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Practices to Avoid Staining your Teeth | Tyngsboro Dentist

teeth whitening

If you look at your teeth in the mirror and aren’t thrilled with what you see, your teeth may be stained as a result of the foods and beverages you consume. Common culprits of staining are red wine, dark sodas, and coffee, three beverages casually consumed by the average person. There is nothing wrong with consuming dark foods and beverages, of course, but if you find your smile has become dull or yellow, it may be time to evaluate the habits that surround the consumption of them. Thankfully, however, there are ways you can mitigate dental staining with some common and easily applied practices. Here are some tips to keep in mind the next time you go for that evening glass of wine or morning cup of coffee.

Brushing your teeth 30 minutes after consuming these beverages may sound counter-intuitive, but it’s better than brushing immediately after. Coffee, soda, and wine are acidic, meaning they weaken your enamel. When we brush immediately after, we are being abrasive against an already weakened barrier causing it to weaken further. Brushing some time after consumption helps retain your enamel and will help prevent staining.

Otherwise, all you can do is floss, employ whitening powders or pastes, and maintain regular dental visits to keep teeth stains at bay. If you are interested in incorporating health practices into your life that also help reduce the risk of staining, cutting back on your consumption of dark sodas, red wine and coffee will go a long way to achieve that goal. You can also try at-home whitening strips, trays, or UV light whitening devices that may help you get up to two shades of whiter teeth.

If your teeth are already stained, and at-home methods aren’t working to mitigate the appearance of dull or yellow teeth, that’s where a cosmetic dentist can help. In-office whitening is more powerful than at-home treatments, and when professionally executed may go further than DIY methods.

To learn more about our practice or view the beautiful smiles Dr. Yankowskas has created, visit us online at www.tyngsborocosmeticdentist.com.

Dr. Yankowskas proudly serves patients from Tyngsboro and all surrounding areas.

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Natural Solutions for Whiter Teeth | Tyngsboro Dentist

Everyone wants that Hollywood perfect smile, but over time, daily decisions can discolor our teeth despite best practices with our oral care. While habits such as smoking and drinking coffee may require professional whitening to correct, certain foods can aid in the daily maintenance of whiter teeth.

It is important to note that too much professional or at-home whitening products may work to decay tooth enamel over time. If you have tried different whitening methods and nothing seems to work, a closer look at your diet may hold the missing key to bright white teeth.

Here are some ways you can incorporate natural teeth whitening solutions into your routine.

Fruit. Apples are a powerhouse food for a white smile. The crispness of an apple works our gums and strengthens them when we bite and chew. The tart taste produces saliva which helps clear bacteria that may produce cavities. Pears are another great fruit to indulge. Like apples, pears help strengthen gums while neutralizing odor-causing, stain-inducing bacteria. If citrus fruits are more your taste, reach for an orange. The Vitamin C boost is great for overall health, and the citric acid helps remove top-level stains.

Vegetables. Vegetables may not seem like the most likely way to maintain pearly white teeth, but the benefits of eating veggies go beyond nourishment. Vegetables contain a mix of water, fiber and texture that work to scrub and clean your teeth. Celery and other fibrous vegetables act like natural flossers while the texture of veggies like cauliflower scrub away at surface buildup.

Dairy. Dairy products such as milk and yogurt are rich in calcium. This mineral works to strengthen your tooth enamel, an important contribution to long-term oral health. Each of your teeth have their own shell of enamel that protect it from erosion and cavities, but we only generate tooth enamel once in our lifetimes.

Along with regular brushing and flossing, consuming these foods work to maintain your pearly white smile without breaking the bank or eroding enamel.

To learn more about safe whitening practices, or to schedule an appointment today, visit us at http://www.tyngsborocosmeticdentist.com/.

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Brighten and Whiten with a Professional Whitening Session | Tyngsboro Dentist

Interested in getting that brighter and whiter smile you’ve always wanted? You aren’t alone. Whitening products and treatments are some of the more common dental requests. Not only because there are loads of products over-the-counter to purchase, but because whitening is a simple, immediate way to improve your smile.

Generally, there are two types of professional teeth whitening services offered. And here is how it all breaks down:

Professional bleaching and laser whitening. This is what we all know as professional whitening. This in-office procedure is done by applying hydrogen peroxide or other similarly strong active agents to the teeth to help remove both deep and surface stains. Although more expensive, you can opt for laser whitening, which involves the use of similar active agents only with the addition of a strong laser to help speed up the bleaching process.

Whitening trays. The use of whitening trays is mostly an in-home procedure. The dentist simply creates a custom mouthpiece you’ll wear for several hours every day or even overnight for as much as two weeks. In most cases, the mouthpieces can be used again.

Prior to the procedure, dentists will usually take an extensive oral health history, checking for previous and current cases of tooth sensitivity and discoloration. There are potential side effects worth taking note of, including irritation, sensitive teeth, and sore throat during and after the treatment.

Once you are done with your treatment, realize the work falls on your hands to keep your teeth bright. Proper dental hygiene and avoiding bad habits is imperative to keep your smile looking gorgeous for as long as possible.

Call Tyngsboro dentist Dr. Yankowskas for a consultation at 978-649-7773. Also, visit our website at tyngsborocosmeticdentist.com.

Dr. James Yankowskas proudly accepts patients from Tyngsboro and all surrounding areas.

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Options for Optimal Smile Improvement | Tyngsboro Dentist

When we begin to consider making improvements to our smile, the smartest thing to do is to schedule a dental appointment in order to discuss your ideas with your dental professional. They know your smile best and can give you proper feedback as to what your options are. Together you will devise a plan to ensure you will get the smile you’ve always wanted. Here is a rundown of the more common cosmetic dental procedures. Each has its own improvement, but not all are going to be necessary.

Bleaching. Bleaching is a common and popular process in which individuals use chemicals to whiten their teeth. This can be performed by your dentist or at home through a series of dental supervised techniques.

Bonding. Bonding is tooth-colored material in which is used to fill in gaps or change the color of teeth. This usually only requires a single dental visit and bonding lasts for several years.

Crowns. Crowns are caps that are placed over teeth in order to restore it to its natural shape and appearance. Crowns have the longest life expectancy of all cosmetic restorations, but also take the most time to complete.

Veneers. Veneers are pieces of porcelain or plastic placed over the front teeth in order to change the color or shape of teeth. This procedure requires your dentist to take an impression of your tooth. Before the custom veneer is cemented directly onto the tooth, your dentist will lightly buff your tooth to compensate for the added thickness.

Contouring. This is a procedure used to correct crooked teeth or irregularly shaped teeth that may overlap. This is commonly used to alter the length, shape, or position of your teeth. Contouring teeth may also help correct small problems with bite.

Call Tyngsboro dentist Dr. Yankowskas for a consultation at 978-649-7773. Also, visit our website at tyngsborocosmeticdentist.com.

Dr. James Yankowskas proudly accepts patients from Tyngsboro and all surrounding areas.

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Celebrate the Summer with Fresh Fruits and Vegetables | Tyngsboro Dentist

In order to have a relaxing dental checkup, we need to take care of our teeth. But let’s not pretend it isn’t tough to do when we are outside having fun in the summer sun. We are surrounded by delicious frozen confections and sweet treats! Hate to break the news, but if you want to keep your smile healthy and bright, we need to look after our smiles, and that includes what we put into our mouths. So, what are our options to get back the “pearl” back in our pearly whites? Believe it or not, it’s fresh fruits and vegetables. Since this is National Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Month, here are some options you may want to consider:

If you’re looking for a tastier teeth whitener, the crispiness of the apple is helping to strengthen our gums. And the juiciness of the apple produces saliva, which clears out cavity-causing bacteria. If you’re looking for a citrus version, try the orange. Not only is the vitamin C good for you, but citric acid also scours your teeth. Just keep in mind – too much can wear enamel. Even strawberries can benefit our smiles.

Lastly, the vegetables. Correlating an onion as a dental secret seems improbable, but this colorless veggie prevents stains on your teeth, and if you eat anything with onion, you’re much more apt to brush your teeth afterwards. Broccoli is Mother Nature’s most blatant toothbrush, while giving us an iron boost. Carrots and celery are the next in this line of veggies. If you think about it, celery is like nature’s dental floss so grab some peanut butter and celebrate!

Call Tyngsboro dentist Dr. Yankowskas for a consultation at 978-649-7773. Also, visit our website at tyngsborocosmeticdentist.com.

Dr. James Yankowskas proudly accepts patients from Tyngsboro and all surrounding areas.

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Sip to Celebrate International Tea Day | Tyngsboro Dentist

When the weather is chilly, nothing warms us up like a nice hot cup of tea. When the weather is warm, a tall glass of iced tea hits the spot like no other. It doesn’t matter the time of year – there is a perfect time to enjoy some tea. So much so, the world consumes 25,000 cups of tea every SECOND. That’s 2.16 billion cups a day! Tea is a centerpiece for some cultures and has some incredible health benefits, making it the most consumed beverage after water. It’s no wonder that the United Nations created International Tea Day on May 21, 2020.

While green tea seems to have more health benefits than black tea, tea in general has tremendous ways of keeping us healthy. Just look at all the benefits from one little beverage:

  • Contains antioxidants
  • Reduces one’s risk of heart attack and stroke
  • Aids with weight loss
  • Protects the bones
  • Prevents tooth loss
  • Boosts the immune system
  • Helps battle cancer
  • Soothes the digestive system
  • Helps the body to feel more relaxed

You read it right – drinking tea helps prevent tooth loss. But if you’re an avid tea drinker you know that after a while, your teeth begin to stain. It’s going to happen – it’s part of its chemical makeup. But that doesn’t mean you need to walk around with a dingy grin – there are plenty of options you can do to brighten a stained smile. But it all starts with good dental hygiene. Brushing twice a day, combined with flossing and rinsing will only keep those tea stains at bay until your checkups. So, enjoy your tea, whichever way you prefer it. Your teeth will thank you for it.

Call Tyngsboro dentist Dr. Yankowskas for a consultation at 978-649-7773. Also, visit our website at tyngsborocosmeticdentist.com.

Dr. James Yankowskas proudly accepts patients from Tyngsboro and all surrounding areas.

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A New Year and a New Smile | Tyngsboro Dentist

It could be as simple as a new haircut, but any positive change will always bring a smile to our face. And if that makeover is a smile makeover, all the more reason to show it off. It’s a new year – why not get yourself a new smile? After the year we had, you deserve a reason to show off that gorgeous grin. Here are some benefits to consider:

Improved self-esteem and self-confidence. This is, unarguably, one of the many reasons why people are interested in getting a smile makeover in the first place. And, well, there’s no shame in spending money to improve your own look, which may help improve your self-esteem and self-confidence.

Fixed bad bites. In many cases, especially in orthodontics, braces or Invisalign just aren’t fitted just for esthetic reasons. Many times, it is to correct a bad bite, which can help improve or fix the function of one’s teeth and may even help prevent gum disease.

Prevention of jaw atrophy. Those with missing teeth are candidates for implants, which are great for preventing jawbone atrophy, while at the same time, helps in maintaining that youthful and vibrant smile.

Lowered risk for tooth decay and cavities. Chipped and broken teeth, as well as excessive gaps in between and cavities can all eventually lead to worse complications down the line. Fillings aren’t exactly cosmetic but having tooth-colored fillings is still a far better-looking option. And the use of dental crowns and bridges that are made specifically to blend well with the rest of your teeth means that one no longer has to sacrifice esthetic offer function when it comes to preventing further dental complications.

Call Tyngsboro dentist Dr. James Yankowskas for a consultation at 978-649-7773. Also, visit our website at tyngsborocosmeticdentist.com.

Dr. Yankowskas proudly accepts patients from Tyngsboro and all surrounding areas.

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An Apple a Day | Tyngsboro Dentist

They come in all sorts of colors and flavors – it’s almost impossible to choose a favorite. Some are used to bake. Some are better off as snacks dipped in peanut butter or caramel and on a stick. Yes, we are talking about apples. From infancy through adulthood, the apple is one sweet treat that we have our entire lives, in all of its various forms. Originally from Central Asia and with 7,500 varieties available around the world, apples have become world-renowned as a go-to fruit. So much so, this Saturday (September 19) is International Eat an Apple Day.

But it isn’t just the sweet snack that has captured our hearts – did you know that apples also have loads of health benefits that range from our bones to our heart, while also improving our smile? It’s true – this crispy fruit is fantastic for producing saliva, which is our natural way of keeping our mouths clean and bacteria free. Additionally, the fibers within the apple play an added role in cleaning our teeth in a way similar to a toothbrush. However, apples are a healthy snack, not a replacement for your daily dental hygiene routine. Just a natural way you can improve your smile while enjoying a tasty treat.

How will you celebrate International Eat an Apple Day? Snack on an apple with a bit of peanut butter or a slice of apple pie. In fact, because this fruit is international, why not try some German apple cake or Polish apple pancakes? Even the French and the English got in on the fun by making a popular fermented drink called cider. With so many options, you may need a week to properly celebrate!

Call Tyngsboro dentist Dr. James Yankowskas for a consultation at 978-649-7773. Also, visit our website at tyngsborocosmeticdentist.com.

Dr. Yankowskas proudly accepts patients from Tyngsboro and all surrounding areas.

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Let’s Bond over Chipped Teeth | Tyngsboro Dentist

We all try to do our best to have the brightest, healthiest smiles we can. So, we brush, floss and rinse each day, avoid bad dental habits and lead a healthy lifestyle. But life happens; accidents happen. And sometimes these accidents result in damage to our teeth. Having a chipped or broken tooth can not only look funny, but they can also lead to issues with speech, eating and other daily activities. This is why it is imperative to make a dental appointment as soon as possible.

Upon examination, your dental professional will suggest a treatment plan to remedy the situation. One of these options is dental bonding. Dental bonding is a great way for you to regain confidence in your smile if you have chipped or broken one (or more) of your teeth.

Bonding is a process of directly applying a tooth-colored composite to your tooth. Once the composite is applied, our dentist will sculpt and shape it to make a perfect looking tooth. A high-intensity ultraviolet light is then used to harden the composite and is finished off by a fine polishing. Not only is dental bonding useful for chipped and broken teeth, but it is great for stained teeth that are resistant to professional whitening treatment. Because believe it or not, if you have dental implants on your front teeth, they won’t be able to whiten like the rest of your teeth with a professional whitening treatment.

Although dental bonding does not last as long as veneers or crowns; with proper care, dental bonding composites can last for years. Accidents will happen; it’s nice to know there is a fix it to a broken tooth.

Call Tyngsboro dentist Dr. James Yankowskas for a consultation at 978-649-7773. Also, visit our website at tyngsborocosmeticdentist.com.

Dr. Yankowskas proudly accepts patients from Tyngsboro and all surrounding areas.

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Celebrate Your Smile with a Picnic | Tyngsboro Dentist

Now that we begin to loosen up restrictions in the world, it is a good time to make sure quarantine didn’t lead to any dental issues by visiting your dental professional for a quick checkup. But as we wait for an appointment to be scheduled, you can give your smile a bit of a boost by heading outside for a picnic. Not only does the sunshine improve your overall health with a burst of vitamin D but having a bit of a picnic while soaking it all in can also improve your smile. June 18th is International Picnic Day – so pack yourself up a healthy meal option and head on out to celebrate. Here are just a few of the picnic foods geared towards brightening your grin:

Traditional. If you are considering a traditional, family-friendly option, there are lots of choices that can benefit your dental health. Cheeses and various proteins can help strengthen your teeth, while fruits and veggies help scrub them and encourage saliva production, which is key to rinsing cavity-causing bacteria while you eat.

Wine and cheese. If you are of legal drinking age and have a more sophisticated palette, you may opt for a nice wine and cheese pairing. Cheese is full of calcium, which strengthens your teeth enamel, and red wine also has dental benefits. But be careful – too much acidic red wine will begin to break down your tooth enamel and begin to stain your teeth.

When you’re out and about, it is important to maintain some type of hydration at all times so make sure to pack plenty of water in your picnic basket. Enjoy your picnic!

Call Tyngsboro dentist Dr. James Yankowskas for a consultation at 978-649-7773. Also, visit our website at tyngsborocosmeticdentist.com.

Dr. Yankowskas proudly accepts patients from Tyngsboro and all surrounding areas.