Saving Money on Dental VisitsMedical is some of our most costly expenses and since dental visits aren't always covered by many insurances (nor by Medicare), folks sometimes don't go to their dentist every 6 months. I am not encouraging this. It's just a FACT.
Use Contact Lens Case For VaselineMy granddaughter had scarlet fever a few months ago and her lips were super dry, being so sick. Her doctor recommended Vaseline only on them. She was staying with us but when she went home to be with her mom, she didn't have any Vaseline. I was trying to figure out what to put some in and I remembered I had a full case of unused contact lens cases. I put some in it and it's been the perfect solution.
Storing a Toothbrush for Daily UseWe have all tried several different ways to deal with drippy toothbrushes in the bathroom. Those old icky containers with holes in the top, where the water drips down and forms a scum. Then the ones in the medicine cabinet that cause rust on the metal. Well listen and learn from an old lady who has done them all.
Using a Binder Clip for ToothpasteUse those binder clips from your office for toothpaste. Fold the bottom of the toothpaste tube and clip it with the binder.
Oil Pulling for Dental HealthThis is a very old Ayurvedic tradition that is very helpful. What you basically do is take a tablespoonful or two of oil, swish it around in your mouth for 10 minutes, then spit it out and then rinse your mouth with warm water afterwards.
Gargle with Salt Water to Minimize GingivitisDo this first thing in the morning before brushing your teeth and in the evening after brushing your teeth. Use this as a gargle: a half glass of lukewarm water and 1 teaspoon of rock salt. Mix together until the rock salt dissolves. Gargle it three times. It is a safe home aid for everyone in the family.
Banana Peel Tooth WhitenerDon't throw away your banana peels. Use the fleshy part on the inside of the peel to gently rub away dinginess on your teeth. The potassium, magnesium, and natural acid help break down stains on teeth. The grittiness of its fiber also helps polish your enamel.
Switch to Xylitol Gum For Dental HealthIf you like to chew gum but dislike the idea of killing your teeth, switch to xylitol gum! Studies indicate that, by allowing neutral pH levels to remain in the mouth, it helps maintain dental health. As well, xylitol helps prevent bacteria from sticking to teeth.
Rock Salt for Whitening TeethSalt has natural preservatives for marinating foods. It is also good for removing stains and grease. The salt also can be a teeth whitening and can prevent of bad breath.
Teflon Tape as Dental FlossI was sitting at my computer desk when I sensed a tiny particle of food between two molars. Fearing losing my train of thought, I didn't get up and go to the bathroom for floss. Instead, I inventoried the items on the desk before me. What caught my eye was a roll of Teflon tape I had been using to wrap some electrical contacts.
Preventing Denture PainTo help prevent sores, make sure you brush the inside of your dentures. The more food built up onto them, the more sores you'll get in your mouth.
Stress-free Dental AppointmentsAny time I go to the dentist, I always bring my iPod so I can listen to my favorite music while I'm being worked on. I turn it up loud enough so I don't hear the drill and it helps me relax.
Efferdent Tablets Ready to UseMy hubby uses Efferdent tablets. Instead of him having to tear off one each time he needs it, I cut all the sheets of tablets so there's only one in each section.
Treating Sensitive TeethI must credit my own dentist for this hint. My teeth have been getting extra sensitive lately, even after using Sensitive Toothpaste. I told my doctor and we discussed the new sensitive strips.
Cut-Away Top Denture to Avoid PainI have worn full dentures for many years. I found that I cannot have anything covering my upper hard palate. I always have the upper portion of my denture cut out in a U shape. Some dentists say that the upper denture will not hold in as well. But it is better to have no pain.
Keep Toothbrush In CabinetWe have all heard keeping a toothbrush in the vicinity of a flushing toilet is not good, as it can catch what sprays into the air, ick! So, all it takes is a wood bathroom cabinet and cup hooks, problem easily solved.
Everyday Toothbrush HygieneWe all know that we should change our toothbrush at least every 3 months because they become worn out and harbor bacteria in the bristles, but I could never remember to do it.
Using Hygienic Stick FlossersFor more hygienic flossing with stick flossers, run a trickle of water while flossing. Rinse the floss stick after each tooth. This prevents plaque being transferred from tooth to tooth.
Keeping Toothbrushes CleanTo keep toothbrushes clean and deodorized, fill a class with one part hydrogen peroxide and one part water (1/2 and 1/2). Make sure there is enough to cover all the bristles, and leave in there when not using.
Whitening Teeth With Strawberries and Baking SodaMash up two fresh strawberries and mix with two teaspoons of baking soda. Brush teeth twice a week with mixture. It takes a couple of weeks, but I did notice a difference and it's natural and simple.
Peroxide to Whiten TeethMy dentist said never use the hydrogen peroxide full-strength in your mouth. Said full-strength it is damaging to tissue. He said to dilute Hydrogen Peroxide to one part Hydrogen Peroxide and 2 parts water.
Baking Soda ToothpasteWhen we were very young, we were very poor and I never recall having toothpaste. We always made a paste out of baking soda and water and brushed our teeth with it.
Peroxide to Whiten TeethMy mom told me that you can dip your wet tooth brush into a bottle of peroxide, then brush your teeth with it. Over time, your teeth will become much whiter. Just don't swallow the peroxide.
Orange Peel Tooth WhitenerUse the white part of an orange peel to whiten your teeth. I've tried it and it really works!
Toothpaste Loses Fluoride Over TimeStudies show that the longer toothpaste is stored, the more fluoride content is lost. Therefore, that big "bargain size" may not be such a bargain.
Add Salt to ToothpasteI was pleasantly surprised when I sprinkled a little salt on my toothpaste before brushing. My teeth seemed to sparkle after rinsing. I have used baking soda before, but the salt worked better.
Teeth Whitening Kits from the Dollar StoreI am so excited to share this Thrifty tip with everyone! Do you use those expensive teeth whitening kits? Here's a very inexpensive tip to maintain your very white "pearly whites". The Dollar Tree carries teeth whitening kits, and they work!
Refill Mouthwash Squirt BottlesDo you want to use mouthwash, but find it too strong? I purchased a little purse-size squirt bottle from the dollar store, used a little funnel and filled the small bottle. Now I just open my mouth, give myself 3-4 minty squirts, and my mouth feels refreshed!
Refill Child's Cute Lip Gloss Case with Homemade GlossMy daughter is 5 years old and loves all of the sparkly and colorful lip glosses that come in cute cases with her favorite characters on them. The problem is that these glosses are terrible for her lips! They are very low quality and drying to her lips.
Baking Soda for Teeth WhiteningUse baking soda daily to whiten your teeth. It tastes terrible at first, but you get used to it. Just wet your toothbrush and dip it into the baking soda and brush as usual, then follow-up brushing with regular toothpaste for fluoride.
Think Of A Song While Brushing TeethI have read that a good way to make sure your children brush their teeth long enough is to have them think of a song in their head while they brush. Well, it's also a good idea for us adults! I brush my teeth while singing a hymn in my head (such as all 4 verses of Amazing Grace, ha, ha!) that way I get encouragement and whiter teeth at the same time.
Check the Ingredients in Your Lip BalmI have always been a frequent user of lip balm. In fact I used it day in and day out. I was concerned that it was becoming a bad habit not to mention the amount of money I was spending on all different types of lip balms. I had a used lip balm in every purse and drawer in the house.
Clean Your Teeth With Baking SodaCut down on dentist teeth cleaning costs. Clean your teeth with Baking Soda. Works really well with a rotary toothbrush.
Go gently at the gumline as baking soda is abrasive.
I just used it again a couple of days ago and there is no longer any tartar build up!
I only do this at most 3 times a year. I have only had to have my teeth cleaned by a dentist once ever!
By Theresa
