Health
To keep your teeth white, bright and healthy, follow these 7 tips from dental experts
Dental hygiene is important — as is taking pride in your “pearly whites.”
But keeping your teeth bright and white can be a challenge, with various factors causing discoloration.
Dr. Ronald Santana, head of science and development at Oral Biolife in Pennsylvania, noted that tooth discoloration refers to the “staining or darkening of teeth” from internal or external factors.
TIKTOK VIDEO FROM LONDON DENTIST GOES VIRAL FOR REVEALING 3 SURPRISING TIMES YOU SHOULD NOT BRUSH YOUR TEETH
“Extrinsic discoloration is caused by color changes of the tooth enamel by external factors such as smoking, foods or beverages, including coffee, tea and red wine,” he said in a statement to Fox News Digital.
“Intrinsic discoloration affects the tooth dentin and is caused by some medications taken during childhood (tetracyclines), dental trauma and certain diseases (liver disease).”
One dentist’s rule is, “If it can stain a white T-shirt, it can stain your teeth.” (iStock)
Dr. Erin Fraundorf, owner of BOCA Orthodontic and Whitening Studio in Ladue, Missouri, agreed that numerous factors can cause the discoloring of teeth.
While there is “no way to know the cause without being evaluated and diagnosed by a professional,” the expert said that diet, smoking, medications, trauma, genetics, thin enamel and the wearing down of teeth via grinding and chewing can all lead to discoloration.
IS MOUTH BREATHING BAD FOR YOUR TEETH? DENTAL PROFESSIONALS SHARE RISKS AND REMEDIES
“A good general rule of thumb is that if it can stain a white T-shirt, it can stain your teeth,” she told Fox News Digital.
Santana and Fraundorf offered seven tips on how to get your teeth whiter and brighter.
1. Develop an oral care routine
Fraundorf recommended brushing at least twice a day with an electric toothbrush and using toothpaste with fluoride or nano-hydroxyapatite (nHA).
“Avoid using charcoal or other abrasive toothpastes, as they damage enamel over time, making teeth darker,” she said.
THESE ARE THE WORST DENTAL MISTAKES YOU CAN MAKE FOR YOUR TEETH
“Transform mundane oral care into a self-care ritual to make it an experience,” she added.
While some people might feel inclined to try at-home teeth-whitening remedies, Santana stressed that “care should be exercised in selecting a safe and effective at-home approach for tooth whitening.”
Experts say it’s best to avoid using charcoal or other “abrasive” toothpastes. (iStock)
“Avoid trying at-home approaches before seeing a dentist, because some substances may damage the tooth enamel,” he warned.
“Adequate” toothbrushing is an “effective” way to reduce the discoloration of your teeth, according to Santana.
PRACTICE GOOD ORAL HYGIENE TO PROTECT YOURSELF AGAINST PERIODONTITIS
“Tooth brushing with a correct brushing technique, employing a whitening dentifrice and using an electric toothbrush are effective resources to reduce tooth discoloration.”
Fraundorf added that flossing with toothpaste, using a water flosser to remove plaque and using a tongue scraper daily to decrease bacteria can also promote whiter teeth.
2. Drink more water
Water is “the best thing you can drink to keep your teeth healthy and white,” according to Fraundorf.
“Next time you have that cup of coffee or glass of red wine, take a swig of water in between sips and briefly swish around,” she advised.
Water is “the best thing you can drink to keep your teeth healthy and white,” a dentist suggested. (iStock)
“Water will not only prevent the staining particles from clinging onto your teeth, it will also help neutralize the acidity of the beverage.”
Fraundorf also recommended choosing flat water rather than sparkling.
“Drink and swish with it frequently to neutralize your oral environment and fight stains,” she suggested.
3. Chew sugar-free gum
Studies suggest that cavities are “significantly lower” in patients who chew sugar-free gum for 20 minutes after a meal, Fraundorf noted.
DENTISTS REVEAL WHY YOU SHOULDN’T BRUSH YOUR TEETH IN THE SHOWER
“Chewing sugar-free gum increases salivary flow by stimulating mechanical and taste receptors in the mouth,” she told Fox News Digital.
“Saliva helps wash away food particles as well as dilute and neutralize acids produced by plaque bacteria on teeth, leading to a reduction in cavities and stains.”
4. Drink through a straw
Using a straw, especially when drinking dark, acidic or sugary beverages, can help decrease the contact these substances make with your teeth.
Drinking through a straw decreases the liquid’s contact with your teeth, experts advised. (iStock)
“For extra credit, try drinking beverages more quickly to reduce the amount of time your oral environment is exposed to a lower pH, therefore decreasing the amount of enamel damage,” Fraundorf said.
5. Fight stains with fruits and veggies
Certain foods and drinks — such as red wine, soda, soy sauce, curry, balsamic vinegar and coffee — may stain your teeth and should be avoided, Santana said.
ASK A DOC: ‘WHY DO MY GUMS BLEED AFTER I BRUSH MY TEETH, AND WHAT SHOULD I DO ABOUT IT?’
“Moreover, although the scientific evidence is limited, consumption of a balanced, healthy diet — containing strawberries, grapes, apples, watermelon, papaya, pineapple, cheese, celery, carrots, broccoli and almonds — may limit tooth staining,” he noted.
Fraundorf agreed that “superfoods may be one of the best (and tastiest) ways to whiten your teeth naturally.”
Superfoods like strawberries can help whiten teeth, according to experts. (iStock)
“Strawberries, apples and watermelon all contain a lot of malic acid, which helps whiten your smile by removing surface stains and increasing saliva,” she said.
Other superfoods that can help whiten teeth include celery and leafy greens, since their “fibrous textures act like a natural toothbrush, exfoliating plaque off your teeth,” Fraundorf added.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER
“Dark, leafy greens also contain calcium, counteracting the effects of acids, and an abundance of folic acid, which is essential to gum tissue cell growth.”
6. Visit the dentist
“Maintaining excellent oral health is the most important thing you can do to achieve a bright smile,” Fraundorf told Fox News Digital.
“Set a calendar reminder to get regular check-ups and cleanings with your general dentist.”
Santana added, “Your dentist can prescribe safe and customized resources for tooth whitening tailored to your specific needs.”
Patients should visit the dentist for a general check-up every six months, experts recommended. (iStock)
7. Consider professional teeth whitening
Although being diligent about oral care can help keep teeth bright, Fraundorf suggested that professional teeth whitening could be necessary to “take your smile to the next level.”
“Maintaining excellent oral health is the most important thing you can do to achieve a bright smile.”
“Whitening treatments are not one-size-fits-all, so it is important to seek customized care,” she said.
“The most ideal whitening treatment is one specific to you, crafted based on your unique smile goals, teeth composition, diet, sensitivity level and lifestyle.”
She added, “A multitude of factors go into a proper diagnosis and customized treatment plan for teeth whitening to ensure the best, most comfortable, beautiful results.”
Artificial tooth structures, like crowns, veneers and composites, won’t whiten, according to the expert — which means whitening these teeth will require extra restorative work.
For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health.
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
POST-DOSE PATTERN — New research reveals why the COVID vaccine can trigger heart issues, especially in one group
PREVENTION PAYOFF — Simple lifestyle changes could slash heart attack risk for millions
A new study has identified why mRNA COVID-19 vaccines could trigger heart issues, especially in one demographic. (iStock)
SMOKE SCREEN — A major cannabis study finds little proof for popular medical claims and flags big dangers
HIDDEN LINK — A common dental health issue may hint at a dangerous cardiovascular condition
SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER
SCREENING DEBATE — A new study questions whether annual mammograms are necessary for most women
SUPER SPREAD — An “aggressive” new flu variant sweeps the globe as doctors warn of severe symptoms
The flu season has intensified as the new H3N2 variant causes severe illness worldwide. (iStock)
DANGEROUS DEFICIT — A nutrient deficiency has been linked to heart disease risk for millions
LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH NEWS
CORONARY CHRISTMAS — Holiday heart attacks spike as doctors share hidden triggers and prevention tips
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
Cases of gout are rising in younger individuals, according to a global study.
The condition, which is a type of inflammatory arthritis, steadily increased in people aged 15 to 39 between 1990 and 2021, researchers in China announced.
Although rates vary widely between countries, the total number of young people with the condition is expected to continue rising through 2035.
WEIGHT LOSS DRUGS COULD ADD YEARS TO AMERICANS’ LIVES, RESEARCHERS PROJECT
The study, published in the journal Joint Bone Spine, investigated 2021 data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD), spanning 204 countries within the 30-year timeframe.
The data measured gout prevalence, incidence and years lived with disability, tracking global trends over time. The results showed a global increase across all three outcomes.
Gout is expected to continue rising in young people through 2035. (iStock)
Prevalence and disability years increased by 66%, and incidence rose by 62%. In 2021, 15- to 39-year-olds accounted for nearly 14% of new gout cases globally, the study found.
Men from 35 to 39 years old and people in high-income regions had the highest burden, but high-income North America topped the list for highest rates.
‘SKINNY FAT’ WARNING ISSUED AS STUDY FINDS HIDDEN OBESITY BEHIND NORMAL BMI
Men were also found to have lived more years with gout due to high BMI, while women tended to have the condition as a link to kidney dysfunction, the study noted.
The total number of cases is expected to increase globally due to population growth, but the study projected that rates per population would decrease.
The researchers noted that data quality, especially in low-income settings, could have posed a limitation to the broad GBD data.
What is gout?
Gout is a common form of arthritis involving sudden and severe attacks of pain, swelling, redness and tenderness in the joints, according to Mayo Clinic. It most often occurs in the big toe.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES
The condition occurs when urate crystals accumulate in the joint. These form when there are high levels of uric acid in the blood, which the body produces when it breaks down a natural substance called purines.
A gout flare-up can happen at any time, often at night, causing the affected joint to feel hot, swollen, tender and sensitive to the touch.
Urate crystals, described as sharp and needle-like, build up in the joint, causing intense pain and swelling. (iStock)
Purines can also be found in certain foods, like red meat or organ meats like liver and some seafood, including anchovies, sardines, mussels, scallops, trout and tuna, according to the Mayo Clinic. Alcoholic drinks, especially beer, and drinks sweetened with fruit sugar can also lead to higher uric acid levels.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER
Uric acid will typically dissolve in the blood and pass through the kidneys into urine, but when the body produces too much or too little uric acid, it can cause a build-up of urate crystals. These are described by the Mayo Clinic as sharp and needle-like, causing pain, inflammation and swelling in the joint or surrounding tissue.
Risk factors for gout include a diet rich in high-purine foods and being overweight, which causes the body to produce more uric acid and the kidneys to have trouble eliminating it.
Experts urge patients to seek medical attention for gout flare-ups. (iStock)
Certain conditions like untreated high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, metabolic syndrome and heart and kidney diseases can increase the risk of gout, as well as certain medications.
A family history of gout can also increase risk. Men are more likely to develop the condition, as women tend to have lower uric acid levels, although symptoms generally develop after menopause.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
Untreated gout can cause worsening pain and joint damage, experts caution. It may also lead to more severe conditions, such as recurrent gout, advanced gout and kidney stones.
TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ
The Mayo Clinic advises patients to seek immediate medical care if a fever occurs or if a joint becomes hot and inflamed, which is a sign of infection. Certain anti-inflammatory medications can help treat gout flares and complications.
Fox News Digital reached out to the researchers for comment.
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
A new study suggests that annual mammograms may not be the only effective approach for preventing breast cancer.
The research, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), tested a risk-based breast cancer screening approach against standard annual mammography.
The WISDOM randomized clinical trial, led by study authors from universities and healthcare systems across the U.S., considered more than 28,000 women aged 40 to 74 years old, splitting them into a risk-based screening group and an annual mammography group.
ERIN ANDREWS HAD ‘NO SYMPTOMS’ BEFORE CANCER DIAGNOSIS, PUSHES FOR EARLY SCREENINGS
Researchers calculated each woman’s individual risk based on genetics (sequencing of nine breast cancer genes) and other health factors.
A new study suggests that annual mammograms may not be the only effective approach for preventing breast cancer. (iStock)
Those who were at the highest risk were advised to alternate between a mammogram and an MRI scan every six months. Patients with elevated risk were told to get an annual mammography and counseling.
Average-risk women were guided to get mammograms every two years, while low-risk individuals were advised to have no screening until they became higher risk or reached age 50.
HIDDEN TYPE OF BREAST CANCER COULD BE EXPOSED BY NEW BREAKTHROUGH TECH
The researchers found that risk-based screening did not lead to more advanced cancer diagnoses (stage 2B or higher) compared with annual screening, indicating that it is just as safe as traditional methods. The risk-based approach, however, did not reduce the number of biopsies overall, as researchers had hoped.
Among the risk-based group of women, those with higher risk had more screening, biopsies and detected cancers. Women at lower risk had fewer procedures.
The research, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), tested a risk-based breast cancer screening approach against standard annual mammography. (iStock)
“[The] findings suggest that risk-based breast cancer screening is a safe alternative to annual screening for women aged 40 to 74 years,” the researchers noted in the research summary. “Screening intensity matched individual risk, potentially reducing unnecessary imaging.”
CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES
Fox News medical contributor Dr. Nicole Saphier, associate professor of radiology at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New Jersey, commented that while these findings are important, the study “completely sidelines” what screenings are designed to do — detect cancer early.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER
“If you don’t measure stage 0, stage 1 or stage 2A cancers, you can’t tell whether personalized screening delays diagnosis in a way that matters for survival and treatment intensity,” Saphier, who was not involved in the study, told Fox News Digital in an interview.
Those who were at the highest risk were advised to alternate between a mammogram and an MRI scan every six months. (iStock)
More than 60% of breast cancers in the U.S. are diagnosed at stage 1 or 2A, where cure rates exceed 90%, the doctor noted.
The trial doesn’t “fully evaluate” whether risk-based screening changes detection at the earliest and most treatable stages, where screening “delivers its greatest benefit,” according to Saphier.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
“Mammography is not without risk — radiation exposure, false positives, anxiety and potential over-diagnosis are real and should be acknowledged,” she said. “But it remains the most effective, evidence-based tool for detecting breast cancer early, when treatment is most successful.”
The expert added that labeling women under 50 as “low risk” is “outdated,” as breast cancer diagnoses are on the rise in younger females.
TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ
“Until long-term mortality data support alternative approaches, annual screening beginning at 40 for average risk women should continue,” Saphier added. “Women should be assessed for breast cancer risk by 25 years old to determine if screening should begin earlier.”
Here’s How to Watch James Madison vs. Oregon Live Online Without Cable for Free
Pennsylvania Powerball lottery ticket wins $1 million as jackpot grows to $1.5 billion
What’s the most expensive property sold in Rhode Island? Dec. 19 real estate transactions.
South Carolina pastor indicted, accused of cyberstalking estranged wife Mica Miller before her death
With discretion left to agencies, police video releases rare in South Dakota
Florida High School Football Rankings: Top 25 teams – Oct. 21
Cleary's 21 help Le Moyne down Central Connecticut State 69-64 in OT
How old is Bo Nix? What to know about Oregon quarterback ahead of 2024 NFL Draft
99th annual Pony Swim held in Virginia
Video: ‘It Didn’t Have to Happen This Way:’ U.Va. Faculty Call for Review of Police Response to Protests
Sen Murphy warns ‘people are going to die’ as Congress punts on expiring Obamacare subsidies
Ex-Pakistan PM Imran Khan, wife sentenced to 17 years in corruption case
U.S. launches strikes in Syria targeting Islamic State fighters after American deaths
Trump administration touts ‘most secure border in history’ as 2.5 million migrants exit US
How the reparations loan for Ukraine fell apart at the eleventh hour
-
Iowa5 days agoAddy Brown motivated to step up in Audi Crooks’ absence vs. UNI
-
Iowa7 days agoHow much snow did Iowa get? See Iowa’s latest snowfall totals
-
Maine4 days agoElementary-aged student killed in school bus crash in southern Maine
-
Maryland5 days agoFrigid temperatures to start the week in Maryland
-
Technology1 week agoThe Game Awards are losing their luster
-
South Dakota6 days agoNature: Snow in South Dakota
-
New Mexico4 days agoFamily clarifies why they believe missing New Mexico man is dead
-
Nebraska1 week agoNebraska lands commitment from DL Jayden Travers adding to early Top 5 recruiting class