CONNECTIONS to HEALTH

How to Whiten your Teeth Naturally Tooth whitening is the leading dental procedure requested by people under the age of 20 and between the ages of 30 and 50. In the last 10 years alone, this procedure has exploded by 300 percent, according to The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Perhaps one reason for the explosion has to do with the vast numbers of people having their teeth whitened, which then sets a new standard for how "normal" teeth are supposed to look. Even if your teeth are a healthy shade, they may look yellow when compared to the pearly whites of celebrities and, now, the average person walking down the street. There is a problem The problem with most current tooth-whitening products, both over-the-counter versions and those performed in your dentist's office, is that they use hydrogen peroxide to whiten your teeth. This is not your best choice because peroxide can cause your teeth to become sensitive. Additionally, hydrogen peroxide forms radical intermediates that can damage and destroy your gums and nerves. Why do teeth discolour? What causes your teeth to become discoloured in the first place? Tooth discoloration is caused by coloured molecules such as tannins and polyphenols -- found in red wine, coffee, and tea -- which become absorbed by your tooth enamel's surface. Cigarettes, blueberries, and other foods that contain dark pigments can also discolour your tooth enamel, as can certain medications. Some of the staining can be removed by brushing, but over time the compounds can seep into your enamel. A safer alternative If you're looking for a safer alternative to brighten your teeth, you can try this simple trick: Crush one ripe strawberry and mix it with 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda. Spread the mixture onto your teeth and leave on for five minutes. Brush your teeth with a little toothpaste (non-fluoride, of course) and rinse. This natural mixture works because of the malic acid it contains, which acts as an astringent to remove some of the surface discoloration on your teeth. Though this method is perfectly safe to use occasionally, don't use it too often (no more than once a week) because the acid could potentially damage your tooth enamel. The Best Toothpaste While we're on the subject of cleaning teeth, one of our suppliers makes what we consider to be the safest and most effective toothpaste we have yet come across. Ultrashine Radiance has no toxic ingredients in it.  Remember, toxic is a polite way of saying poisonous.   This is the health warning that appears on American toothpastes "WARNING: Keep out of reach of children under 6 years of age. If you accidentally swallow more than used for brushing, seek professional help or contact a poison control center immediately." You won't have to contact a poison control centre if you swallow any of the Ultrashine Radiance. Even Better If that wasn't a good enough reason to use this toothpaste then here's two more reasons.   It helps to remineralise the tooth enamel, so your teeth get stronger. It is based on stabilised chlorine dioxide technology, which kills the bacteria which cause plaque, tooth decay and bad breath. There's also a great mouthwash in the same range too.   Ask Allyn or Sue for more information.

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