Month: December 2016

Baking soda is a common item found in many households and has a variety of uses besides its obvious purpose — baking food. People use it to keep smells in the fridge at bay, to minimize pet odor, and even to clean carpets and clothes. For many years, baking soda has also been used to whiten teeth. But does it actually work, is it safe, and should you do it? My dental office in Lewisburg has the answers.

Does it Work?

Let’s start with the question everyone wants to know the answer to: does baking soda actually whiten teeth? Good news, it does! Baking soda has a natural, mild abrasive texture that can scrub away surface stains and allow teeth to become a purer white. Mix equal parts baking soda with water, apply to a toothbrush, brush normally and voila!, you have a brighter, whiter smile.

Does it Always Work?

While baking soda can help remove minor discoloration and staining, it’s not incredibly effective at erasing deeper stains. Some people who try to get a whiter smile through the use of baking soda are unhappy with the results. If this happens, there are several alternatives available. In-office professional whitening treatments can whiten your smile by several shades, and at-home kits provide a convenient option. If neither one of those options work, veneers or other forms of cosmetic dentistry may be the answer. Talk with your dentist in Lewisburg to determine which solution is best for you.

There Are Disadvantages

Baking soda may be an attractive tooth whitening treatment to many — it’s cheap, it’s natural, and it’s easy. But there are some precautions you should take into consideration before jumping into a baking soda tooth whitening routine. First and foremost, brushing with baking soda can cause damage to the tooth enamel if you brush too hard. This could result in increased sensitivity and a greater risk for decay. Additionally, if used with braces or on teeth that have dental restorations, there is a chance the baking soda can weaken the adhesive. Due to its abrasive nature, baking soda users often complain of gum discomfort as well.

If you’re looking to get a whiter smile and want to explore your options, give my Lewisburg dental office a call to schedule an appointment today. We’ll review the type of staining you have, what shade of white you’d like to achieve, the best way to get you a bright, white smile that you’ll be proud to show off.

Welcoming patients from Lewisburg, Selinsgrove, Williamsport

As time goes on, things change. Your smile is no different. Lifestyle factors like drinking red wine, smoking, or grinding your teeth can all have an affect on your grin and can add years to your appearance. Even old dental work can cause you to look older than you really are. At my dental office in Lewisburg, we hear these concerns from patients often, and we’re always happy to help provide solutions to boost both confidence and health.

Gum Recession

Gum recession can be caused by a number of things like brushing too hard, grinding your teeth, or gum disease. When gums recede, more of the teeth show and they appear longer. Unfortunately, we subconsciously assume those with longer teeth are older. This is where we got the phrase ‘long in the tooth.’ There are various options available to treat gum recession and reduce how much of the teeth are visible. Talk with your Lewisburg dentist to determine which is right for you.

Yellowing Teeth

Perhaps the most common concern among patients is how to get a brighter, whiter smile for a more confident, youthful look. The appropriate treatment depends on the type and level of staining. In some cases, a professional in-office whitening will get the desired result. In other situations, veneers or replacing old, metal dental work with tooth-colored options may be recommended.

Crooked Smile

When you think of a crooked grin, you may immediately think of teenagers in metal braces. But the reality is, it’s extremely common for adults to experience shifting in their smile. It’s natural, even if they did have braces. Some of the ways to can help straighten adult teeth is through dental veneers, traditional braces, or with clear orthodontics. The right solution is unique to your specific needs.

Chips and Cracks

As we grow older, our enamel tends to weaken and the chance of chips or cracks increases. But thanks to advancements in dental technology, we’re able to repair this damage with tooth-colored restorations like porcelain inlays or onlays, veneers, or dental bonding. These treatments are long-lasting, virtually unnoticeable, and can even help whiten your smile.

No matter what your concerns may be, my Lewisburg dental office is here to help. We’ll work with you to identify your the best treatment to get you a smile that’s healthy and beautiful. Call us to schedule an appointment today.

Accepting new patients from Lewisburg, Selinsgrove, Williamsport.