Teeth Whitening

The Origin of Tooth Whitening

The quest to have a whiter set of teeth and a brighter smile is one that has been on for thousands of years.

It all began in ancient Egypt where having white teeth was a way of showing off your wealth. The Egyptians indulged in the use of a frayed stick (which was the first type of toothbrush) to apply a paste that was made from wine vinegar and ground pumice stone on their teeth. Well, this cannot be considered bad, knowing that the Romans actually used their urine for the same purpose. To some extent, this had a tendency of working because of the presence of ammonia in the urine, but we are grateful that better teeth whitening solutions have now been made available.

During the 17^th century, when dentists did not exist in their own right, barbers were in charge of oral health. They provided solutions to dental problems by pulling them off and whitened the teeth by filing away the stained enamel and getting some nitric acid applied to them. Of course, this was bad, and we strongly advise against practising this at home.

In the 1960s, dentists discovered that peroxide had whitening properties and they took twenty years to work on providing the public with commercial teeth whitening solutions. They made teeth whitening solutions that are still very much in use today — dental trays which contained a thick gel that contained carbamide peroxide to whiten the teeth. Alas, we can sing and shout for joy that the urine, metal files and sticks are not our portion.

How to Achieve White Teeth

There are many trusted ways of getting white teeth today. They include the use of gels, strips, trays, bleach, lasers, toothpaste, coconut oil, etc.

You will be able to choose your most suitable teeth whitening option depending on the amount you are willing to spend on it, the sensitivity of your teeth, how fast you want a result and how long you want the result to last.

Have it in mind that the teeth whitening techniques we will be discussing here are only meant for the natural teeth and cannot function on dentures, fillings, implants or veneers. These prosthetics will remain unchanged in their colour.

Why Teeth Get Discoloured

Have you ever taken out time to wonder why your teeth are not brilliant white? The truth is, our teeth are not meant to be brilliant white. This is because the bluish-white enamel that covers the teeth is translucent, and this permits the yellowish colour of the dentine to be visible through it.

As we age, the enamel gets thinner, thereby causing the yellowish colour of the dentine to show more. This makes the teeth darker and yellower as the days go by.

Though age plays a role in the discolouration of the teeth, this process can also be influenced by the foods we eat and the drinks we take. It can also be influenced by other external factors. These include:

• Sauces: Eating sauces like curries and tomatoes can cause the teeth to be stained, and the acidity of the tomatoes can make the enamel wear off, thereby doubling the yellowing effect. If you are concerned about getting whiter teeth, we advise you to choose the lighter and creamier versions of this sauces to reduce your chances of getting stained.
• Berries: Berries have antioxidant properties and are very nutritious, but they can also cause the teeth to become stained. Have you ever had your white shirt stained by a raspberry? How easy was it to get it off?
• Coffee: coffee has dark colours which can stain the teeth, and it is also acidic. This can eat off the white enamel layer.
• Wine: red wines contain tannins, and they are known for making the teeth have a shade of grey. Drinking white wines do not get the teeth stained, but they can darken the already existing stains more.
• Tea: teas like black tea can damage your teeth more than coffee can. Taking these teas or even the lighter herbal ones can cause tooth erosion though it may not cause staining.
• Smoking: tobacco contains nicotine and tar that can quickly stain the teeth. Chronic smokers realise that their teeth usually get darker over the years.
• Sugary drinks: sugary drinks are well known for causing tooth decay, but this action of theirs occurs slowly, and they cause the enamel of the teeth to wear out gradually.
• Braces: though braces help in giving the teeth a better alignment, they at the same time leave the teeth darker than they were.

From the list above, one may be tempted to say that the best way a person can get white teeth is by avoiding the things that can stain them, but it is not so simple. So while you take down that tea, be conscious of the fact that your teeth may someday look darker because of it if you do not follow our guidelines.

The staining effects of these foods can be minimised if they are eaten together with foods that can reduce tooth staining like cauliflower, lettuce celery, carrots, apples and cheese. These foods clean the teeth and neutralise the acid from foods that can eat up the enamel.

You may be so faithful at trying to maintain a bright smile, but no matter how much you try, there may still be a time teeth whitening will cross your mind.

What Is The Cost of Whitening The Teeth?

Teeth whitening cost depends mostly on the type you want. If you need those as simple as toothpaste, you may have to spend just a few pounds, but if you’re going to opt for the laser treatment, you may be using up to four figures.

If professional tooth whitening is what you want, you will have to be prepared to spend more because they cost a lot more than many home treatments. Despite the cost, it is always better to pay for the expertise of a professional dentist so that you can be sure of having quality treatment recommended for you.

It is important for you to know that your fees will not be subsidised by the government except your dark teeth was caused by a medical reason like a dead nerve. For cosmetic teeth whitening, you must be ready to pay for it privately.

Due to the costs of aesthetic teeth whitening, many dental clinics offer payment plans for the more expensive treatments — this helps you spread the cost, and you will be able to pay them. If you do not feel comfortable with the payment plans provided, you may also think about getting a dental loan.

Home Teeth Whitening Remedy

Many convenient and affordable teeth whitening kits can be comfortably used at home. They can be easily found in the market, and some of them could contain a bleaching agent which stays in a mouthguard (or tray) in your mouth.

The period of application could be different based on the product you buy. Some could be for 10 minutes a day while others could take as long as 30 minutes a day, and they may last for close to a week or two. Using the home teeth whitening methods can help you whiten your teeth without having to make so many shifts in your schedule.

You should consider the following if you are planning on choosing a good home teeth whitening kit:

• Where was it produced? It is better to go for home teeth whitening kits that are produced in the UK, US and EU because of the strict regulations that govern the ingredients used for the production of the whitening gels. Other countries do not have such strict restrictions. Before using any product, it is advisable for you to check the ingredients present and know its country of production so you can know the rules that guide it.
• Fixed shape vs mouldable trays: some home whitening kits come with fixed trays while others come with thermoforming trays which have to be placed in hot water before being moulded to the shape of your teeth. These mouldable trays are usually better because they provide a better fitting for your teeth and ensure the gel rests on the teeth. But some people find it difficult to mould the trays to the shape of their teeth, and this has made them go for those with a fixed shape.
• LED whitening kits: These kits are also called the “blue light whitening kits”, and they come with an LED light that conveys the bleaching agent. There are bleaching kits that do not have the LED light. This type may contain an accelerator fluid which should be applied to the teeth before applying the gel.

We will recommend two home whitening kits you can trust for use. They are produced in France and the US so you can be sure that they conform to their strict restrictions.

Very Good Smile Professional Whitening Kit

This professional whitening kit is produced in France, and it is of very high quality. It conforms to the EU governing rules and regulations for the production of cosmetic products. It has an LED light attached to the tray, and it comes with a fixed shape to enable you to get it stuck to your teeth. This teeth whitening system can be easily used, and it should only be used for 20 minutes daily. It comes with an amount of gel that can go for 10 applications.

This kit works perfectly for those with sensitive teeth because its formulation is gentle, unlike many others in the market. It offers a 30-day guarantee where you can have your money returned to you if you experience some problems by using it or if you do not like the result it produces.

After the first treatment, you can further purchase a gel for a refill. With this, you will not need to buy another kit when you want to continue your treatment.

Smile Avenue Professional Teeth Whitening Kit

This US produced teeth whitening kit is new to the UK market, and it is produced by Smile Avenue. It is a high-quality teeth whitening kit that uses a very gentle whitening gel formula.

To use this method, you will need to buy a cleaning spray which you will use to brush your teeth before you commence the teeth whitening process. After this brushing, you will then attach the LED light accelerator to your mouth tray and then get it attached to your teeth. This treatment should last for about 20 minutes per day.

This gel comes with more gel of about 3 x 10ml syringe which is than other teeth whitening kits. The result is usually noticed after the first one or two weeks of use. The results are usually brighter than the previous shade of teeth.

You can get these products from our dental clinic. You will also have your treatment monitored so that immediate help will be offered to you if anything goes wrong. Send us a mail at [email protected] or call us on 02071830903.

Getting Your Teeth Whitened With A Dentist

If you are buoyant enough, then you can visit your dentist and have a discussion about the ideal cosmetic whitening option for you. These treatments are very effective and safe as the dentist knows how to use them well and manage the side effects.

When you get to the dentist, you will discover three teeth whitening treatments.

Laser teeth whitening

This treatment method uses lasers to accelerate the effect of the bleaching agents that have already been applied to the teeth. This is the most expensive method, and it produces an immediate whitening result.

For this treatment, your dentist will first protect your gums by applying a rubber seal on it. Then the bleaching product (which may contain hydrogen peroxide) will be used to cover your teeth. After this is done, the laser will then be shone on your teeth so that the bleaching agent will have the ability to clean the teeth with great speed.

This treatment produces a great result in just one visit, but you will stand a high risk of suffering sensitivity.

Zoom teeth whitening

 This treatment uses the technology from Phillips, and it works just like the laser treatment which uses LED lights to whiten the teeth.

The LED teeth whitening system takes a longer time to be completed (usually 45- 60 minute are used for 1 session, and you will be expecting about 3 – 4 sessions). They are not so intense, and they have a lesser chance of being sensitive.

This treatment usually needs to be backed up with a teeth whitening treatment so that the result can last longer.

Professional bleaching

This teeth whitening method is the cheaper one that can be offered by the dentist. It consists of the use of whitening trays for the application of professional tooth whitening gel. This gel produces better results than the DIY home whitening kits as it has more effect than the gel in the home whitening kits.

Before the treatment is begun, your dentist will first take an impression of your teeth to create matching trays for you. Once the production of these trays is completed, you will be ready to use them at home. Your dentist will fill them with the professional teeth whitening gel which will be left overnight, and you will be given some in case you do not wear them during the day. Your dentist will enlighten you more on this process.

You can visit our dental clinic at Harley Street London to get a suitable treatment for you. Book an appointment with us now.

Other Home Whitening Remedies

Though the teeth whitening kits are the most effective in getting the teeth whitened at home, other products can be used to get the teeth brightened without having to visit the dentist. These products can be used alone to achieve gentle results or to prolong the effect of the other teeth whitening method that was used.

The following are the other home whitening remedies you can use:

Teeth whitening pens

The teeth whitening pens look more like brushes, and they have a small tube which contains a gel that should be applied directly to the teeth through this brush.

Hydrogen peroxide is the most active component of these pens though you can find some brands that are peroxide-free. They are appreciated by users because they are convenient to use, can be used at any time and can be easily carried about.

This treatment needs about 2 to 4 applications which may last for about 10 to 30 minutes daily depending on the brand. The treatment usually lasts for about a week or two.

With this treatment, bright white teeth are not usually promised, but you can expect a brighter shade of your teeth.

Teeth whitening strips

These strips are designed to be directly placed on the teeth. They are much easier and cleaner to use compared to the trays and gels.

There are many available brands, and some of them are peroxide-free. These strips are usually applied to the teeth for about 30 minutes per day before being removed, but you can also buy strips which can get dissolved naturally after being worn for about 10 to 15 minutes.

These strips are pretty effective in whitening the teeth, but they are not good at cleaning the surfaces of uneven bite or the backside of the teeth. These strips may not also cover every part of the teeth so there may not be a uniform whiteness achieved at the end of its use.

Despite its flaws, it is still a cost-effective method of whitening the teeth and can produce good noticeable results in just seven days of its use.

Whitening toothbrush and toothpaste

You have probably seen many teeth whitening version of your most loved toothpaste at the mall, and you think they won’t hurt. The truth is, they may hurt. Most of these products can be abrasive, and they may eat up the enamel of your tooth when used for a longer time, and this may cause your teeth to become sensitive and darker after a while of whiteness.

Some teeth whitening pastes only remove the stains at the surface of the teeth but do not change the colour of the teeth. In this case, if your teeth have been yellow from the onset, it will still be yellow after you use the whitening toothpaste. However, if you have used other teeth whitening agents, you can use these pastes to prolong their results.

This is the cheapest teeth whitening option available. This is why it is so popular — you can use it to boost your smile a little.

You can find some toothbrushes, either manual or electrical that can help you remove the stains on your teeth.

A summary of home teeth whitening

In this table, you will find a summary of the different home teeth whitening products that have been discussed here.

Natural Teeth Whitening Means

If you are one of those who prefer the natural means to the artificial quick result approach, you will appreciate the various ways we will be explaining here. These methods won’t get you the white teeth you have so desired overnight, but they will be able to give you a clean and whiter set of teeth which will last for a long time.

• A homemade whitening paste: this can be prepared by combining baking soda with a little amount of hydrogen peroxide or water. A runny consistency should be achieved, and the paste should be applied on the teeth and allowed to stay for just 30 seconds after normal brushing has been done.
• Activated charcoal: I know it may sound funny, but it does pay to get this black substance on your teeth. Charcoal has whitening properties, and it has been proven to work. This will get your mouth all blackened, but your teeth will get sparkling clean after they get washed off. You can find it both in the powdered and pasty form. You can get more information below.
• Coconut oil pulling: this is a traditional teeth whitening method that originated from India. It involves the swishing of one spoonful of coconut oil in the mouth for about 10 to 15 minutes, followed by rinsing. After this, a cleaner feel of the teeth should be noticed.
• Apple cider vinegar: they are great at removing dark stains from the teeth. This liquid should be applied on the teeth for a minute with the finger and rinsed off with water. After this, the teeth should be brushed normally. This procedure should be continued for at least a month for good results to be produced.
• Mashed strawberries: strawberries are well known for whitening the teeth and have been used for this purpose for years. Mash some strawberries and apply this paste to your teeth and allow staying for a few minutes. Rinse thoroughly when you are done.

A popular teeth whitening product, Very Good Smile Teeth Whitening Powder is made just from natural ingredients. This product contains about 30g powder and can last for 2-3 months of daily use. This powder can be applied directly to the teeth or mixed with water or other homemade ingredients or toothpaste. This product is still very effective for the removal of stains from tobacco, coffee, tea and wine despite its non-abrasive formula.

Teeth Whitening for Sensitive Teeth

There have been some complaints from patients about having to deal with sensitive teeth after undergoing a teeth whitening treatment. If you are one of those who have had the experiences of sensitivity, it is good to talk to your doctor about your fears. He may administer some pain relievers to help you get through with the pains after the teeth whitening procedure.

If you choose to try the home teeth whitening procedures, you may want to use the product for a shorter period than the recommended by the manufacturer. For instance, if the product is to be used for 20 minutes, you can try it for 10 minutes and monitor the way you react to it.

You may want to avoid products with hydrogen peroxide and go for those with fluoride and potassium nitrate, which are more effective for relieving pain.

You can call us to seek professional advice for a suitable home treatment procedure for you. You can speak to our dentist through our customer helpline 02071830903. If you feel more comfortable sending us a mail, you can reach us at [email protected].

How to Maintain Your White Teeth After Treatment

You may never find a permanent teeth whitening solution, but there are things you can do to keep your new white teeth for a longer period. You can

• Reduce your intake of foods that cause stains on the teeth. If you have forgotten them, you can get back to the top and read about them
• Use straws for drinking sugary drinks or drinks with acidic contents
• Use water to rinse your mouth or chew sugar-free gum after consuming acidic food or drinks

Finally, if you want to maintain your white teeth, you should work hard to have good oral hygiene. Visit your dentist at least twice a year for your routine check-ups and have some appointments with the hygienist for some scaling and polishing. With this, you will be able to maintain your white teeth and have a mouth free from plaques and bacteria that can cause tooth decay.

How Safe is Teeth Whitening?

You can only be assured of the safety of a teeth whitening procedure by an approved dentist. Dentists have been trained to know cases where each whitening procedure will be suitable and what to do with the ones that are not. For instance, if you are a person with gum disease or dental crown, your dentist will know teeth whitening is not for you and will strongly advise you against it.

There are many beauty salons and mobile whitening services, but these places are not owned by professionals so they will not know how well to whiten the teeth with safety. You should know it is illegal in the UK for this kind of work to be carried out by people who are not professional dentists.

If you have considered using the home whitening kit, adhere to the instructions and use only the recommended dose. Using more than the recommended dose or time may cause your teeth or gums to be damaged.

We advise you to speak with your dentist about the home whitening kit you want to use so that you can be assured of its safety and enlightened on the risks involved. You can speak to our dentist today if you have any further questions.

Always Read The Reviews on A Product Before Using It

As time would have it, many teeth whitening products have been reviewed online so you can enlighten yourself more by reading these reviews; this way, you will know what your result will look like.

Be watchful as some brands may get people to lie in the review about their product to enable them get customers.

You should also have in mind that people are different and so they can react differently to a particular product. Reading many reviews will help you know an average of what you should expect.

Always keep in touch with your dentist in case anything goes wrong

It will benefit you more if you get a dentist involved in your teeth whitening procedure. This way, you will have access to a good dental service if anything goes wrong during your treatment.

You can always count on our dentist for quick responses. Send us a mail at [email protected] or call us on 02071830903. You can also visit our clinic in Harley Street, London. Book an appointment with us today.