So What Is Teeth Whitening Really All About?

The following report includes some fascinating information about Teeth Whitening--info you can use.

Tooth bleaching, also known as tooth whitening, is a common procedure in general dentistry but most especially in the field of cosmetic dentistry. Many people consider white teeth to be an attractive feature of a smile. A child's deciduous teeth are generally whiter than the adult teeth that follow. As a person ages the adult teeth often increase in value--that is to say, they become darker. This darkening is due to changes in the mineral structure of the tooth, as the enamel becomes less porous. Teeth can also become stained by bacterial pigments, foodstuffs and tobacco.

As white teeth are subconsciously associated with youth, they have become desirable. This has been made more apparent with the spread of American culture worldwide, where an especially white smile is coined a "Hollywood smile." The procedure to bleach teeth uses oxidising agents such as hydrogen peroxide to lighten the shade of the tooth. The oxidising agent penetrates the porosities in the rod-like crystal structure of enamel and oxidises interprismatic stain deposits; over a period of time, the dentine layer, lying underneath the enamel, is also bleached.

There are two main methods of bleaching. The first involves applying a high concentration of oxidising agent for a short period of time, which is the so-called office bleach. This produces quick results but risks chemical burns to the soft tissues. Therefore, most in-office bleaching procedures use a light-cured protective layer that is carefully painted on the gums and papilla (the tips of the gums between the teeth). The bleaching agent is either carbamide peroxide, which breaks down in the mouth to form hydrogen peroxide, or hydrogen peroxide itself. The bleaching gel typically contains up to 35% hydrogen peroxide equivalent.

The alternative method involves using a thin mouthguard or strip to hold a low concentration of oxidising agent next to the teeth for as long as several hours a day for a period of 5 to 14 days. This is known as take-home or over-the-counter bleaching. This is a slower process but has fewer risks to the soft tissues. The bleaching agent is typically less than 10% hydrogen peroxide equivalent.

A typical course of bleaching can produce dramatic improvements in the cosmetic appearance of most stained teeth; however, some stains do not respond to bleaching. Tetracycline staining may require prolonged bleaching, as it takes longer for the bleach to reach the dentine layer. White-spot decalcifications may also be highlighted and become more noticeable.

Recently, efforts have been made to accelerate the bleaching process by the use of light. Studies have shown varying results as to the efficacy of light-activated bleaching.

Side effects of tooth bleaching include chemical burns (if a high-concentration oxidizing agent contacts unprotected tissues, which may bleach or discolor mucous membranes), sensitive teeth, and overbleaching (known in the profession as "fridge-door teeth"). Rebound, or teeth losing the bleached effect and darkening, is also an issue, with some studies showing the rebound effect over 30 days. A recent study by Kugel et al has shown that as much as 4 shades of lightness  can be lost over 30 days with light-activated/office bleaching.

Teeth Whitening Tips That Can Really Work

Life can be better if you don't fear smiling. If you share your happiness openly, people around you will respond back to that energy positively. However, if you're teeth aren't as white as you'd like, you may fear smiling. Read the following article to find out how to get white teeth.

This method is not as harsh on your teeth as whitening strips. Use some hydrogen peroxide to swish around your mouth, and then immediately spit it out when you're done. Never swallow it! Do this once or twice a week.

Everyone knows that citrus fruits, like oranges or lemons, are rich in vitamin C, but did you know they can make you teeth whiter? You can use the peel of a lemon or orange against your teeth's surface for a sparkling effect. To improve the effectiveness of this technique, add a little salt to the inside of the orange or lemon peel.

Watch what you drink and eat after having your teeth whitened. Once your teeth are whiter they will also be more sensitive and get stained easily. That's why you should keep away from dark foods and drinks for a few days after a whitening treatment. For example, coffee will be absorbed by your teeth causing them to change color.

Combine baking soda and water to create a paste which will help to whiten your teeth. Baking soda works as a non-acidic, gentle abrasive cleaner that polishes stains and leaves teeth ultra-clean and whiter. Try running your toothbrush under water and then dipping it in the baking soda while it is still wet to mix the paste directly on your toothbrush.

Try organic coconut oil to whiten your teeth. For noticeably whiter teeth, try rinsing with coconut oil for at least 10 minutes every day. After approximately 10 minutes, make sure to spit it out, then brush like normal. You should see some results after a few days.

Brush immediately following each meal to avoid discolored teeth. Since many foods have the potential to stain the enamel, removing it right away lessens the chance that it will leave permanent traces. Coffee is one of the worse culprits, so brushing your teeth after drinking it is especially important.

Don't drink beverages that can stain so that you can have white teeth. Beverages that stain are soda, black tea and coffee. A great alternative to these beverages, which will not harm your teeth, is water. If you cannot give the drinks up completely, alternate your sips of water and the staining beverage.

Try consuming an apple in order to make your teeth appear whiter. Crunchy foods and the abrasive nature of apples can help you clean your teeth without having to much damage on your enamel.

When you use teeth whitening products, read the directions carefully and follow them exactly. Teeth whitening products can have side effects like harming or inflaming gums, which can be worsened by leaving them on too long. Avoid drinking anything with a high level of acidity after cleaning your teeth, for instance sodas or energy drinks.

Eating cheese after a meal can help to re-mineralize enamel. Calcium, such as found in cheese, helps to rebuild your tooth's surface enamel. Use this trick a couple to a few times each week to make strong, white teeth.

To whiten your teeth, eat fruits and vegetables which are high in fiber content to scrub your teeth while eating. Be sure to brush or rinse after using these items to remove food particles and sugar. When you eat these fruits and vegetables raw and chew thoroughly, they help scrub your teeth clean. As you chew, keep the food moving throughout your mouth to ensure all teeth get scrubbed.

Having white teeth can lead you to more smiling and happiness. Use the tips above to get started towards having whiter teeth and a big, happy smile. You will soon feel more confident and enjoy more brighter days.

A Brighter Smile Is Closer Than You Think!

What do we think of when we think professional businessman? A suit and tie? Confidence? These are surely important, but perhaps, above anything else, is his winning, perfectly white smile. A nice smile with clean, white teeth is a symbol of success in today's society. Read on to find out how you too can have a perfect, white smile!

Going to a dentist and paying to have your teeth bleached is very effective. Bleaching solution is applied to the teeth and it stays there for about an hour. Do not worry about taste or burns because they take precautions to prevent this from happening to you. Results can usually be seen after just one session.

Practice preventative maintenance on your teeth by using a gum massager. You want to target the area under the gum flap where the plaque begins to build up. Plaque is a major contributor to discolored teeth. When the plaque begins to build on your teeth, stains can adhere to the surface easier.

Buy a tooth whitening product that contains about 15% of the whitening agent. Too little of the whitening chemicals and the product will be ineffective. Too much, and your mouth may become irritated by the harshness of the chemical. Try out a mid-range product; if you tolerate it well and you aren't getting good results, then move to a higher concentration.

If you are trying to whiten your teeth try to increase the frequency with which you brush your teeth. For exampleif you are currently brushing once or twice daily try to increase it to two or there times daily focusing on times especially after meals and snacks. This will help whiten your smile.

One of the fastest ways to get pearly white teeth is by using an electric toothbrush. These toothbrushes are highly recommended by many dentists because they eliminate more plaque than regular toothbrushes. Other benefits of using an electric toothbrush include better protection from cavities and gingivitis.

To maintain the results of your whitening, stay away from cigarettes and processed foods. Teeth friendly foods like apples, celery, and carrots will keep your teeth healthy and bright. Chewing on a sugar free gum can also be very helpful, as it stimulates the production of saliva, which can lead to a cleaner mouth.

If you're considering having your teeth whitened, talk to your dentist first. While some stains and discoloration are easily treated by bleaching, others won't respond as well. Bleaching also won't work if you have caps, crowns, or similar types of dental work. Discussing teeth whitening with your dentist will prepare you for potential problems and help you figure out the best way to treat your teeth.

Avoid teeth whitening if you are pregnant or nursing. The chemicals used for the whitening process may be safe to put in your mouth, but they could be potentially harmful to your little one. Consult with your physician and your dentist before you attempt any process during your pregnancy and nursing periods.

Try to change your toothbrush or the head of your electric toothbrush, every two to three months, for a whiter smile. If you do not, the bacteria that is in your mouth collects on the brush and then you keep distributing that back into your mouth, every time you use it.

A great teeth whitening tip is to avoid smoking. Smoking is one of the worst things you can do if you are trying to keep your teeth white. The nicotine in cigarettes will cause them to turn a yellowish hue that is very hard or impossible to reverse.

Now that the perfect, beautiful, white smile is in your grasp, don't wait! Start applying these simple and easy tooth whiteness tips ,today, to get on the fast track to success. People will find themselves respecting you before you even say a word, just because of your white-toothed smile.