Page 21 - Florida Sentinel 6-7-19

Health
The desired smile that many people wish to have looks like this: straight teeth and bril- liantly white. Everywhere we look dazzling white teeth are smiling back at us. From celebrities, people we see on the news and other public figures, we are surrounded by this “per- fect smile”. So, what if your smile isn’t “perfect”?
There are several factors that play part in why teeth be- come discolored: age, smoking habits and eating habits. The nicotine in cigarettes leaves brown residue that soak into the teeth’s surface, leaving a brownish tint on the teeth and gums. The most common foods that stain the teeth include cof- fee, tea, red wine, carrots and other deeply colored foods and beverages. Foods that are highly acidic, such as vinegar and citrus fruits, cause discol- oration by enamel erosion.
As we begin to age, our teeth naturally gain a cast rang- ing from yellow to brown as a result of years of accumulation. In the 20s, it begins as a yellow cast which is easy to whiten. By the 40s, the teeth have a brown cast which becomes a little more difficult to treat. By the 50s, it is significantly more dif- ficult to treat the teeth.
There are several methods for brightening teeth, but in order to determine which to use you need to know the difference between whitening and bleach- ing. “Whitening” works to re- store teeth to their natural, brightest surface color by re- moving stains and debris. “Bleaching” works to whiten teeth beyond their natural sur- face color. These products in- clude bleach (hydrogen peroxide or carbide peroxide), per the Consumer Guide to Dentistry.
In most cases, people seek help from a dental professional to brighten their smile. These treatments can range anywhere from $100-$800 per visit. Luckily, there are several sim- ple, natural remedies that are used to brighten teeth.
Brush Your Teeth
After Every Meal.
Brushing your teeth after ever meal is a practice that’s been encouraged since childhood. As children, it is believed that it is to only prevent cavities, but this practice helps the teeth keep their brightness. While brush- ing your teeth after every meal and beverage can be difficult because of the persistence that
is required, it is one of the best ways to whiten a smile natu- rally.
Citrus Fruit Peels. Citrus foods, such as oranges and lemons, have acidic prop- erties in their peels that help re- move stains on the teeth and whiten them. When using acids, be sure not to use too often because the enamel on the teeth can wear away if used too aggressively. After applying the peels, be sure to rinse your mouth with water or a hydro- gen peroxide oral rinse.
Baking Soda and
Hydrogen Peroxide.
Creating a paste consisting of hydrogen peroxide and baking
soda works to remove more plaque from the teeth. Plaque removal plays a key role in the effectiveness of tooth brushing, which as we know contributes to the whiteness of teeth. The paste should only be left on for about 30 seconds, and then rinsed out thoroughly.
Coconut Oil. Coconut oil has many uses and a popu- lar beauty is “oil pulling”. With this method, you swish coconut oil around in your mouth, “pulling” in between your teeth, for about 20 minutes. Do this daily. In addition to reportedly helping to whiten teeth, co- conut oil’s antibacterial proper- ties make it a great protectant for your gums.
The benefits of these reme- dies are their pathway to whitened smile and their af- fordability. Advanced dental treatments show relatively fast results, which is why most peo- ple seek them. On the other hand, natural remedies take more time before results can be seen. No need to worry, with these methods a whitened smile can be obtained, but it requires persistence and patience.
MELATONIN
This hormone tells your body when to sleep and wake. Some re- search suggests that melatonin supplements can ease sleep issues like jet lag and trouble falling or staying asleep. For the most part, melatonin is safe for healthy adults if taken for only a few weeks or months. Side effects include headache, dizziness, and nausea. Try taking 1-3 milligrams 2 hours before bed.
GABA
It’s short for gamma-aminobutyric acid. It’s a chemical in the brain that boosts relaxation and sleep. Some sleeping pills work by helping GABA work better. But there’s no proof that taking GABA itself as a supplement works. Scientists aren’t sure that GABA can even pass from your bloodstream into your brain.
LAVENDER
Try sniffing this purple flower before your bedtime. Its scent slows your heart rate and lowers your blood pressure and skin tem- perature. This can set the stage for slumber. A study found that peo- ple who snoozed in a lavender-infused room had more restful deep sleep than those who didn’t. Want to try it? Run an essential oil dif- fuser in your bedroom, or add a few drops to your pillowcase.
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