Hygiene frustrations

Message

#1 Post by **NervousNewbie** » Sat Oct 23, 2010 6:59 am

I am having trouble with my top teeth, up by the gum line. I know that some people have said that ceramics do tend to make your teeth look more yellow, but the bottoms of my teeth are white, and up by the gum line is a dark, dingy yellow. Since noticing this I have given extra attention to brushing right at the gum line, but the problem persists. I don't think it's something I can just brush off and I'm quite frustrated. Anyone have any suggestions or know why this may have happened?

#2 Post by **Loztredders** » Sat Oct 23, 2010 7:42 am

Sounds like it could be tartar build up if it doesn't brush off. I used to get this a lot on the backs of my front lowers when I was younger and Very lazy about brushing. My dentist said that some people tend to produce more tartar than others and unfortunatly this may be your issue.
I'm pretty sure that it can only be removed by the dentist once it's hardened up but I have found that a waterpik is very effective after brushing to keep away the build up (baring in mind I'm not braced yet) however, I've been told that they are also great for giving teeth an extra cleaning while wearing braces, to get to the difficult to clean areas etc.

#3 Post by **Loztredders** » Sat Oct 23, 2010 7:44 am

Sounds like it could be tartar build up if it doesn't brush off. I used to get this a lot on the backs of my front lowers when I was younger and Very lazy about brushing. My dentist said that some people tend to produce more tartar than others and unfortunatly this may be your issue.
I'm pretty sure that it can only be removed by the dentist once it's hardened up but I have found that a waterpik is very effective after brushing to keep away the build up (baring in mind I'm not braced yet) however, I've been told that they are also great for giving teeth an extra cleaning while wearing braces, to get to the difficult to clean areas etc.

#4 Post by **ashesgap** » Sat Oct 23, 2010 8:35 am

Make sure you aren't using any Crest ProHealth products. Because they all have the staining problem, really bad. Also just remember that you're staring at your teeth all the time now, so it might not be as bad as you think. Next time you're at the ortho ask them if your teeth are dirty, or if they look ok.

#5 Post by **Rizzie** » Sat Oct 23, 2010 11:46 am

I had this problem too. I bought a Sonicare toothbrush which really helped. The brush head is small and easily deals with troublesome areas. I also started using a bit of baking soda once in awhile along with my favorite toothpaste, and that has helped whiten up my teeth.

#6 Post by **felicia** » Sat Oct 23, 2010 10:15 pm

I noticed the same thing in the first months with braces. I scheduled a cleaning with my dentist. Problem solved.

#7 Post by **Wongohk** » Tue Oct 26, 2010 9:32 am

I have given up the color of my teeth, as long it is healthy and not falling out, the color is only a minor thing.