My Teeth Could Use Some Brightening- What Actually Works?

We all know that coffee, tea, wine, dark snacks and condiments will stain our teeth. This does not mean you have to swear them off though!

The dietitian says:
Just rinse your mouth with water right after eating, or stash some sugar free chewing gum. Consider adding foods and drinks that work towards whiter teeth into your diet, such as cheese, fruit and veggies.

-Lisa Young, PH.D

The dentist says:
Use at home teeth whiting kits such as Crest 3D whiting strips for lighter stains. For darker stains or instant result you will need professional whitening.

-Marc Lowenberg, D.D.S.

The makeup artist says:.
Cool-toned lip colors create an optical illusion. Fair skin should wear pinks, medium/olive toned skin should wear reds, while darker skin tones should stick to plums. Another trick is to dust some bronzer. Tanned skin makes teeth stand out!

-Matthew VanLeeuwen, Celebrity makeup artist

 Information was found in the Redbook magazine. October 2013

Oral Cancer Screening At Home

 Six easy steps to check for oral cancer at home!

1. Tongue - Extend your tongue as far as it can go, examine the sides and underside for white and red patches and feel your tongue for lumps.
2. Lip and Cheek - Feel for any lumps or bumps while looking for white and red patches.
3. Double-Digit Probe - Examine the floor of your mouth from the top to bottom simultaneously for lumps, red and white patches.
4. Palate Tickle - Check the roof of your mouth for lumps and areas of softness on the hard palate, looking for white and red patches.
5. Neck Caress - Palpate your neck for enlarged lymph nodes.
6. Tonsils - Depress the tongue and check for enlarged tonsils and any white or red patches.

Remember this does not take place of seeing your dentist, this is just a cautionary screening. If you notice any unusual patches or unexplained soreness contact your dentist immediately.