What’s In Teeth Whitening Paste And What To Expect?
What’s the basis for the love for white teeth? Well it’s all about looking good and feeling better. Because teeth yellow naturally as it age, a person naturally looks for ways on how to reverse that slide. The nice thing is that manufacturers and cosmetic producers and practitioners are all aware of these needs. And that they swamp the market with goods and services that can address this concern. And the teeth whitening paste is one answer offered and being tried by millions in order to whiten their teeth. So does this product work its wonders and deliver on its promise?
Up to some extent, yes this product is a good teeth whitening. When used the right way and in the right amount, this can effectively remove the stains on the surface of the teeth. Majority of these stains that can be removed by the paste include stains made by drinking coffee or by smoking. The paste can be used as well in the bleaching and at the same time best used when maintaining that shiny white teeth. But be reminded that this product will not work to change the natural color of the teeth that has been overly exposed to the fluoride during its development.
In theory, what makes the teeth whitening toothpaste works are its major ingredients. These products may contain special abrasives and these are the ingredients that work to remove the dirt on the teeth. And these products will always contain chemicals. And it is the role of these chemicals to break down the stains taken down by the abrasives.
Half of the reason why this product works can be linked to the proper use and application. It is recommended by oral health practitioners that this should be used twice a day. And through continuous use of around two to four weeks, there will be changes in the color of the teeth. Right now there are advances in the technology that allows for the teeth to become whiter at a shorter period of time. These new products contain blue covarine.
So how safe is the teeth whitening toothpaste?
The good news is that this product is safe for everyday use. But when abused, then this can bring damage to the teeth than joy. The excessive use and abuse of the teeth whitening paste may damage the person’s enamel. So here’s the thing, use the product in moderation, or as recommended by the manufacturer. And to get into the safer track, when shopping for this kind of toothpaste you may want to get the paste that carries the seal of approval of the American Dental Association. The seal of approval indicates that the toothpaste that you are holding has been found to be effective in cleaning and in making the teeth white.
These products are also best for preventing or reducing the incidence of tooth decay. Remember that the teeth whitening toothpaste is just one of the many options in order to make that teeth white. Consider options and always talk with the dentist first.
The Pros And Cons Of Teeth Whitening Strips
Teeth whitening strips are very popular. In fact sales of teeth whitening strips are rising steadily that it is expected to surpass sales of whitening toothpastes soon. The main reason for this is its ease of application, availability and affordability.
Teeth whitening strips are a comparatively new addition to teeth whitening for home use. The idea is to provide the customer with less messy, more convenient, least expensive but still provide effective whitening results compared to other teeth whitening home systems.
Teeth whitening strips are very flexible, very easy to use thin strips of plastic coated with bleaching agents that stick to the teeth. It comes in pairs designed for the upper and the lower teeth configuration and is applied in areas where the teeth are visible as the person smiles. Unlike other teeth whiteners, the whitening is only on the aesthetic area and like all whitening products; it is kept in the mouth for a period of time. Customers use the plastic strips while watching television, working out, doing household chores or overnight.
The usual active bleaching ingredient is carbamide peroxide. Some strips uses hydrogen peroxide but only with 6% strength where normal concentration ranges from 10 to 20%. Since carbamide peroxide is only half the strength of hydrogen peroxide, the visible effect will take about two weeks of continued use, much longer than bleaching trays that contains hydrogen peroxide and in-office treatments but because it is, teeth whitening strips is gentle and comfortable to even those with very sensitive teeth and gums.
Another reason for its popular use is that while the strips are thin, usual bleaching trays are bulky that could aggravate jaw problems, trigger gag reflex and messier to wear and remove. These differences allow a person to do much of the normal activities with less interference.
Still like most everything, there is a downside to teeth whitening strips. For one, the adhesive used may not stick very well in the teeth or it could fall off, sometimes at an unfortunate time. People who use the strips while sleeping could find out the morning after that the bleaching is to be reapplied all over again. Besides, the results, no matter how diligently done, will never equal to in-office whitening where the procedure is conducted and is professionally supervised by a dentist.
All cosmetic enhancements are subjective to the person. While companies are aiming to give superior results every time and is continuously working at providing such, customers could sometimes fall on the side the unsatisfied. When using teeth whitening plastic strips therefore, the person has to lower the expectation. Realistically, plastic strips are designed as a do-it-yourself-at-home remedy. Unlike teeth whitening trays that are designed by a dentist or a licensed practitioner to fit personalized requirements, the strips are for general use and therefore are designed to address every possible requirement without causing discomfort.
There is no risk to using dental strips, however if the person wants a whitened teeth as soon as possible which could meet particular expectations, the dentist is irreplaceable.
Teeth Whitening – How It Works
The outermost layer of a tooth is the enamel. This is a thin layer that partly covers the tooth and forms a wrap for the exposed crown. Following that is the dentin. The dentin is very similar to the enamel except it is not as hard and as shiny and while the enamel is generally white in appearance, the dentin is not. Extrinsic tooth stains forms in the enamel while for the most part, intrinsic stains that show trough the enamel occur in the dentin.
First, the tooth enamel is a highly mineralized very hard part of the tooth composed of strand of rod-like crystalline materials. These rods while very tightly packed have microscopic gaps in between them. The density of the crystalline rods differs from individual to individual and explains the reason why some tooth enamel are tougher than another person’s enamel. Nonetheless, all most all of us are born with bright shiny teeth. Even the permanent tooth that follows later invisibly white is cast.
Through everyday wear and tear, the gaps between the rods fill up with debris, tannins and other coloration that stains it. Anything that is put in the mouth will leave its mark trough forming a pellicle film over the teeth which initiated in the pores between the rods. While brushing rids most of the materials that are accumulating, not all of it is removed. Over the years, the accumulation of the debris forms layer upon layer of film that show eventually as stain.
The good thing is that while the staining agents worked its way through the pores in the rods, the whitening agents also use that access to free the teeth of the stains through oxidation reaction. For this two main whitening agents are used, the hydrogen peroxide which is a strong bleaching agent for many bleaching purposes and the much milder carbamide peroxide.
Although hydrogen peroxide is usually the bleaching agent used in in-office procedures it could also be used at home for those who do not have hypersensitivity in the gums or in the teeth. For most practices though Carbamide peroxide is used for home whitening kits. Carbamide peroxide although slower acting also works very much like a hydrogen peroxide. When in the mouth, carbamide peroxide breaks down into urea and hydrogen peroxide with hydrogen peroxide being the bleaching agent.
The dentin on the other hand could also catch stains. Many stains when allowed for a long period of time could get into the dentin forming stains that could show through the enamel. Other factors which could easily get through the enamel to the dentin are cracks in the teeth suffered through a trauma to the tooth, grinding, aging and other accidents. Blood leeching inside the tooth will also tend to stay there and form a stain.
While extrinsic stains are easier to remove, intrinsic stains usually needs more involved professional supervision. The basics though are the same. A bleaching agent will be applied and over a period of time, stains disappear through the stains reaction to oxidation.
What To Remember When Shopping For Teeth Whitening Paste
Many studies have it- teeth whitening pastes that are available in the supermarket works and are safe. And when used properly, say twice daily the expected effect by the person can be realized in as a short as two weeks. And everyone can even increase the chance of being in the safe side if they can shop for the whitening tooth paste that is approved by the American Dental Association. And if you are one of those who will try this product for the first time due to its efficacy and safety, there are some things to note and to remember. Listed below are easy-to-do reminders when shopping for your first toothpaste whitener:
• Take seriously what the American Dental Association says. This is the leading organization and entity that you would want to listen to with regards to any products related to dental care. They often select products that comply with their standards. And if the organization is to be consulted, it is best to ask for assistance from your dentist before buying impulsively.
• Bleaching is one of the roles performed by the whitening paste. Now did you know that the efficacy of the bleaching will depend on the amount of peroxide used in the toothpaste? And will also depend on the time used in contact with the teeth? The products that you can get normally from the supermarket will contain around 10 percent peroxide. And the pastes used professionally may contain up to 43 percent peroxide content. Now the next time that you are in need of teeth whitening you know where to turn no.
• Speaking of bleaching, this is what you need if you have yellow teeth. If you have brown or gray teeth, then bleaching will not be as effective as you will expect.
• When shopping for this product, do keep in mind that the crowns, the fillings and the veneers will not be affected by the whitening action of the paste.
• Complement the use of the whitening toothpaste with the services of professional teeth cleaner. This is something that you would like to do if you want to achieve the best results for your teeth. The dentist or any professional is the one that will do the initial cleaning process. The dirt and the stains at the surface of the teeth will be removed, and will be primed up for the whitening session courtesy of the whitening toothpaste.
• Buy the desensitizing toothpaste. This is one good investment if you want to take teeth whitening seriously. This can be used before and after using the teeth whitening toothpaste. The use of this product will limit the sensitizing effects.
What are listed above are some things that should be kept in mind when looking for a teeth whitening toothpaste. This is totally different from your ordinary toothpaste, and as such shopping for the product requires special considerations as well. When you are properly guided, for sure you will get the right product for your needs- just like a teeth whitening toothpaste.
Teeth Whitening – Popular Beliefs, Adverts and Facts
Stains catch attentions easily, when the stain is in the teeth, more so.
How you look today is very important. This is why local home teeth whitening products have become very popular. The dentist will always give the best advice, treatment and service, and it is recommended that even for simple cosmetic enhancements there must at least be a professional consultation. After the initial consultation, the process of getting an appointment, finding the time and actually sitting in the dentist’s chair is not always convenient besides there are a lot of conditions where it is actually more practical to get a teeth whitening kit and apply it at home where the person could save enormously on fees and time.
First off though, toothpastes no matter how it is advertised to whiten the teeth do not contain enough substances to alter the color of the teeth. What it contains are silica for example and some aluminum and calcium that will be enough to remove stains but not really to counter the natural discoloration of the teeth as it ages nor does it contain substances that react with the mineral structure to whiten a dark colored teeth.
Second, most tooth bleaching agents such as gurgles and gels contain peroxide. It is not entirely true that using bleaching agents containing such reduces the enamel of the teeth over time. If it does, it is actually very negligible and so does not have adverse effect on the tooth. Sure there could be, in some cases, mild irritation and tooth sensitivity during the initial stages but these usually are gone after a few days of treatment. What basically it does though is change the color of the teeth superficially.
Not all teeth discoloration is superficial. The teeth could be stained from the inside that will show on the outside that will not go away no matter the strips, gels, whitening pastes, bleaching pens and gurgles done. For example, blood that has leeched inside a tooth will discolor it. For these, internal bleaching must be done by a professional. The process is basically the same. A bleaching agent will be placed and sealed inside the tooth that will make its shade lighter given time.
Not all teeth are white. The teeth have sixteen varying shades. While a temporary tooth may be sparkling white, the teeth replacing it may be not. As a person grows older, the teeth darken in shade, no matter how healthy and no matter how clean. But a clean white and shiny teeth is so important, very much so that even in ancient times royalties and people who can afford it applies whitening powder to their teeth even when it has proven to accelerate teeth rotting.
So important in fact that while not all of us could flash a George Clooney smile, we do not want to draw attention where the attention should not be. For one thing, it could very well probably be that the person you just talked too, if the person was paying attention could not be looking at you in the eyes but was watching your mouth while you speak.
Teeth Whitening: Just Before You Consider It
All teeth whitening methods are safe when applied according to directions. However, no two sets of teeth are alike and may therefore react differently to different methods. No matter, it will always be safest to consult with a dentist before any teeth whitening are applied. This may cause a little inconvenience for a time but then it is always best and for the most part it is only a one time visit. After that you could be on your own and consider home kits and self help solutions. Never though must tooth whitening be done on kids below sixteen years old, pregnant women and lactating mothers.
Following are some of the risks that are frequently encountered.
Increased teeth sensitivity
This is more likely to happen when the treatment is done in a clinic or a health spa because bleaching agents that are used are more concentrated than home bleaching kits. More concentration of the bleaching agents however means faster results compared to home treatment methods that are very much “watered down” to insure safety.
Some of the risks that are likely to occur are sensitivity to touch, temperature and pressure. For persons with sensitive teeth though, toothpastes containing potassium nitrate are recommended. Even without specialty toothpastes, the sensitivity is usually over in two days. However, persons with recessed gums, faulty tooth restoration and cracked teeth are more likely to encounter shooting pains.
Irritation
Bleaching agents contain peroxides. Peroxides when it gets in contact with the soft tissues inside the mouth will often give a tingling sensation that may not be pleasant to about half of the patients undergoing teeth whitening. Peroxides also have a taste that may be unpleasant to some. In any case though the taste is very bearable and the tingling sensation may be ticklish but the feeling is always a cleaner mouth afterwards.
Normally, irritation of the soft tissues in the mouth could last several days. For most people though, the irritation lasts only while the bleaching agent is in the mouth and dissipates gradually with use or when the strength of the mix is reduced. Again not everyone suffers mouth and gum irritation.
Uneven Teeth Coloration
Mouth whitening and bleaches only affect the color of the teeth. What it does not bleach are crowns, veneers, restorations and other materials relative to tooth repairs. So while the teeth are becoming whiter with every application, those that are not retain its original color and results to uneven coloration.
The best part is, unlike most cosmetic procedures, teeth whitening are really very inexpensive. Teeth whitening price ranges only from $100 to $400 except for complicated procedures but those procedures are rare.
The risks therefore are very much worth it. In days like this when cosmetic surgery reigns supreme, when we are judged by our looks (no matter what the cover of the book says), when Hollywood sets the standard for pleasantness and likability, and when everyone around us spends a fortune to look good, a yellow smile is not an option.
Why It’s Best To Get Professional Teeth Whitening Services
There are two major ways on how you can transform those ‘yellow teeth’ into white ones. The first option is to do it all by yourself. You get to the nearest supermarket and buy your weeks’ supply of teeth whitening toothpaste and the desensitizing toothpaste. And what you do after is to religiously brush your teeth as recommended by the manufacturer of the product. The other way is the simplest. You get the services of the professional that offers professional teeth whitening services. This is the most cost-effective way of managing your teeth without having to wait for weeks for results. With the services of the pros, you can automatically get your set of white teeth in hours!
So what can you expect from these teeth whitening services?
If you choose this way, then you choose the fastest and the safest way of making your teeth. This is true of course, that you have chosen the right provider. But do remember for good services like this one; expect to pay a premium for it. Right now, the service cost may range from $500 to $800. Though there may be some services that will fall under $500, but be reminded that these services rarely come. In many of these services, the most common method that is used is the light therapy.
This therapy makes the bleaching process faster and more effective. It is said that this process can lighten the shade of the teeth 10 times more than other whitening agents. And the nice thing about this process to whiten the teeth is that the effects can be there for around two years. This means that you will not need another round of professional cleaning and whitening service for the next two years.
When it comes to professional services, there are also those services that are referred to as more specialized, which means that there are added special services for you. For example there are specialize whitening centers that are present in major cities. And these special centers will have dentists that will check first the oral condition of the person before the whitening treatment can be suggested or performed.
If for example there are other serious concerns relating to the oral health condition, then the practitioner will not recommend outright teeth whitening procedure. Rather that person will be referred back to the dentist for proper assistance. If the pre-check reveals no problems, then the person will be up for the procedures related to teeth whitening. If you are willing to undergo this kind of specific procedure, keep in mind that the approved method is through the use of the blue-spectrum light.
If the budget is not enough to cover the professional whitening sessions, then the option is to go for the home bleaching kit. But with these, the whitening sessions will be done by yours on your own time. In the end, the professional teeth whitening services are best for those looking for best results at the soonest possible time.
Over-the-Counter Solutions For Teeth Whitening Discovered
For many, teeth whitening procedures include a trip to the dental office. This is partly true. But everyone should be reminded that there is more to the procedures that are performed in the dental office. There are other options as well available for many that can be performed and maintained in the comforts of the home. Examples of these options are the products that can be bought over-the-counter. These are the whitening formulations that are carried by supermarkets and drug stores. Listed below are some of the top over-the-counter solutions that you can choose for your issues with regards to your teeth.
Whitening strips and gels
Gels are popular solutions for teeth whitening. These are clear gels that contain a good concentration of peroxide- that main ingredient that facilitates teeth whitening. These gels are often applied to the surface of the teeth with the use of a small brush. Most of the gels that are available in the market will call for you to apply these gels at least twice a day and this should go on for the next 2 weeks. The results can be realized after a few days, and the white color of the teeth can be maintained for months provided of course that proper maintenance is made. The strips on the other hand are thin strips that are coated with the gel fortified by hydrogen peroxide. These strips are also attached to the teeth twice a day. The strips should remain in your teeth for at least 30 minutes before these strips can be removed. The use of the strips should be done on a continuing basis for the next 2 weeks, same thing with the gels.
On whitening rinses
Whitening rinses are new introductions in the market and getting popular as well. This works just like the mouth washes. And initially, these rinses are best in making breathe fresher. But the main intent of this product is primarily for teeth whitening and this is because of its main ingredient- the hydrogen peroxide. Just like the ordinary mouthwash, you just need to swish the waster around the mouth for the next 60 seconds, and this should be done at least twice a day. Use this product for the next 12 weeks and you will see the results that you are looking for.
Some users stand for the efficacy of these products. But there are some sectors that question the efficacy of whitening rinses in making the teeth whiter. The reason for this may lie in the amount of time that the water enriched with peroxide is in contact with the teeth. For the rinse, the peroxide is in contact with the teeth for 2 minutes a day. Contrast this with the contact that happens with the teeth and the peroxide for strips, where the strips need to be attached to the teeth for as much as 30 minutes!
With these options when it comes to teeth whitening, there should be no reason why you cannot find time to address your concerns with your teeth. They are easy to purchase and works just as fast.