Everyone knows that there are plenty of procedures that can be performed by a dental professional to achieve a brighter, whiter smile. And while take-home and in-office whitening procedures have both been proven to provide optimal results, not many people are willing to shell out the $200 to $1000 to have these treatments done.
Certified dental assistants know that there are alternatives to some of these costly methods. In fact, individuals can actually achieve similar whitening results through various home remedies that require only a few household items.
If you are planning to enroll in dental assistant courses, or you have already started your program, read on for some healthy ideas to share with patients who want to whiten their teeth at home.
Dental Assistants Understand the Importance of Eating Fruits and Veggies
While we may already know that eating an apple a day will keep the doctor away, munching on other crunchy fruits and veggies might just keep the dentist at bay too. In fact, graduates of dental assistant school know that chewing on crunchy fruits and vegetables, such as apples, celery and carrots, helps remove excess food and bacteria from the mouth. The abrasive texture of these foods helps to remove particles and bacteria that can sometimes get stuck between teeth. Apples also contain malic acida��a chemical found in strawberries as well as teeth whitening productsa��which helps removes surface stains.
Dental Professionals Might Recommend this Recipe for a Whiter Smile
Experts who have completed dental assistant college programs are probably familiar with a time-tested recipe for enhancing the appearance of teetha��baking soda and lemon juice. The chemical reaction that occurs when baking soda is mixed with the citrus from lemon juice actually has a whitening effect on teeth. However, dental assistants warn against overuse of this solution, since brushing with it any more than one time per week can wear out tooth enamel.
Flossing Twice a Day Can Help Those Pearly Whites Shine
Students enrolled in dental assistant courses have definitely been taught all about the importance of flossing. According to many dental professionals, flossing is actually slightly more important than brushing, and can help teeth appear whiter. Flossing at least twice each day will remove any staining between the teeth, which will make them look much brighter.
Prevent Yellowing with This Simple Solution
One foolproof way to avoid tooth discoloration altogether is to use a straw when drinking certain beverages. Coffee, tea, soda and red wine are a few of the beverages that can cause some major damage to tooth enamel. It might be a bit challenging to convince patients to sip their wine or hot tea through a straw, but those who are particularly committed to whiter teeth might be willing to give it a try – at least in the privacy of their own homes!
Are you looking for dental assistant career opportunities? Visit CADH to learn more about our dental training programs, or to speak with an advisor.