What You Should Know about Tooth Whitening

In the blossoming world of cosmetic dentistry, teeth whitening reigns supreme. Universally valued by men and women alike, whitening (or bleaching) treatments are available to satisfy every budget, time frame and temperament. Whether in the form of one-hour bleaching sessions at your dentist's office, or home-use bleaching kits purchased at your local drugstore, teeth whitening solutions abound. Yet only 15 percent of the population has tried the cosmetic procedure, and there is a lot of misinformation.

The long and the short of it is that teeth whitening works. Virtually everyone who opts for this cosmetic treatment will see moderate to substantial improvement in the brightness and whiteness of their smile. However, teeth whitening is not a permanent solution and requires maintenance or "touch-ups" for a prolonged effect.

Bleaching vs. Whitening

According to the FDA, the term "bleaching" is permitted to be used only when the teeth can be whitened beyond their natural color. This applies strictly to products that contain bleach – typically hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide.

The term "whitening," on the other hand, refers to restoring a tooth's surface color by removing dirt and debris. So any product that cleans (like a toothpaste) is considered a whitener. Of course, the term whitening sounds better than bleaching, so it is more frequently used – even when describing products that contain bleach.

Teeth Whitening Options

Three major teeth whitening options are available today. All three rely on varying concentrations of peroxide and varying application times.

In-Office Whitening

Significant color change in a short period of time is the major benefit of in-office whitening. This protocol involves the carefully controlled use of a relatively high-concentration peroxide gel, applied to the teeth by the dentist or trained technician after the gums have been protected with a paint-on rubber dam. Generally, the peroxide remains on the teeth for several 15 to 20 minute intervals that add up to an hour (at most). Those with particularly stubborn staining may be advised to return for one or more additional bleaching sessions, or may be asked to continue with a home-use whitening system.

In-office teeth whitening cost: $650 per visit (on average) nationwide.

Professionally Dispensed Take-Home Whitening Kits

Many dentists are of the opinion that professionally dispensed take-home whitening kits can produce the best results over the long haul. Take-home kits incorporate an easy-to-use lower-concentration peroxide gel that remains on the teeth for an hour or longer (sometimes overnight). The lower the peroxide percentage, the longer it may safely remain on the teeth. The gel is applied to the teeth using custom-made bleaching trays that resemble mouth guards.

Take-home teeth whitening kit cost: $100 to $400.

Over-the-Counter Teeth Whitening

The cheapest and most convenient of the teeth whitening options, over-the-counter bleaching involves the use of a store-bought whitening kit, featuring a bleaching gel with a concentration lower than that of the professionally dispensed take-home whiteners. The gel is applied to the teeth via one-size-fits-all trays, whitening strips or paint-on applicators. In many cases this may only whiten a few of the front teeth unlike custom trays that can whiten the entire smile.

Over-the-counter teeth whitening cost: $20 to $100.

Teeth Whitening Risks

Teeth whitening treatments are considered to be safe when procedures are followed as directed. However, there are certain risks associated with bleaching that you should be aware of:

• Sensitivity: Bleaching can cause a temporary increase in sensitivity to temperature, pressure and touch. This is likeliest to occur during in-office whitening, where higher-concentration bleach is used. Some individuals experience spontaneous shooting pains ("zingers") down the middle of their front teeth.
  
  Individuals at greatest risk for whitening sensitivity are those with gum recession, significant cracks in their teeth or leakage resulting from faulty restorations. It has also been reported that redheads, including those with no other risk factors, are at particular risk for tooth sensitivity and zingers.
  
  Whitening sensitivity lasts no longer than a day or two, but in some cases may persist up to a month. Some dentists recommend a toothpaste containing potassium nitrate for sensitive teeth.
• Gum irritation: Over half of those who use peroxide whiteners experience some degree of gum irritation resulting from the bleach concentration or from contact with the whitening trays. Such irritation typically lasts up to several days, dissipating after bleaching has stopped or the peroxide concentration lowered.
• Technicolor teeth: Restorations such as bonding, crowns, or porcelain veneers are not affected by bleach and therefore maintain their default color while the surrounding teeth are whitened. This results in what is frequently called "technicolor teeth."

Maintaining Your Teeth Whitening Results

To extend the longevity of newly whitened teeth, dentists are likely to recommend:

• At-home follow-up or maintenance whitening – implemented immediately or performed as infrequently as once a year.
• Avoiding dark-colored foods and beverages for at least a week after whitening.
• Whenever possible, sipping dark-colored beverages with a straw.
• Practicing excellent oral hygiene – brushing and flossing after meals and at bedtime.

Having Dental Issues? Let's Review the Basics of Dental Care

Having Dental Problems? Its time to brush through the fundamentals of Dental Care

We often get to hear that eyes speak a lot about a person. They of course do! But what about teeth? I believe they contribute a lot in making or marring the personality of an individual. One glossy smile empowers you to win hearts very easily.

A smile flashed from a healthy set of teeth tends to attract and leave an impression. On the other hand, you may find bad breath and yellow teeth equally repulsive.

No other make-up effect can throw the same impact as clean pearly white teeth and fresh smelling breath.

Dental care is an integral part of hygienic and healthy living. Dentistry deals with dental care diagnosis, impediment, and management and curing of dental infections including gums, tooth decay, associated structures of mouth and flawed teeth. Considering dental care as a tooth whitening system is a safe and gentle way of curing discolorations and blemishes on teeth or enhancing and maintaining the natural color. Other than keeping your teeth in good condition, maintaining good oral health also builds self-confidence in overall appearance. Teeth cleaning appear more tempting if the result promises a brighter smile.

Several people are suffering from dental illness due to absolute idleness or lack of knowledge for adequate dental health. They fail to comprehend that teeth, gums and related mouth structures are extremely important for a sound health, physical appearance and overall well-being. Any dental condition, if not treated properly and in time, can lead to a bad situation. In fact, dental conditions are indicators of some other serious health problems, such as diabetes and HIV infection.

Following some simple techniques of personal hygiene can go a long way in preventing severe dental disorders in human beings.

1. Brushing your Teeth – You can enjoy FREE dental healthcare just by practicing the conventional way of brushing your teeth. Brushing teeth, twice a day, is a necessary and priority exercise for preventing tooth decomposition and gum ailments. However, it is also important to brush your teeth using the proper motion with your toothbrush.

2. Toothbrush Power – Your toothbrush is your key weapon to fight dental ailments. Remember to change your brush regularly and pay attention to form and size of toothbrush. Coarse bristles can pose extreme damage to your tooth enamel and injure your sensitive gums.

3. Submitting to Fluoride – Fluoride assists in protection from tooth decay. Using appropriate toothpaste containing fluoride is the best remedy for dental care.

4. Regular Check-ups – Proper and in time diagnosis of dental problems can save you a lot of physical and monetary loss. Regular visits to your dentist can be one of the surest means to have perfect dental health. Experts recommend visiting your dentist’s office regularly every 6 months.

5. Flossing your teeth – Regular flossing post brushing is another simple way for preventing any gum disease. The accurate way to floss your teeth is to place the floss very gently amidst your teeth along the gum portion. Flossing discards the debris / plaque from the gum area of your teeth which cannot be reached and removed by your toothbrush. First time flossing may lead to slight bleeding, which will eventually cease once you start flossing your teeth regularly.

6. A Good Balanced Diet – Eating a well nourished and balanced diet is another criterion for securing good dental health. Make sure that your everyday diet contains enough of calcium, iron and vitamins in proper quantity. You may even consume pill supplements of vitamin and calcium if your diet is not carrying enough proportion.

7. Mouthwash Backing – Always remember to use mouthwash daily if you are concerned about your oral health, but only after recommendation from your dentist. Mouthwash is an excellent solution for maintaining excellent oral health as it keeps your mouth clean and fresh. Most dental specialists insist on the use of a fluoride-based mouthwash. Fluoride prevents and destroys bacteria responsible for causing plaque that leads to cavities and other gum diseases.

8. Dental Insurance – Dental care maintenance can be a costly affair. Therefore, acquiring dental insurance from a sound dental insurance company can mitigate the worries and hassles of otherwise expensive rate oral or dental care. Check for the dental insurance that covers the cost of dental treatment, from a regular dental health check to a severe or urgent situation.

Making the small effort that it takes to follow the basics of good dental care can pay off greatly over the years, giving you not only a beautiful smile, but a strong and healthy mouth that will last you a lifetime.