Teeth Whitening

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.


 

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Home Whitening Kits Or In-Office Teeth Whitening

Typically, teeth whitening procedures start with a dentist. After an In-office examination, the dentist would either do the procedure in his clinic then recommend a home kit for the patients to conduct the treatments or follow up procedures at home. There is however cases when home kits are better used. The following are your guide.

While in-office teeth whitening produce fast results the bleaching agents used contain hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxides are very potent bleaching agents that could cause tooth hypersensitivity and gum irritation. If you have this condition, it is best to use bleaching agents that contain carbamide peroxide. This agent may not be as fast acting but it is far gentler and would likely be recommended by your dentist. Depending also on your condition, the concentration of carbamide peroxide in your bleaching tray could be lowered by your dentist to insure comfort as the teeth is being bleached.

There are many cases where the staining is deep and for the meantime intractable. No amount of bleaching will be effective unless other procedures are conducted first. If ever, the stained tooth will only become more apparent while the surrounding teeth are bleaching white. In cases such as this, the dentist may recommend a home bleaching kit and recommend other alternatives to peroxide bleaching or an intensive home bleaching program. Recommending crowns, veneers and bonds may also be considered.

The teeth tend to become more transparent as it ages. This is particularly apparent with the front teeth as it is the thinnest in the set. Whitening aged teeth requires a different procedure other than bleaching.

While there are 16 shades of teeth, they are divided into two basic types, the yellowish and the greenish. Stains on teeth that are greenish-grey in cast are harder to remove while those that have a yellow cast tend to whiten faster.

Since teeth whitening and bleaching are among the simplest cosmetic procedures and provided you do not have cracks crowns porcelain veneers, special teeth and gum conditions, home kits are advisable provided you start with a low mixture of bleaching agents and water. Peroxides that are sold over the counter have indications and recommendations for the mixture which you could use. There are teeth whitening / bleaching kits that could be had OTC because there are also disadvantages to in-office teeth whitening.

Setting an appointment with the dentist aside from finding the time to sit in a dentist's chair and the follow up sessions that are required could be time constraining to other people. When it is just a simple teeth bleaching program, especially with those who have yellowed teeth only, other alternatives works just a fine. One of the primary considerations aside from time is the cost. While over the counter whitening strips would only cost around $100, in-office whitening averages $650 upwards and take home trays around $400. In-office bleaching could also require follow up sessions and depending on the age, and staining, in-office teeth whitening could produce unpredictable results.


 

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Teeth Whitening

The main advantage of using over the counter whitening is the cost. A price that ranges between $10 to $35 against supervised tooth whitening that costs from $600 to $1000 and in some cases, beyond the K mark is indeed attractive not to mention the same teeth whitening results. The question though that causes many people to hesitate is its safety, it is.

Except when there is a special tooth and gum problem, where the teeth is prone to hypersensitivity and where the gum is easily irritated, over the counter teeth whitening ranks among the safest in cosmetic enhancement. Teeth whitening gels, strips, pens, gurgles and other treatments are generally designed for self help and the mix is generally very mild. This is not only done to avoid problems but to market the products most effectively. Highly successful products depend much on acceptability, endorsement by word of mouth and repeat sales. Over the counter teeth whitening has in a short period of time claimed that. In fact it sparked controversies among dentists, but more to that later.

Even as professionally supervised teeth whitening treatments contain hydrogen peroxide as its active bleaching agent that is safe enough even for home use, over the counter preparations contain carbamide peroxide which is even safer and milder. The effects are the same. While hydrogen peroxide acts faster, carbamide peroxide when left in the mouth for a time divides into urea and hydrogen peroxide that acts on the stains by the oxidation process. It gets into the spaces of the rods in the enamel of the tooth, lifts the stains and drains the stain out. Several repetitions of this and the teeth become as white as its original color. Since over the counter teeth whitening trays are milder, it would take longer and more treatments but it would also prevent gum irritation and tooth sensitivity.

Another popular concern is whether bleaches weaken the enamel of the tooth.

A study conducted by Kugel et al confirms that indeed repetitive and prolonged use of peroxides could weaken the tooth's enamel. However, the effects are very negligible. Aside from that, the saliva replaces tooth enamel that is lost if ever there is.

Even for people who have tooth hypersensitivity and gums that could easily be irritated, the discomfort is readily remedied by gels and pastes containing fluorides or less frequent use of the whitening agents.

Not everyone though is a good candidate for teeth whitening. There are teeth conditions and stains that are resistant to bleaching. Examples of these are trauma to the tooth that caused the stain, blood that has leeched to the dentin, people with fillings, crowns and veneers. Crowns, veneers and fillings will always retain its default color while those that are deep in the dentin will need professional supervision.

Initially, when established companies launched teeth whitening products, many dentists felt that the products will be taking their patients away from them. The opposite happened. Teeth whitening products generated enthusiasm, interest where heightened and dentists now has much more in-office patients than before.


 

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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.


 

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Know The Limitations When It Comes To Teeth Whitening Procedures

Who can say no to teeth whitening? For sure not you and your group of friends; often a white teeth is not only for selfish and personal reasons. Everyone will agree that this can also help in social and professional relationships. So you cannot really fault those people who rush into having these procedures. And if you are rushing into having your own sessions with your favorite dentist or you know someone who is planning to, it's best to hit the brakes first. These procedures are not for everybody; there are some restrictions and once you have checked these then you can always retry the services of teeth whitening. And what are these limitations? Consider the list below, and be guided accordingly.

* These procedures are not best for those below 16 years of age. The procedures in teeth whitening may compromise the pulp chamber and the nerve of the tooth. And at that stage, the pulp is still enlarged and when done for people of this age then this may only irritate that area. Also it should be remembered that these procedures are not best for pregnant women. Once the women gave birth and has finished the lactating stage, then that is the time that whitening procedures are safer.

* For those with allergies, consider a stop first on the plans to have teeth whitening. This is especially true for everyone who is allergic to peroxide.

* Do you have a gum disease, exposed roots or you have worn enamel? If you have these gum diseases, then the teeth whitening procedures are highly discouraged. The whitening solutions may get into the decaying part of the teeth and this can result to sensitive teeth.

* If you have filling, crowns and restorations then it is not encourage that you try these teeth whitening procedures. The reason for this is that the whitening agents will not act on these. And if it does, then there will be uneven whitening on the teeth. If you are planning to whiten your teeth and at the same time planning for restorations, it is recommended that the teeth whitening procedures should be done first before the restoration. The best thing to do in this kind of fix is to get the suggestions of the dentist.

* These treatment and formulations are not recommended for someone with high expectations. So you want shiny white teeth in a snap? Well you cannot get this from the many teeth whitening services available right now in the market. It takes time to get the desired results. And also do remember that if you are not helping yourself (think: smoking) then there is a big chance that the results will be delayed and may be minimal. Do take note that the bleaching action can be faster if you will also do your part in the teeth whitening process.

It doesn't mean that if you fall in one of these situations, then you can no longer try teeth whitening. The restriction is just temporary. After you have addressed it, then you can always try out the whitening procedures.


 

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In-Office Teeth Whitening

This procedure is also known as power whitening. This is so because in-office bleaching methods have more bleaching concentration than that which is offered over the counter thereby producing faster results. In-office tooth bleaching is also the safest. Unlike tooth whitening done at home, in-office whitening is conducted and monitored by a professional practitioner. Risks therefore, no matter how low and the aftereffects no matter how mild is attended too eliminating discomfort.

Not everyone is a good candidate for in-office teeth whitening. People with tooth and gums hypersensitivity may undergo a different regimen or may be given home treatment kits for the patient to use though due to the patients hypersensitivity, the treatments and dosages are mild and will therefore take a longer period of time. Patients that have staining that are yet intractable may not be good candidates as there are stains that are resistant to bleaches. For one, bleaching may only highlight the resistant stained tooth as the other teeth are becoming whiter. Tooth transparency is not also a good candidate for in-office treatment. The front teeth most especially are very thin and gets more and more transparent with age. For this a different procedure may be taken.

Aside from those mentioned above, in-office whitening could be conducted with basically the same procedure. The teeth will be prepped by cleaning away the debris, dirt and plaque that have accumulated in-between and on the teeth. After that, a dental exam is conducted to check for cracks, tooth decay and gum problems. Photographs will then be taken which will be used as a benchmark when assessing the whitening progress. The shade of your teeth will also be measured thru the Vitapan shade guide to arrive at a correct shade that your teeth should have. The teeth are not expected to shade lighter than its natural cast.

Following that, a retractor will be placed inside the mouth to expose the teeth in the zone visible when you smile. A protective rubber dam is them placed in the gum to protect it from irritation when the bleaching gel is applied. The bleaching gel is then applied to the teeth and then rinsed off after at least 15 minutes after which another application of the bleaching gel will be applied and kept in the mouth for approximately the same period of time. Additional application of fresh bleaching gel could be opted depending on the development of the treatment and how the teeth have whitened. The gel is then rinsed off or suctioned and the cheek retractor is removed.

Immediately afterwards, the teeth will be several points lighter than its natural color. This is to be expected as a result partly of teeth dehydration. The real color will emerge though after a few days.

When the desired results are not achieved with the session, a follow up treatment will be recommended by the dentist to be scheduled at a future date. Usually though, a home bleaching kit will be provided.


 

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You Can Use Pressure Points To Relieve Headaches

If you don't have access to some kind of headache medicine, can't wait for them to work, or are tired of constantly having to take medicine to treat a headache then you will probably be interested in finding ways that you can use pressure points to relieve headaches. There are some points that are pretty obvious, but others that may surprise you. Not all headaches or migraines can be helped by using pressure points, but most of the time you can get some kind of relief from using them.

There are several places on the head that can bring about relief.

The first place to try is your temples. This is one area that you aren't going to be able to apply much pressure. Simply take a finger on each hand and place them on your temples and then massage gently, moving in a circular motion. Doing this for half a minute to a minute may help bring about some comfort.

Another place on your head to try putting pressure is on the inside of your eyebrow lines close to the nose. Here you can feel free to apply a good bit of pressure. If you can have someone else do it for you, have them start from that point and move their thumbs back across the forehead towards the ears.

There are also a couple points you can apply pressure to that is where your hairline is supposed to be. They will be right in line with the outside corners of your eyes. Moving your fingers inwards towards the middle there is another point that you can use.

Moving down your to your shoulders there are a couple more points that you can use. About half way between the outside of your shoulders and your head there are places and muscles that can be massaged. This area is usually pretty tense and the goal is to get this area loose again. It may take a little time and a bit of discomfort at first, but when it loosens up, your headache should some as well.

At your elbow, there are a couple more spots that applying pressure to can help take away the pain of a headache. One spot is near the top of your forearm close to the bend of your elbow. It won't take you long to find it. There is another spot that is diagonally down from that at around the bottom of your bicep muscle. Either one of these spots can bring some headache relief. Just go back and forth between these spots and you will likely see your pain dissipating.

One spot that can bring some relief is in that meaty part in between your thumb and index finger. Pinch that area putting pressure on the front and back and you will feel a very sharp pain, but the pain in your head will be lessened.

If you were to do a further study on acupressure and reflexology (dealing with points on the feet) you will be able to find several more pressure points to relieve headaches. Some aspirin might help, but try using these pressure points before you put anymore chemicals into your body.


 

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Wine Jaw Pain- Really Could It Be

There are many things that can cause jaw pain and many people wonder if what they eat or drink can cause the problem. I'm not a doctor and if you want a professional opinion you should ask your doctor, but my guess would be maybe. It is possible, I suppose, that wine jaw pain can go together.

More research has shown that small amounts of wine, say a glass with dinner, on a daily basis might help prevent some diseases. One thing that a glass of wine might be able to do for you is to help you relax. One very common reason for jaw pain is when people clench their jaw or grind their teeth.

Sometimes people do not even know they are doing it, they do it while they are asleep. One sign that yo do this is if you wake up with a sore jaw, neck or face. That might well be an indication that you are clenching or grinding during the night.

This behavior is often caused by too much stress in someone's life. That's where the wine can come in. If you have a glass before bed and it helps you relax, you might be able to alleviate some of the stress related jaw issues and awaken refreshed and jaw pain free the next day. Again, ask your doctor what she thinks. All things being equal and assuming you don't drink too much or have a problem with alcohol, I doubt she will have a problem with it.

Of course, if you over indulge you may just wake up to find an aching jaw is not the worst of your problems, you may have an aching head too. Moderation is the name of the game.

If you do have problems with jaw pain keep these other ideas in mind: eat soft goods, stay away from things that have to be chewed, ask your doctor or chiropractor for some simple jaw exercises you can do to keep your jaw muscles loose and limber, use hot or cold compresses on your cheek, take Omega 3's since they can have an anti-inflammatory property to them.

These simple lifestyle changes may be all you need to avoid getting jaw pain in the first place.

To lessen your stress you may want to take the t.v. right out of your bedroom and don't watch t.v. right before bed. Also, don't work in bed. Turn off the laptop before you go to your room for the night. Listen to some relaxing music before you turn in for the night. These are just some of the things you can do that might make it a little easier to relax.

Like I said, I'm not a doctor and this is just my opinion but to me it seems like the only way wine could give you jaw pain would be if you just drank too much, it was too cold or you had an allergic reaction to it. Whatever the case may be only you can decide the wine jaw pain correlation for you.


 

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Why Finish Your Detox With A Salt Water Cleanse

As you near the end of your detox diet, top it off with a complete and immediate flush such as the salt water cleanse. Also known as the salt water flush, this process is great for clearing out your digestive tract after your cleansing program. It's important that you keep in mind that the salt water cleanse is not for use as a detox, if your desire a more thorough detoxification regimen try either the lemon juice detox the raw food diet, the salt water cleanse process is only intended to give your digestive tract a final cleansing before you return to your usual diet.

In order to complete this cleanse you'll need 1 quart of water boiled or distilled and 1-1/2 teaspoons of sea salt. Natural store bought sea salt is better and if you can find natural freshly ground sea salt in your health food store that would be best. However under no circumstances will regular table iodized salt do. The refining process alters the molecular weight of the salt rendering it no good for this purpose.

As you know, if you were stranded on a boat in the ocean you could die of dehydration. This is because the weight of sea salt water is the same as your blood therefore your body does not recognize it. This is the same premise working with this flush, this saltwater mixture is as indigestible as ocean water and your body will expel it within 2 hours like an internal enema.

To prepare your cleanse: with your water at room temperature, add the salt and mix until the salt is completely dissolved and chug. As difficult as it may be, it's important to finish as much of the liquid you can in one sitting. If you're having trouble getting it all down within 20 minutes you may want to decrease the amount of salt to 1 teaspoon.

Because the salt water cleanse is similar to an internal enema, you must have immediate and regular access to the bathroom. Everyone is different but the mixture can travel through your digestive tract in as little as 45 minutes so be ready. Also keep in mind that when this flush evacuates your colon it will be accompanied by everything you've eaten for the past couple of days, this is another reason why the salt water cleanse should only be used following a detox diet. It would become quite painful to your stomach and senses to attempt this level of intestinal flush on a system filled with regular food.

As with any water cleansing program, results will from person to person. Some people can finish their bowel cleaning in a couple of hours others may take a little longer especially the first couple of tries. One thing that is common among all who try this is that there is quite a bit of additional energy and a great appetite.


 

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When You Think A Friend Is A Binge Eater

There are certain things that you must do when you think a friend is a binge eater. The act of bingeing is also called compulsive eating because it is something that they do not have control over. This is why they will need your help to overcome this addiction.

The first thing to know is the reason behind what they are doing. This needs to be brought up in private. The condition is often a reaction to a traumatic time in their lives, depression or loneliness. They feel a sense of worthlessness and resort to the only comfort they believe is at their disposal at the time, which is food. That's why it is important to sit them down and discuss what is going on.

As with other addictions, more than likely they will deny what is happening. This is when the facts will have to be pointed out to them. Letting them know that you are there to go through it with them will allow them to open up and express the underlying reason behind what is going on.

They will probably feel embarrassed which is why it is best to confront them in private. But once you gain their confidence it is the starting point to realizing everything around them that triggers an episode. You will also need to take the initiative to remove anything that can cause a flare-up to occur such as favorite foods or junk food in general.

They will also need to have a way to re-direct their attentions when they feel an episode coming on. Being available to walk, exercise or even just sit and talk will do wonders for the condition. It takes their mind off of the easy fix and focuses their attention on a healthy alternative. The less time they have alone the better and faster the positive results will happen.

It is also a good idea to help them find a professional to guide them through treatment options. Being a friend is important, but it cannot take the place of someone who is experienced and very knowledgeable that can spot important factors and resolve them before they become bigger issues.

The best thing to remember is that when you think a friend is a binge eater they will need for you to provide the guidance in the matter. It may be a long process to recovery, but having you there with them gives a whole new meaning into why they are called friends.


 

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