Diet and lifestyle can impact the effectiveness of teeth whitening treatments.  

Luminous white teeth are highly sought after. You may wonder why your teeth aren’t as white as they used to be. Even teeth that are naturally white and brilliant can lose their luster over time.  In this post, we seek to answer two questions: 

• What causes tooth discoloration?
• How can you bring your teeth back to their natural luster and shine?  

What causes tooth discoloration? 

There are a few reasons your teeth can become stained, discolored, or dull. 

1. Food and drink choices. Coffee, tea, dark sodas and sauces, mustard, red wine, blueberries, pasta and potatoes are the most common culprits of tooth stains. Unsurprisingly, the prolonged use of cigarettes and chewing tobacco also cause discoloration and other oral and health problems. 
2. Poor dental hygiene, including a lack of brushing and flossing can also lead to tooth stains. Counterintuitively, excessive fluoride use is associated with discolored teeth. 
3. As we age, tooth enamel naturally thins. This reveals the yellow-colored dentin underneath. 
4. Diseases, medical treatments and trauma can cause stains. These include certain childhood diseases that affect enamel development and injuries to the mouth. Medications and treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation, Tetracycline, antihistamines, and antipsychotics can also lead to discoloration. 

Preventing and cleaning tooth stains at home

The good news is that although there are many ways teeth become stained, there are just as many ways to restore your bright smile. 

• Reduce your consumption of foods and drinks that cause stains. When you do consume something that is known to stain, drink water to rinse your mouth. You can also try sipping liquids through a straw to prevent staining your front teeth. 
• Quit tobacco use to keep your teeth from yellowing and to preserve your health.
• Maintain a consistent oral health routine. Remember to stay away from whitening toothpastes.  They don’t work well and often deposit unnecessary amounts of acid on tooth enamel. Instead, opt for gentle  toothpastes with the ADA seal of approval. And be sure to visit Dr. Frahm for dental cleanings and check-ups. 
• Brush at least two times per day for two minutes each time. Our Clinical Hygiene Director Stacey recommends a toothbrush with gentle bristles. She prefers an electric toothbrush like Sonicare or Oral B to support gum health. 
• Flossing your teeth properly, everyday removes stain from between your teeth and along the gumline. 
• Nature’s whitening. Some fruits and vegetables offer beautiful benefits that include a wee bit of smile enhancement. Next time you’re at the farmer’s market, consider buying some broccoli and cauliflower from our local farmers. These veggies give your teeth a good scrub.  They may help remove light stains and add a bit of shine, all while offering your body some incredible nutrients. 

Teeth whiteners

If your teeth stains don’t respond to the preventative measures listed above, there are different types of teeth whiteners that are available either over-the-counter or through Dr. Frahm. 

Over-the-counter whiteners

Stick-on strips and tooth shaped trays are widely available at grocery stores, drug stores and online. The results vary depending on the product, but you can see some visible differences within a few weeks. You should note that there are a few risks and downsides. Not only do you run the risk of burning gum tissue inadvertently with ill-fitting trays and strips, but most at-home products require frequent touch-ups. 

Professional grade whitening

There are two types of long-lasting teeth whitening treatments available at Dr. Frahm’s office: in-office treatments and take-home professional grade treatments. Both are custom whitening treatments that meet your specific needs. The in-office treatments provide immediate results.  The eco-friendly Sinsational Smile treatment whitens teeth up to five shades lighter in only 20 minutes. The ZOOM system is another powerful option which whitens teeth up to 10 shades in under an hour. 

Another popular solution is a professional, take-home whitening kit. The kits include whitening trays that are custom-fit to your mouth. Each treatment is followed by a high-grade fluoride treatment which produces whiter, brighter results within two to four weeks. In-office and take-home whitening treatments last six months to a year. Best of all, with Dr. Frahm, your take-home whitening kit is free when you become a patient. 

If you are looking to brighten your smile, contact our care team at Dr. Frahm’s office to explore your options. 

If you’re looking for a natural remedy for colds and the flu, ginger tea may be the perfect solution. Ginger supports good digestion by stimulating the body’s own enzymes. It helps move food through the digestive system quickly and prevents that uncomfortable full feeling. In addition to its many health benefits, ginger has antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties. Clinical research has shown fresh ginger’s ability to fight respiratory infections. Its warming effects help to clear congestion and stuffy noses.

Boosts Your Immune System

Having ginger as part of your daily diet is an excellent way to boost your immune system. It contains antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties, and helps the body detoxify itself. Fresh ginger is a great way to prepare your own immune-boosting tea. You can also make your own version at home by simmering a lemon and ginger piece in water. You can add honey and/or cinnamon to taste.

Drinking turmeric tea has anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties and can boost your immune system. You can drink it every hour if you’re fighting the flu. This tea contains ginger, turmeric, and cinnamon. Just bring two cups of water to a boil and add the ginger, turmeric, and cinnamon. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes. Add raw honey to the mixture for additional antiviral benefits. Adding a lemon slice to your tea will also enhance the health benefits. https://madisonsdish.blogspot.com/

The antioxidants in green tea help to increase the number of regulatory T cells, which are essential to fighting off autoimmune diseases and boosting immune function. Heather Hanks recommends adding lemon and raw honey to your tea. Lemon adds vitamin C to the tea, and honey adds prebiotics and antibacterial properties. Ginger tea helps boost your immune system. To reap its full benefits, drink at least two cups a day.

Improves Cognitive Function

Recent research has found that a daily dose of ginger may improve four key cognitive functions. While it is not completely understood how ginger improves brain function, the antioxidant properties of the spice may play a role. Researchers are looking into which active ingredient is responsible for this beneficial effect. However, the results indicate that a daily cup of ginger tea may improve working memory and reaction time. The findings are intriguing, but further studies are needed to find out how ginger may influence our brains. https://twitter.com/stevehacks

Inflammation has been found to play a role in Alzheimer’s disease, and ginger may help by inhibiting the inflammatory process in the brain. This is a potentially powerful way to improve brain function, as inflammation is believed to be a major cause of the disease. The benefits of ginger are also apparent in animal studies, which suggest that ginger may protect the brain from the age-related decline in cognitive function. For these reasons, ginger may also be a promising alternative for treatment for people who suffer from mental health conditions.

Reduces Inflammation

Ginger is an ancient remedy for many inflammatory ailments. Not only does it aid digestion and relieve nausea, it also fights inflammation. Inflammation is the body’s response to an irritant such as a splinter or pathogen. During inflammation, the body’s white blood cells are activated to fight infection. The anti-inflammatory properties of ginger have a positive impact on the immune system, and therefore may help protect you from many diseases.

Ginger tea has numerous health benefits, but it is best taken on an empty stomach. Drinking more than two cups a day will not help your inflammation. Also, ginger tea can cause constipation. Black tea contains high amounts of caffeine and should be consumed in moderation. Excessive consumption has been associated with nausea, headache, and increased respiration. Ginger tea is highly individualized, and different people respond to it in different ways. One cup a day will not give you noticeable results, but a few cups can have a profound effect on your inflammation.

One study showed that ginger can reduce joint inflammation in a healthy human population. Its anti-inflammatory properties may help treat rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, which are conditions characterized by degeneration of the joints. Researchers also suggest that ginger may have applications in future drug treatment. A recent review concluded that ginger is safe and effective for osteoarthritis, and that its anti-inflammatory properties may have benefits for other conditions as well.

Fights Colds and Sore Throats

In addition to its medicinal benefits, ginger tea has other health-giving properties. Among them are antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Additionally, it may reduce swelling and relieve the symptoms of cough and congestion. The antibacterial and antiviral properties of ginger help to reduce fever and fight off a cold. If you are prone to respiratory issues, ginger is a good choice. However, some precautions should be taken when drinking ginger tea.

Ginger may have antimicrobial and antiviral properties, making it an excellent choice for sore throats. Moreover, it promotes immune response to fight viruses and bacteria. Ginger may also be able to protect the body against microbes that cause sore throats, but further studies are needed to confirm its role in fighting illness. Meanwhile, it is beneficial to know the best way to consume ginger.

Many Asian cultures have used ginger for centuries to soothe sore throats and colds. Monastic Medicine recognizes the medicinal qualities of ginger’s anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties. This herb improves the immune system and strengthens defenses against the common cold. It can also help you recover quickly from a cold. Ginger can be used in different ways to prepare ginger tea. To make a cup of ginger tea, slice the root thinly and then add the boiling water. You can add honey to enhance the taste. Drink ginger tea immediately after making the tea.

Relieves Period Pain

For years, women have used ginger as a natural way to relieve period pain. Its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties have been proven effective in the treatment of severe menstrual cramps and nausea. Ginger is also known to reduce the effects of bloating and upset stomach. Ginger tea can be purchased at any grocery store and is an excellent option for those who are suffering from period pain. You can drink it daily, or even make your own by steeping a piece of fresh ginger in boiling water.

The clinical term for period pain is dysmenorrhea. Approximately 45-95% of women experience some form of menstrual pain. Although this common condition is largely misdiagnosed and undertreated, ginger is effective in relieving menstrual pain. Fortunately, there are several natural remedies and methods that women can use to manage their symptoms. One such natural treatment is ginger tea. The following information will explain how ginger tea relieves period pain.

Aids Digestion

Drinking a cup of ginger tea is one of the best ways to ease upset stomach and reduce nausea. The warming properties of ginger make it useful for digestion and is used to treat Vata imbalances. Ginger helps improve all phases of the gastrointestinal system including digestion, absorption, and elimination. Drinking ginger tea can also help reduce the effects of motion sickness. Here are some tips to make ginger tea. Read on to find out more about its many benefits.

The long history of ginger use in the healing of digestive disorders suggests that it is a powerful remedy for nausea and vomiting caused by food allergies. Among these conditions is pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting. The mechanism behind ginger’s anti-vomiting properties is not yet understood, but its ability to settle the stomach has been shown to be helpful. It has also been shown to inhibit the production of certain immune-system components known as cytokines, which create a chronic proinflammatory state.

Soothes Nausea

Ginger tea has many benefits, including soothing nausea and digestive disorders. Traditionally, ginger root was added to tea to make it taste better. Ginger has long been used for medicinal purposes, including treating nausea, high blood pressure, pain, inflammation, and weight management. Today, ginger tea is brewed with flavored tea leaves. The benefits of ginger tea go beyond soothing nausea. Read on for more information. You may also be surprised to learn that ginger tea is a popular natural remedy for nausea.

Drinking ginger tea during pregnancy is a great way to soothe the symptoms of nausea and vomiting. Not only does ginger help relieve nausea, it also provides immunity and smooth gestural comfort. Regardless of the type of tea you prefer, making a cup of ginger tea is as easy as boiling water and adding a fresh ginger root. Boil the water and let the ginger steep for about five minutes. If you don’t have fresh ginger on hand, use loose-leaf tea. You can serve it with sugar or honey.

Good for Oral Health

Drinking ginger tea can help your oral health in a number of ways. It contains raffinose, a powerful antibacterial substance that reduces plaque. Gingerol, a compound that fights inflammation and bacteria, helps to eliminate bacterial buildup around teeth. It can also help prevent inflammatory diseases, such as periodontal disease. It also relieves toothache pain. Fresh ginger is also an effective remedy for a toothache.

Although ginger is usually consumed to settle a stomach, its benefits for oral health extend to the mouth. Apart from being a good natural remedy for nausea, it contains an enzyme that breaks down bacteria that cause bad breath. By mixing it with lemon juice and warm water, pressed ginger can act as a mouth rinse that will refresh your mouth and kill bacteria. For more intense benefits, drink ginger tea every day. You can also drink ginger water to maintain good oral health.

Apart from a great natural remedy for toothache pain, ginger has several additional benefits for the mouth and overall health. Apart from its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, ginger can also fight against bacterial infections and relieve discomfort during menstruation. Ginger helps strengthen gum tissue, improves overall health, and can even fight off oral cancer. Ginger is an all-around superfood that can help you maintain healthy gums and teeth.