If eyes are the window to the soul, then the mouth is the window into a person’s overall health. OK, so it’s not quite as catchy a saying, but the majority of dentists agree it’s the case. This week, BD is excited to welcome global leaders in oral care, Colgate, to the site.
We explore the three key dental concerns below and the budget-friendly Colgate treatment options you might not know about.
Concern: tooth sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity, medically known as dentin hypersensitivity, affects the tooth or exposed root surfaces. This occurs when the enamel that protects our teeth gets thinner or when gum recession occurs, exposing the underlying surface hence reducing the protection the enamel and gums provide to the tooth and root. Tooth sensitivity affects up to 57% of the population. If hot, cold, sweet or very acidic foods and drinks, or breathing in cold air, makes your teeth or a tooth sensitive or painful then you may have sensitive teeth.
Treatment: specialised toothpaste
Colgate® Sensitive Pro-Relief™ Enamel Repair Sensitive Toothpaste works differently to other sensitive toothpastes that desensitise nerve endings to numb the pain. The exclusive Pro-Argin® formula is clinically proven to seal the opening to exposed nerves for long lasting pain relief. The formula remineralises the enamel and helps make teeth more resistant against repeated acid attacks.
Concern: bad breath
Sometimes called halitosis, bad breath is usually caused by poor oral hygiene habits, infections that occur in the mouth, unhealthy habits, such as smoking and alcohol intake, and foods that you eat. Other culprits include dry mouth, respiratory tract infections, systemic diseases such as diabetes, kidney, liver and lung disease and gastrointestinal issues, which may include acid reflux and other stomach digestion problems.
Treatment: brush your tongue!
Want to control bad breath? Don't ignore the tongue. All those bumps and grooves on your tongue are a haven for bacteria and could be contributing to your bad breath because of the gases they give off. It's important to take care of the tongue in addition to regular brushing and flossing. Colgate® 360° Optic White™ Platinum Toothbrush makes it easy with its unique spiral bristle head design that polishes away surface stains and cleans hard to reach areas while the cheek and tongue cleaner comfortably removes odour-causing bacteria for fresher breath.
Concern: yellowing and/or discolouration
Proper oral hygiene is of course indispensable for maintaining a bright smile, but there is one other important bit of advice: Watch what you eat and drink. Certain foods and beverages can discolour teeth more than others. If you’re particularly concerned, limit consumption of foods high in acid or high-staining ingredients such as pasta sauce, curry, balsamic vinegar, wine and coffee.
Treatment: at-home whitening products
Whitening your teeth doesn’t have to cost a fortune! Simply replacing your regular toothpaste with whitening toothpaste is a great way to start whitening your smile gradually. Using a whitening mouthwash is also a great way to further supplement your oral regime. Try Colgate® Optic White™ Express White™ Whitening Toothpaste for whiter teeth in just three days*! The enamel safe formula fortifies enamel and is the only toothpaste with the whitening ingredient dentists use^ to remove both surface and deeply set in stains. It provides all the benefits of a regular toothpaste plus a whiter, brighter, bolder smile.
*when used as directed for 4 weeks
^Based on leading toothpastes sold in Australian & New Zealand Grocery and Pharmacy Retailers as of May 2018. Gentle lower strength hydrogen peroxide formula.