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Don't Let Dieting Impact Your Oral Health


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Don't Let Dieting Impact Your Oral Health

Like many people who need to lose a few pounds, I try diet after diet in an attempt to find one that finally works for me. I learned the hard way that I need to make sure any diet will not harm my teeth, even if it does help me lose a few pounds. I learned this lesson when following a grapefruit diet. There are many versions of this, but the version I tried had me eat a grapefruit alone several times each day. It was supposed to suppress my appetite. I helped keep me from munching on unhealthy snacks, but the acid in the fruit took a toll on my tooth enamel and I quickly started getting lots of cavities. I created this blog to remind people that change up their diets often to make sure the foods they are eating are not harming their teeth.

Bring On The Bright With Time-Saving Teeth Whitening Options

You want a brighter smile. Teeth whitening is the obvious answer. But, you don't have the time to schedule several dental appointments just to get the pearliest whites possible. That's okay. You have options that will give you the smile you're looking for, without putting a pinch in your daily schedule.

Special Toothpastes

The regular toothpaste that you use twice a day keeps your mouth healthy. Even though it cleans and polishes, it may not actually whiten. If you want true power behind your paste, choose one that's specially formulated to whiten. These toothpastes typically use added polishing agents or chemical ingredients to remove stains, according to the American Dental Association (ADA). Keep in mind, these pastes don't work overnight. That said, they take almost no extra time out of your day to use.

Whitening Gels with Strips or Trays

Unlike pastes, that polish your teeth, gels bleach your teeth. This means that they change the color of your teeth. While they do take longer to use than pastes, the time commitment is relatively low. There are a variety of options, including strips and trays (you fill the trays with the gel). If you're looking to save even more time, you can wear the strips or trays as you go through your day. This might mean wearing your whitening strips as you drive to and from work or popping the trays in to wear when you do the housework. Strips and trays take repeated use to achieve the maximum results. It's possible that you'll need to use them for a week or more, before getting the shade you want. Even though it takes days (or weeks), the ability to keep your day going while whitening makes these true time-savers.

Paint-On Gels

Some gels don't require a strip or tray to hold them on. Instead, you apply these gels with a brush. It takes almost no time to paint these on your teeth. Even though you can't eat or drink immediately after painting on the gel, you can get up and go. This makes the time commitment minimal. Like strips and trays, you'll need to use the paint-on gel for days to weeks before seeing results. Don't count this as a negative just yet. With the ability to apply the product, and then go on with your day, even a 14-week treatment won't interfere with your daily life.

Office Option

If you don't want to apply a whitening agent every day, you may see the in-office version as a time-saving option. When used with a special light or laser, these procedures typically take under an hour. Don't worry about having to go back for repeated sessions. In-office whitening (especially laser assisted teeth whitening) gives you dramatic results in just one session. Unlike the whitening techniques of the past (which required several lengthy sessions), the modern ones aren't time zappers.

Getting a bright smile doesn't have to interfere with your day. Whether you're polishing stains away during your regular brushing time, using a gel as you go through your day or opting for a one-time and your done dental appointment, you can have whiter teeth without completely rearranging your schedule. 

Go to websites like http://www.drscottmurphy.com for more information.