| How to Fix Nicotine Stained Teeth Posted: 01 Aug 2016 05:00 PM PDT Yellow teeth are a common complaint of many nicotine users. These stains can be embarrassing, and can cause you to suffer from a lack of confidence. There are other side effects, too, such as oral health problems. Don't worry, you are not alone if nicotine yellowed teeth are dimming your grin. There are several steps you can take to reduce the yellow discoloration of your teeth. EditWhitening Your Teeth at Home - Use a whitening toothpaste. Head to the drugstore and look for a toothpaste that specifically advertises whitening properties. These toothpastes can lessen the appearance of surface stains, such as those caused by smoking. Often, they contain chemicals that break down the stains.[1]
- Ask your dentist for his recommended brand. Be aware that certain toothpastes can heighten the sensitivity of your teeth.
- Consider using strips and rinses. In addition to toothpastes, there are other over-the-counter products that can help reduce the appearance of nicotine stains on your teeth. Purchase whitestrips, and follow the directions on the package. You can choose from those that dissolve in your mouth or strips that you remove after a specific period of time. Strips are an effective and inexpensive way to brighten your teeth.[2]
- Use natural ingredients. There are many items in your home — especially your kitchen —which are natural whitening agents. Lemon juice acts as a natural bleaching agent and can make your teeth appear shiny and clean. Mix some lemon juice with water, and rinse your mouth with this solution.
- You can also make a paste using baking powder and strawberries. Just mash two to three berries together with 1/4 teaspoon of baking powder. Use a toothbrush to cover your teeth with the paste. After five minutes, rinse your mouth with water. These ingredients will help to brighten the appearance of your yellow teeth.[3]
- There are also certain foods to avoid. Too much coffee, cola, and red wine can increase the discoloration that occurs with nicotine use. Try to avoid them.[4]
- Rinse with hydrogen peroxide. Another common household product that can brighten your teeth is hydrogen peroxide. Dilute a small amount (less than an ounce) of hydrogen peroxide with water and rinse your mouth. After several seconds, spit it out, and thoroughly rinse with water. This solution is an easy way to lighten yellow stains.[5]
- Another way to create a shiny look to your teeth can be achieved by holding mouthwash in your mouth and then start brushing your teeth, pushing the brush in past your closed lips. In short, you brush your teeth with the mouthwash. The final result can be surprising.
- Be patient. Nicotine stains are often more difficult to treat than discoloration caused by food or other factors like medication or discoloration following a root canal. Because nicotine stains are so stubborn, it can take longer to reduce their appearance. Be aware that it may take two to three months to see results. Don't give up if you can't see an immediate impact.[6]
EditSeeking Professional Help - Choose your dentist carefully. For many people, going to the dentist can be an unpleasant experience. But it you do your research and find a dentist who makes you feel comfortable, you'll likely feel much more at ease. Ask your friends and relatives for recommendations. You can also read online reviews from previous patients. Make sure to choose a dentist who listens carefully and thoroughly explains all of your options.[7]
- Have a laser treatment. Your dentist might recommend laser whitening to help eradicate the nicotine stains on your teeth. This process involves painting your teeth with a peroxide solution and exposing your teeth to very strong light. This is a painless procedure that takes anywhere from 15 minutes to one hour.[8]
- Try chemical whitening. With this option, your dentist will use a bleaching agent to whiten your teeth. Sometimes, you might be sent home with a mouth tray and a supply of bleaching gel. Your dentist will instruct you to wear the tray for a certain amount of time each day. Other times, she might do the entire bleaching procedure in the office. Either way, it is painless.[9]
- Be aware of risks. One of the most common side effects is increased sensitivity in your teeth. Ask your dentist about this possibility.[10] In addition, in some cases, depending on the bite or the concentration of the whitening substance, tooth structure becomes weak and teeth may experience small cracks or even chip.
- Consider veneers. Porcelain laminate veneers are paper thin "shells" made from porcelain that are used to create the appearance of bright, healthy teeth. The dentist will remove some of your tooth enamel, then apply a layer of adhesive, followed by the veneer. Veneers are considered one of the most effective ways to whiten and brighten your smile. Plus, they are stain-resistant. Ask your dentist if they are an option for you.[11]
- There is also an option for "no-prep" veneers, which does not require the dentist to remove enamel before applying the veneer. This is not appropriate for everyone, however, so talk to your dentist to see if you are a candidate.
- There are also composite veneers, which are less expensive than porcelain veneers. They are made of composite resin, which is a tooth-colored filling material.[12]
- Prepare a budget. Any trip to the dentist can be pricey. Even if you have dental insurance, many plans to not cover whitening, as it is considered a cosmetic procedure. Contact your insurance company to find out the details of your coverage. Then, contact your dentist to inquire about pricing for the procedure that interests you.[13]
- Once you know how much money you need to spend to reduce the appearance of nicotine stains, start planning your budget. It is possible that your dentist accepts payment plans. If not, come up with some ways to pinch your pennies.
EditUnderstanding How Nicotine Affects Your Teeth - Learn about discoloration. Nicotine can quickly cause yellowing of your teeth. This occurs whether you smoke cigarettes or use chewing tobacco. Nicotine and tar settle into the very small cracks in the enamel of your teeth, and cause discoloration.[14]
- It has been shown that nicotine helps the process of plaque formation, which leads to a faster deposit of tartar and can cause bad breath.
- Know the risks of disease. In addition to discoloration, nicotine use can cause other physical problems for your teeth and gums. You may be prone to increased cavities, gum disease, and certain types of oral cancer. All of these ailments can decrease the healthy appearance of your teeth.[15]
- Practice good oral hygiene. One way to prevent the yellowing of teeth is to make sure that you are taking excellent care of your mouth. Good oral hygiene includes brushing your teeth twice a day. You should use a whitening toothpaste in combination with a soft-bristled tooth brush. Brush firmly but gently at least twice a day.[16]
- Flossing is also important. You should make sure to use dental floss once a day. This can remove buildup of foreign material between your teeth.
- Try to quit. The best way to put a stop to the yellowing of your teeth is to quit using nicotine. Quitting is a very difficult process, but there are many methods you can try. Consider using cessation aids, such as chewing gum or nicotine patches. There are also prescription medications to help with your addition. Ask your doctor for help in choosing a safe and effective method.[17]
- Try a variety of methods to whiten your teeth. You may have to test more than one to find the right fit for you.
- Ask your dentist for advice before attempting to whiten your teeth at home.
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| How to Swim the Breaststroke Posted: 01 Aug 2016 09:00 AM PDT The breaststroke can be a tricky stroke to master, but once the steps are coordinated correctly it can be a very leisurely way to swim. - Place yourself laterally in the water with your arms extended straight in front of you and your legs behind you. Then do an underwater pullout and go as far as you can.
- Pullout- When your arms are out in front of you pull your arms straight down past your thighs while doing a butterfly kick. Glide until you slow down. Then sneak your hands back up in front of your body while doing a breaststroke kick. Then start your stroke.
- Don't forget to do a pullout. Pullouts give you a head start and make your stroke faster.
- Do pullouts off of starts and turns.
- Push your arms apart so that they create a diagonal with your body. Make sure your palms are facing out and your elbows are straight.
- Pull your elbows into the sides of your body, then bring your hands together in front of your chest. Now simply push your hands forward so they return to where they started. Do not make your arms go wide open, but do not make a tiny circle either. Also, when both of your hands get to your chest, breathe, and shoot them out quickly side by side, palms up.
- While completing step 3, lift your head, neck, and upper chest out of the water to breathe. Do not remove your hands from the water.
- Bending your knees, bring your feet towards your bottom. Make a circular motion with your feet until they meet with your legs fully extended once again. Complete this step as fast as possible.
- Start your kick about when you are breathing. You can start a little earlier but no later.
- Glide! But not for too long. In competitions, DO NOT go over 1 or 2 seconds, as it will slow you down a lot.
- Without gliding for too long don't forget to glide and don't a short glide. Give yourself a fair glide time.
- Do not take 2 strokes with 1 breath. This WILL give you automatic disqualification. If you want to take your breath every other stroke, then you have to lift your head up and put it back down. If you don't and just do 2 strokes without lifting up your head, you will be disqualified, so make sure that you at least lift up your head. Also, when you take a breath, do not look up. Instead, look down at the water. With every stroke of your hands and arms, it will take your head up automatically so don't move your head, as it will waste your energy. When you are almost finished, touch the shore with both hands at the same time, or else you will be disqualified.
- Maintain your head position in such a way that your spine remains straight. In other words, look down towards the bottom of the pool while you are swimming and breathing. Many people tend to look straight ahead. The problem with looking forward and not down is that by looking forward, your neck and head are not in line with your spine. As a result, your head is cocked back, resulting in your hips dropping, causing you to drag your entire body. By looking down, you allow your hips to raise up, your spine to stay straight, and your body to streamline through every stroke you take.
- Remember the mantra "pull, breathe, kick, glide" while you are swimming.
- Make sure your kick is no wider than the width of your shoulders. This is so your legs don't jut out on your sides. The reasoning behind this is to prevent unnecessary drag on your body. By keeping your kick the same width as your shoulders, you are making sure that when you draw back your legs towards your body for the next kick, you are remaining in a hydrodynamic position resulting in a more efficient stroke.
- For more speed, breathe between the pull and the kick as fast as possible. In the stance during the stroke when you breathe, there is resistance that can be removed if the pull, breathe, and kick portion are made in a fluid non-stop movement.
- Do not be tempted to rush through the glide; it is actually the fastest part of the stroke. However, in races, gliding for too long will slow you down.
- Keep your feet flexed while kicking. This provides more power to the stroke.
- Remember that it is better to be able to go really far with each stroke than to be able to do tons of small strokes really fast. Try to go further with each stroke.
- The stroke should end right before the kick ends.
- A good tip would be to keep your head very low and your toes curled. Also cup your hands so water can't get through them.
- Don't bring your elbows to your side. Just in front of you!
- Do not bring your elbows past the end side of the rib cage. It will result in automatic disqualification.
- Do not over-stretch your legs. You will start to cramp up and the tightness in your legs will cause you to slow down and throw off your rhythm and timing.
- Keep your hips away from the bottom of shallow pools; this could result in serious injury to the feet, legs and hips.
- Before doing Breaststroke, ensure you have warmed up (such as doing front crawl) before attempting the stroke otherwise it could cause damage to the knees.
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| How to Say Hello in Italian Posted: 01 Aug 2016 01:00 AM PDT The most direct way to say "hello" in Italian is "ciao" but there are actually multiple ways to greet someone in Italian. Depending on the circumstances of your greeting, some of these other ways might actually be more suitable. Here are a few of the most helpful "hello" phrases to know. EditStandard Hello - Say "ciao" in casual situations.[1] This is one of the two most common ways to say "hello" or "hi" in Italian.
- Note that "ciao" can also be translated as "good-bye" depending on the context it is said in.
- While it is a common greeting, ciao is considered fairly informal and is usually used in casual situations or among friends and family.
- Pronounce ciao as chow.
- Switch to "salve" for neutral situations.[2] This is the second most common way to say "hello" in Italian, but is still not very common.
- While not quite as common as "ciao," the term "salve" is more appropriate to use amongst people you are not on familiar terms with. The most formal way to greet someone is with a time-specific greeting, but salve is still appropriate to use with most people.
- To put it in the perspective of a native English speaker, "ciao" is like "hi" while "salve" is closer to "hello."
- Salve is borrowed from Latin and was used frequently by the Romans during Caesar's time.[3]
- Like ciao, salve can also be used to say "good-bye" depending on the context.
- Pronounce salve as sahl-veh.
EditTime-Specific Greetings - State "buongiorno" in the morning. This phrase translates into "good morning" or "good day."
- Buon is derived from the Italian adjective "buono," meaning "good."
- Giorno is an Italian noun meaning "day."
- As with many other Italian greetings, buongiorno can also mean "good-bye" depending on the context.
- Buongiorno and other time-based greetings are considered the most formal way of greeting someone. That said, you can still use these phrases among friends and family.
- Pronounce buongiorno as bwohn jor-noh.[4]
- Greet someone with "buon pomeriggio" in the afternoon.[5] This phrase can be used to say "good afternoon" as a greeting or farewell after noon.
- Note that you may still hear buongiorno in the afternoon, but buon pomeriggio is slightly more common and more accurate. "Buon pomeriggio" is a lot more formal than "buongiorno".
- Buon means "good" and pomeriggio is a noun meaning "afternoon."
- Pronounce the greeting as bwohn poh-meh-ree-joh.
- Tell someone "buonasera" in the evening. After roughly 4 PM, the polite way to greet or bid farewell to someone is with buonasera.
- Buona means "good" while sera is an Italian noun meaning "evening." Since sera is feminine, the masculine adjective "buon" takes on the feminine form "buona."
- Pronounce buonasera as bwoh-nah seh-rah.
EditAdditional Greetings - Answer the phone with "pronto?"[6] This is another term used to say "hello" in Italian, but it is only used for telephone conversations.
- You can use pronto when receiving a phone call or making a phone call.
- As an adjective, pronto actually means "ready" in English. By answering the phone with this term, the implication is that you are ready to hear what the speaker wishes to say or asking if the speaker is ready to speak.
- Pronounce pronto as prohn-toh.
- Tell a group of people "ciao a tutti." If greeting a group of friends, you might opt to use this phrase instead of greeting everyone individually.
- Remember that the term "ciao" is an informal or casual way of saying "hi."
- A tutti means "to all." The word "a" means "to" and the word "tutti" means "all" or "everyone."
- Translated literally, the phrase means "hi to everyone."
- Pronounce this phrase as chow ah too-tee.
- Greet someone new with "piacere di conoscerti."[7] In English, this phrase means "pleased to meet you."
- Piacere is taken from an Italian verb meaning "to please" or "to be fond of." It can also be used on its own as an interjection to say "hello," but it is not commonly used as such.
- Di is a preposition that can mean "of," "to," or "for," among other things.
- Conoscerti is an informal conjugation of the Italian verb "conoscere," meaning "to know" or "to meet." Note that a more formal way to conjugate this verb would be "conoscerla."
- Pronounce piacere di conoscerti as pee-ah-cheh-reh dee koh-noh-shehr-tee.
- Pronounce piacere di conoscerla as pee-ah-cheh-reh dee koh-no-shehr-lah.
- Switch to "incantato."[8] This is a slang term used informally to express great pleasure at meeting someone. It is often a greeting meaning a guy will be flirting (or a girl, "incantata").
- The English equivalent of this phrase would be "spellbound" or "enchanted."
- Pronounce this greeting as een-kahn-tah-toh.
- Welcome someone with "benvenuto." If greeting someone as a host, use this phrase to tell that person "welcome."
- Ben is derived from the Italian word "buon," meaning "well."
- Venuto is derived from the Italian verb "venire," meaning "to come."
- Translated more directly, benvenuto means "well coming."
- Pronounce benvenuto as behn-veh-noo-toh.
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