Tooth Whitening at Home

The whine of the dentist’s drill, the glaring white light in your eyes, the U-shaped plastic vacuum noisily sucking saliva out of your mouth-ugh! It’s enough to make even a grown man shudder.

Of all the fears we harbor, visiting the dentist is one of the most universal, but there are ways to rid your semiannual appointment of little needles and big anxieties. In short, return to the basics. Think back to those first dental visits you had as a kid when the hygienist taught you how to take impeccable care of your teeth and gums. (Remember when dentist brought out that big plastic tooth and demonstrated the proper way to brush and floss?)

The plan is simple. Reduce your risk of developing cavities, gum disease, and other oral scourges by sticking to this fourfold strategy: Brush thoroughly and correctly after each meal; floss after each meal (or at the very least, once a day); use fluoride toothpaste; the faithfully trudge to the dentist’s office for a checkup and cleaning every six months.

Also, remember that while the4 charming dental professionals in your life play a big role in keeping your mouth healthy and your smile brilliant, the bulk of the responsibility lies with you. Diligent home care can help you avoid tooth and gum disease and keep your pearly whites, well, pearly white.

Many of us believe that onions, garlic, coffee, tea and hot spices are the cause of bad breath and that a simple mouthwash rinse can take care of the problem (at least until dinnertime). While it’s true that mouthwash can temporarily alleviate bad breath, it is only a quick fix, not a cure. Also, what you are eating may not be the culprit: periodontal disease, a dry mouth, and certain illnesses can all contribute to bad breath.

You should probably visit your dentist or doctor for an intractable, persistent case of bad breath. However, for a case of garden- variety halitosis, try these home tooth whitening tips.

Home Remedies for Teeth Whitening

• Drink plenty of water. When you become dehydrated, saliva-your mouth’s natural cleanser-strop flowing. This allows bacteria and plaque to stick more persistently to your tongue, gums and teeth (bacteria is often a cause of bad breath). Drinking water also helps to flush out loose food from between you teeth.
• Application of a paste of lemon juice and salt in the yellowish tint of the teeth is a wonderful way of eradicating that dull color of the teeth.
• To avoid smoker’s breath, don’t smoke.
• Stick with your regimen of diligent brushing and flossing.( we know-you've heard this one before.)
• Take a teaspoon of lemon juice and a tsp of salt. Make a paste. Apply this on the yellowish tint.
• Make like a bunny. Munching on a fresh sprig of parsley or mint clears the palate and the breath of food odors.
• Avoid the obvious offenders. While most food odors can be easily eliminated, some, like garlic and onions, then dot hang around a bit longer.