| How to Prevent Tooth Enamel Erosion Posted: 22 Feb 2021 12:00 AM PST If your teeth are yellow or sensitive from enamel erosion, don't worry! You can prevent the problem from getting worse. [Edit]Background - Tooth enamel erosion is caused by acid. Dental erosion means you're losing the hard protective enamel that surrounds your teeth. It's caused by acid which can come from eating acidic food or drinking soft drinks, especially carbonated sodas and sports drinks. The acid from your own body can also cause erosion, so if you have acid reflux or you vomit too often, it can wear down your tooth enamel.[1]
- Losing the outer layer of your tooth can expose the inner layer. If you lose some or all of the enamel of a tooth from erosion, the yellowish inner layer (called dentin) can be exposed, which can change the color of the tooth. This often happens on your front teeth since they're usually the ones more exposed to the acid, which means it may be more noticeable.[2]
- Erosion can make your teeth more sensitive and painful. The dentin, or the inner layer of your teeth, has a lot more nerves and is much more sensitive. If you lose part or all of the protective outer enamel because of your tooth erosion, you may experience more tooth pain, especially when they're exposed to heat or cold.[3]
- About ⅓ of all adults have some tooth enamel erosion. It's much more common than you may think. It's also pretty common for young people to have it. Over 24% of kids and teens have some dental erosion. So, if you're dealing with some tooth enamel erosion, you aren't alone.[4]
- Acidic food and drink are common causes. Fruit and fruit juices with lots of acid in them, such as citrus fruits like lemons and oranges, can wear down your tooth enamel, especially if you eat a lot of them. Fizzy drinks can do damage as well. Sodas and carbonated drinks (even fizzy waters) contain weak acids that can harm your teeth if you drink enough of them.[5]
- Stomach acid can also wear down enamel. If you throw up a bunch, your stomach acid can start to break down the outer layer of enamel on your teeth, causing erosion. People with conditions that cause them to vomit often, such as acid reflux, alcoholism, or an eating disorder like bulimia or anorexia, can experience tooth erosion. Additionally, people with GERD can experience erosion on their molars (your back teeth) because of the acid that can come up after a large meal or while they're sleeping. Even pregnant women can have some tooth erosion if they throw up often.[6]
- Being exposed to industrial acids can cause erosion, too. Studies seem to indicate that being exposed to airborne industrial acids can break down your enamel. Folks who work in munitions, battery, or fertilizer plants are at a higher risk of being exposed to airborne industrial acids. But, even people who swim in highly chlorinated pools can experience tooth erosion.[7]
[Edit]Symptoms - Darker, yellower teeth are the most common symptom. The main thing people notice if they have tooth erosion is that their teeth look yellow and dark, which is caused by the enamel being worn away. As the outer enamel erodes, the dentin layer underneath it is exposed. Dentin is naturally darker and more yellow than enamel, so when it's exposed, the color and appearance of your teeth can change.[8]
- Your teeth can look smooth or flattened and be more sensitive. As the acid wears down your teeth, the cusps of teeth like your molars and the ends of sharper teeth like your incisors at the front can start to look flattened or blunt. The loss of protective enamel can also expose the nerves in your teeth, which makes them more sensitive to heat and cold.[9]
- In advanced stages, your teeth can develop hollows on them. If your teeth are super eroded from years of acid wearing on them, you can develop hollows in them. These hollows can look like divots on the surface of your teeth. You'll also likely notice that your teeth are more yellow and sensitive.[10]
[Edit]Treatment - Cut back on acidic food and drinks. You can try to stop further erosion by removing potential causes. Try to limit eating acidic fruit like oranges and lemons—including juice and lemonade! It's also helpful to eat fruit during mealtimes, rather than as snacks, which can dilute the acid and make it less harmful. It's also important that you cut down on carbonated drinks and sports drinks, both of which can wreak havoc on your enamel.[11]
- Treat your acid reflux or GERD with medication. If you have a reflux disease that causes heartburn, it could also be causing your tooth erosion. Talk to your doctor about treatment options and medications you can use to combat your reflux and prevent any future erosion.[12]
- See a therapist if you're an alcoholic or have an eating disorder. Throwing up can cause tooth erosion, so if you're suffering from alcoholism or you have an eating disorder such as bulimia or anorexia, it could be the cause. Additionally, if you keep vomiting, you'll only make your tooth erosion worse. You don't have to struggle alone. Try reaching out to a psychiatrist, counselor, or therapist who can help you overcome any conditions that may also be causing your tooth erosion.[13]
- Use fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash to protect your enamel. Fluoride combines with your saliva to help toughen up your enamel and make it more resistant to acid. Choose a toothpaste that includes at least 1450 ppm fluoride as well as a mouthwash that contains fluoride. However, it's important to note that you shouldn't brush your teeth right after eating or drinking acidic foods or drinks or you could damage your enamel even more.[14]
- Talk to your dentist about procedures they can do to treat your erosion. There are a few therapies or procedures that your dentist can do to treat your tooth erosion and make your teeth look better. Potential options include using composites, ceramics, and metals to cover and repair your teeth. However, these procedures can be pretty invasive, so talk to your doctor about them first.[15]
[Edit]Prognosis - Unfortunately, tooth enamel erosion is permanent. Once your outer enamel is worn down by acid, your body can't replace it. So the best thing you can do is try to prevent any further erosion by changing your diet and habits that can make it worse. Take care of your teeth by brushing them regularly with fluoride toothpaste and avoid acidic food and drink.[16]
- Your dentist may be able to restore some enamel. If you have advanced erosion or you're at risk of developing serious erosive lesions, your dentist may want to try using composites, ceramics, and metals to make special compounds that can potentially restore enamel and protect your teeth.[17]
- Take care of your teeth! Brush them twice a day and use a fluoride toothpaste to help protect your enamel against erosion.
- If you do drink or eat acidic food and drink, try having them at mealtime with other food so the acid doesn't sit on your teeth can cause further erosion.
[Edit]Warnings - Talk to your doctor before you take any medications to treat acid reflux or chronic heartburn to make sure they're safe for you.
[Edit]References |
| How to Clean Acrylic Furniture Posted: 21 Feb 2021 04:00 PM PST Acrylic furniture — so durable and timeless, but what do you do if a piece of acrylic furniture gets dirty? In order to keep your modern acrylic pieces looking sharp for years to come, make sure to be gentle. Avoid using harsh cleaning chemicals and abrasive cleaning tools that can scratch the plastic. Your best options are to use either mild soap and water or commercial acrylic cleaners with soft cloths. [Edit]Soap and Water - Make a solution of warm water and soap to clean up dirt and spills right away. Mix 1 part mild liquid dish detergent with 3 parts warm water in a bowl or other container. Stir the soap and water gently until it starts to look sudsy.[1]
- Never use window cleaning liquids or cleaning solutions that contain ammonia on your acrylic furniture. These damage the plastic and leave it looking permanently cloudy.
- Scrub the solution all over the furniture's surfaces with a soft cloth or sponge. Dip a clean cloth or sponge in the cleaning solution and wring out the excess moisture. Rub it all over the surfaces of the furniture using back and forth or circular motions until they're all clean.[2]
- It's very important that you use a soft, clean cloth or sponge. If there are any bits of debris caught in the fabric or if you use something with an abrasive surface you can scratch the plastic very easily.
- Don't use paper towels to try and clean acrylic furniture. They may seem soft, but they can actually scratch it or make it look cloudy!
- Wipe the soap suds off the furniture with clean water and a cloth or sponge. Fill a bowl or another container with clean water. Dip a fresh soft cloth or sponge in the water and wipe down all the surfaces of the plastic furniture again until there are no more soap suds left.[3]
- Alternatively, pour water over the furniture if you're working outside or rinse it off in the shower if it fits.
- Let the acrylic furniture air dry completely before you use it. Place the damp piece of furniture in a warm, dry, airy space. Wait a few hours until all the water evaporates before you put the furniture back to use.[4]
- Don't use a towel to dry off the furniture because it can leave streaks on the plastic surfaces.
[Edit]Acrylic Cleaners - Choose a commercial cleaning solution made specifically for acrylic. Look for cleaning solutions that say they are formulated for acrylics and other types of plastics on the packaging. Don't use any all-purpose household cleaners or other types of chemical cleaners that aren't made specifically for plastic.[5]
- Cleaners that contain ammonia leave your acrylic furniture looking permanently cloudy because they eat into the plastic.
- Wipe off loose dust and debris with a soft cloth. Grab a clean microfiber cloth or cotton cloth. Gently brush off all surfaces of the acrylic furniture to remove any dust and debris, so you don't rub it into the plastic and scratch it when you polish the piece.[6]
- An old cut-up cotton T shirt or clean cotton sock works great for dusting!
- Rub the cleaner onto the plastic with a microfiber cloth using circular motions. Apply a small dab of the acrylic cleaner to a section of the furniture. Press a clean microfiber cloth against the cleaner and start to rub it gently all over the furniture by moving your hand in small circles.[7]
- If you don't have a microfiber cloth, use a clean cotton cloth.
- Work in sections, applying more cleaner as you go, until you clean the whole piece. Put another small amount of the cleaner on a section of the furniture adjacent to the first section you cleaned. Rub it in with your microfiber cloth using circular motions. Repeat this until you finish cleaning all the surfaces of your furniture.[8]
- If the plastic still looks a bit cloudy after you clean it, it might have some fine scratches. Check the section on removing scratches and cloudiness for some different fixes to try!
[Edit]Removing Scratches and Cloudiness - Use a plastic polish kit and a microfiber cloth to remove minor scratches. Apply a dab of the plastic polish to the scratched areas. Buff the scratches off with a microfiber cloth by rubbing the polish into the plastic using circular motions.[9]
- There are different types of plastic polish for minor and more severe scratches. If your furniture is really scratched, buy a couple different formulas and start with the lighter one, then move onto the one for bigger scratches if that doesn't work.
- Buff out minor cloudiness with an electric buffer and plastic polish. Apply a small dab of plastic polish to the middle of a polishing wheel. Turn on the buffer and press the polishing pad lightly against the plastic. Move it up and down and left to right over the cloudy area, overlapping each stroke, until the plastic looks shiny again.[10]
- Don't use any type of polish other than a plastic polish on your acrylic furniture or you can end up damaging it further.
- Take the furniture to a professional to remove deep scratches. Call up some furniture repair professionals in your area and ask if they can repair acrylic furniture. Take the piece into them to have the deep scratches buffed and polished out.[11]
- A company that specializes in commercial furniture repair might be a good bet because they probably repair things like acrylic display cabinets for different businesses.
- If your acrylic furniture is outside, cover it with patio furniture slipcovers when it's not in use to protect it from the elements.[12]
- If you're storing acrylic furniture inside, cover pieces in sheets or other pieces of soft fabric while they're in storage to prevent scratches and dust accumulation.[13]
[Edit]Warnings - Never use commercial glass cleaners or any ammonia-based chemical cleaners on acrylic. These eat into the surface and leave permanent cloudy-looking marks on the plastic.[14]
- Avoid placing metal or other sharp-edged objects directly on acrylic furniture to prevent scratching. Place soft felt pads between the acrylic and hard objects.[15]
[Edit]Things You'll Need [Edit]Soap and Water - Bowl
- Mild liquid dish detergent
- Soft cloth or sponge
[Edit]Acrylic Cleaners - Acrylic cleaning solution
- Soft cloths
[Edit]References |
| How to Build an Outdoor Storage Bench Posted: 21 Feb 2021 08:00 AM PST Don't you wish there was a convenient way to keep all of your outdoor supplies organized and safe? Well if you want a functional piece of furniture that also adds more outdoor seating, a storage bench will work perfectly in your yard. Storage benches are pretty basic to build and only require a few tools, so it should only take you about a day to finish your project. We'll walk you through each step to make a durable storage bench so you're able to keep your items safe and stowed away! [Edit]Cutting Your Lumber - Buy pressure-treated wood made for exterior use. Pressure-treated lumber is more condensed, so won't rot or absorb moisture as easily as untreated wood. Choose woods like cedar, treated pine, and treated poplar to make your bench the most durable.[1] Visit your local home improvement store or lumberyard to buy:
- boards that are long (7)
- board that is long (1)
- board that is long (1)
- board that is long (1)[2]
- Trim frames from boards with a circular saw. Put on safety glasses whenever you work with power tools to keep your eyes protected. Measure out 6 pieces that are each long with a measuring tape. Label the boards "Frame" with a pencil so you know what to use them for later.[3]
- Always double-check your measurements before making your cut so you don't accidentally cut them too long or short.
- You can seriously injure yourself with a circular saw, so work carefully and ask for help if you don't know how to work one properly.
- Cut the boards for the side panels. Measure and mark 9 lengths of board so they're long. Carefully cut the pieces out with your saw and label them with "Front/Back Panel" before setting them aside. Then, measure and cut an additional 10 pieces that are each . Write "Side Panel" on each board.[4]
- The panels wrap around the sides and form the lid of your bench so it has a uniform appearance.
- Saw the cleats and floor slats from your boards. Measure out 2 lengths of board that are long and mark them. Make straight cuts through each of your marks using your circular saw. Label the pieces "Cleats" and set them aside. Then, trim 2 more lengths that are and label them "Slats."[5]
- The cleats and floor slats support the weight of the items you're storing so they're off the ground.
- Cut the boards down for the lid supports. Use your measuring tape and a pencil to mark 2 lengths of board that are each long. Trim along your marks to cut the pieces down to size. Write "Lid support" on each piece so you don't forget where it goes.[6]
- The lid supports hold the boards together and prevent the lid from warping.
- Apply an end-cut sealer to any of the sawn ends of your lumber. Dip a paintbrush into a container of end-cut sealer to wet the bristles. Brush a thin layer of the sealer onto any rough edges that you just cut. Let the end-cut sealer dry completely for about 1–3 hours before working with your wood again.[7]
- You can buy end-cut sealer from your local hardware store.
- If you leave the rough edges untreated, they could split or crack as they dry out.
[Edit]Creating the Bench - Construct U-shaped frames using your pieces. Place 3 of your frame pieces on your work surface so they're standing on their long narrow ends. Place one of the boards horizontally and align the other 2 vertically so they're flush with the ends of the first board. Put 2 screws that are long through the face of the horizontal board on each end so they go into the vertical boards. Repeat the process with your other frame pieces to make the second frame.[8]
- The horizontal board becomes the top of your bench and the open ends of the vertical boards are feet that keep your bench elevated from the ground.
- Attach the side panels to the faces of the frames. Lay the first side panel board flat on the long narrow edges of the vertical supports so the ends are flush with the frame. Position the board so it extends past the top of the frame by . Secure the panel to the frame using 2 screws that are long at each end. Position the next 2 side panels directly below the first one and secure them the same way. Attach 3 more side panels to the second frame piece.[9]
- The bottoms of the frames are still visible in the final build.
- Connect the front and back panels to the sides of your end frames. Align the first front panel so it covers the end of the top side panel and is flush with the top. Secure the panel to the frame using 2 screws that are long. Line up the other end of the panel with the top of the other frame piece and attach it the same way. Add 2 more panel pieces to the front and attach them the same way. Flip the bench over to the back and attach 3 more of the panels.[10]
- If any of your panels have knots or deformations, hide them on the inside of the bench so they aren't exposed.
- Screw the cleats flush with the bottoms of the bench's side panels. Turn your bench over so it lies on the front or back. Position your cleat pieces on the frame pieces inside the bench so it lines up with bottoms of the side panels. Secure 2 screws that are long through the cleat and into the frame. Flip your bench over and attach the other cleat to the other side.[11]
- Avoid putting the cleats flush with the bottoms of the frames, or else they'll be visible from the outside.
- Screw the floor slats and remaining end panels to the tops of the cleats. Turn your bench over so it's right-side up. Position the pieces on top of the cleats so they're between the frame pieces. Attach 2 screws that are long through each end of the cleats so they stay in place. Lay your 4 leftover end panels on top of the cleats and space them evenly apart. Use 2 screws per end to attach them to the cleats.[12]
- Leave gaps between your floor slats so water from rain or a hose can drain out without pooling inside of your bench.
- Staple hardware cloth to the cleats to keep animals out. Hardware cloth is a type of wire fencing that adds an additional layer of security to your bench. Cut the hardware cloth with tin snips so it fits inside of your bench. Lay the hardware cloth flat on the slats and use a staple gun to secure it to your cleats and slats.[13]
- You can buy hardware cloth from your local home improvement store.
- Construct the lid with the leftover boards and supports. Lay your lid supports on top of your frame pieces so they're flush with the tops of the panels. Align your 3 remaining panel pieces on top of your bench so they're flush with the sides, leaving even gaps between them. Secure 2 of your screws through the face of each lid panel and into the support beneath it. Then, secure the other ends of the panels to the second support.[14]
- Be careful not to screw your lid into the frame pieces, or else you won't be able to open your bench.
- Screw hinges into the bottom side of the lid and back of the bench. Position the hinges about a third of the way in from the ends of your lid so they evenly support its weight. Screw the sides of the hinges that swing open onto the bottom of the lid. Set the lid on top of your bench so all the edges are flush. Then secure the other halves of the hinges to the back of the bench so it's on the outside.[15]
- Install eye hooks and chains inside the box and lid. Screw an eye hook on the inside front corners of the end panels. Secure 2 more eye hooks onto the tops of the battens that are closest to the short ends of the bench. Open the lid on your bench so it's pointing straight up. Secure a thin chain tightly between the corner eye hook and the one that's on the batten on each side.[16]
- This takes some stress off of the hinges when you open the bench, but it doesn't prevent the lid from falling down.
- You can also use lid stays, which are pneumatic devices that prevent the lid from dropping down suddenly. Just screw the bottom to the side of the bench and the top to the batten.
[Edit]Finishing and Decorating - Let the wood dry before adding any finishes. Pressure-treated wood is slightly wet so it won't accept stain or paint right away. It may take a few weeks or even months for your wood to completely dry.[17] When the wood feels dry to the touch, flick drops of water onto it. If the wood absorbs the water, then it's dry enough to finish. If the water beads on the surface, then keep waiting.[18]
- If you want to start painting or finishing sooner, purchase wood that's kiln-dried after the treatment.
- Paint or stain your bench if you want to make it a different color. Use a finish that's made for exterior use so it handles the elements better. Apply your finish when you have a few clear and sunny days so you don't have to worry about rain. If you're painting, apply a coat of primer and let it dry before putting on 1–2 layers of your paint.[19] For stain, work from the top to the bottom to apply the color evenly.[20]
- You don't need to paint or stain the inside of your bench.
- Put cushions and pillows on your bench for a comfortable new seat. While it's okay to sit directly on the lid slats, put down a few extra outdoor cushions so it's softer. If your bench is up against a wall, lean some pillows against it to use for a backrest. Just be sure to put the cushions and pillows away once you're done using them.[21]
- You can buy cushions for outdoor furniture online or from home improvement stores.
- Add casters to the feet if you want to move the bench easier. Get a set of 4 casters and coupling nuts from your local hardware store. Use your drill to make holes that are the same diameter as the coupling nuts through the ends of the feet. Drive the coupling nuts into the holes with a mallet and screw the castors into them. That way, you can roll the bench around when you need to.[22]
- Lock the casters whenever you're done moving your bench so it doesn't roll anywhere on its own.
- Install handles on the sides of the bench so it's easier to pull around.
- Place your items inside tote bins if you're worried about them getting wet since this bench isn't completely waterproof.[23]
[Edit]Warnings - Always use caution when you're working with power tools so you don't injure yourself. Wear safety glasses to protect yourself.
[Edit]Things You'll Need - boards that are long (7)
- board that is long (1)
- board that is long (1)
- board that is long (1)
- Measuring tape
- Circular saw
- Safety glasses
- End-cut sealer
- exterior screws
- exterior screws
- Hinges
- Eye hooks and chain
- C-clamps
- Electric drill/screwdriver
- Hardware cloth
- Tin snips
- Staple gun
- Paint or stain
- Outdoor cushions (optional)
- Casters (optional)
[Edit]References |
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