What's the best tooth whitening product?

December 9, 2008 by · 4 Comments
Filed under: Blog 

I have yellow teeth that have been like that forever (hereditary?). I don't have money for an expensive procedure but would be willing to try products. I have had Listerine whitening recommended to me but would like some other opinions preferrably with reasons or personal experience.

Chewing on crunchy foods like carrots, apples and celery, is said to cause friction which helps get debris off your teeth that can stain them. There are many old natural remedies and some new natural and/or herbal products, as well as, some chemical products, all claiming to whiten teeth.

The color of teeth comes from genetics originally, and it varies person to person. Teeth will natually discolor over time due to age. The best way to keep teeth as white and you were designed to have, is to avoid foods, liquids, drugs, and products that stain teeth.

Avoid things known to stain teeth, like coffee, tea, red wine, berries, tobacco products, food colorings, etc…. Avoid direct exposure to a lot of raw lemons or citrus products like tomatos, limes, oranges, as the citric acid wears the enamel off the teeth, and when dentin is exposed (like with cavities), it can cause discoloration. If you do eat them, rinse your teeth right away. Avoid carbonated drinks that contain phosphoric acid, like coca cola for the same reason. Sports drinks often contain citric acid, phosphoric acid and organic acid (coffee contains organic acids, also). The latter two are known to break down calcium, along with breaking down enamel. Also, If you eat raw papaya or raw pineapple, rinse your mouth after eating them, as they have enzymes that can cause sores in your mouth and gums, because they break down proteins.

The antibiotic tetracycline is known to cause teeth to stain and so is fluoride and caffeine. Mercury fillings cause teeth to stain where the tooth comes in contact with the filling; This is because of galvanization. So, one should get all amalgams replaced. Gold seems to be ok as long as it is a good quality gold such as high noble, and white composites or porcelain fillings can be used.

Hydrogen peroxide can whiten teeth, but it can penetrate teeth, which are porous, and cause sensitivity. It is used in dental bleaching. It is a special 35% solution, so buying the 2% bottle of it over the counter in hopes to make your teeth white, will not work and could eventually cause sensitivity, irritation, or inflamation of the gums. Myself, I do not recommend teeth whiteners of any kind, for the same reason. If you do decide to use a teeth whitener, either over the counter or from the dentist, if you are not avoiding foods that cause staining, your teeth will stain again, and you will have wasted your money. To whiten your teeth often, will most likely cause sensitivity, enamel breakdown, and can lead to cavities. The long term effects of teeth bleaching on nerves and blood vessels inside the teeth are unknown. Laser bleaching seems to cause more problems with sensitivity than non-laser bleaching. Bleaching does not work on false teeth, crowns, veneers or fillings (even white ones). You may opt to replace those with lighter shades if you don't like the color. Bleaching is not recommended for children whose teeth are still developing or for pregnant or breastfeeding women.

It is important to brush after meals to avoid plaque and tartar build up, which can also cause discoloration. Avoid toothpastes that contain abrasives to fight plaque and tarter, as they can wear away enamel and make the dentin show through (which has a yellowish or brownish tint), which can cause staining, or cavities or cause your teeth to appear brown or yellow. Also, avoid brushing too hard for the same reason. If you do consume products that cause staining, use water to rinse your mouth directly afterward.

There is a technique called internal bleaching. The only way it can be done is to have a root canal, and root canals cause devastating health effects and should be avoided altogether.

The British Dental Association has expressed concern that the smokers' whitening toothpastes Clinomyn and Pearl Drops are too abrasive. Many whitening toothpastes contain titanium dioxide, a suspected carcinogen and can be absorbed by the skin, and, when the effluent containing it is discharged from manufacturers, it acidifies rivers and seas.

Smokers toothpaste, Topol, containing an abrasive form of silica to remove heavy stains from tar and resin deposits can cause damage to cementum and dentin in people with gingival recession, resulting root exposure.

Tooth whitening actually requires modifying the intrinsic tooth color, chemically alterating the chromophores within the tooth. Whitening toothpastes using bicarbonate, alumina and polyphosphates cannot whiten teeth; All they can do is contribute to stain removal. Whitening requires bleaching or enzymatic disruption.

Acid penetration and dissolution has not been an acceptable method of whitening for nearly a century.

Many products claim whitening ability with various peroxides — hydrogen, calcium or carbamide. For over-the-counter peroxide content is kept low. It has effervescence and maybe some short-lived bleaching because peroxide is rapidly broken down by oral enzymes from bacteria and saliva. Gels stay on longer, but must be used with a tray to work. Only whitening products used by dentists have ADA acceptance. Over-the-counter product manufacturers have never attempted such claims.

A product called NatureWhite contains carbamide peroxide is supposed to whiten your teeth dramatically with just one 45 Minute application. It is said to be the same thing that dentists use and that dentists use a 12% solution while NatureWhite uses a 22% solution. Crest white strips, by comparison, have a 3% solution.

Before whitening your teeth, you should find out if your teeth have thin enamel. This can cause your teeth to have a yellowish or brownish apperance. Whitening will not help in this situation and can make appearance worse and cause sensitivity.

There are herbs that have been used throughout history to whiten teeth. Sage boiled in water to make tea was said to strengthen gums and whiten teeth. During the middle ages, powdered mint leaves were used to whiten teeth. Charcoal was touted as the best powder to use for whitening teeth, removing tartar and preventing decay. Other common ingredients in tooth powders included: cream of tartar, camphor, white castile soap powder, cuttle fish bone, precipitated chalk, powdered borax, powdered gum myrrh, powdered orris root, and talc. The majority of these ingredients cleaned and whitened teeth.

Here are some other natural remedies :

Take a teaspoon of lemon juice and a tsp of salt. Make a paste. Apply this on the yellowish tint.

Use the inner white part of an orange peel to rub teeth for a lovely white shine.

Take half teaspoon of bi-carbonate of soda mixed with a little water to form a paste. Rub this on your teeth.

Dried & powdered Bay leaves combined with dried orange peel is an excellent whitener.

Strawberries, oddly enough are said to have cleansing and bleaching properties that can help remove of tea and coffee stains, especially from dentures. Crush the strawberries gently and rub the pulp onto your teeth. Rinse with water.

There are some new tooth pastes and products with Bromaine Complex™, a combination of the natural enzymes, Bromelaine from pineapple, and Papain from papaya, said to be clinically proven to whiten teeth.

Dentizyme™ is an herbal remedy; it consists of a unique blend of bio-active plant enzymes, organic botanicals, rainforest botanicals, and essential oils. Dentizyme™ users report fewer or no gum disease symptoms, they also report that their gums look pinker and healthier along with excellent teeth whitening results and teeth stains are said to disappear entirely with continued use of this herbal extract.

Tags:

  • How to Keep Your Teeth Healthy Despite Advancing Old Age

    There are a lot of things that people of an advanced age need to think about: knee pain, arthritis, osteoporosis, increasing problems with certain types of diseases, etc… Yes, old age certainly isn’t as nice as the romantics would have us believe. But aside from more pressing physical problems however, old age also requires us to worry about the state of our teeth.

    Like the rest of our body, our teeth slowly decay with age, and there’s really nothing we can do about it. Still, there are certain things we can do in order to make sure that our teeth – like the rest of our body – remains strong and healthy despite the ravages of age.

    For starters, it’s important to remember as far as our teeth are concerned prevention is a whole lot better than a cure. Once our teeth have been destroyed by cavities, infection or simply poor dental health, it stays that way. This is why even elderly people have to take care of their teeth and not take them for granted.

    Next, nutrition is in order. Calcium and a little fluoride are of course good for the teeth. But anything that can help you physically is also good for your teeth. And so vitamins and minerals can go a long way in helping your teeth stay healthy.

    Of course, we can’t leave out dentists from the equation either. Just as you need to visit your chiropractor in instances of knee pain or back pain, you will also need to visit your dentist for teeth pain.

    For younger, visiting the dentist at least once a year (even if your teeth are healthy) is part of good dental hygiene. However, for people of advancing old age, visiting the dentist becomes more frequent by necessity. For some, old age can be a sobering experience, but with the right preventive methods, you can keep your teeth nice and healthy.

     

  • My Pains, My Chiropractor

    Having low back pains has made me very familiar with Chiropractors.  As a health care discipline and profession, it emphasizes diagnosis, treatment and prevention of medical disorders of the musculoskeletal system, especially the spine thus I usually run to my Nashville chiropractor for my pains. 
    As the third largest health profession, behind medicine and dentistry, chiropractic care for low back pains became common. With their license, practitioners in the field are reliable enough given the education and training they obtained. 
    My Chiropractor has been taking care of me for ages now and without his help, I would not be able to function properly nor write this blog post without pain. So, if you even need chiropractic care, do your research because getting a good chiropractor may just be your saving grace too. 

    The Unexpected Benefits of a Good Colon Cleanse!

    Why are so many people looking for the perfect colon cleanse? Given all of our unhealthy diets and unhealthy lifestyles, colon cleansing is a great way to regulate and improve the function of the colon. A regular colon cleanse is also helpful in preventing constipation. A good colon cleanser, coupled with a healthy diet rich in fibers gets rid of undigested waste as well as the hardened fecal mater that is blocking the passageway of the colon. Waste has no problem passing through the intestinal organs, preventing constipation.

    There are many benefits associated with colon cleansers, but perhaps one that people do not expect is the significant weight loss that may come with it. The average colon weighs at about 4 pounds, but it has the amazing ability to store up to 30 pounds of fecal matter. Once the colon is rid of this, it is only natural for a person's weight to go down too!

    Effective Sleep Aid Remedies

    As more and more people experience trouble sleeping, the search for effective sleep aid remedies grows along with it too. From warm milk to prescription sleeping pills, most insomniacs are borderline desperate to try out anything! While it may be helpful to try out herbal infusions and teas, soothing baths, doctors insist on caution when taking over the counter sleeping pills. These pills may do more harm than good, pumping the body with potentially dangerous chemicals. What's more, taking these sleeping pills can lead to dependency, making it harder than ever to fall asleep without them. The best solution is still to go with something natural, which poses less threat to side effects.

    Getting Menopausal Symptoms Under Control

    Many women complain about the very uncomfortable symptoms associated with the onset of menopause. While it is different for every woman, a common denominator always seems to be hot flashes and night sweats and the search for menopause relief. Many women live in fear of exhibiting these symptoms while in public! Who wants to experience a hot flash in front of everyone to see?!

    A great way to get menopausal symptoms under control is to use Hot Flash freedom, a natural and safe progesterone cream! It's so effective that thousands of people swear by it, including, Dr. Matazarro, a Quincy dentist and a respected member of her community. Why not try it? It just might be what you need to get rid of hot flashes and other menopausal discomforts!

    The Search for the Perfect Dentist

    Tooth problems can be quite bothersome, not to mention, expensive! The longer you leave it unattended, the worse it becomes! There are people who have trouble looking for the perfect dentist, which is why they let their tooth problems go on unattended. These people have obviously not heard of the amazing Glastonbury Dentist that I have come to swear by! I am confident that they're not all that's out there. I've heard good things about Richmond Dentist, Dr, Charles Martin. He is always talked about as being the best Richmond Dentist around! My cousin from Kauai also swears by her Kauai Dentist , Dr. Clyde Ishida. He comes with a great recommendation!

    All these referrals just give me confidence in saying that the perfect dentist is out there for you! So, stop hesitating and start your search! It's the only way you'll say goodbye to your tooth troubles!

    Solutions for Retirees

    You could even make it easier for you by looking into an Assisted Living Decatur arrangement. You'll not only be in a comfortable home, but it will be amongst a beautiful community, equipped with the latest innovations in landscaping such as California synthetic turf golf courses. You could really make retiring an excellent opportunity to create a new and exciting life!

    Looking for Business Finance Options?

    Everywhere you look there are exciting and new ideas popping up. Things like Flower Essences are new and exciting concepts, and are carving out their respective niche markets. Perhaps you have an idea that can be marketed too? Why not take the plunge and look into your Business Finance Options! You may just find a factoring receivables a proposition that is to your liking, and one that can give you the funding you need to make your dream business idea into a reality!

    Making a Mark on Your Online Business!

    Getting an edge over its competitors and drawing in thousands upon thousands of potential customers is perhaps every online business' dream! While there are many ways to go about it, perhaps the most effective is to have a compelling web designer to draw up a website your potential clients can really resonate to! Another way to get the hits that you need is to employ effective Search Engine Optimization Techniques as this HUBZone contractor has done!

    If you consistently aim to provide both for your customers, then there is no doubt that they will just keep on coming and coming!

    Easy Travel and Ticket Sources

    Looking for something new to do? Why not get out of the humdrum of daily life and indulge yourself in a little treat! Take the family on a Disney Vacation, equipped with a complete Disney Guide! One of the coolest (literally) places to take your family is Wisconsin Dells - water park capital of the world.

    Or why not pay homage to your local sports team and see a game? There are tons of tickets being sold online. With just a simple search, anyone can avail of Warrior tickets, Ranger Tickets, Leaf Tickets, Nationals Tickets, Celtic Tickets, Kings Tickets, Red wings Tickets, Dodger tickets, Magic Tickets, Heat Tickets, Angels Tickets and so much more! Best sellers include Charger tickets, Cardinal Tickets, Packers Tickets, Giant Tickets, Seahawk Tickets, Raven Tickets, Clippers Tickets, Chiefs Tickets, Thunder Tickets, Redskin Tickets, Cowboys Tickets, Texans Tickets, Raider Tickets , Viking Tickets, Dolphin Tickets and 49ers Tickets!

    I'm sure a pair of tickets would make for a fabulous holiday or even birthday gift. I'm even thinking of getting my brother some Ranger Tickets. I know he's bound to enjoy it! Why not do the same thing? I'm sure the recipient would be over the moon with your thoughtful present!

    Good Quality Water Damage Cleanup Services are not Optional

    If you’ve ever experienced a blown pipe, then you already know how much damage it can do to your home. It happened to me recently and I was unfortunately not home at the time. By the time I got home, the water damage was unbelievable. I lost a lot of items, including books that I’ve had for a long time and really treasured. It was hard to believe that all that damage could come from just one blown pipe. I didn’t know where to start with the water damage cleanup. My carpets were an unbelievable mess and after just a few hours, I could see mold starting to form on my wooden furniture. It’s a good thing that the same thing had happened to someone from work who gave me a number for a water damage Orlando restoration company that he had already tried before. They offered a 24 hour service which was great since I didn’t get around to calling them until pretty late at night. They gave me a free phone consultation and threw in a free visual inspection too. They got my house back to normal in a lot less time than I could have hoped for. They also cleaned my carpets and they look pretty great now. I’m glad that I got the number of a reliable restoration company when I needed it. Hopefully, this will never happen to me again but in case it does, I’ll at least have a number that I can call to help me get back on my feet.