Archive for August, 2010
Humans Have Been Tooth Whitening For 5000 Years!
August 13th, 2010
Are you concerned about the condition of your teeth? If you feel that the human desire for perfectly sparkling teeth has sprung in the past few years then you should glance through the pages of history. Since ancient civilisation, human beings have always looked for ways to improve the appearance of their teeth.
Origins of Tooth Whitening
People in 3000 BC resorted to the use of a tooth whitening tool known as chew stick. This chew stick was basically a small branch consisting of a tattered end. They used to rub their teeth with this stick. Still, a few people living in rural areas continue to use the chew stick method for tooth whitening.
The Invention of the Toothbrush
Back around in 1498, the first ever toothbrush was invented in China. The bristles back then were made up of hog hair. The tooth brushes invented later on in the early 20th century were designed on the principle of the ‘China Tooth Brush.’
Tooth Whitening and Flouride
The concept of tooth whitening products was introduced in the year 1802. During this period, fluorides were incorporated in the tooth whitening toothpastes and were commonly known as ‘teeth whiteners.’ Over the years, several tooth whitening products have been introduced that had fluoride as the main ingredient to whiten teeth.
Modern Tooth Whitening
The number of tooth whitening options has increased over the years. Some of the modern teeth whitening options include bleaching gel and laser whitening. Both these methods use chemicals or oxidising agents that whiten the surface of the teeth. Today, tooth whitening is a widely done cosmetic dentistry procedure that helps people to enhance the whiteness of their teeth.
Tooth whitening procedures have undergone a tremendous change over the years. Modern tooth whitening procedures are faster and more effective that the traditional methods.
A beginner’s guide to tooth whitening
August 13th, 2010
Tooth Whitening is one of the safest and sophisticated cosmetic procedures and does not adversely affect the surface of teeth in any way. Whilst tooth whitening cannot produce a complete colour change in your teeth, it will surely enhance the whiteness of them.
Why might you require tooth whitening?
Tooth whitening can eliminate surface stains and treats discoloured teeth. Teeth tend to stain as you become older and as a result of excessive smoking along with tobacco consumption.
Different tooth whitening methods
Various methods are used for tooth whitening with professional dental bleaching is the most widely used. Other methods include:
• Trays and gels
• Power whitening or laser whitening
• Tooth whitening pastes
Tooth whitening can also be done at home with the use of over-the-counter applications.
Time duration
Generally, one tooth whitening session takes about an hour. Your dentist might call you again for a general check-up or if another sitting is needed.
How long do the effects of tooth whitening last?
With proper dental care, the effects of tooth whitening tend to last for several years. One should avoid excessive smoking and coffee consumption for better and longer lasting results.
Did you know your smile can open doors for you?
August 13th, 2010
A smile is a very important form of non-verbal communication. One can make a lot of things happen with just a smile. Any customer will certainly think twice about purchasing something when greeted by a dull and droopy salesperson who does not greet with a smile. As a buyer, you will certainly be turned off.
The importance of a good smile in business
According to Webster’s Dictionary, a smile means that you appear pleasant or agreeable. Both these factors form an important part of the business world. According to an ancient Chinese proverb, a person who cannot smile should avoid setting up a shop. In business, a smile is a welcoming gesture to patrons. It shows that the person appreciates and respects the patrons.
Many world leaders have spoken about the importance of a smile. Mother Teresa had once said that we should always meet each other with a smile. Andrew Carnegie, an important and powerful man in the business arena during his times had always lauded the positive results of smile. An effective smile can break the barriers between a salesperson and a customer.
What can affect your smile?
Yellow, stained or discoloured teeth can affect the smile of a person. An individual can become self-conscious due to such dental conditions. He/she will then stop smiling or try to hide their teeth while smiling.
Fortunately, these problems can now be treated with cosmetic dentistry. Many professionals, celebrities and other people in the public eye have already benefited from cosmetic dentistry to improve their smile.
Whether your teeth need straightening, whitening, or tidying up, try smiling anyway. Smiles can open doors and a world of opportunities for you.
Image source: dailymail.co.uk
Is Home Tooth Whitening Right For You? (a comparison of Home Tooth Whitening and Dentist Whitening)
August 13th, 2010
Tooth whitening is a common technique used to get rid of tooth stains. Dentists have been employing dental bleaching methods to produce superior results that can help individuals in getting sparkling white teeth. More recently, several tooth whitening products have become available over the counter that can also yield similar results as dental bleaching.
A lot has been said over the years about both dentist whitening and home tooth whitening techniques. A detailed understanding of both these techniques will help you make the right decision.
Dentist Whitening
In this method, the dentist fits a tray which is custom-made to fit around your teeth perfectly. The dentist then applies a whitening gel around the tray that will be placed inside your mouth. Carbamide peroxide, the material whitening gel is composed of, breaks down into oxygen. The oxygen then reacts with the teeth enamel and causes the teeth to fade in color. The success of this procedure is depends upon the mouth tray designed to fit your mouth.
Laser tooth whitening is a newer dental treatment option. In this method, the dentist directs a laser beam at the hydrogen peroxide solution to activate the reaction. Both these methods are more expensive when compared to home tooth whitening methods.
Home Tooth Whitening
Home tooth whitening can be easily done with the help of over-the-counter products. Some of the products that can be used are as follows:
• Bleaching trays
• Whitening gels
• Whitening toothpastes
• Tooth whitening strips
If you cannot afford professional dental whitening treatments, then home tooth whitening may be an option for you. However, over-the-counter drugs may not be as effective as the bleaching kits used in the dentist’s office. Moreover, you must ensure that you get well-fitting trays that fit your mouth appropriately. Regular dental care is also required for sustaining the results of home tooth whitening methods.
As always, patients should consider the pros and cons of each the method before making at a decision.
