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Following is some information on teeth whitening, courtesy of my
brother, Dr. Jeff Drayer, a New York–based orthodontist, and the American
Dental Association (ADA). There are many different approaches to whitening
teeth, from over-the-counter strips to professional procedures. The difference in
the result depends on the levels of active ingredients. Teeth with a yellowish
color tend to whiten well with a bleaching process, whereas teeth that are
grayish do not bleach as well. Teeth that are stained due to
tetracycline may be very resistant to whitening procedures.
*Enamel
microdermabrasion. Your
dentist can use this procedure to file off localized stains or spots.
*Whitening
mouthwash. These
preparations may contain hydrogen peroxide to bleach your teeth, as well
as other ingredients.
*Whitening
toothpaste. This
can make your teeth appear a little lighter by removing stains on the
surface of the teeth, but it will not actually bleach your teeth.
*Over-the-counter
tooth-whitening products. These range from “pens” to whitening strips to trays
of gel you put in your mouth. These methods may be helpful for maintenance following
a professional procedure.
BEAUTY MYTH
Brushing with Salt Whitens Teeth
Salt has a coarse texture, which works to
thin the outer layer of your teeth, resulting in brighter and whiter teeth.
This is not much different from using a scouring pad on your body to
soften your skin. Using salt as a treatment for whiter teeth will shift stains,
but it comes at a high cost, such as sensitive gums and teeth and the potential
for cavities.
*Dental trays with gel prescribed by your
dentist. Toothwhitening
kits from the dentist produce faster results because they contain a stronger
peroxide bleaching agent than anything you can buy over the counter.
*One-time in-office treatment. Your teeth can be
whitened by several shades in under an hour, dramatically improving the appearance
of your teeth. You may have three applications of whitening gel during
one appointment. A special lamp is used to activate the whitening gel and speed
up the whitening process. This approach uses a strong whitening agent, so there’s
more potential for temporary sensitivity.
The ADA advises patients to consult with
their dentists to determine the most appropriate treatment to meet their needs.
Magnesium’s Role in Beauty
Recommended Dietary Allowance
WOMEN: 310
mg (ages 19 to 30), 320 mg (ages 31 and above)
MEN: 400
mg (ages 19 to 30), 420 mg (ages 31 and above)
By working together with calcium and vitamin D,
magnesium helps to maintain strong, beautiful bones and teeth. Magnesium plays
a role in over 300 chemical reactions that occur in the body.
10 Good Whole-Food Sources of Magnesium:
1. Spinach, boiled, 1 cup, 157 mg
2. Pumpkin seeds, 1/2 cup, 185 mg
3. Soybeans, cooked, 1 cup, 148 mg
4. Salmon, chinook, baked, 4 oz. 138 mg
5. Sunflower seeds, raw, 1/2 cup, 127 mg
6. Sesame seeds, 1/2 cup, 126 mg
7. Halibut, baked, 4 oz. 121 mg
8. Black beans, cooked, 1 cup, 120 mg
9. Almonds, dry roasted, 1/2 cup, 99 mg
10. Walnuts, 1/2 cup, 44 mg
The Proper Way to Take Care of Your Teeth
Remember, the most important part of good dental hygiene is commitment.
*Brush your teeth twice a day, with
fluoride toothpaste. Brush your tongue too.
*There is a proper way to brush teeth. Have
your dentist or hygienist show you.
*Use a toothbrush that has soft bristles.
Electric toothbrushes can help ensure that you brush for the right amount of
time and prevent hard scrubbing, but they aren’t necessarily better.
*Replace your brush every three months—and
don’t share it with anyone! Your toothbrush comes into contact with millions of
bacteria in your mouth.
*Floss between your teeth every day.
This helps remove plaque and food particles from between the teeth and under the
gum line—places where toothbrush bristles can’t reach.
*Try brushing and flossing right after
dinner while you still have the energy. This also will discourage evening
snacking and help you stay slim.
*Use an antimicrobial mouth rinse to
inhibit bacterial activity in dental plaque. Some have fluoride, which helps
prevent tooth decay.
*Visit your dentist regularly—at a minimum,
twice a year. Only your dentist or hygienist can clean the tartar off your teeth and catch little problems before they become big.
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