Tooth Whitening - Professional and Home Tooth Whitening

There is an old expression “You Only Get One Chance to Make a First Impression”. Having great looking,

whiter teeth is quickly become one of the most popular ways to live out this expression. A healthy looking set of brighter, whiter teeth is one of the most attractive features of an individual’s smile. Jumpstarting this trend has been an increase in the cosmetic dental need for tooth whitening. Tooth Whitening – Professional Whitening and Home Whitening is quickly becoming one of the most frequently requested cosmetic dental procedures.

          Children begin life with a natural set of bright, white teeth. As these children go through life, the dental changes a mouth goes through combined with the substances put into the mouth causes teeth color to change. Over time, the mineral structures of teeth change. This results in the tooth enamel itself becoming less porous. Other factors such as bacterial ingredients in foods, beverages and tobacco can also affect the change in teeth coloring. American culture has coined the phrase “Hollywood Smile” to reflect a bright smile with white teeth. It is this phrase and social society in general that have people seeking out tooth whitening – professional whitening and home whitening options.

          Tooth whitening involves two general methods: professional whitening and home whitening treatments. Professional whitening is often completed as an in house procedure at the dentist’s office. The first step is the application of either a protective gel to the gums or a rubber shield that protects the soft oral tissues in the mouth. Following this, a bleaching agent of either carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide is applied in a light-cured protective layer to the gums and the tips of the gums between the teeth. The light cured element aides in the adhesion of the gel to the gums. This procedure can last anywhere from 30 minutes to one hour.

          The second method of tooth whitening is the at home or over-the-counter tooth whitening system. The procedures for this type of method vary from mouth guard strips placed to whitening toothpastes. With the mouth guard strips, a low concentration of the bleaching agent is placed on the teeth, usually for a period of overnight. In the morning, the strip is discarded and the whole procedure starts over again that night.

This continues for a period of five to fourteen days. Whitening toothpastes contain a bleaching agent that aides in the removal of stains through mild abrasive scrubbing, such as with tooth brushing.

          The clear advantage of tooth whitening – professional whitening and home whitening procedures is the removal of unwanted stains on teeth. This can have a dramatic improvement on the cosmetic appearance of a person’s mouth. However, there is a chance that these procedures will not be able to remove all stains residing on teeth. White spot decalcifications, decayed teeth or infected gums will not show cosmetic improvement simply from utilizing a tooth whitening method. This also holds true for teeth whose original color is gray in nature. Tooth whitening methods have proven to have the most cosmetic effect on teeth that are yellowing.

          As with any medical or dental procedure, there is a certain amount of risk involved with tooth whitening methods. Two of the most common risks associated with these methods are tooth sensitivity and mild irritation of the mouth tissues and gums. Tooth sensitivity most likely will appear at the beginning stage of the whitening process. The gum and mouth tissue irritation can occur at any time in the process. This is usually a direct result of an ill fitting mouthpiece being used as opposed to the actual bleaching treatment itself. Either is a temporary situation that is resolved within 3 days of completing or stopping treatment.

          All of the methods discussed previously are effective measures in removing unwanted stains from teeth. However, these chemical based whitening methods often result in tooth damage after everything is said and done. Therefore, the ideal tooth whitening procedures are herbal home remedies. The only risk factor involved here is slight gum irritation. Overall, the herbal home remedies will produce an end result that is satisfying to a person’s teeth and budget.

          For natural whitening toothpaste, mix a half tablespoon of baking soda with one to two drops of hydrogen peroxide. This toothpaste mixture can be used over a couple days in the week. It is effective in removing those unwanted stains from teeth. The only side effect is a mild irritation of the gums. The overall affect is beneficial to the mouth and gums.

          There are several options available for teeth cleansers. For one option, select 15 to 20 basil leaves and dry rinds of an orange. Mix the two ingredients together and use as a teeth cleanser. Another great mixture consists of one tablespoon of baking soda and a pinch of iodine rich salt. This effective treatment can be utilized as a teeth cleanser and teeth whitening.

For teeth whitening, a mixture of two to three strawberries ground together into little pieces makes an effective whitening paste. Rubbing the inner portion of an orange rind on teeth will produce teeth whitening results within one week. Mixing a half tablespoon of baking soda, half teaspoon of vinegar and a pinch of salt results in an effective way to remove stains and keep teeth bacteria free. Crushed walnuts also have the same effect on teeth. Sage leaves are another great home remedy. Brushing teeth with sage leaves will result in whiter teeth.

          Utilizing one of these herbal treatment methods for teeth whitening and overall tooth care in general will result in bringing a brighter, whiter smile to the world. Not to mention the affect it will have on a person’s overall well being. When teeth sparkle and shine, a person sparkles and shines from the inside out.