in through their mouth instead of their nose. Naturally, for these kids, using a toothbrush is more inconvenient and disagreeable than for others. It can be difficult to breathe and brush at the same time.

Coupled with their sensitivity to gagging and small air passages, the thought of sticking a large toothbrush into their mouth can seem terrifying. If you notice that your child is a mouth breather, you can compensate for it by making some adaptations to the brushing process.

Start using a small brush. Keep brushing sessions brief. Be gentle. Ensure a positive tone to the entire experience. Introduce new aspects gradually instead of rushing to teach the kid everything in a couple of lessons.

4. Go Slow On Toothpaste

Children actually don't need toothpaste to clean their teeth until they are around 5 years old. Some kids won't like the taste. Others might not enjoy the feel of a sticky, slimy gel inside their mouth. These can turn them off brushing teeth, let alone using an electric toothbrush.

If you begin with dry brushing, it's more likely kids will enjoy the experience and continue to clean their teeth for the recommended 2 minutes rather than giving up in a few seconds. And the duration of cleaning is far more important in achieving dental hygiene than using toothpaste. In fact, barely 15% of the cleansing effect of brushing your teeth comes from the paste itself. Most of the cleaning occurs due to the brush strokes, type of brush head, reaching all areas inside your mouth, and brushing for long enough.

Keeping these factors in mind, let's talk about how to select the best electric toothbrush for kids.

First things first. Kids don't need an electric type of toothbrush as much as they need to develop good brushing habits. Happily, it helps make the process smoother and therefore enhances the possibility that kids will quickly develop the brushing habit than with using a manual toothbrush.

There are some important limitations that children face while cleaning their teeth that can be overcome by the right choice:

• children don't quite understand why it is important to brush their teeth at all
• kids can't visualize the interior of their mouths, or sense where there are crevices or hard-to-reach areas they must try to clean
• Younger children don't usually have the kind of manual skills and hand co-ordination to be able to brush in the correct manner

For all these reasons, selecting a good electric brush for kids can be a very beneficial decision. This applies even for younger kids whose parents brush teeth for them. A kid's electric toothbrush is faster, more pleasant, and more effective at cleaning your child's teeth. Kids are also more co-operative and will permit brushing for long enough when you use an electric device.

What's The Right Age To Buy An Electric Toothbrush for Kids?

As long as the child brushes under supervision, you can start dry brushing with one as early as two years of age. Most parents decide to start using electric toothbrushes when their kids are between 5 and 8 years old.

A lot about this decision depends upon the child's ability to use the device comfortably. Many children ask for it after watching parents or siblings brushing with an electronic brush. What's important is to avoid forcing it upon a child who isn't yet ready. That is counter-productive and can interfere with forming a brushing habit.

Another factor that will determine the best age to start using an electric toothbrush is the mess created while brushing! If your child is too young to handle one, your bathroom might end up looking like a hurricane struck it!

Which Factors Go Into The Best Electric Toothbrush For Kids?

High Quality: Kids must have the same quality of toothbrush as adults would pick for themselves. That's because cheaper devices are more abrasive and harmful to the teeth. And younger children have sensitive teeth and gums that are more easily damaged.

Plaque Removal: Any toothbrush should get rid of dental plaque. Look at plaque scores before choosing battery toothbrushes for kids. Removal of plaque helps avoid formation of dental cavities. Given how many children gorge on candy and sugary foods, this is very important.

Brush Head Size: The shape and size of an electric toothbrush head is a very important element in selecting a device for kids. The ideal brush can access all parts of the mouth, including behind the last molars and inside the cheeks, yet remain small enough to be comfortable.

Good Bristles: Brush heads with high quality bristles are better at cleaning and less harmful to the gums. It is recommended that a toothbrush for kids has brush heads replaced once every month.

Rechargeable: It is best for an electrical toothbrush for kids to be rechargeable and not battery-powered. They are safer for children to use.

Now that you have a fair idea of ​​what to keep in mind, which is the best electric toothbrush for kids?

There are a couple of brands and models that dentists highly recommend for children. Which one you will pick will depend upon the unique requirements of your kids. 'A Dentist's Daughter' offers a detailed guide to help you decide.

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When this happens, gum disease would eventually take its toll on your remaining teeth. It is therefore extremely important to know about the tools you'll need and the correct procedures you should observe for dental braces care. Doing so will help you keep your natural teeth longer and prevent gum diseases that may exacerbate your dental problems.

Tackling Metal Braces

If your dental condition was such that metal braces were required, then you have to take note of a few tips on dental braces care. Brushing your teeth would now take on a new different meaning – and it won't be easy, as it would involve a lot of extra tools and of course, a longer period of time.

It also won't be enough to brush and floss your teeth twice a day, because metal braces require dental braces care after each meal and snack. There is always the possibility that food particles would get lodged in some cranny between the braces and your teeth, and it's really important to dislodge those before they wreak havoc to your teeth and gums.

Special Tools

The implement you would normally use is an angled toothbrush to be able to reach the corners under the braces. Many brace wearers prefer electric toothbrushes for dental braces care for two primary reasons: One, because it takes such a long time to clean the teeth that electric toothbrushes are the most logical choice to keep from getting exhausted while cleaning; and two, because these brushes feature a rotary movement which is best for cleaning braces.

Aside from the toothbrush, you'll also need a floss threader, of course, plus stimudents, dental picks, or other interdental devices. These tools work well under the brackets and help dislodge food particles that refuse to come off during brushing.

A waterpik can also be used to reach those areas that toothbrushes and dental picks can't. After a waterpik blast, remember to rinse your mouth thoroughly.

Dental wax is also an important element in dental braces care. It provides soothing relief to the sensitive inner cheek and the lips which are often chafed by the braces rubbing against them. Dental wax is thus applied on the surface of the brackets to minimize the soreness. These cost less than $ 2 for 5 strips but are quite necessary for pain relief, and some even come in a refreshing mint flavor.

If you're wearing Invisalign invisible Braces , though, you won't have as much problems. Your dental braces care would only involve avoiding eating or drinking beverages other than water with them on and cleaning your clear braces thoroughly before putting them back on.

Dental braces care finally involves regular visits to your dentist every 3-6 months for a more thorough cleaning – that is, let the professional take care of whatever it is you've missed.

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Purchasing a family dental insurance plan provides you and your family two important benefits:

o Better oral health for the entire family as most plans pay 100% of the preventive service fees such as cleaning every six months. This encourages the family to visit the dentist for regular check ups and cleaning treatments. Prevention is half the battle!

o Generate more savings because the dental insurance company pays a certain percentage of dental services for minor and major procedures.

Here are six questions to guide you in the selection of the right dental insurance plan for you and your family.

1. Does the plan allow you to pick your own dentist?

Some dental insurance carriers give you bigger discounted rates provided you use their network of dentists. If your favorite dentist is not part of the network, the dental insurance plan may not cover the treatment. You should consider paying extra for a plan, which allows you and your family to go to your preferred dentist.

2. Are there restrictions when it comes to choosing the best treatment options?

Some insurance plans put a cap on the number of treatments or limit the amount paid for a condition. If you or your family has a history of poor dental health care, then you should choose a plan that has few restrictions on this aspect.

3. What is does the plan cover?

An ideal dental insurance plan allows for one cleaning treatment every six months, with X-ray and fluoride treatments that come at little or no cost for each member. For the major procedures, some dental plans require you to pay 50 percent of the entire bill. If your family has a history of good dental health care, then you may want to negotiate for lesser coverage when it comes to the major procedures.

4. Which family members are covered by the family insurance plan?

Most dental insurance carriers cover the spouse and dependent children, from birth through 18. Some exceptions are given for children up to the ages of 22 if the child is a full time student, and dependent on the principal for support.

5. Is there built in flexibility in scheduling dental appointments?

Some inexpensive dental insurance plans limit when you can come in for dental treatment. Check to ensure that these scheduled appointments do not inconvenience you or your family.

6. How much savings does this plan generate?

Whether you and your spouse decide to purchase a family dental insurance plan, or avail of your employers' sponsored plan – you will still be able to generate savings, for you are not paying for the entire procedure.

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