How Do Teeth Whitening Procedures Work?

Teeth whitening has become a big business in the past twenty years with more at-home products available and plenty of commercial time dedicated to having the perfect 'pearly white' set of teeth. You might have whitening toothpaste in your bathroom, maybe you've used teeth whitening strips or you could have even had a professional whitening done by your dentist - but do you know how teeth whitening products work?

How do teeth 'yellow'?

One of the first questions you might ask is how our teeth get so yellow in the first place. As we go through lives eating, drinking and, hopefully-not-but-sometimes, smoking, a layer builds up over the enamel of our teeth. Over years this layer, which can usually be scraped away through brushing and treatment by your dentist, will start to get into the slightly porous enamel below it. While these 'stains' on the enamel aren't harmful, they are colour changing and considered quite unattractive.

What do teeth whiteners do?

With the active ingredient of either carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide, teeth whiteners work themselves deep into the tooth enamel where they break apart these built up stains. Oxidation helps loosen what has made its way into the layer of enamel and the peroxide works as a whitening ingredient - just as it does when used to bleach hair.

What kind of tooth whitener is right for me?

There is a range of options when it comes to whitening; all of them offer different effectiveness.

Whitening toothpaste is one of the most common products that aim to help whiten teeth. The small amount of bleaching ingredients in the toothpaste mean that you'll need to brush consistently and let the toothpaste remain on the teeth for longer to see results.

Whitening kits come in the form of strips, trays or pastes that promise results far faster than toothpaste does. You'll be required to apply the treatment for up to an hour each day but you'll end up with noticeably whiter teeth within a fortnight.

Professional whitening at your cosmetic dentist's office is the fastest way to see whiter teeth. Advanced bleaching systems and laser whitening treatments are all options that can see results within the hour. It's a little bit more expensive, but you'll be satisfied with how it turns out when you have it done professionally.

Care for your teeth and whiten using your preferred method for the smile you've always wanted. Talk to your dentist about professional whitening treatments and switch to a whitening toothpaste next time your tube runs out.

What Is the Best Teeth Whitening Toothpaste?

A bright white smile is definitely an asset, whether you just want to look good or you want to get ahead professionally. With so many different toothpastes on the market that claim to whiten the teeth, what is the best tooth whitening toothpaste for you to choose?

Dozens of Whitening Toothpastes on the Market

The question of what toothpaste is best is a challenging one, since there are more than a dozen whitening formulas being marketed by any number of toothpaste gurus. When you take into account all of the top-selling toothpaste brands, there are easily several dozen formulas crying out to you from the shelf of your local department store at any one time. So which one should you choose for your own personal needs? Let's take a look at some of the things you will want to look at when shopping for the best whitening toothpaste for your needs.

The Ingredients Matter

The effectiveness of any whitening toothpaste is based largely on the ingredients that it contains. Most whitening toothpastes can slightly remove surface staining that are caused by smoking or drinking coffee. They cannot actually reverse the discoloration that is caused by fluoride exposure or tetracycline exposure, or by stains that have penetrated the enamel. Look for ingredients that have special abrasives that will gently polish the teeth or that have ingredients like sodium tripolyphosphate, a chemical that will dissolve stains or at minimum, break the stain down so that you can then brush it away.

Results Depend on Length of Use

Consumers should bear in mind that whitening toothpastes should be used as directed if they want to get the best results. It usually takes around a month of brushing with this type of toothpaste to see any results at all. However, some toothpaste that count a chemical known as blue covarine among their active ingredients can make your teeth appear whiter, sooner, although it is merely an optical illusion. For true whitening, stick with peroxide based whitening pastes, which are offered by several companies. In the case of at least one brand, there is also a prebrush rinse that can be purchased with the toothpaste to make it even more effective.

No matter which toothpaste you choose, the key to finding the answer to the ageless query of "what is the best teeth whitening toothpaste" may involve trial and error. While some products seem to work well for some consumers, other people may find them less effective. Bottom line: find a whitening paste that you like and stick with it. The key to white teeth is brushing regularly and often, visiting your dentist regularly, and avoiding things that can stain your teeth such as cigarettes and coffee.

Affordable Teeth Whitening Treatments

Having nice teeth gets much positive attention but many of us are not naturally blessed with pearly whites. We must resort to teeth whitening treatments designed to make our mouths gleam. Zoom is one of the best treatments available and it is quick and easy to get. After a one-hour treatment in a dental office, teeth become an average of eight shades whiter.

This procedure has only been offered for about six years, making it one of the newer whitening treatments. Cost ranges from approximately $150 to over $400 based on dental office location, so the procedure is affordable to many people. Cost aside, the impressive results are what draw many people to this treatment. They are not only drastic, they are also long-term, lasting for up to six months.

Ultra-violet light and a hydrogen peroxide gel are responsible for the drastic lightening effect that over-the-counter products cannot deliver. Delivered by a low wattage lamp, the light activates the hydrogen peroxide. The gel is reapplied several times during the treatment, providing additional whitening each time. It tackles both stains on tooth surfaces that affect enamel and intrinsic stains due to wear, age, and trauma that are not addressed by typical whitening treatments.

Tooth whitening has become a popular cosmetic dentistry treatment because millions of people find their teeth stained over the years. By cleaning teeth to remove embedded dirt and debris and then treating them with a hydrogen peroxide gel, the surfaces become much whiter. Whitening is the most effective way to achieve dramatic improvement in tooth appearance. A treatment that provides immediate results is often preferred to one that requires weeks or months to be effective.

A bright smile is much more than a superficial feature. It can boost the confidence of someone whose teeth have been stained over the years due to wear, excessive mineral exposure, or habits like smoking or drinking coffee. People who were once hesitant to smile now beam brightly whenever they can, showing off their gleaming teeth. This can open the door to an enhanced social life and career opportunities that were previously unavailable.

Professional teeth whitening is the best approach to getting teeth as white as possible. It is much less expensive than most people think and does not require multiple visits to the dentist. With a beautiful set of teeth in their mouths, many people feel confident enough to take on whatever the world throws at them.

UV Teeth Whitening - Does it Work and is it Safe?

Whitening your teeth is now one of the easiest and most cost effective procedures you can do to improve your appearance. UV whitening is one of many different options for making your teeth look brighter, and making yourself look younger. It is becoming a more and more popular way for people to improve their smile. It is also considered to be a way to eliminate discoloring and staining, dramatically enhancing the whiteness of teeth.

UV whitening is one of the power or light-accelerating techniques used in conjunction with a bleaching agent- peroxide or carbamide peroxide - to increase its speed in whitening teeth. The idea is that light in the blue or ultraviolet spectrum excites the peroxide molecules without overheating the pulp of the teeth. The resulting break down of the peroxide molecules is thought to accelerate the whitening process.

Certain kinds of UV whitening treatments, such as the Celebrity Hollywood Whites UV Teeth Whitening Kit, and UVBleachBright are specially made to be used while you relax on a tanning bed. Solar Smile Teeth Whitening is also exclusive for Tanning Salons and is the Number one Whitening Product on the market. Many women find that these UV teeth whitening systems can be used easily while doing their hair, having a manicure or just relaxing.

However, it is the opinion of this author that you should think long and hard before considering any UV treatment, and consult your dentist before considering this procedure.

Ask yourself - "Is it safe, and does it work?"

A recent study in the "Journal of Prosthodontics", found that light-activated and non-light-activated procedures did not differ significantly. In fact, another study in the journal "Photochemical & Photobiological Sciences" went even further. It found that UV exposure in these treatments can be four times the level in ordinary sunbathing and that the eyes and skin are not sufficiently shielded from this radiation. The FDA has received complaints of burned gums from these procedures. Repeated UV exposure can also cause abnormal growths in and around the eye - and even cataracts.

Teeth whitening procedures in general are legitimate cosmetic techniques, but they differ in speed and effectiveness. High-concentration peroxide applications will whiten your teeth even without the UV exposure. So why risk your health just for a little speed?

Dentists exclusively performed teeth whitening until about 1990, when home kits involving tray bleaching were introduced as a convenience. These kits generally have lower concentrations of peroxide and may take longer to obtain whitening results, but they mainly do work - without using potentially harmful UV light.

Teeth Whitening Pain - 5 Solutions to This Potentially Painful Problem

Did you know that some people experience teeth whitening pain after bleaching? While most people experience little discomfort or pain after their whitening treatment, others experience pain in the form of tooth sensitivity or gum irritation. Some people also report intense and intermittent "zingers" or a piercing jolt in their teeth. So what should you do to eliminate or avoid teeth whitening pain?

Avoiding the pain requires that you have an understanding of the pain itself. As mentioned earlier, some people experience tooth sensitivity. The sensitivity may be triggered by cold liquids, breathing or even air hitting your teeth. The degree of sensitivity can be very moderate to extremely painful. It can occur immediately after the whitening and last up to 24 -48 hours. In rare case, sensitivity can last much longer.

Gum irritation and "zingers" occur less frequently but nonetheless can cause significant discomfort or pain. People have reported feeling powerful "jolts" or "zingers" after receiving professional teeth whitening like laser teeth whitening or zoom teeth whitening.

Regardless of the type of whitening system you use, there are a few things you can do to avoid, eliminate or limit the pain. The best way is to consult with your doctor prior to any whitening procedure. While there is no assurance that teeth whitening pain can be completely avoided, seeking professional advice is the smartest way to avoid or limit any pain.

Here are other tips to consider:

1. If you plan to have your dentist bleach your teeth, prior to your visit brush with a high fluoride toothpaste or rinse with a mouthwash that contains fluoride a few weeks prior to the whitening. Fluoride helps strengthen the outer enamel of your teeth. Some dentists may also advise you to take an ibuprofen such as Aleve before and after the procedure.

2. If you plan on using a home remedy tooth whitening system like whitening gels or bleaching trays, start out with a limited amount to test the sensitivity of your gums and teeth.

3. Don't use too much whitener as this can ultimately lead to persistent pain and ongoing tooth sensitivity. Also, apply the whitener with care and do not allow it to enter into areas where your gums are receding. In other words, don't become a "teeth whitening addict" looking for a quick bright white smile in minutes. Follow the directions.

4. If you already know you have sensitive teeth, severely receding gums, or defective restorations share this information with your dentist as he or she will adjust the amount of bleaching gel (peroxide) accordingly. Home teeth whiteners should be used sparingly and milder versions should be applied with extreme caution.

5. After whitening, brush with lukewarm water, avoid extreme temperatures in liquids or food and use a toothbrush with soft bristles. Over-the-counter toothpaste for sensitive teeth can help too. If the tooth sensitivity lasts more than a few days consult with your dentist as this may signal a different or underlying problem.

The bottom line is that a whiter smile can raise your confidence and self-esteem among other things. Don't worry too much about any teeth whitening pain or discomfort. Go ahead, get whiter teeth today.

What Is the Best Teeth Whitening Toothpaste?

A bright white smile is definitely an asset, whether you just want to look good or you want to get ahead professionally. With so many different toothpastes on the market that claim to whiten the teeth, what is the best tooth whitening toothpaste for you to choose?

Dozens of Whitening Toothpastes on the Market

The question of what toothpaste is best is a challenging one, since there are more than a dozen whitening formulas being marketed by any number of toothpaste gurus. When you take into account all of the top-selling toothpaste brands, there are easily several dozen formulas crying out to you from the shelf of your local department store at any one time. So which one should you choose for your own personal needs? Let's take a look at some of the things you will want to look at when shopping for the best whitening toothpaste for your needs.

The Ingredients Matter

The effectiveness of any whitening toothpaste is based largely on the ingredients that it contains. Most whitening toothpastes can slightly remove surface staining that are caused by smoking or drinking coffee. They cannot actually reverse the discoloration that is caused by fluoride exposure or tetracycline exposure, or by stains that have penetrated the enamel. Look for ingredients that have special abrasives that will gently polish the teeth or that have ingredients like sodium tripolyphosphate, a chemical that will dissolve stains or at minimum, break the stain down so that you can then brush it away.

Results Depend on Length of Use

Consumers should bear in mind that whitening toothpastes should be used as directed if they want to get the best results. It usually takes around a month of brushing with this type of toothpaste to see any results at all. However, some toothpaste that count a chemical known as blue covarine among their active ingredients can make your teeth appear whiter, sooner, although it is merely an optical illusion. For true whitening, stick with peroxide based whitening pastes, which are offered by several companies. In the case of at least one brand, there is also a prebrush rinse that can be purchased with the toothpaste to make it even more effective.

No matter which toothpaste you choose, the key to finding the answer to the ageless query of "what is the best teeth whitening toothpaste" may involve trial and error. While some products seem to work well for some consumers, other people may find them less effective. Bottom line: find a whitening paste that you like and stick with it. The key to white teeth is brushing regularly and often, visiting your dentist regularly, and avoiding things that can stain your teeth such as cigarettes and coffee.

Semen Can Whiten Your Teeth - Fact Or Fiction?

Can semen really whiten your teeth? Is semen good for teeth? Information about whether ejaculated human sperm can help make your teeth whiter.

Before we can make any assumptions on whether does semen whiten the teeth, the following facts should be known about ejaculate human semen before judging or coming to any conclusions.

The human semen contains a variety of ingredients, which mainly include sperm (containing DNA), citric acid, fructose, ascorbic acid, water, magnesium, enzymes, nitrogen, chlorine, potassium, creatine vitamin B12, cholesterol, phosphate, bicarbonate buffers, zinc and calcium. These are all essential for reproduction and have their own individual roles to play in the whole reproductive process, among them; calcium and zinc are held by some to be useful for the teeth, but there are no scientific proof to support that they help when it comes to whitening the teeth.

Furthermore, a comparison study between the ingredients inside a tooth whitening product and semen will give us a deeper knowledge about the effectiveness of the latter as a tooth whitener.

Hydrogen peroxides, hydrated silica, polyvinylpyrrolidone, potassium nitrate, calprox, baking soda, fluoride, strontium chloride and sodium tripolyphosphate are the main ingredients which are commonly found in different teeth whiteners on the market. The bleaching chemicals and ingredients mentioned above are not found in semen, though potassium and phosphates are present there, non of them are in the proper combination with other elements which can aid in whitening the teeth. Therefore it can safely be assumed that a teeth whitening toothpaste is a much better option, rather than depending on semen to do it.

However, semen ingestion is known to lower stress and raise the women's mood due to its sugar based enzymes, and a recent study also shows that selenium, an ingredient found in semen may also serve in protection against cancer, but as far as whitening of the teeth is concerned, semen does not seem to be promising at all. It would be advisable to go for a laser clinical tooth whitening session or purchase a professional at home teeth whitening kit if you want to be through about it. Any of these will give you better results, greater assurance and a whiter, brighter smile than semen.

Did you know that celebrities like Oprah Winfrey, Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Jessica Simpson, Britney Spears, and Tom Cruise - plus many more - have gleaming pearly white smiles as a result of professional teeth whitening.