Say Cheese! The Best Foods to Eat for Stronger, Whiter Teeth

A healthy smile doesn't stop with brushing, flossing, and regular check-ups. Add these foods to your diet to naturally brighten your smile.

Apples
Food can be categorized as "smile-challenging" or "smile-friendly" explains Jonathan Levine, DMD, spokesperson for ProNamel toothpastes. Smile-challenging foods are acidic and lower the pH level in your mouth, threatening your teeth with too much acidity; whereas smile-friendly are alkaline foods that raise the pH level in your mouth to a healthier level for your teeth. (These are the best hygiene tips for healthy, white teeth.) Apples are a great alkaline fruit, says Dr. Levine. Not only do they raise your mouth's pH, but apples also act as "a natural exfoliate to take stains off the teeth," says Dr. Levine. (Brushing with a toothpaste like  ProNamel Strong & Bright can help build a protective barrier on teeth to guard against acid erosion.) Read more about the many health benefits of apples.

Herbal tea or unsweetened fruit juice

VICUSCHKA/SHUTTERTSTOCK

You may love carbonated sodas, both the diet and regular kind, but they threaten the health of your teeth. Carbonic acid is found in all carbonated beverages, and produces a nasty acidic environment for your teeth, explains Dr. Levine. Instead, opt for herbal tea, non-sweetened fruit juices, or just plain ol' water. Found out more health benefits of herbal tea.

Silken tofu
Not only is tofu one of the most alkaline of all proteins, but also it provides calcium to your teeth! Maria Bella, RD, recommends replacing your favorite creamy dessert with this custard-like product. It will provide you with a great dose of protein all while giving you your daily dessert fix.

Sweet potatoes

ROBYN MACKENZIE/SHUTTERTSTOCK

Who doesn't love the yummy taste of a perfectly cooked sweet potato? Yet, this vegetable does not only taste amazing, it also helps protect your smile. Like apples, sweet potato produces an alkaline (more basic) condition in your mouth. This allows your teeth to get stronger and whiter.

Cheese
Any dessert with sugar produces harmful acid in your mouth. The solution? Be like the French and eat cheese for dessert, says Bella. "Cheese is great for dessert because it has calcium," says Bella, so you avoid the harmful sugars for your smile, while benefiting your bones and teeth. Plus, cheese is super satisfying and tastes pretty amazing, too. Find out what your favorite cheese reveals about your personality.

Cucumbers

DMITRY BUNIN/SHUTTERTSTOCK

According to Live Science, cucumbers have a healthy dose of fiber, vitamin A, antioxidants, potassium, and vitamin K. Another plus? Cucumbers are 95 percent water. "Try cucumbers in place of crackers, because they won't stick to your teeth and they have a lot of water," says Bella. Saving calories? Check. Eating nutrients? Check. Teeth strengthening? Check.

Stevia
Normally, artificial sweeteners receive a bad reputation for being fake and full of chemicals. But, Dr. Levine says that stevia is actually the healthiest of all sweeteners. It is an alkalizing food that also prevents plaque from forming on teeth, explains Dr. Levine. Next time you reach for a sweetener to put in your latte, grab a stevia and strengthen your teeth. Check out these other natural sweeteners.

Carrots

ANNA_PUSTYNNIKOVA/SHUTTERTSTOCK

This crunchy vegetable is another food that keeps your smile clean and bright. Bella describes carrots as the "perfect snack." Not only do they promote a higher pH in your mouth, but they also help clean out your teeth—think of it like a vegetable toothbrush! Here are some more health benefits of this tasty orange treat. 

SOURCE: RD

Home Remedies for Toothache

Toothaches can vary greatly, from mild soreness to an unbearable throbbing pain in your teeth or around your jaws. Some of the main causes of toothaches are cavities, an infection, an exposed tooth root, a cracked tooth, gum disease, a loose filling, or jaw joint disorder.

A toothache (see the above diagram) happens when the central region of the tooth, known as the pulp, becomes irritated or inflamed. The pulp consists of several nerve endings that are highly sensitive. Pulp can become inflamed or irritated for many reasons, some of which are noted above.

If you have toothache, it is best to seek immediate advice from a dentist before the problem worsens. You can also try some natural remedies to relieve the pain temporarily.

Here are the top 10 home remedies for toothaches.

(Out of the 10, we have covered 3 highly effective home remedies in this video as well.)

1. Pepper and Salt

Salt mixed with pepper can be of great use when a tooth becomes extremely sensitive as both the ingredients have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.

• Mix equal amounts of pepper and common salt with a few drops of water to form a paste.
• Apply the paste directly on the affected tooth and allow it to sit for a few minutes.
• Do this daily for several days.

2. Garlic

Use of garlic can also provide immense relief from toothache. Garlic has antibiotic and other medicinal properties that can be very effective in reducing the pain.

• Mix a crushed garlic clove (or garlic powder) with some table salt or black salt and apply it directly on the affected tooth to alleviate the pain. If you prefer, you can chew one or two cloves of garlic to get relief.
• Repeat this natural treatment for a few days.

3. Cloves

Cloves have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant and anesthetic properties that help alleviate tooth pain and fight infection.

• Grind two whole cloves. Mix in a little olive oil or any vegetable oil and apply on the affected tooth.
• Another option is to dab a cotton ball in clove oil and rub it directly on the sore tooth. Or, you can mix a few drops of clove oil in half a glass of water and use it as a mouth rinse.

4. Onion

Onions have antiseptic and antimicrobial properties that control a toothache. It can provide relief from pain by killing the germs causing an infection.

• At the first sign of a toothache, chew raw onion for a few minutes to relieve the pain.
• If you are not able to chew it, place a piece of raw onion directly on the bad tooth or gum.

5. Asafetida

Dental problems such as toothaches and bleeding gums can be treated at home with the use of asafetida.

• Simply add a pinch or one-half teaspoon of powdered asafetida to two teaspoons of lemon juice and then warm it slightly. Use a cotton pad to apply the solution on the affected area. This will give you quick relief from the pain.
• Alternatively, asafetida fried in clarified butter can be put in the tooth cavity for instant relief.

6. Warm Salt Water

A simple glass of warm salt water can help treat a toothache.

Mix half a spoon of common salt in a glass of hot water and use it to rinse your mouth thoroughly.

It will help reduce swelling and inflammation, and also fight the bacteria that cause infection.

7. Guava Leaves

Fresh guava leaves can also alleviate toothache, thanks to their anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antimicrobial properties.

• Simply chew one or two tender guava leaves until the juice starts working on the affected tooth. You can also use raw spinach leaves in the same way.
• Another remedy is to put four to five guava leaves in water and boil it. Allow the solution to cool to a warm temperature and add some salt. Use the solution as a mouthwash.

8. Vanilla Extract

Vanilla extract is another popular home remedy for treating toothache as it helps numb the pain. Plus, the vanilla has a calming effect.

Dip a cotton swab in vanilla extract and dab it on the affected area.
Do this a few times a day until you get relief.

9. Wheatgrass Juice

Wheatgrass has natural antibacterial properties that will help fight tooth decay and relieve toothache. Extract the juice of wheatgrass and use it as a mouthwash.

It will absorb toxins from the gums, reduce the growth of bacteria and keep the infection under control. If you wish, you can simply chew on wheatgrass.

10. Ice Cubes

Ice can help alleviate tooth pain by numbing the nerve endings.

Wrap a small ice cube in a thin cotton cloth. Hold it on your cheek near the aching tooth for a few minutes. If you have exposed nerves, contact with the cold can cause more pain.
An acupressure technique that can ease tooth pain is to rub an ice cube between your index finger and thumb for a few minutes.

In addition to trying these remedies, make sure to consult your dentist. Some dental and gum problems require more aggressive treatment than home remedies.

SOURCE: Top10homeremedies
http://www.ijpbs.net/vol-3/issue-2/pharma/28.pdf
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1801755/

Do You Know You Can Use Oil To Improve Your Oral Health?

Oil pulling can benefit your health, but most people haven’t heard about it. Oil pulling is the method of swilling oil around your mouth for about 20 minutes to help improve oral health.

What is Oil Pulling?

The theory is that the oil will help to remove toxins and impurities from your mouth as you swill it around. Just as people use oil to cleanse their skin, people can also use oil to help cut through toxins and plaque in the mouth without causing any harm to your gums or teeth. The oil will suck the dirt away from your mouth, leaving a clean and antiseptic month. This will help to prevent mouth disease and other oral problems. The most popular oils are coconut, sesame and sunflower.

Oil pulling is an ancient type of Ayurvedic medicine that dates back to around three thousand years ago, and there is science behind the tradition. The cells in your body are covered with a fatty membrane, and this membrane quickly sticks to the oil.

While the tradition may seem weird, it has been used by people for thousands of year – but how effective is oil pulling?

How and Does oil pulling work?

Various studies have looked at the effectiveness of oil pulling;

One study from the Department of Public Health Dentistry, the People’s College of Dental Sciences and Research Centre in India aimed to evaluate the effect of sesame oil pulling on plaque-induced gingivitis. The researchers then compared the results with mouthwash. The results of the study found that oil pulling showed a reduction in plaque and modified gingival scores, so oil pulling is an effective way to reduce plague and the risk of gingivitis.

Another study from the Department of Pediatric Dentistry and Meenakshi Ammal Dental College in India found that coconut oil contributed to the reduction of S. mutans in the plaque, which is a positive result as S. mutans are bad for your oral health.

A second study from the Department of Pediatric Dentistry and the Meenakshi Ammal Dental College in India found that oil pulling is just as effective as chlorhexidine mouthwash on halitosis, so oil pulling can reduce bad breath.

Benefits Of Oil Pulling
There are lots of different benefits to oil pulling. Here are five of the main benefits.

Boosts Oral Hygiene
The most obvious benefit of oil pulling is that it boosts your oral hygiene by removing plague and toxins and reducing the risk of gingivitis. However, it also does a lot more!

Teeth Whitening
A surprising benefit of oil pulling is that it helps to whiten your teeth. This is because it is a natural antibiotic with antiviral properties.

Removes Toxins
Oil pulling with remove toxins from your body via your mouth, as it will suck the toxins from your teeth, gums and saliva. This can help to reduce inflammation in the mouth.

Boosts Energy
If your immune system is having to work overtime to remove toxins from your month (due to a lack of mouthwash or oil pulling), your energy levels will soon feel low. Thankfully oil pulling helps to reduce the amount of work that your body has to do.

Reduces The Risk Of Headaches
If your mouth is filled with toxins your body will feel some toxic stress, and this increases the chance of headaches or migrates.

Steps to do Oil pulling?

• Step 1: Put one tablespoon of oil in your mouth before breakfast in the morning.
• Step 2: Move the oil slowly around your mouth and through your teeth for 15 to 20 minutes. During this time the oil will mix with the saliva and remove the toxins. As you swill the oil the enzymes will become active, and then they will draw toxins out of your mouth.
• Step 3: Spit the oil out when it is white and thin. If the oil is not white and thin keep going for a few more minutes. The oil looks different now as it is filled with toxins. Wash your mouth with clean water when you are done.

An Infographic that summarise the simple concept of oil pulling.

Frequently asked Question About Oil Pulling

What is the best time to do oil pulling?
It is best to do oil pulling in the morning before breakfast, as you have an empty stomach so the oil is less likely to make you feel queasy.

Is oil pulling safe?
Oil pulling is very safe. Some critics challenge the effectiveness of oil pulling, but they agree that harmless.

Can I swallow the oil?
You should not swallow the oil as it is full of toxins and bacteria, and the whole point is to get rid of the toxins. Instead, you should spit the oil out.

What oil should be used for oil pulling?
The most popular oils for oil pulling are sesame oil, olive oil and coconut oil. While all of these can be used for oil pulling as cells will stick to them, research has found that only coconut oil can prevent Streptococcus mutans, which is one of the main causes of tooth decay.

Who can do oil pulling?
Anyone can try oil pulling, but it should be avoided if you have an open wound or cut in your mouth as it may irritate the wound. Children can also try oil pulling, but they should use less oil and it is important to make sure that they don’t swallow the oil.

SOURCE: Lifehack.org

The Cause of Bad Breath & How to Effectively Clean Your Mouth

Here is yet another daily practice to add into your oral health regime. Fortunately for you, this one is not only simple and fast, taking only a few seconds out of your day, but it offers benefits that can be seen right away. I am referring to the Ayurvedic practice of tongue scraping, which involves — you guessed it — scraping your tongue.

Scraping your tongue may sound uncomfortable or even painful, but I assure you, once you try it and see all of the gunk that comes off of your tongue (painlessly), you will immediately choose to add this practice to your morning routine. I’d never heard of it until about a month ago when a friend mentioned it to me while I was on vacation. I ordered a scraper online as soon as I got home and have been using it religiously ever since.

Registered dental hygienist Kim Shamoun says: “I can’t live without tongue scraping. Without a doubt, it should be a part of our daily oral hygiene regimen. I stress to my patients, friends, family and strangers alike how important it really is. A tongue scraper is the one thing I would want with me on a deserted island… forget the lipstick!”

The Benefits of Tongue Scraping

1. Combats Bad Breath and Halitosis

In fact, tongue scraping is the single most beneficial defence against halitosis. Regardless of whether your breath is regularly stinky, I’d be willing to bet that you still wake up with morning breath. How nice would it be to roll over and give your significant other, or pet, a big smooch without them gagging and pushing you away? (Okay, maybe it’s not that bad, but it’s still an unfortunate morning reality!)

2. Enhances Taste Receptors

When your tongue is coated with gunk, that gunk is preventing your taste buds from recognizing all of the amazing flavours your food has to offer. Experience your food as if it were for the first time again with the simple practice of tongue scraping!

3. Improves Digestion

We’ve all heard how digestion begins in your mouth, and how important it is to chew your food, but your saliva is just as important here, and the more saliva you produce, the easier the digestive process will be. Tongue scraping will cause you to salivate more because you will be able to taste your food more.

4. Protects From Plaque Buildup

You might be surprised to learn that plaque exists on the tongue as well on your teeth — this is called soft plaque. The more plaque you have on your tongue, the more plaque will develop on your teeth.

5. Improves Overall Oral Hygiene 

Having a clean tongue and overall good oral hygiene can help protect against other diseases as well. Oral health is very important for overall health, and poor oral hygiene is linked to diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and infertility.

I Know What You’re Thinking…

You’re probably thinking, I already scrape my tongue, every time I brush my teeth, with my toothbrush! Well, you definitely have the right idea, but unfortunately you are using the wrong tool for the job. A toothbrush just does not provide the same scraping benefit as a tongue scraper. Toothbrush —for brushing teeth. Tongue scraper — for scraping the tongue. See what I did there? You will need a hard, flat surface for optimal scraping.

How to Scrape Your Tongue

First you want to pick your scraper. Personally, I have been unable to find them in stores, so I went online and ordered one from Amazon. They range from $7-$15, and come in either stainless steel or copper. Copper is likely the best metal to be used for tongue scraping because, as with our gut, the mouth harbours both good and bad bacteria, and copper is toxic to the bad while also providing important enzymes necessary for the healthy microbes in the mouth to survive.

© Copyright. Dragon Papillon Photography. 2014. All rights reserved.

In either case, I recommend getting one with handles for better grip in case the gunk slides onto the handles.

One you’ve brought your scraper home, follow these steps:

1. In the morning, right after you wake up and before drinking any water, get up and scrape your tongue. This will reduce the accumulation of toxins in your digestive tract from your tongue. You don’t want to press too hard, but press hard enough so you can see what looks like mucus sliding off your tongue. Rinse the scraper after each scrape and then repeat the process about 5-7 times, starting at the back of your tongue.

2. Follow with flossing, then brushing

3. Finish with a large glass of water.

You can also use your scraper in the same order during your evening brushing routine. Your mouth will start to feel much fresher and cleaner right away, and you’ll wonder how you ever went to so long without scraping your tongue before.

SOURCE: Collective-evolution

Why Size Matters When It Comes to Your Dental Health

Has this ever happened to you: You’re tucked into bed, cozy and fast asleep, when all of a sudden — ouch! there’s a jolt of pain stemming from the back of your mouth.

It's a toothache. You try to go back to sleep, but the pain is just pulsing in your jaw.

Wake up call: you've been neglecting your molars without even knowing it.

According to an NBC News article, 90% of tooth decay happens on the biting surface of the back teeth – an area that’s largely treated with ‘out of sight, out of mind.’ Because molars are located in the back of the mouth, your regular-sized brush head can hardly reach and clean them. Plaque will aggressively build up around the area which will lead tooth decay to form.

So what can you do?

Choose the right brush and head size. Dentists recommend an appropriate brush size head to get to the furthest spots in the back of your mouth.

In Japan where citizens are dubbed as having the “best oral health in the world,” 80% of the manual toothbrush users choose small brush heads, according to a 2016 Nielsen Retail Audit on Manual Toothbrushes.

Locally, brands like Oral-B have extra small head toothbrush specifically designed to clean hard-to-reach areas, including the back molars.

Practice the right brushing technique. With the use of an extra small head toothbrush, brush your teeth gently and repeatedly in circular motions for 2 minutes, twice a day.

Losing one or two back molars might not be the end of the world, but it could lead to bigger, even permanent, problems, from difficulty in chewing to facial deformation. Plus, root canal procedure to restore your teeth can be expensive.

There’s no excuse not to treat your back molars right anymore. Prevention is the simplest cure. If done right, it can save you from a world of pain and hefty dental bills. 

SOURCE: Rappler

Top 10 Worst Offenders of Bad Breath

Image: Shutterstock

Bad breath, also called halitosis, is an embarrassing problem for many and can affect people of any age.

Bad breath can make your social life difficult, cause anxiety, and affect your confidence level and self-esteem.

The problem is often caused by a buildup of bacteria in your mouth that break down food particles, giving off noxious odors or gases that smell really bad. The malodor basically comes from volatile sulfur compounds in mouth air.

The bacteria buildup can be due to many reasons and there are many common offenders. Fortunately, once you understand these offenders, you can learn simple and effective ways to get rid of it.

Here are the top 10 worst offenders of bad breath.

1. Poor Dental Hygiene

Poor oral hygiene is the most common offender of bad breath.

If you don’t brush and floss daily, food particles remain in your mouth. With time, it causes a colorless, sticky film of bacteria (plaque) to form on your teeth.

If not brushed away, the bacteria start producing odors. In fact, maintaining good oral health is essential to reducing bad breath, so be sure to brush your teeth twice daily, floss between your teeth at least once daily and scrape your tongue daily.

2. Trapped Food

Food ‘trapped’ in your mouth, especially between your teeth, is another common cause of stinky breath.

After a meal, any food particles that remain between your teeth, in your gums or on your tongue can release their odor into your breath. The smell can get worse as that food decays.

If the food particles remain for a longer time, they promote bacterial growth, eventually leading to gum disease.

3. Smoking

People who smoke a lot often suffer from a particular type of oral odor known as smoker’s breath.

When you smoke cigarettes, it leaves smoke particles in the throat and lungs that cause the odor. In fact, the smell of a freshly smoked cigarette can linger in the lungs for several hours.

Another reason why smoking causes bad breath is that it dries out your mouth. Smoking reduces saliva production, which in turn allows the growth of certain types of bacteria in your mouth that cause bad breath.

A 2010 study published in the Journal of Dental Research, Dental Clinics, Dental Prospects indicates that long-term smoking would significantly reduce salivary flow rate and increase oral and dental disorders associated with dry mouth, especially cervical caries, gingivitis, tooth mobility, calculus and halitosis.

4. Alcohol

Any kind of alcoholic beverages – be it beer, wine or cocktails –can surely make your breath smell bad due to its lingering smell.

In addition, being diuretic in nature, alcoholic drinks cause dry mouth. This leads to a reduction in saliva production, which in turn leads to the growth of odor-causing bacteria.

Alcohol intake is also associated with heartburn and acid reflux, which in turn adds to bad breath.

Plus, excessive alcohol consumption can lead to repeated vomiting, which gives you foul-smelling breath.

5. Eating Pungent Foods

Certain foods can make your breath stink quite badly. Garlic and onions are among the top offenders.

Both garlic and onions can leave their sulfuric mark on more than just your tongue.

When the sulfurous compounds are digested, they reach the lungs via the bloodstream and cause a foul onion or garlic breath when you exhale.

Also, their byproducts can enter your bloodstream and the smell can last for hours.

Along with garlic and onions, asparagus, certain fish and cruciferous vegetables can also make your breath stink.

6. Coffee

If you notice that your breath seems stale after drinking a cup of warm coffee, it could be the result of your favorite beverage.

The caffeine in coffee causes dry mouth by slowing saliva production. A lack of saliva allows bacteria to thrive inside your mouth, one of the key reasons behind bad breath.

Less saliva can make it difficult to wash away and digest particles of food sticking to the tongue or teeth, which can promote tooth decay.

Additionally, loading up a cup of coffee with cream, milk or even artificially flavored non-dairy creamer has the additional disadvantage of smelling acrid, and it also encourages bacterial growth.

You can swap your regular coffee for green to help beat bad breath. Green tea is rich in antioxidants that have antimicrobial and deodorant effects that help maintain oral health.

7. Dental Problems

Many times, bad breath is due to certain dental problems.

Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth may be a warning sign of a dental issue, such as an abscessed tooth, gum disease, cavities or bad oral hygiene. In fact, unbearable breath may be the first symptom of such problems.

Most of these dental issues are caused by odor-producing bacteria that affect your teeth and gums.

Along with oral health problems, bad breath can also be caused by poorly fitting dental appliances, such as dentures.

8. Digestive Problems

Several digestive problems can cause bad breath.

The common problem of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can cause stinky breath. This condition is caused by stomach acid coming back up the esophagus, causing a burning sensation in the chest or throat. When the acids come into the mouth, it causes bad breath.

Stomach ulcers can also cause bad breath. A 2008 study published in the Journal of Medical Microbiology reports that bacteria that cause stomach ulcers and cancer could also cause bad breath.

9. Milk

Milk and other dairy products are good for your health, especially your bones, but they are another offender of bad breath.

The amino acids in milk are great food for naturally occurring bacteria in your mouth and, in particular, on the tongue. A growth in bacteria means there’s an excess of hydrogen sulfide in the mouth, which makes for a very foul, sour smell on the breath.

This is one reason why babies often have very pronounced milk breath.

At the same time, lactose intolerance may cause halitosis. However, this is just an assumption made by medical experts.

10. Throat and Sinus Infections

If you’ve had a bad cold or sinusitis recently, your breath could suffer. In fact, throat and sinus infections are among the leading causes of bad breath.

Sinus infections due to the presence of bacteria in your nose and sinus cavities may give off noxious odors.

Along with a sore throat, swollen tonsils or phlegm and discharge from the throat or sinuses, other health problems that can contribute to a foul smell in your mouth include diabetes, liver or kidney problems.

Tips to fight bad breath

• Water flushes bits of food and bacteria out of the mouth and promotes saliva production. So, try to drink water at regular intervals.
• Chew sugarless gum for at least 5 minutes after meals to foster saliva production.
• Snack on foods rich in vitamin C to create an inhospitable environment for oral bacteria.
• Maintain oral hygiene by brushing your teeth and flossing twice daily. Also, make sure to scrape your tongue.
• Use a mouthwash that kills the bacteria that make your breath smell unpleasant.
• Replace your toothbrush at least every three months.
• Visit your dentist regularly, as often as they recommend.

Resources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3429961/
https://www.health.govt.nz/system/files/documents/pages/tobacco-breath-factsheet.pdf
http://jmm.microbiologyresearch.org/content/journal/jmm/10.1099/jmm.0.2008/003715-0
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1570844/
https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/jnsv/54/1/54_1_89/_article

SOURCE: Top10homeremedies

How To Stop Teeth Grinding

10 Ways To Stop Teeth Grinding

Teeth grinding, medically known as bruxism, is one of most damaging dental disorders and a very common problem. Many people do not even realize they do it because it occurs unconsciously while awake or during sleep.

Teeth grinding refers to clenching or grinding your teeth. It is like putting 1,200 pounds of recurring pressure on the teeth, muscles, tissues and the areas around the jaw.

It can lead to problems like jaw joint disorders, jaw pain, headaches, earaches, damaged teeth and many others. The teeth clenching and grinding may also lead to temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ).

The most common causes of teeth grinding include stress, suppressed anger or frustration,misaligned teeth, growth of the teeth and jaws, complications from diseases like Parkinson’s or Huntington’s, some type of parasitic infestation, and a side effect of certain medications. It is also very common among people with fibromyalgia.

Often, people become aware of the problem when they experience headaches accompanied with pain in their teeth or jaw. Some learn that they have the problem when their dentist sees damage it has done to their teeth.

Whether or not you experience symptoms resulting from the problem, it is important to put a stop to teeth grinding.

Here are the top 10 ways to prevent teeth grinding.

1. Warm Compress
Applying moist heat on the jaw area is one of the best ways to prevent teeth grinding and jaw clenching. Heat will help relax the jaw and the muscles of the mouth.

1. Soak a washcloth in hot water and wring out the excess water.
2. Hold the moist washcloth around the jaw area.
3. Do this twice daily to relax your jaw muscles and prevent teeth grinding.

If you like, you can even take a warm bath before bedtime. The warmth of the water may temporarily relax your jaw muscles.

2. Massage
Gently massage the muscles of the neck, shoulders, and face in circular motion for a few minutes daily before going to sleep. It helps relieve tension in the masticatory muscles. Thus, it decreases pain and helps reduce clenching.

A full-body stress-management massage will also be beneficial as stress is usually the main cause of teeth grinding.

3. Valerian
Valerian has muscle-relaxing properties that help you relax and enjoy deep sleep. When you sleep better, there is less chance of grinding your teeth.

1. Mix a few drops of valerian essential oil in one teaspoon of olive oil and massage in onto your jaw and neck area that is close to the jaw.
2. Also, drink valerian tea regularly.

4. Lavender
Lavender has a calming and soothing effect on the nervous system due to its bioactive constituents. Plus, it induces relaxation and helps you to sleep better.

1. Mix three or four drops of lavender essential oil in one teaspoon of almond oil or olive oil.
2. Use this oil to massage your jaw and neck area that is close to the jaw.
3. Do this once during the day and again before going to bed.

5. Herbal Tea
If you are tense or under stress and likely to have disturbed sleep, drink a cup of herbal tea before going to bed. Warm herbal tea will have a relaxing effect on your body.

When you are relaxed from within, there is less chance that you will grind your teeth in your sleep. Plus, a warm cup of herbal tea promotes deep sleep and relaxes the facial muscles.

Green tea and chamomile tea are the best herbal tea options. You can use packaged green tea or make a chamomile tea.

1. Mix two teaspoons of dried chamomile flowers in a cup of hot water.
2. Steep for five minutes.
3. Strain and add some lemon juice and honey.
4. Drink this tea one or two hours before bedtime.

6. Turmeric Milk
Turmeric and milk when combined together can help control the problem of teeth grinding to a great extent. Milk has the amino acid tryptophan, which helps you relax and enjoy sound sleep. Also, the calcium in milk will help keep your teeth healthy. Adding turmeric to milk will enhance its health benefits and help relieve pain.

1. Heat one cup of milk.
2. When the milk starts boiling, add one teaspoon of turmeric powder.
3. Stir slowly until the milk becomes a rich, mustard color.
4. Remove from heat, and add one tablespoon of honey.
5. Drink it daily about 30 minutes before going to bed.

7. Calcium and Magnesium
Teeth grinding can also be reduced or stopped by taking calcium and magnesium supplements every day. Both calcium and magnesium are necessary for muscle function and nervous system health.

Plus, these minerals support teeth strength. When there is a deficiency of calcium of magnesium in the body, you can have problems with clenching, spasms, cramps, tension and other muscle problems.

1. Take powdered calcium and magnesium in a 2:1 ratio every day. Start with 600 milligrams of calcium and 300 milligrams of magnesium. You can gradually increase the dosage to 1000 milligrams of calcium and 400 to 600 milligrams of magnesium.
2. Dissolve the powdered supplements in an acidic liquid like orange or grapefruit juice.
3. Drink it daily for two months.

8. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is highly essential for your body to function properly. This vitamin is also essential for making the key neurotransmitter dopamine, which regulates mood.

It also plays a key role in controlling smooth muscle movements. Vitamin C deficiency has shown to affect the production of adrenaline and noradrenaline, which in turn affects the nervous system and even causes stress.

1. Take vitamin C supplements after consulting your doctor.
2. Also, try to include more foods rich in vitamin C in your diet.

9. Deep Breathing
Deep breathing exercises are another way to prevent teeth grinding. Such breathing exercises will help you relax before going to bed. Deep breathing also eases tired muscles. The more relaxed you are, the less likely you are going to suffer from teeth grinding in your sleep.

One hour before going to bed, practice some deep breathing exercises.

10. Exercise
Exercising regularly at least three times a week will help reduce stress and calm your body. Regular exercise can improve immune system and circulatory system functioning, which strengthen your ability to cope with stressful situations. Also, exercise helps you sleep better.

After eating dinner, take a walk in the garden or engage in some other mild exercise to help relieve some of the tension and stress that may cause teeth grinding. Also, avoid taking stimulating substances like tea, coffee, or alcohol after dinner as they may worsen the problem.

By using these simple tips and suggestions, you can easily prevent teeth grinding. However, if the problem is severe, consult a doctor. You may need to use a mouth guard or protective dental appliance (splint) while sleeping to prevent damage to your teeth.

Resources: www.massagetoday.com/archives/2004/12/05.html

3 Natural Ways to Whiten Teeth at Home

Whiter teeth, like thick, shiny, hair, is something that many people in our cosmetically driven world desire today. In fact, Americans spend over $1.4 billion dollars in over-the-counter teeth whitening products every year-that’s a good chunk of money just to achieve a different shade of teeth. I’ll be the first to admit that I’ve tried OTC teeth whitener-I even paid to have my dentist do it once. It worked for a bit, but my teeth got so sensitive I couldn’t stand it. I also felt I really didn’t need to be so obsessed with the color of my teeth that I paid a bunch of money for a bunch of who-knows-what that made my teeth hurt, so I started looking into more natural alternatives. With a bit of patience, I think you can naturally restore whiteness to your teeth. They may not get to be scary sear-out-somebodies-corneas –when-you –smile white, but they’ll appear more like you took good care of your pretty pearly whites rather than just bleaching them like crazy.

Why do teeth get yellow?
To figure out how to whiten our teeth, we have to know why they get yellow in the first place. There are several factors that play a part, including genetics, what kind of food and drink you consume, and how well you practice oral hygiene. A tooth is made up of 4 tissues-enamel, which is the strong white covering that protects the tooth, dentin, which supports the enamel and is a hard yellow material that carries nerves, pulp, which is at the center of the tooth and contains blood and lymph vessels, and cementum, which covers the root of the tooth.

The enamel and dentin is what play the biggest role in color. Certain food and drinks will directly stain the enamel, yes, but over time the two biggest culprits are the nasty food and drink that actually break down the enamel, and weakening enamel as we age. As the enamel breaks down, it reveals the yellow dentin underneath. These remedies will focus on whitening teeth that have already lost some white enamel, but it’s also good to keep in mind that doing things to strengthen enamel is just as important so you can keep it from breaking down further. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure (or whitening!)

1. Baking Soda and Lemon Juice Paste

Baking Soda isn’t a shocker here. Sodium bicarbonate (its official name) is mildly abrasive; gently scrubbing away surface stains to return teeth to a whiter shade. It’s also very alkaline (the opposite of acidic) so I would think if you have a very acidic mouth or eat a lot of acidic food, it could help balance out the Ph, which would be useful as acid breaks down enamel-this is strictly speculation on my part. It will also reduce the acidity of the lemon juice, which acts as a natural bleach of sorts. I use a mixture of baking soda and water on some days, and use the lemon juice on others, as I don’t want to overdo it.

You will need…

• Several teaspoons of baking soda
• Enough lemon juice or water to form a paste
• A toothbrush

Directions:
Mix several teaspoons of baking soda with enough fresh lemon juice (or water) to make a paste. Wipe your teeth and any extra saliva off of them with a paper towel. Put a good amount of paste onto your toothbrush and apply. Leave the paste on for 1 minute, then rinse, so as to avoid the acid effecting enamel. If you are using just water you can leave it on for up to 3 minutes.

2. Strawberry, Salt and Baking Soda Scrub

Strawberries are high in Vitamin C, which can help break-down plaque that is causing your teeth to look yellow. It also has an enzyme called malic acid, which may help to remove surface stains. The salt acts as an abrasive portion of the paste, physically scrubbing away stain-causing gunk, and the baking soda is an extra touch that you can choose to leave out if you’d prefer (I just like to add it to anything involving my teeth.)

You will need…

• 1-3 large strawberries
• A pinch of seat salt
• 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda (optional)

Directions
Mash the berries into a pulp, and add a pinch of sea salt and ½ teaspoon of baking soda, if you’re using it. Wipe any extra saliva off your teeth with a paper towel, and then apply a generous portion of the mixture to a toothbrush and apply. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes, then rinse. Do this nightly.

3. Coconut Oil Rinse
I know this sounds absolutely mad (I thought it was crazy too when I first read about it) but rinsing your mouth with coconut oil (called ‘oil pulling’) is a unique, old, remedy that people swear by to help whiten teeth. It doesn’t sound like the most pleasant thing in the world, but I actually don’t mind the taste, and I think it does make a difference in the color of your teeth. It won’t make a difference by “bleaching” per say, but lauric acid in coconut oil can rid your teeth of bacteria found in plaque that can make them yellow. It is also supposed to promote gum health, and help keep your breath fresh.

You will need…

• About a tablespoon of coconut oil

Directions:
In the morning, before you brush your teeth, scoop out a tablespoon or a little less (depending on the size of your mouth) of coconut oil. You can either soften it, or just put it in your mouth (I usually do the latter, and just let it soften.) Push, swish, and “pull” the oil through and around your teeth for 10-15 minutes, then spit it out, rinse with water, and brush your teeth.

Note:
You can use either of the pastes after you have brushed your teeth at night if you prefer.

Are these remedies going to guarantee ridiculously white teeth within a week? No. You may start to see a difference, but it won’t be as instant as the commercial products. In the end, will your teeth be so white people squint when you open your mouth? No. And I like it better that way. I’ve found that since using these my teeth are indeed whiter, my mouth overall feels healthier and it doesn’t look like I bleached the life out of myself. We live in a world where photo-shopped faces (and teeth) and make-up covered celebrities set the standard for how we look, which makes life hard for people who like, well, real people. As a result we seem to forget what’s good for ourselves, and spend a ton of money just to look like the ideal. By going natural here, you can save the money for something else, feel better about yourself, and have a healthier mouth (and health is what, in the end, creates real beauty.)

Tips:
Routine. Set up a routine using these remedies and stick to it, at all costs, to get the most out of them.

While not “natural” per say, using 3% (I repeat, 3%) hydrogen peroxide as a mouth rinse can whiten your teeth through the process of oxidation. It is an active indigent in many OTC whitening kits, but is often times found in much higher (and expensive) combinations in them.

It’s fairly common knowledge, and difficult in today’s world, but try to avoid dark drinks, such as coke and coffee that stain your teeth.

P.S. Take a look at the Teeth Whitening 4 You book. It's a Book that will help you whitens your teeth naturally and permanently.