Caring for an Elderly Parent With Special Dental Needs
Teeth Whitening FAQ
Joe Lawrence
Whitening your teeth can not only improve your smile, but also boost your self-esteem. Unfortunately, using an over-the-counter kit from the pharmacy can sometimes do more harm than good. If you are looking for ways to improve your smile through whitening, here is what you need to know.
What Is Wrong with At-Home Whitening Kits?
At-home teeth whitening kits offer the opportunity to brighten your smile without going to the dentist. Although they are convenient and easy-to-do, there are some problems that could make them a bad decision in the long run.
One of the biggest problems with teeth whitening is that not everyone is a candidate for it. Teeth whitening kits rely on the use of carbamide peroxide gel to clean the teeth. Some people have a sensitivity to it and using a kit could result in pain.
There is also the problem of overusing the kits. If you use the kits too often, you can start to wear down the enamel on your teeth. When this occurs, you are at risk of developing cavities and other dental problems.
Is There a Natural Way to Whiten?
There are ways that you can naturally whiten your teeth and avoid the problems associated with at-home teeth whitening. One way is to rinse with a diluted rinse that contains a mixture of apple cider vinegar and water. You can use the organic rinse in place of your mouthwash, if desired.
Another way to brighten your smile is to eat more raw fruits and vegetables. As you eat, the fruits and vegetables help to remove surface stains that can become permanent if not tended to. You also have the added benefit of removing plaque from your teeth. Plaque can lead to the development of cavities.
A less than perfect smile could be the result of a need for a new toothbrush. When your toothbrush's bristles are worn, it cannot remove the surface stains and plaque from your teeth properly. Ensure that you are replacing your toothbrush as recommended by your dentist.
Can Your Dentist Help?
If naturally whitening your teeth does not produce the results you want, a cosmetic dentist can whiten your teeth in his or her office. The dentist can ensure that the gel used is not too strong for your mouth and also ensure that you are not overdoing it.
Your dentist can provide you with invaluable information on whitening your teeth and keeping them that way.
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Caring for an elderly parent tends to be tough enough without the added stress of dealing with dental implants or dentures. But, the prospect is not the end of the world—there are many things you can do to ensure that your parent's dental health is not compromised without having to spend a lot of personal time doing the care yourself. Between working with the right dentist, hiring a service provider for part time work, and giving your parent the tools he or she needs to care for his or her own dental health at home, you'll find that dental health for your loved one isn't so tough or time consuming after all. Hopefully you are able to get the support and information you need right here.