Even though you are meticulous about dental hygiene and faithfully visit your dentist twice a year, it is still possible that you have gum disease. Experts estimate that 75% of individuals older than 35 are unaware that they suffer from some sort of gingival problems. Regrettably, ignorance will not keep you from developing more serious gum disease or periodontal disease, which can cause tooth loss and cosmetic issues. Medications are often overlooked as a major cause of gum problems. It might be wise to check out the medications that you take if you are worried about having healthy teeth and gums.

What medications can result in gum problems? Many common medications change the natural flow of saliva, causing you to have a dry mouth. Saliva is a natural substance that contains anti-bacterial agents that can help keep in check the bacteria that cause plaque to form and gum disease to develop. If there is not enough saliva, bad bacteria are more likely to grow and cause various gum problems, cavities, and malodorous breath.

Quite a few medications can cause gum problems; the culprits include anti-depressants, some blood pressure medications, and antihistamines. As a matter of fact, hundreds of drugs can cause you to experience dry mouth that could lead to gum disease. Possibly when you take these medication you notice that your mouth is dry or that you have a bad taste in your mouth. Even if you do not notice these things, your gum health may be deteriorating due to a lack of sufficient saliva.

What can be done if you are worried about your medicines resulting in gum issues? If your physician cannot find an alternative medication for you to take that would cause less mouth dryness, there are some things you can do to help reduce your risk of developing gum disease.

An alternative is to enjoy sugar free gum which contains xylitol. Chewing will encourage saliva production and the xylitol will help decrease the production of bacteria that can cause gum disease. Studies have shown that xylitol can reduce the possibility of dental cavities.

You will want to drink a good bit of water to stay hydrated. Research indicates that the catechins found in green tea are helpful in decreasing gum inflammation and help improve oral health. Drinking green tea during the day will help keep your mouth moist and it may also be helpful to the mouth and gums. Using a humidifier while you sleep can assist in keeping your mouth hydrated at night.

Remember to see your dentist regularly if you have gum issues caused by your medications. Removing plaque along the gum line on a regular basis can also be helpful in the prevention of possible gum disease.

You have two basic options for a teeth whitening system:

1) buy commercial teeth whitening products for your at-home use; or

2) seek professional teeth whitening service from a cosmetic dentist.

Whether you opt for an at-home DIY teeth whitening system or go for an in-office procedure, both treatments involve bleaching of your teeth using either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide.

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is quick to react once released from its suspended phase. When applied, the compound breaks down into water (H2O) and a nascent oxygen anion species that acts on the teeth stains.

On the other hand, carbamide peroxide is hydrogen peroxide with urea added. Urea stabilizes the bleach compound enabling it to be stored longer. However, it also slows down the reaction. In contrast to hydrogen peroxide that immediately acts on the stains, carbamide peroxide needs to stay on the teeth for hours before the oxidation process can begin.

If you wish to try whitening products that are available over-the-counter, check out the whitening strips by Crest or test a tube of peroxide-based toothpaste. If you use these at-home teeth whiteners properly, they can help lighten the color of your teeth although it will take a while before you can see any results.

For a more effective teeth whitening system, you will need to visit the dental office for professional teeth bleaching. Again, you will have to choose because in cosmetic dentistry, there are two approaches to teeth whitening — the tray-based teeth whitening treatments and the laser whitening system.

A tray-based system like the Opalescence kit is essentially an at-home teeth whitening treatment supervised by a dental professional. The dentist takes an impression of your teeth based on which custom fitted trays are made. Then, he will give you the bleaching gel containing carbamide peroxide that you will put on the trays. You wear the trays over the teeth intermittently for a period dependent on the severity of the staining and discoloration.

The other option is an in-office teeth whitening technique that uses a light source to hasten the reaction of hydrogen peroxide. The lips and gums are first isolated to avoid their getting irritated with the chemicals. Then, a special gel formulation is painted on the teeth. The bleaching light is shone on the gel to activate the whitening process. The treatment usually lasts about an hour and the results are very noticeable.

It is best to spend some time studying the different options before deciding which teeth whitening system you will avail of. Try to get as much information as you can about the different teeth whitening systems offered in the market. Read teeth whitening reviews on the effectiveness of Opalescence, Zoom and similar professional teeth whitening treatments. Scan product reviews on strips and toothpastes to see if they can indeed whiten teeth.

Most importantly, pay attention to oral care. Keep your teeth and gums healthy and decide on an effective teeth whitening system. Before long you will be flashing a brighter, whiter smile.

By www.10minteethwhitening.com – effective teeth whitening system.