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Does Tea Stain Your Teeth?

The simple answer is YES, Tea does stain your teeth.

 

does tea stain your teethHow and Why Does Tea Stain your Teeth

Tea contains Tannins which are organic particles that stick to the tooth surface enamel or dentin. These particles (tannins) can be found in coffee, tea, and wine. The darker the tea, the more likely it will stain your teeth.

Which Tea’s will stain your teeth the most?

From my experience, dark tea such as English Breakfast and Earl Grey stain the most. Try to avoid the darkest of the tea. Green, white, and herbal tea are more likely to stain your teeth the least.

How to Remove Tea Stains from your teeth?does tea stain yo

  • Try chewing sugarless gum after eating or drinking.
  • Whitening toothpaste should be used no more than twice a week because their abrasiveness can cause your enamel to wear away leaving the yellowish dentin exposed(which is behind the enamel)
  • While drinking tea, rinse, swish, and sip water after 2-3 gulps of tea.
  • Avoid brushing your teeth after drinking tea in order to avoid abrasion of the tooth surface. If you brush right after drinking coffee or tea, you may brush away part of your enamel, so wait at least 30 minutes to an hour before brushing. This will give your enamel a chance to toughen up, so it’s less vulnerable to abrasion.
  • Over the counter whitening products such as Crest White Strips can help brighten your smile and get rid of Tooth Stains – Sparkling White Smiles
  • The dentist prescribed Whitening Products
  • Dental In-office Whitening – With this procedure, the dentist will have you come in for about 1-1.5 hours and put a paste on your teeth, and shine a light on your teeth. Often times, this can produce the most dramatic whitening.

 

Discoloration:

Always seek the advice of your Professional Dentist, and make sure you go to your 3,4 or 6 month recalls appointment with your Hygienist. Dentists and Hygienists can help to offer you many different options for brightening your smile.

 

Can Tea Stain Your Teeth?

Yes. These particles (tannins) can be found in coffee, tea, and wine. The darker the tea, the more likely it will stain your teeth.

How and Why Does Tea Stain your Teeth?

Tea contains Tannins which are organic particles that stick to the tooth surface enamel or dentin.

Which Tea's will stain your teeth the most?

The dark tea's such as English Breakfast and Earl Grey stain the most. Try to avoid the darkest of the tea. Green, white, and herbal tea are more likely to stain your teeth the least.

How to remove Tea Stains from your teeth?

Try chewing sugarless gum after eating or drinking. Whitening toothpaste should be used no more than twice a week because their abrasiveness can cause your enamel to wear away leaving the yellowish dentin exposed(which is behind the enamel) While drinking tea, rinse, swish, and sip water after 2-3 gulps of tea.

Can I brush my teeth after drinking tea?

Avoid brushing your teeth after drinking tea in order to avoid abrasion of the tooth surface. If you brush right after drinking coffee or tea, you may brush away part of your enamel, so wait at least 30 minutes to and hour before brushing. This will give your enamel a chance to toughen up, so it's less vulnerable to abrasion.

Can I use whitening Products if I stained my Teeth?

Always seek the advice of your Professional Dentist, and make sure you go to your 3,4 or 6 month recalls appointment with your Hygienist. Dentists and Hygienists can help to offer you many different options for brightening your smile.

How do I prevent tea from Staining my teeth?

While drinking tea, rinse, swish, and sip water after 2-3 gulps of tea.

Which tea will not stain my teeth?

White Tea will not stain as much as the darker tea. Try to avoid the darkest of the tea. Green, white, and herbal tea are more likely to stain your teeth the least.

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How to use Plackers Orthopick Flosser For Braces

Many people wonder how to use Plackers Orthopick Flosser For Braces, and the video below will show you exactly how to do this.

How many times have you got into huge fights and arguments with your kids because they were refusing to floss? Imagine if there was an easier way to get your kids to floss and there was no hair pulling, no arguments, and everything went smoothly?

The benefits of using an Orthopick like this is that it is way easier than using floss threaders.  Have you ever tried floss threaders?

With Floss threaders, you have to thread your floss through this tiny needle-like eye, and then you have to push the threader under through the tooth (under the braces), and then grabbing it is really tough. With dexterity issues or limited hand coordination, it’s expected that so many people will just give up on floss threaders entirely.

Plackers Orthopick Dental floss picks for Braces

Ortho Plackers Floss picks for braces truly changes the game because your hands won’t get dirty as they will with regular floss. These ortho Plackers Floss picks for braces have a handle for you to use, and it truly makes life for everyone easier.

There are a number of different types of Ortho picks on the market for cleaning braces, but most people prefer plackers orthopick dental floss picks for braces. Let us know what you prefer in the comments.

What Makes Plackers Orthopick Flosser For Braces So Easy to Use?

These Orthopicks make life with braces so much easier because there is no threading involved.  Plackers For Braces will change your life. Don’t take my word for it, though. Check out the review below on how kids and parent’s lives have become much easier after using Plackers for braces.

On amazon, there are kids parents writing that their kids Dental Hygiene routine are coming down from 20 minutes a day to 2 minutes a day.

CHECK AMAZON REVIEWS

Imagine how nice it would feel if you knew your kids were actually taking care of their teeth on a regular basis using these amazing ortho picks. Not being able to do something as simple as flossing regularly and independently can actually cause your kid’s self-esteem to suffer.

It’s important to coach them along the way, and let them know they are doing a great job when they are actually keeping up with the routine.

The only issue you’re going to have with these ortho picks flossers are that you will wish you bought more.

Plackers for Braces will save you and your teen in braces time and frustration in the long run.

WARNING: if the skinner, flatter end does not fit behind the wire or below the brackets, don’t force this pick through, or you could break off the wire/bracket.

How To Check The Amount of plaque left on teeth

Using Disclosing agent tablets are a great way to check how much plaque is left on someone’s teeth after brushing and flossing using any interdental aid. It is a food coloring that is easy to use, and a great lesson to learn even for the grown-ups, but especially the kids.

I’ve noticed that parents think they “do no wrong, and do everything right, even criticize their kids”, but the truth is that grown-ups sometimes feel like they must constantly be teaching their kids. They get so caught up worrying about their kids, and their family that they forget to take care of themselves.

This video is about discovering how dirty are my teeth? Discolsing Agent solution helps to let you see how dirty your teeth are.

How to use Plackers Orthopick Flosser For Braces

All you have to do is pull one of these flossers for Braces ortho picks out, and notice there are two plastic ends. One plastic end is thicker, and one plastic end is thinner.

All you need to do is shimmy the thinner plastic end down between the teeth and under the metal braces wire. Then proceed to do the proper C-shape flossing method on each side of your teeth.

Because the flatter and thinner plastic head go under the brace wire, you can eventually cut down the time it takes to complete your Dental hygiene routine for the day.

Check out this video below on how these Flossers for braces can be incorporated into your teen’s oral care for braces routine.

Plackers Ortho Picks Size 36ct Pack of 6

How to use Plackers Orthopick Flosser For Braces
Plackers Orthopick Flosser For Braces

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

 

 

How do you use dental floss threaders with braces?

With Floss threaders, you have to thread your floss through this tiny needle like eye, and then you have to push the threader under through the tooth (under the braces) , and then grabbing it is really tough. With dexterity issues or limited hand coordination, it's expected that so many people will just give up on floss threaders entirely.

How to use Plackers Orthopick Flosser For Braces

All you have to do is pull one of the floss picks out, and notice there are two plastic ends. One plastic end is thicker, and one plastic end is thinner. All you need to do is shimmy the thinner plastic end down between the teeth and under the metal braces wire. Then proceed to do the proper C-shape flossing method on each side of your teeth. Because the flatter and thinner plastic head goes under the brace wire, you can eventually cut down the time it takes to complete your Dental hygiene routine for the day.

How To check The Amount of plaque left on teeth?

Using Disclosing agent tablets are a great way to check how much plaque is left on someones teeth after brushing and flossing. It is food coloring that is easy to use, and a great lesson to learn even for the grown ups, but especially the kids.

What kind of floss should I use with braces?

How many times have you got into huge fights and arguments with your kids because they were refusing to floss? Imagine if there was an easier way to get your kids to floss and there was no hair pulling , no arguments, and everything went smoothly? The benefits of using an Orthopick like this is that it is way easier than using floss threaders. Have you ever tried floss threaders? These picks make life with braces so much easier because there is no threading involved. On amazon, there are kids parents writing that their kids Dental Hygiene routine are coming down from 20 minutes a day to 2 minutes a day.

What Makes Plackers Orthopick Flosser For Braces So Easy to Use?

These picks make life with braces so much easier because there is no threading involved. On amazon, there are kids parents writing that their kids Dental Hygiene routine are coming down from 20 minutes a day to 2 minutes a day.

 

 

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Are you looking for the Strongest Dental Floss ?

Intro:

We all want the Strongest Dental Floss that is strong enough to get between our teeth, remove all the plaque bacteria, but not cut through our gums. A strong type of floss used with incorrect technique can lead to Stillman’s Cleft,  which basically means you cut your gums.

If you feel confident that you know the proper C-shape method of flossing and have teeth that are really close together, then you need the strongest Dental Floss on the market.

What is Strong Dental Floss?

The Strongest Dental Floss has to be Shred-resistant, right? There’s no point in having a strong piece of floss that can be torn on your tight contacts. It also needs to have the strong tensile strength to get past tightly packed teeth.  Ever have the experience of shredding right through floss over and over again and it just takes forever?  It just gets so frustrating.

So, that’s why, in our opinion, The Strongest Dental Floss winner goes to :

Glide Oral-B Pro-Health Deep Clean Floss, Mint, Pack of 6

Glide Oral-B Pro-Health Deep Clean Floss - Strongest Dental Floss
Glide Oral-B Pro-Health Deep Clean Floss

We chose this floss because it has so many benefits in addition to being the strongest floss on the market today for your tight teeth.

There’s good reason that this is the #1 selling floss on the market today.  People love how it can get past the tightest of contacts as well as pick up more plaque bacteria compared to the normal dental flosses.

Because of its flat texture, it has the ability to grab more bacteria compared to the normal round floss.

This floss is slightly waxed, much more affordable than some other flosses on the market, and really makes flossing take much less time. It doesn’t break as easily as the non-waxed floss or the woven floss.

You can pair this Glide floss together with floss threaders to get under tight bridges, tight dental appliances like a crown, implants, etc. This floss will make your life easier in general.

If you have very tight spaces between your teeth, your crowns, under your bridge, then this is the best strongest floss for your mouth.

On Amazon, there are 80% positive reviews with people talking about how amazing this floss can get through their tight contacts, under their bridges, and do an amazing job of cleaning up their plaque.

Strongest Dental Floss But GENTLE

Do you ever notice with unwaxed floss how the tips of your finger become super white because the floss strangled your finger cutting off all your circulation?  It’s kind of scary right?

Because of the slightly waxed coating of this floss, your fingers won’t feel like the circulation has been cut off.  This is why this floss works well for people with less dexterity like children and the elderly.

 

What is the strongest dental floss?

The Strongest Dental Floss has to be Shred-resistant, right? There's no point in having a strong piece of floss that can be torn on your tight contacts. It also needs to have strong tensile strength to get past tightly packed teeth. Ever have the experience of shredding right through floss over and over again and it just takes forever? It just gets so frustrating. So, that's why, in our opinion, The Strongest Dental Floss winner goes to : Glide Oral B Pro Health Deep Clean Floss We chose this floss because it has so many benefits in addition to being the strongest floss on the market today for your tight teeth. There's good reason that this is the #1 selling floss on the market today. People love how it can get past the tightest of contacts as well as pick up more plaque bacteria compared to the normal dental flosses.

What is the strongest but gentle Floss?

Do you ever notice with unwaxed floss how the tips of your finger become super white because the floss strangled your finger cutting off all your circulation. It's kind of scary right? Because of the slightly waxed coating of this floss, your fingers won't feel like the circulation has been cut off. This is why this floss works well for people with less dexterity like children and elderly.

Is it OK to floss twice a day?

Yes, it's ok to floss more than once a day as long as you're using the proper technique. A strong type of floss used with incorrect technique can lead to Stillman's Cleft, which basically means you cut your gums. If you feel confident that you know the proper C-shape method of flossing and have teeth that are really close together, then you need the strongest Dental Floss on the market.

What is the best woven dental floss?

The best woven Dental floss is dependent on the user. If you want a Soft and springy floss that helps protect your teeth and gums by effectively removing plaque from hard to reach places that brushing alone may miss, then this might be a good type of floss for you. Different Manufacture's are: 1. Listerine Gentle Gum Care by Johnson and Johnson 2. Dr. Tungs Woven Dental Floss

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Best Rated Dental Floss [TOP 50]

Listerine Healthy White, Interdental Floss with Baking Soda, Oral Care and Hygiene, Mint,

  • Formulated with baking soda to remove tough stains like coffee, tea, and wine for a thorough clean.
  • Shred Resistant Technology
  • features Micro-Grooves technology, which removes up to two times more plaque than Glide Mint Floss
  • Does not contain perfluorooctanoic acid

Rated 4.5 Stars on Amazon of 1815 Reviews

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$14.70

Listerine Gentle Gum Care Interdental Floss for Sensitive Gums, Oral Care, Mint, 50 Yards (pack of 4)

  • 50 yards of Floss
  • Ideal for sensitive gums because of it’s Cushioned Design
  • soft, springy woven, Mint-cinnamon flavored
  • 4.5 Stars out of 409 Ratings on Amazon
  • If you have limited manual dexterity, try Listerine Ultraclean Access Flosser.

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$12.26

Dentek Triple Clean Floss Picks, 150 Count (Pack of 3)

  • ideal for tight teeth
  • Built-in tongue cleaner
  • Textured floss pick deep cleans between teeth and stimulates gums.
  • Cool, minty, flavor

Read More

 

$14.91

Oral-B Glide Pro-Health Deep Clean Dental Floss, Comfort plus floss, 40 M, Pack of 2

  • Silky smooth and shred resistant
  • Slides up to 50 percent easier in tight spaces vs. regular floss
  • #1 Dentist Recommend Brand..40 Meters
  • a light coating of natural wax for improved grip
  • 90% more micro-textured surface area than Glide Original
  • Flat So it’s less likely to break than normal floss
  • No fluoride
  • Contains mint flavor

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$6.49

Tom’s Of Maine Anti Plaque Flat Spearmint Floss, pack of 6

 

  • THICK and DURABLE: Very Strong
  • 32 yard packs of natural dental floss with Spearmint flavor; 
  • Naturally waxed nylon floss prevents snapping or fraying 
  •  All-Natural floss. No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. 
  • No Teflon and Fluoride-Free
  • CERTIFIED B CORP: Tom’s of Maine meets the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability to balance profit and purpose
  • Tom’s of Maine donates 10 Percent of our profits to charities committed to children’s health, education and the environment;

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$17.94

COCOFLOSS Coconut-oil infused luxury dental floss | Dentist Designed | Vegan and Cruelty

  • Known as the “WORLD’S BEST DENTAL FLOSS”
  • Woven with 500+ grime-grabbing fibers
  • NATURAL INGREDIENTS: Designed By Dentists
  • Infused with naturally cleansing coconut oil and lightly coated with microcrystalline wax.
  • VEGAN & GLUTEN FREE: Fantastic floss is paraben-free, cruelty-free, and vegan. There are no SLS (sulfate-free), and no PFAS (Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid), or pyrophosphates.
  • Cocofloss is textured with more surface area. Hundreds of filaments create a soft, fibrous surface
  • Claims that Cocofloss feels like a soft loofah for your smile.
  • Fruity fragrances and super-gentle

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$25.00

The Doctor’s BrushPicks | Interdental Toothpicks | 275 Count | Pack of 4 | Safely Removes Food

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$12.97

Biodegradable Dental Floss With a Refillable Glass Holder | Naturally Waxed With Candelilla Wax 

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$9.99

DenTek Triple Clean Floss Picks | Mouthwash Blast Fluoride Coating | 150-Count | 1-Pack

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$8.99

Oral-B Complete Satin Dental Floss Mint, 50m, Twin Pack

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$4.29

Plackers Orthopick Flosser for Braces, Pack of 2 (36 Flossers Each)

 

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$7.99
Listerine UltraClean Access Flosser WITH Refill Pack (Pack Of 1)

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$9.55
Plackers Kids 1st Floss Picks – Berry – 75 ct – 2 pk

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$7.80
Plackers Micro Mint Dental Floss Picks, 90 Count (Pack of 6)

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$15.29
GUM Proxabrush Go-Betweens Interdental Brushes, Wide #3614, 10 Count

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$3.97
Dr. Tung’s Smart Floss, 30 yds, Natural Cardamom Flavor 1 ea Colors May Vary (Pack of 6)

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$21.99
Dentek Kids Fun Flossers with Advanced Fluoride Coating | Removes Food & Plaque | Wild Fruit…

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$17.94
Listerine Ultraclean Dental Floss, Oral Care, Mint-Flavored, 30 Yards (Pack of 6)

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$16.97
Waterpik Convenient Hygienic Sturdy Storage Case for Replacement Tips, 6 Count

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$13.92
Oral-B Glide Pro-Health Comfort Plus Dental Floss, Mint

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$6.47
Gum EEZ-Thru Floss Threaders, 25 Count Pack of 6

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$13.79
Listerine ULTRACLEAN Access Flosser with 36 Refills, Mint Flavored (Original Version)

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$8.47
Oral-B Glide Pro-Health Deep Clean Dental Floss, Cool Mint, Count 2

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$4.87
Listerine Gentle Gum Care Interdental Floss for Sensitive Gums, Oral Care, Mint, 50 Yards (Pack…

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$21.46
Plackers Twin-Line Dental Floss Picks, 75 Count

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$3.98
Plackers Twin-Line Dental Floss Picks, 150 Count (Pack of 4)

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$22.80
REACH Mint Waxed Floss 200 Yards (Packs of 6)

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$24.82
GUM Eez-Thru Floss Threader (25 Threaders)

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$4.16
Sunstar GUM Proxabrush Go-Betweens Cleaners, Tight, 10 Count

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$4.76
Listerine Gentle Gum Care Interdental Floss for Sensitive Gums, Oral Care, Mint, 50 Yards (Pack…

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$16.40
Oral-B Nighttime Dental Guard with Scope- Professional Thin Fit – One Size Fits All

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$18.98
DenTek Slim Brush Interdental Cleaners | Brushes Between Teeth | Extra Tight Teeth | Mouthwash…

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$3.85
Plackers Twin-Line Dental Floss Picks, 75 Count (Pack of 4)

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$13.73
Oral-B Glide Pro-Health Advanced Floss, 43.7 yards (Pack of 6)

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$12.80
FAMILIFE Floss Picks Mint Dental Floss Picks M-01 with 4 Travel Handy Cases 240 Counts Flossers

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$13.99
Plackers Micro Mint Dental Floss Picks, 90 Count (Pack of 3)

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$7.43
Gum Eez-Thru Flossers Mint, 90 count (Pack of 3)

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$10.29
GUM Soft-Picks Advanced Dental Picks (Pack of 270)

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$16.30
Glide Oral-B Pro-Health Deep Clean Floss, Mint, Pack of 6

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$16.20
Amazon Brand – Solimo Mint Dental Flossers, 540 Count (6 Packs of 90)

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$12.99
Plackers Back Teeth Micro Mint Dental Floss Picks, 75 Count (Pack of 4)

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$15.17
Dentek Comfort Clean Floss Picks | Silky Ribbon Floss to Remove Food & Plaque | 75 Picks | Pack…

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$17.00
REACH Dentotape Waxed Tape, Unflavored 100 Yards (Pack of 6)

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$13.56
Listerine Gentle Gum Care Woven Floss, 50 Yards (Pack of 6)

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$16.97
Listerine Ultraclean Access Disposable Snap-On Flosser Refill Heads For Proper Oral Care,…

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$3.97
Oral-B Super Floss Mint Dental Floss Pre-Cut Strands 50 ea ( Pack of 2)

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$8.18
GUM Proxabrush Go-Betweens Interdental Brushes, Moderate #3612, 10 Count

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$3.97
DenTek Triple Clean Floss Pick | 3X Clean:  Removes Plaque & Food and Fights Bad Breath | 150 Picks…

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$21.84
Oral-B Glide Pro-Health Threader Floss 30 Count

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$3.99
Johnson & Johnson Reach Mint Waxed Dental Floss, 5 Count

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$12.27

Continue reading Best Rated Dental Floss [TOP 50]

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How Dirty Are my Teeth?

Disclosing Agent

 

Want to find out how much plaque and bacteria exist on your teeth?

Step 1: brush your teeth normally

Step 2: Use disclosing solution according to the directions on the back

Step 3: Assess areas that have been stained in pink/ blue, and attempt to remove these areas using toothbrush, floss or your choice of Dental aid.

 

TRACE DISCLOSING SOL 20Z 231102 by BND 000BT YOUNG DENTAL MANUFACTURING

 

 

 


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How To Remove Plaque From Tongue? Tongue Cleaners

Learning How To Remove Plaque From Tongue will help us decrease the bacteria in the mouth leading to freshen breath and may help us begin to deal with the above issues.

Why Should Learn How To Remove Plaque From Tongue

Did you know that an average of 60-80% of Dental Plaque and bacteria is located on your tongue alone?

Are you wondering why you end up tasting bad breath everyday even though you brush and floss daily as well as see your Dental Provider every 6 months.

Did you know that cleaning your tongue properly will improve your overall taste buds because you’re removing clogged pappillae.

The white coating of bacteria on your tongue causes chronic bad breath (halitosis), and can make conditions of Gingivitis, Cavities, and Periodontal disease progress.

Because the surface area of the tongue can be very large, it has the capacity to harbor Food debris and plaque bacteria. Because These odor-causing bacteria get trapped under the surface of your tongue, it can cause a foul odor in your mouth called Halitosis.

Warning: Before getting a tongue scraper, and scraping away everything on your tongue, please consult your Dentist or Doctor to confirm that you actually have Plaque on your tongue and it is not actually just your anatomy.

How To Remove Plaque From Tongue properly?

  1. Brush your Tongue with your toothbrush
  2. Lightly scrape your tongue with a tongue scraper reaching as far back behind the circumvallate pappillae.
  3. Finish up with mouthwash to moisten the tongue to avoid a dry mouth and tongue which can lead to bad breath.
  4. Make sure to drink water throughout the day in order to flush the left over food particles from your cheeks, tongue and vestibules.  Remember: a dry mouth is a stank mouth.

There are a couple ways to remove plaque from your tongue, and those ways are brushing, scraping with a tongue scraper as well as mouthwash.

 

How do I clean my tongue properly with a Toothbrush?

Brush your tongue after you brush your teeth, and spit out the excess toothpaste.  You want to use your toothbrush bristles to lightly scrub the top surface of your tongue in a forwards / backwards motion, side to side motion, as well as in little circles.  Be sure to get back to the Circumvallate Papilla which is at the back of the tongue near the throat.

Try to be extremely careful when scrubbing this area because many times, I have hit the back of my throat, hit a tooth with my toothbrush, as well as induced the gag reflex on myself. It’s ok if you accidentally gag yourself while brushing the back of your tongue because it’s important to remove the plaque from the back surface of your tongue.

When you are brushing your tongue, don’t forget to lightly brush the roof of your mouth as well as your cheeks because bacteria sticks to all surfaces within your mouth. If you have any sores, then avoid brushing or scraping these areas.

For those of you with really bad gag reflex, using the idea of mindfulness can help trick your mind into getting through this process. Start out slowly, and try breathing through your nose. Remember mind over matter, your health is worth it. Be very gentle when starting out to reaching the back of the throat with the brush, and if you really can get back there, don’t force yourself and end up hurting yourself. It’s not worth it.

How do I clean my tongue properly with a Tongue Scraper

There are a couple different types of tongue scrapers on the market today, but one tongue scraper has really outperformed the competition.

In order to use this tongue scraper properly, you want to grab the handles with your finger and thumb with each hand, move the tongue scraper as far back behind the circumvalate Papillae and gently scrape your tongue all the way to the tip of your tongue.

The comfort grip handles allow you to have maximum control of cleaning every surface of your tongue. You want to scrape the entire tongue, and I notice this works best by starting in the middle and scraping forward, then working on the left side using overlapping back to front scrape until the left side of the tongue is completely pink.

Then move on to the right of the tongue and scrape lightly from the back to front of the tongue using overlapping scraped of the tongue until it is smooth and pink. You can choose the different color handles, so you can differentiate if the tongue cleaner is yours or someone else’s.

Dr. Tung’s Stainless Steel Tongue Cleaner

This product has over 3000 sold, 2,977 reviews and a rating of 4.5 out of 5. Gently and effectively removes bacteria.Great oral benefits for a small price.

This tongue scraper is easy to use, recommended by Dentists and Hygienists all over the US. The health industry’s best-selling tongue cleaner. It is made of stainless steel instead of plastic, which really makes a great deal of difference in terms of comfort on the tongue and user.

One word of caution is to try and not scrape too hard with it. I would recommend first trying to lightly scrape the tongue and then slowly increase the pressure until you find a nice medium, but just be careful with it.

After using this product, make sure to clean it with soap and water.

 

Plastic Tongue Scraper Cleaner:

If you have a strong gag reflex, and/ or for some reason, you prefer a material that is different from the stainless steel tongue scraper above, check out this product below:

GUM Dual Action Tongue Cleaner Brush and Scraper

This tongue scraper has a narrower head compared to Dr. Tung’s Tongue Scraper, which helps minimize gag reflex, the long handle provides easier access to the back area.  It also has a comfort grip handle design for firm control in case of limited dexterity issues.

Using this Tongue scraper brush is very similar to Dr. Tung’s Tongue scraper.

Grab the handle of the GUM Dual Action Tongue Cleaner Brush and Scraper with one hand, then move the tongue scraper as far back behind the circumvalate Papillae and gently scrape your tongue in a back to front motion all the way to the tip of your tongue.

Remember that the goal is to scrape the entire tongue until the white plaque film is removed.   Overlapping back to front scraping of the tongue starting from the left side of the tongue until the left side of the tongue is completely pink, and then moving over to complete the right side of the tongue.

How Often Should we Clean our Tongue? 

Cleaning your tongue with a tongue scraper and Mouthwash should be part of your daily Oral Hygiene routine. Clean your tongue at least twice a day, once in the morning and once before you sleep. The tongue scraper will help scrape off the plaque from your tongue, and mouthwash will help to kill the left-over bacteria on your cheeks, tongue and back of your throat.

What’s a Normal tongue look like?

When you stick your tongue out, and look into the mirror, ever notice those little tiny bumps on your tongue?

These are called papilla, and there are four different forms that help you with the  taste sensation.  These four papillae’s job is to collect food, and send a taste sensation to your brain. Each one of them will collect a different taste. They are also known as your taste buds(buddies).

Papillae_on_tongue.svg
Papillae_on_tongue

Normal tongue anatomy How To Remove Plaque From Tongue
Normal tongue anatomy

Now, see if you can find these papillae on your own tongue.  Notice that with the tongue on the right, the surface of the tongue is pink / red, and there is no white or black coating of bacteria on the surface. This shows a healthy tongue, but there are many variations of normal.

It’s important to know the difference between a healthy tongue vs. a variation of normal vs. not normal.

If that’s NOT Plaque on my Tongue, then what is it?

Before  you start figuring out How To Remove Plaque From your Tongue, let’s take a look at some common tongue features that might not actually be plaque on your tongue.

Below is a list of some common characteristics of fissured tongue, median rhomboid glossitis, geographic tongue, ectopic geographic tongue and hairy tongue. Some of these issues will allow you to get rid of the plaque on your tongue and some won’t.

Variation of Tongue Conditions:

fissured-tongue

Fissured tongue:(furrowed tongue, scrotal tongue, Plicated tongue)The top surface (Dorsal part) of your tongue appears to have deep fissures or grooves that may become irritated if food debris collects in them. The grooves make it easier for food to be collected. A Tongue scraper will help eliminate the food and debris that get trapped within the grooves.

median rhomboid glossitis
median rhomboid glossitis

Median rhomboid glossitis:  Appears as a flat or slightly raised oval or rectangular erythematous area in the midline of the dorsal surface of the tongue, beginning at the junction of the anterior and middle thirds and extending posterior to the circumvallate papillae.  It is devoid of filiform papillae and is therefore smooth.  May be caused by kissing and is characterized as chronic fungal infection.   Tongue scrapers will have no effect on this glossitis.

Image result for hairy tongue - How To Remove Plaque From TongueHairy tongue:  Elongated filiform papillae caused by an increase in keratin production or a decrease in normal desquamation.  Appears white or may be pigmented (like in the picture) due to chromogenic bacteria, tobacco or certain foods. Tongue scrapers will help to eliminate Hairy tongue alone with proper Oral Hygiene.

Geographic_tongue_How To Remove Plaque From TongueGeographic tongue:  Occurs on the dorsal and lateral borders of the tongue.  Appears as erythematous patches devoid of filiform papillae surrounded by a white or yellow perimeter.  The fungiform papillae appear distinct within the erythematous patch.  The condition is not static and goes into remission, and there can be changes in the depapillated areas.  Cause is unknown but genetic factors may play a role.Ectopic geographic tongue:  Geographic tongue condition when it occurs on the mucosal surfaces other than the tongue. Both types of Geographic tongue will not be affected by a tongue scraper.

Visiting your DDS often and regularly are mandatory for you to get to the bottom of what is causing bad breath.  Anything from an accumulation of plaque and build up on the teeth, the gums from improper flossing or Calculus build up, the tongue, cavities, or many other infections can be an issue of bad breath. Other factors that can affect the degree of Bad Breath are dry mouth, sinusitis as well as postnasal drip.

This is why it’s important to make sure you are trying to fix the right problem that a professional can diagnose.

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How do I get rid of plaque on my tongue?

Brush your Tongue with your toothbrush Lightly scrape your tongue with a tongue scraper reaching as far back behind the circumvallate pappillae. Finish up with mouthwash to moisten the tongue to avoid a dry mouth and tongue which can lead to bad breath. Make sure to drink water throughout the day in order to flush the left over food particles from your cheeks, tongue and vestibules. Remember: a dry mouth is a stank mouth.

How do I get rid of the white stuff on my tongue?

There are a couple of ways to remove plaque from your tongue, and those ways are brushing, scraping with a tongue scraper as well as mouthwash.

How do I clean my tongue properly with a Toothbrush?

Brush your tongue after you brush your teeth, and spit out the excess toothpaste. You want to use your toothbrush bristles to lightly scrub the top surface of your tongue in a forwards / backward motion, side to side motion, as well as in little circles. Be sure to get back to the Circumvallate Papilla which is at the back of the tongue near the throat.

How can I clean my tongue without a scraper?

Use a Toothbrush to brush your tongue. When you are brushing your tongue, don't forget to lightly brush the roof of your mouth as well as your cheeks because bacteria sticks to all surfaces within your mouth. If you have any sores, then avoid brushing or scraping these areas.

Why does my tongue collect so much plaque?

Before you start figuring out How To Remove Plaque From your Tongue, let's take a look at some common tongue features that might not actually be a plaque on your tongue. Below is a list of some common characteristics of the fissured tongue, median rhomboid glossitis, geographic tongue, ectopic geographic tongue, and hairy tongue. Some of these issues will allow you to get rid of the plaque on your tongue and some won't.

If that's NOT Plaque on my Tongue, then what is it?

Below is a list of some common characteristics of the fissured tongue, median rhomboid glossitis, geographic tongue, ectopic geographic tongue, and hairy tongue. Some of these issues will allow you to get rid of the plaque on your tongue and some won't.

What's a Normal tongue look like?

When you stick your tongue out and look into the mirror, ever notice those little tiny bumps on your tongue? These are called papilla, and there are four different forms that help you with the taste sensation. These four papillae's job is to collect food and send a taste sensation to your brain. Each one of them will collect a different taste. They are also known as your taste buds(buddies).

 

 

 

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CAN GUM RECESSION BE REVERSED ?

Gum recession CAN NOT be reversed, but it can get worse if it is not treated when it is present. 

In order to understand why gum recession can not be reversed, it’s important to understand what the differences are between Gingivitis and Periodontal Gum disease.

Gingivitis is a reversible Gum infection.

Gingivitis Before and After Cleaning
image credit: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Gingivitis#/media/File:Gingivitis_(crop).jpg

There is no recession associated with

Gingivitis. There is only plaque and calculus

accumulation causing infection symptoms

such as redness and swelling of the gum

tissue.

 

Periodontal disease is an irreversible Gum

infection.

Can recession be reversed
Image Credit: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Periodontal_Disease.png

Under your gums, there is a bone ( called the alveolar process ),  which is attached firmly to your tooth root by fibrous connective tissue ( called Periodontal Ligament).

Periodontal Disease is the breakdown of  connective tissue attachment ( Periodontal Ligament  ) between tooth and alveolar bone.

The Result is Recession, aka roots of teeth exposed.

 

This is caused by untreated Gingivitis.

 

CAN GUM RECESSION BE REVERSED ?Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/160995989@N02/44863978862. Everette Earls

Causes and Symptoms of Receding Gums:

  • Swollen Gums

  • Family history

  • Bad Breath

  • Loose teeth

  • Teeth sensitivity to hot/cold

  • teeth shifting

  • poor brushing techniques – Brushing too hard, Brushing too many teeth at a time AKA scrubbing method of brushing,

  • Using a toothbrush with Medium/Hard bristles

  • Use of Frayed toothbrush

  • Grinding of your teeth causing abfraction

  • Poor-fitting Denture, partial

  • Hormonal Changes – pregnancy, puberty, menopause

  • Illnesses – Cancer, HIV, Diabetes. These illnesses weaken the body’s immune system and can cause inflammation throughout the body causing an easier chance of Periodontal Disease and Cavities.

  • Medications –  Dilantin, Procardia, Adalat all have the ability to cause the gums to cause gum tissue to grow with bad oral hygiene

  • Increase in Periodontal Pocket Depths along with Calculus Formation under the gumline

HOW WILL GUM RECESSION AFFECT YOUR DENTAL VISIT? 

Most people go to the dentist twice a year to get x-rays, to be checked for cavities, and to have their teeth cleaned.  However, sometimes people need more than just a simple cleaning, such as root planing, because their gums are receding because their teeth are unhealthy. 

A Prophylaxis is a preventative

treatment which helps to prevent

periodontal disease while root planing is

a procedure that is done after

periodontal disease is diagnosed.

CAN GUM RECESSION BE REVERSED?

Gum recession can’t be reversed, but it can get worse if it is not treated when it is present

When a patient needs periodontal maintenance, they should be informed about the differences in the type of treatment between prophylaxis and root planing, so they will understand how important periodontal maintenance is for the future health of their gums.

Prophylaxis is a preventative treatment administered to people who do not have periodontal disease. It is known as a regular “cleaning,”  and it is three times cheaper than root planing.   In the article “You Don’t Clean Teeth,”  Carol Tekavec states that “….plaque, calculus, and stains are removed from the teeth.”  Regular cleaning only deals with removing deposits from the teeth, rather than from the root.  Many people get root planing confused with prophylaxis because they are both nonsurgical.

Prophylaxis is much different than a root planing because root planing deals with treating periodontal disease, whereas prophylaxis prevents it.  Root Planing is a non-surgical periodontal procedure that removes bacteria from root surfaces.  It is a necessary procedure when gum tissue is infected causing “inflammation of the gums. . . , bad breath, teeth shifting and may be implicated in several systemic conditions” (Tekavec).  However, there is a significant price difference between prophylaxis and root planing.

GUM RECESSION TREATMENT VS REGULAR CLEANING

Once someone has periodontal disease, they will need ongoing care called periodontal maintenance.  Root planing is one type of periodontal therapy that may be required.  After someone has periodontal disease, they no longer need prophylactic treatment to prevent gum disease, because they already have it.  Periodontal maintenance requires treatment four times a year, and sometimes surgery is required. Since root planing will be this patient’s new type of cleaning, the price of maintenance will be much more than someone that needs just a basic cleaning twice a year.

     When a patient needs Periodontal maintenance, they should be informed about the differences in cost and treatment between prophylaxis and root planing, so they will understand their own dental care.  A thorough understanding can help with periodontal maintenance after their first root planing.  Prophylaxis is a preventative treatment that helps to prevent periodontal disease while root planing is a procedure that is done after the periodontal disease is diagnosed.  Periodontal maintenance is very important, and people must be informed about why treatment is different and necessary for their general health.  Since Periodontal disease can lead to other systemic diseases, it is very important that dental professionals let the client know their situation.

   Tekavec, Carol. (2009, May 27).  You Don’t Clean Teeth Modern Hygienist, pp. 1-3.

 

CAN GUM RECESSION BE REVERSED?

Gum recession CAN NOT be reversed, but it can get worse if it is not treated when it is present. In order to understand why gum recession can not be reversed, it's important to understand what the differences are between Gingivitis and Periodontal Gum disease.

Is Gingivitis Reversible?

Gingivitis is a reversible Gum infection. There is no recession associated with Gingivitis.

Is it possible to stop gum recession?

Root planing is one type of periodontal therapy that may be required to stop gums from receding any further. After someone has periodontal disease, they no longer need prophylactic treatment to prevent gum disease, because they already have it. Periodontal maintenance requires treatment four times a year, and sometimes surgery is required. Since root planing will be this patient's new type of cleaning, the price of maintenance will be much more than someone that needs just a basic cleaning twice a year.

Will my teeth fall out from receding gums?

Yes, eventually the attachment between the tooth and the bone will be destroyed to the point where they fall out. Under your gums, there is a bone ( called the alveolar process ), which is attached firmly to your tooth root by fibrous connective tissue ( called Periodontal Ligament). Periodontal Disease is the breakdown of connective tissue attachment ( Periodontal Ligament ) between tooth and alveolar bone.

Can gum grow back?

No, This is caused by untreated Gingivitis.

What's the best mouthwash for receding gums?

There is no Magic Mouthwash that will help with receding gums. Fixing the underlying issue which is brushing and flossing regularly along with going to your Dentist regularly is key to maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Most people go to the dentist twice a year to get x-rays, to be checked for cavities, and have their teeth cleaned. However, sometimes people need more than just a simple cleaning, such as root planing, because their gums are receeding because their teeth are unhealthy.

HOW WILL GUM RECESSION AFFECT YOUR DENTAL VISIT?

Most people go to the dentist twice a year to get x-rays, to be checked for cavities, and have their teeth cleaned. However, sometimes people need more than just a simple cleaning, such as root planing, because their gums are receeding because their teeth are unhealthy. A Prophylaxis is a preventative treatment which helps to prevent periodontal disease while root planing is a procedure that is done after periodontal disease is diagnosed.

What are the Causes and Symptoms of Receding Gums?

Swollen Gums Family history Bad Breath Loose teeth Teeth sensitivity to hot/cold teeth shifting poor brushing techniques - Brushing too hard, Brushing too many teeth at a time AKA scrubbing method of brushing, Using toothbrush with Medium/Hard bristles Use of Frayed toothbrush Grinding of your teeth causing abfraction Poor fitting Denture, partial Hormonal Changes - pregancy, puberty, menopause Illnesses - Cancer, HIV, Diabetes. These illnesses weaken the bodies immune system and can cause inflammation throughout the body causing an easier chance of Periodontal Disease and Cavities. Medications - Dilantin, Procardia, Adalat all have the ability to cause the gums to cause gum tissue to grow with bad oral hygiene Increase in Periodontal Pocket Depths along with Calculus Formation under the gumline

How is a regular cleaning different than a deep cleaning?

Prophylaxis is much different than a root planing because root planing deals with treating periodontal disease, whereas prophylaxis prevents it. Root Planing is a non-surgical periodontal procedure that removes bacteria from root surfaces. It is a necessary procedure when gum tissue is infected causing “inflammation of the gums. . . , bad breath, teeth shifting, and may be implicated in several systemic conditions” (Tekavec). However, there is a significant price difference between prophylaxis and root planing.

What is a Prophylaxis Dental Cleaning?

Prophylaxis is a preventative treatment administered to people who do not have periodontal disease. It is known as a regular “cleaning,” and it is three times cheaper than root planing. In the article “You Don't Clean Teeth,” Carol Tekavec states that “....plaque, calculus and stains are removed from the teeth.” A regular cleaning only deals with removing deposits from the teeth, rather than from the root. Many people get root planing confused with prophylaxis because they are both non surgical.

What is Periodontal Maintenance?

When a patient needs Periodontal maintenance, they should be informed about the differences in cost and treatment between prophylaxis and root planing, so they will understand their own dental care. A thorough understanding can help with periodontal maintenance after their first root planing. Prophylaxis is a preventative treatment which helps to prevent periodontal disease while root planing is a procedure that is done after periodontal disease is diagnosed. Periodontal maintenance is very important, and people must be informed about why treatment is different and necessary for their general health. Since Periodontal disease can lead to other systemic diseases, it is very important that dental professionals let the client know their situation.

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Bell’s Palsy and Oral Implications

DEFINITION of Bells Palsy

One of the most common neurologic disorders affecting the cranial nerves and is the most common cause of an acute facial paralysis. The cause is unknown although research support a viral cause or iatrogenically caused from damage to nerves during intraoral local anesthetic injection or during oral surgery procedures.

Special Need Topic

Bell’s Palsy or

Facial Neuropathy

ORAL MANIFESTATIONS

Oral musculature numbness affects the ability to chew and to maintain a self-cleansing environment. This numbness could lead to oral trauma, such as cheek biting, and to increased debris on the side of the mouth that is affected. Other common effects are dry mouth, glossitis, and candidiasis.

ORAL HYGIENE INSTRUCTIONS

Establish a brushing pattern helps the client avoid missing areas. Rinsing with water after eating helps reduce trapped food, which the client may not feel. Us of an oral irrigator also is beneficial.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

The client should wear protective eyewear to prevent foreign material from entering the eye, because the client’s eyelids may not close on the affected side of the face.

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Alcoholism and Your Oral Health

Alcoholism and Dental Issues

 

DEFINITION

An addiction to the consumption of alcoholic liquor or the mental illness and compulsive behavior resulting from alcohol dependency.

ORAL HYGIENE INSTRUCTIONS

Begin with basic tooth brushing instructions and encouragement to practice tooth brushing daily.  Once-daily toothbrushing techniques have been mastered or a power toothbrush has been recommended and demonstrated, interdental oral physiotherapy aids can be introduced.    Do not recommend products that contain alcohol to avoid supporting their addiction.  Therefore non-alcoholic fluoride mouth rinses like ACT  and non-alcoholic antimicrobial mouth rinses like Biotene are recommended for homecare and preprocedural rinses.

ORAL MANIFESTATIONS

Tooth erosion from sugar in alcohol or regurgitation.  Sialosis, xerostomia, glossitis.  Stomatitis due to nutritional deficiencies and anemia.  Orofacial injuries from accidents or violence.  Severe infections due to immunosuppression.