Dental Whitening Series: How to stop sensitivity before it starts.

Sensitivity (that sharp twinge we get when the teeth are exposed to hot or cold) can occur with any type of whitening. If you are not yet sensitive prevent it with this trick: two weeks before your whitening appointment, start brushing with toothpaste infused with potassium nitrate.  This agent blocks pain signals from the nerve.

MI Paste and MI Paste Plus are available through our dental office and can be helpful in reducing sensitivity.  MI Paste and MI Paste Plus can help soothe sensitivity while providing nourishing minerals to tooth surfaces.

MI Paste and MI Paste Plus are the only products for professional use containing RECALDENT™ (CPP-ACP), a special milk-derived protein that releases vital minerals into your mouth (calcium and phosphate; also fluoride in MI Paste Plus).

MI Paste and MI Paste Plus relieve sensitivity by protecting dental nerve endings by forming a buffer against plaque. MI Paste and MI Paste Plus can also help redeposit those lost minerals back into the oral environment. MI Paste and MI Paste Plus are excellent for tooth sensitivity due to cold air, hot and cold drinks, sweet and sour food or drinks.

Both sensitivity toothpaste and MI Paste or MI Paste Plus are terrific for stopping sensitivity prior to whitening your teeth. Our office also places a desensitizing agent, which reduces any post whitening sensitivity, as the final step to our Laser Whitening.





reference:

First Magazine
MI Paste.com
Nylaan Dental Team

Nylaan Dental
5011 Plainfield Ave NE
Grand Rapids MI 49525

Dental Whitening Series: Sneaky ways your teeth can become stained

Your toothpaste may be too abrasive.  

Most whitening toothpastes contain hydrated silica, a particle that polishes the tooth's surface. The catch-22?  In high amounts, silica can erode enamel. It can also cause micro etching in the enamel, which gives plaque and stain something to adhere to.  

This is why the American Dental Association created an abrasiveness rating system called Radioactive Dentin Abrasion (RDA). On the RDA scale, under 80 is ow abrasive, with 200 being highly abrasive. RDA ratings are not listed on packaging and there isn't a full list online at this time, so to see if your toothpaste is too abrasive Google its entire name and "RDA". 

Juicing. 

Have you ever used a white plastic bowl to collect juice from a juice, and no matter how hard you scrub it does not come completely clean? Juicing affects teeth the same way. Using a juicer essentially separates the chromogens - or the intensely pigmented molecules that give a food it's color. 

In addition compounds found in berries, beets and green vegetables increase the chromogen's ability to stick to enamel - resulting in major stains. 

Here is a trick to continue juicing without the staining..... Drink your juice through a straw to direct the pigments past your teeth. Then when you finish chew a sugar-free gum, preferably sweetened with xylitol,  to generate saliva and wash away the stains before they adhere. 

Interested in professional dental whitening? Visit our dental office for an evaluation. 

Reference: 
First Magazine
American Dental Association
Nylaan Dental 

Nylaan Dental
5011 Plainfield Ave NE
Grand Rapids MI 49525

Dental Whitening Series: Thinking about dental whitening? This is how you can have whiter teeth at any age.

How to identify minor extrinsic (topical) staining....

1. Slight yellowing near the gum-line and between teeth. 
2. Center of the tooth is still white. 
3. Enamel is strong, or your tooth feels smooth and looks glossy. 

Extrinsic staining, or subtle discoloration of the enamel's surface is caused by a mild buildup of pigments from food, drinks and tobacco. Superficial stains often appear at the gum-line and between teeth first because those areas have more sticky plaque for the particles to adhere to. The good news? You can brighten simply by using whitening toothpaste (see our previous blog post), or having your teeth professionally cleaned. 

Here is another healthy way to reduce tooth discoloration. 

A recent study found that regular consumption of apples lowers the risk of gum disease and helps teeth appear whiter. How it works.... Apples fibrous pulp removes debris from the teeth while its mild acidity increase saliva to rinse away plaque - it is like a delicious, natural toothbrush. 

An apple a day could keep the dentist away, and keep your teeth whiter and healthier.

references:

First Magazine
Nylaan Dental Team

Nylaan Dental
5011 Plainfield Ave NE
Grand Rapids MI 49525

Dental Whitening Series: What's in your Whitening Toothpaste?

Are you wondering how a daily squeeze works to lighten your teeth?

What gives you that bright smile? 

In most tubes you will find a whitening agent like baking soda, silica or hydrogen peroxide. That last one is the same ingredient used to lighten hair, but in a much lower concentration (pastes have a maximum of 6% compared to up to 12% in hair dye.)


What is the downside of whitening toothpaste?  

Those bleaching particles are abrasive and can expose the sensitive layer of tissue underneath enamel called dentin. Help prevent this by choosing a soft bristle brush and brushing gently, at least twice a day, when using a whitening formula.

You cannot expect miracles. 

A whitening paste improves everyday surface stains from things like coffee and red wine and is a great maintenance tool after a pro-whitening session, but in-office treatments give better, faster results.

Their flavorings have benefits. 

Since sugar causes cavities, chemists use other natural and artificial sweeteners in all kinds of toothpaste  - and they do more than add taste. Sorbitol, a synthetic sugar alcohol, also helps to maintain the paste's texture. The natural sugar alcohol xylitol prevents bacterial growth to stop cavities from forming.

TIP: 

Look for one with fluoride. Fluoride prevents decay and restores enamel that can be broken down by coarse whiteners.

reference: 
Dr. Oz - The Good Life Magazine
Nylaan Dental Team  

Nylaan Dental
5011 Plainfield Ave NE
Grand Rapids MI 49525

Start off the New Year right.... keep your teeth pearly white...

While the winter chill might have your teeth chattering, there are a lot of easy ways you can keep those pearly whites smiling through the winter months. Speaking of teeth chattering, it’s usually related to shivering, the body’s natural response to cold. 

TAKE CARE OF YOUR BRUSH 

Your toothbrush goes to work for you every day, so make sure you take good care of it and replace it every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles appear worn, to make sure it is cleaning effectively.

It’s a good idea to thoroughly rinse your brush each time and store it in an upright position where it can air dry between uses. Avoid storing your toothbrush in a closed container or covering it, as the moist conditions can encourage the growth of bacteria. 

AVOID SPREADING GERMS 

With the many winter colds and flu bugs, it’s important to replace your toothbrush after you've been sick. Never share your toothbrush, as it can result in exchange of germs between users.

If toothbrushes are stored in the same holder, make sure they are separated to prevent cross-contamination. People with compromised immune systems might consider replacing toothbrushes more frequently to decrease exposure to bacteria.


WEAR A MOUTH GUARD 

If you like to venture out on the ice for a bit of hockey or hit the court for a basketball game, be sure to wear a mouth guard to protect your teeth.  Oral health injuries among athletes account for more than 600,000 emergency room visits per year, and sports-related injuries account for three times more facial/dental injuries than violence or traffic accidents. Mouth guards not only protect the teeth and gums but cut the risk of concussion by 50 percent. 

DRINK LOTS OF WATER 

Make sure to keep drinking plenty of water — fluoridated is best — throughout the winter months. The water will help wash away food particles and reduce the presence of bacteria in your mouth. Staying hydrated also will keep your body producing a healthy amount of saliva, which works to help build and maintain the health of soft and hard tissues in your mouth. 

DON’T IGNORE SENSITIVITY 

If the cold air is bothering your teeth, be sure to get it checked out. Your dentist can help determine if there is a problem or if it is general sensitivity that can be taken care of with special toothpaste. 

SEE YOUR DENTIST REGULARLY 

Regular exams and cleanings will help you prevent problems and identify them early so they can be addressed in the most effective way possible. Don’t put off scheduling your dentist appointment. 

Reference: 

Brought to you by the 600 members of the West Michigan District Dental Society in Kent, Ottawa, Ionia, Montcalm and Mecosta counties. West Michigan District Dental Society dentists also are members of the Michigan Dental Association and the American Dental Association. 

Happy Holidays

from the Nylaan Dental Team 

Healthy Smile Series: Reduce your risk of tooth decay

 

Americans consume foods and drinks that are high in sugar and starches more than ever before. Alarmingly, a steady diet of sugary foods and drinks can ruin teeth, especially among those who snack throughout the day. Grazing habitually on foods with minimal nutritional value, and frequently sipping on sugary drinks — such as pop, energy drinks and juice — all have a tendency to contribute towards tooth decay and send you straight to the dentist.

Sugar on teeth supplies food for bacteria, which produces acid. The acid in turn can eat away the enamel on teeth. Almost all foods have some type of sugar that cannot and should not be eliminated from our diets. Many of them contain important nutrients and add enjoyment to eating. But there is extra risk for tooth decay if your diet is high in sugars and starches. Starches can be found in everything from bread to pretzels to salad dressing, so read labels and plan carefully for a balanced, nutritious diet.

Some ways you can reduce your risk of tooth decay:

• If you choose to consume sugary foods and drinks, do so with meals.
• Limit between-meal snacks.
• Drink more water.
• Brush your teeth twice daily and floss daily.
• See your dentist regularly.

Brought to you by the office of Brian S. Nylaan, D.D.S.