Date Archives June 2023

Dangerous TikTok trends: DIY teeth whitening

read Children's Oral Health
Charcoal toothpaste and lemon juice are some of the latest DIY teeth-whitening trends on TikTok. Learn about the risks of these trends and discover safe, dentist-approved methods for achieving a whiter smile.

In today’s digital world, it’s easy to fall into the trap of trusting everything you see online. Recently, social media powerhouse TikTok has emerged as a dominant player with its rapid growth and influential nature.

While this popular platform has its fair share of entertaining content, it can also encourage its users to engage in potentially harmful trends like do-it-yourself teeth whitening. These may seem like harmless DIY options for those on a budget, but it’s crucial to recognize the potential dangers they pose and adverse effects they may have on your oral health.

DIY teeth-whitening trends 

Many influencers claim their secret to whiter teeth can be done at home using common products. However, many of these products can cause harm to your teeth.

Charcoal products

One of the most popular TikTok trends for achieving whiter teeth features charcoal toothpaste, with numerous creators and influencers saying it’s the reason for their sparkling smile.

Despite its popularity, charcoal has been found to be less effective than conventional whitening products and toothpastes. In addition, charcoal poses a danger to your oral health. Due to its naturally abrasive nature, charcoal can gradually wear down the protective enamel layer of your teeth, leading to increased tooth sensitivity and a higher risk of decay.

Lemon juice

Creators are also sharing a supposed teeth-whitening hack that involves mixing baking soda with lemon juice, but this TikTok trend also comes with risk.

Using baking soda isn’t the problem with this practice. Because it’s mildly abrasive, baking soda has been found to be a safe and cost-effective way to remove stains from your teeth by the Journal of the American Dental Association. What makes this teeth whitening trend potentially hazardous is the use of lemon juice. According to a study published in  the Journal of International Dental and Medical Research, the acidic nature of lemons can cause a decrease in hardness of enamel. As a result, erosion can weaken the teeth, making them more prone to sensitivity, yellowing, cavities, and even tooth loss.

DIY TikTok trends may seem like easy and inexpensive methods for teeth whitening, however so-called hacks featuring lemon juice and charcoal can have detrimental effects on your oral health.

One of the best ways to achieve a whiter smile is to focus on preventing stains by reducing your intake of certain food and drinks as well as tobacco products. Coffee, red wine, and soda are some beverages notorious for their staining properties. Similarly, smoking or chewing tobacco not only poses serious health risks, but also leads to browning and yellowing of the teeth.

If you’re interested in legitimate teeth whitening, be sure to contact your dentist. They can make recommendations for your specific needs with safe and effective processes.

For more oral health tips, read “Top 5 Ways to Take Care of Your Children’s Teeth”.

Virtual care during a dental emergency

read Insurance Resources and Dental Benefits
Dental emergencies happen at the worst times. The good news is Delta Dental of Wisconsin members have access to emergency dental care 24/7, 365 days a year. Learn more about our teledentistry coverage and how to get care now.

Dental emergencies always seem to happen at the worst times. In many cases, it’s hard to find a provider that can see a patient immediately.

The good news is that Delta Dental of Wisconsin plans include coverage for teledentistry. If you face a dental emergency after business hours, can’t get in to see your provider right away, or don’t have an established provider, teledentistry provides emergency dental care when you need it.

Members of Delta Dental of Wisconsin can access teledentistry by signing in to the Delta Dental virtual visits portal or calling 866-950-4375. If you don’t have a provider, use TeleDentistry.com for a virtual visit.

Delta Dental of Wisconsin plans provide dental care when you need it most

Dental emergencies are scary. They’re even more scary when you don’t know where you can get help. That’s where teledentistry comes in.

What is teledentistry?

According to the American Dentistry Association (ADA), teledentistry refers to the use of telehealth systems and methodologies. It can include patient care and education delivery using live video, secure electronic communications, and other technologies. Providers who use teledentistry can consult with patients, do examinations, and prescribe medication if needed.

Basically, teledentistry helps you get the support and care you need from a dentist without going to an office.

Why use teledentistry?

Teledentistry provides patients with the ability to receive dental care at any time of day or night, 365 days a year. Reasons someone may use teledentistry range from having a dental emergency outside of business hours to wanting to consult with a provider without leaving home or not having a dentist in their town.

In addition to having access to dental care whenever you need it, teledentistry mat also save you a trip to the emergency room. The Wisconsin Hospital Association estimates that more 2,000 children visited emergencies rooms across the state for dental emergencies. Most of these emergencies were non-traumatic and would be better served in a dental office setting “due to the availability of definitive care and the likelihood of continuity of care.” Teledentistry gives you the ability to consult with an oral health professional before potentially spending hundreds of dollars at the hospital.

What to expect during a teledentistry visit

During a teledentistry visit you’re in a different location than your dentist. Your dentist may have you provide images and/or videos, or use a device that can live-stream to exam the condition of your mouth and teeth. This type of visit is often used for dental emergencies.

For non-emergencies, your provider may ask for certain documents such as “periapical radiographs, photographs, charting of dental conditions, health history, consent, and applicable progress notes” that can be used for diagnosis and treatment plans on a later date.

For more information about what to expect during a virtual care visit, check out the ADA Guide to Understanding and Documenting Teledentistry Events.

Delta Dental of Wisconsin is here for your oral health needs

No matter what the reason is, Delta Dental of Wisconsin members can rest assured that quality dental care is only a phone call away. For more information about teledentistry check out the Delta Dental of Wisconsin virtual visits webpage.

Best farmers market finds for your teeth

read Lifestyle
When going to the local farmers market this summer, look for these foods that will help your overall health and benefit your teeth.

Summer is the time to get outside, enjoy the sunshine, and explore what your town has to offer. One of the most popular summer activities is going to the local farmers market and trying something new or picking up some fresh groceries for the week.

If you’re not sure what to get the next time you’re perusing the farmers market, try some of our favorite tooth-friendly finds!

Tooth-friendly food at the farmers market

Although the farmers market is a great place to get sweet treats, it also offers an opportunity to stock up on food that’s good for your oral and overall health. Here are a few items to look for:

Carrots

Freshly picked carrots from a local farm are not only great for your eyes and vision, but they can also help keep your teeth clean. When you munch on a carrot, the action of chewing stimulates saliva production in your mouth. Saliva helps rinse food particles and bacteria from the mouth. Additionally, carrots are also packed full of vitamin C, calcium, and keratins that are good for your overall health.

Apples, celery, and other crunchy fruits and vegetables are also excellent options for cleaning teeth and adding nutrients to your diet.

Leafy greens

Whether you need some romaine, kale, or spinach, the local farmers market is likely the place to go shopping.

Leafy greens benefit the health of your teeth in a couple of ways. Most are full of calcium, a mineral that helps keep teeth and bones strong; folic acid, a vitamin that can help protect against open sores in the mouth and on the tongue; and other nutrients that keep your teeth and body healthy. If you don’t like salads, try adding leafy greens to your sandwiches for an extra crunch.

Nuts and seeds

Sugar- and cinnamon-covered nuts are a favorite treat at farmers markets. Unfortunately, they aren’t great for your oral health. However, raw nuts and seeds can be very beneficial for your teeth and body!

Many nuts and seeds contain a mix of vitamins and minerals that can help strengthen and protect your teeth. For example, cashews are a good source of phosphorus, a mineral that exists in bones and teeth. Like calcium, phosphorus helps build strong teeth and bone structures. Peanuts and almonds are good sources of calcium, and the latter also contains vitamin E, which has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce the effects of gum disease.

Red meat

The farmers market is a great place to find red meat, which is full of nutrients like iron, zinc, and B vitamins. Iron is a mineral that supports the production of red blood cells. People who have an iron deficiency can develop anemia, which in turn puts them at an increased risk for oral health issues like periodontal disease. Red meat is also a good source of vitamin B12. People who have a vitamin B12 deficiency can exhibit mouth and tongue soreness among other symptoms.

Keep moderation in mind when consuming red meat as eating too much can increase health risks.

Healthy finds at farmers markets go beyond oral health

Buying fresh and nutritious food isn’t the only benefit of going to the farmers market. Purchasing locally grown food helps support small businesses and the community. Keep an eye out for tooth-friendly finds the next time you’re enjoying the farmers market and remember that small businesses appreciate your support.

Looking for more healthy alternatives this summer? Check out this blog: Healthy Snack Swaps for July 4th – and All Summer Long.