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Is it True That Ancient Egyptians Whitened Teeth with Urine?

Posted on by smiles4u.

I’m trying to come up with low-cost ways to bleach my teeth so I don’t have to get Zoom whitening done at my dental office. I know it sounds gross, but I swear I heard that people in Egypt used to use urine to make their teeth whiter. Is this true? If so, is it safe? — Anonymous

Dear Anonymous,
You’re pretty close on your history. It was actually the ancient Romans who gave their teeth urine baths. Ammonia, which is a common household cleaner, can be found in urine, and does have the ability to brighten a smile. Although it’s effective, it takes some time and the Romans were advised to make it part of their regular regimen. It’s no surprise that, today, most people prefer Zoom whitening because it’s faster, more predictable, and, of course, a lot less gross!

The Egyptians, on the other hand, were more prone to using a pumice mixture. Interestingly, pumice is still found in the prophy paste hygienists use to polish teeth today. Although it can help remove stains on the surface of a tooth, it can’t get stains that have seeped into a tooth.

Either case may be considered a step up from the methods used in the early 19th century. Barbers, who were often the one-stop-shop for all things hair, medical, and dental-related, used to shave teeth down and apply acid to them. Sure, they became whiter, but without the protective enamel, they also decayed rapidly.

Techniques have improved over the years because there was a need for it. Zoom whitening is a highly popular option because it delivers results safely,  quickly, and consistently. If you’re hoping for quality results, but need a smaller price tag than in-office Zoom whitening, ask your dentist about custom-made take-home trays. Take-home systems work in a very similar manner and provide results over a period of days or weeks, depending on how often you use them, the strength of the solution, and how long you wear them. Plus, they do so without giving you ammonia-breath, and your close family and friends are sure to prefer the newer, more professional methods, for that very reason.

This post is sponsored by New Orleans cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune. Read more about why many consider Dr. Delaune to be the best dentist in New Orleans.

Getting rid of white spots…Zoom whitening didn’t work!

Posted on by smiles4u.

I just recently got my braces off. I love how straight my teeth are, but I have very noticeable white spots on some of my teeth. When I asked my dentist about how to get rid of them, he suggested Zoom whitening. I did the Zoom, but for some reason it didn’t work. What went wrong? — Aliya

Aliya,
This is one of the problems that happens when general dentists try to do cosmetic dentistry. Unfortunately, in your case, your dentist doesn’t really know the right thing to do. While Zoom whitening is a very effective treatment, when teeth are uneven in color like you are describing, it simply doesn’t work and neither will at-home systems. As you might be noticing, the spots are probably getting worse rather than better.

The good news is that there are treatments available to help. For the most part, white spots are caused by calcification around the braces due to oral hygiene issues. There is a product called Tooth Mousse that was developed specifically to help re-mineralize these spots. Microabrasion is also an option, but it tends to result in more of a “creamy” look, rather than white.

Direct dental bonding is probably your best option because the softened and de-calcified enamel (which is actually the early stages of tooth decay) is removed and replaced with composite that can be matched to your exact tooth color.

This post is sponsored by New Orleans cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune. Read more about why many consider Dr. Delaune to be the best dentist in New Orleans.

Sharp tooth pain while whitening

Posted on by smiles4u.

I started using a home whitening kit a couple of weeks ago and up until this morning, I didn’t notice any problems. Today, I experienced a sharp pain in my front tooth that was chipped several years ago and repaired with bonding. I think the bonding was done about ten years ago, so I am wondering if it is at a point where it needs to be replaced, but I also worry that the whitening has weakened it. — Aneesa

Aneesa,
Bleaching gel hasn’t been known to weaken bonding. If that were the case, the repaired part would probably fall off and not just be a sharp pain like you are describing.

Your tooth probably has a sensitive spot that used to be covered by bonding agent and the whitening gel is affecting it. This is a good example of the importance of a dentist’s supervision when you are whitening. Stop bleaching for now and make an appointment with your dentist so you can determine the exact root of the problem. If it is a sensitive spot, it can be coated with a product that will help with the sensitivity/pain so you can continue on with your regimen.

This post is sponsored by New Orleans cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune. Read more about why many consider Dr. Delaune to be the best dentist in New Orleans.

Is my 11-year-old too young for Zoom whitening?

Posted on by smiles4u.

This may sound like a terrible question, but I’m not one of “those” moms. My daughter is 11 and wants to have Zoom whitening done and I support her in it. If it was for vanity’s sake, I might be a little hesitant, but her teeth are kind of yellowish, and her regular cleanings don’t help. Last school year, she was bullied horribly by her fellow students and it really affected her self-esteem. She’s a beautiful girl, a star student and athlete. She doesn’t deserve this. I’d like to surprise her with Zoom whitening over the summer, so that she goes back to school with a smile she’s proud of. Will a dentist treat her at this age? If not, are there other options?  — A Mama Bear

Dear Mama Bear,
Your daughter is right on the cusp of the age when most dentists will give the green light on a procedure like Zoom whitening. Although Zoom whitening is not an invasive treatment, and it doesn’t damage the teeth, most dentists will want to wait until all the adult teeth are present. Some may also want to wait a couple of years beyond that. Check with your family dentist and be sure to explain your situation exactly as you have here.

As far as alternate procedures, it’s a good idea to have a consultation to address why your daughter’s teeth are discolored with the dentist anyway. It could be hereditary, permanent staining, or diet-related, but it could also be a symptom of something else. It could even be a sign that she has very thin enamel. If this is the case, Zoom whitening would probably cause such extreme sensitivity that she wouldn’t find it worthwhile. The results are likely to be mediocre at best as well. It’s also best to stay away from over-the-counter options at this age and work closely with the dentist to solve the problem instead. Your dentist may provide other in-office solutions during the consultation, but if it’s an enamel problem, she may need bonding or porcelain veneers to correct it.

This post is sponsored by New Orleans cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune. Read more about why many consider Dr. Delaune to be the best dentist in New Orleans.

Do affordable at-home whitening systems work?

Posted on by smiles4u.

I loved how white my teeth were after having an office whitening treatment a few years back. The dentist used a blue light method, but it was so expensive. I want to keep that bright-white smile, but can’t afford that cost year after year. Is there something cheaper I could use and would give me almost same results? — Miranda

Dear Miranda,
While those in-office treatments are the best for giving you a fast and beautifully, white smile, today’s dental technology offers a lot of other ways to whiten your teeth.

Have you checked into the teeth whitening trays your dentist can make? You’ll get similar results to the in-office treatment, but it will just take a little longer. The good news is that these trays can be used at home and are very affordable because you pay for them once (unless you mouth changes or they damaged or broken). The only expense you have after that is whitening gel for touching up or boosting your color.

There are also some dentist who will offer patients free bleaching trays and gel as an incentive to come in for regular cleanings. They will continue to give additional gel as needed provided you continue to follow-up with them for your routine visits.

This post is sponsored by New Orleans cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune. Read more about why many consider Dr. Delaune to be the best dentist in New Orleans.

I shop at the mall, why not whiten my teeth there, too?!

Posted on by smiles4u.

I wanted to get my teeth bleached, but I called around to a few offices and it’s out of my budget. A few of them said they’d give me stuff to use at home for a couple hundred bucks, and the offices that did Zoom whitening charged much more. I’ve been checking out a place at the mall and I’m pretty sure it’s the brand name, but they’re offering it for about $100. Is it safe to do and how can I be sure it’s the real deal? — Amber

Dear Amber,
More than likely, the product you’re seeing isn’t really Zoom whitening, because they sell a professional-grade product. It’s designed for a true dental office, in which a doctor oversees the procedure. Since we don’t know what type of bleach the place at the mall uses, it’s tough to say whether the active ingredient is the same. However, the brand name uses hydrogen peroxide, and many others use carbamide peroxide, which works similarly. If their formula uses one of those in a powerful concentration, it’s probably effective.

The main problem people run into with mall kiosk bleaching is that the technicians aren’t usually dental experts. In an office setting, you’ll have the doctor to oversee your treatment, and will have a highly-skilled assistant performing it. Because the active ingredient is super-strong, safety protocol must be followed, or you can wind up with nasty burns on your gums, the equivalent of sunburn on your face, and very sore teeth. You really need an expert to perform the procedure, not just an average mall employee who took a class and may or may not understand the human body, as well as the chemistry and biology involved.

Cleanliness is also a huge factor. These kiosks may or may not have the equipment on hand to sterilize items before you use them and, again, the person responsible for sanitization may or may not have been properly trained in infection control.

Even if the mall company has managed to secure brand-name Zoom whitening, it’s only safe and effective in the hands of someone who is skilled. In other words, it’s really a gamble to have bleaching done outside the dental office and most dental professionals don’t recommend it.

This post is sponsored by New Orleans cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune. Read more about why many consider Dr. Delaune to be the best dentist in New Orleans.

Will teeth whitening hurt my baby?

Posted on by smiles4u.

I have been planning my smile makeover for forever. I literally got the treatment plan from my dentist two years ago, but because insurance won’t cover most of it, I’ve had to save. My plan was to start with teeth whitening and then replace my metal fillings and then do some veneers. Well, I got the teeth whitening done a couple weeks ago and my appointment to start the rest of the work is next week. I just found out I’m pregnant. I don’t even know how far along I am, but I’m sure I must have been when I had my teeth whitened. Everything I can find says that you shouldn’t bleach your teeth while you’re pregnant, but nothing tells me why. Could I have hurt the baby?  — A Terrified Mama to Be

Dear Terrified Mama,
Relax and take a couple of deep breaths. There is no evidence to suggest any harm will come to your little one. In order for any kind of drug, medical material, or piece of medical equipment to be deemed safe during pregnancy, it has to get FDA clearance. The only way to get this is by having controlled trials in which healthy babies are born after the product has been used on the expectant mother. Naturally, there isn’t a whole lot of interest in the medical community, or with moms-to-be, in pursuing clinical trials. That doesn’t mean it will cause harm. It simply means it hasn’t been proven to be safe.

While this might seem like a slight nuance in language, it’s everything to the FDA and to manufacturers. This is why each one will tell you to either consult your doctor or not to use it if you’re expecting. There have been no reports whatsoever recognized by a reputable agency of babies being harmed by tooth whitening products. The warnings are simply a protective measure.

If you’re still concerned, have a chat with your OB/GYN. She’ll likely set your mind at ease. With that said, you may want to hold off on the additional cosmetic work until after you’ve delivered. Restorative treatment needed due to decay is generally ok after the first trimester and with clearance from your OB, but cosmetic work is usually on the no-no list because of the anesthetic and stress. Your OB may advise you otherwise, though, so always defer to her for treatment going forward. You can pick up where you left off with the cosmetic work after the baby is born. If need be, a few days of whitening at home should be able to boost your color back up to where it is now.

This post is sponsored by New Orleans cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune. Read more about why many consider Dr. Delaune to be the best dentist in New Orleans.

Will free teeth whitening offer give me something to smile about?

Posted on by smiles4u.

A local dentist is advertising free whitening if I become a patient at his office. Is this a common incentive dentists offer new patients? I wonder about how legitimate this offer is and if I’ll get there and it will be some cheap whitening toothpaste or another product that won’t give me the results I want. Is it worth checking out? — Marsha in Oakland

Marsha,
You’ll see lots of dentist these days who offer incentives for new patients – and teeth whitening is a common one. If you’re concerned about the legitimacy of the offer, the best thing you can do is call the office and ask a few questions before scheduling an appointment. Ask how much you would typically pay for the treatment they are offering and what products you will receive. While there are various treatments that can whiten your smile, the free treatment they are offering is likely an out-patient product rather than a whitening system done in the office that achieves results in a very short period of time. The dentist will make custom trays for your teeth and send you home with whitening gel that will gradually lighten your teeth over a period of days. It will be your responsibility to determine when you’ve reached your desired shade.

Keep in mind that there may be some rules or stipulations that apply, and you’ll want to ask about those ahead of time. It’s possible that you could find out you’re not a candidate for teeth whitening – particularly if you had dental work on your front teeth or you have periodontal disease that needs to be addressed first. There might also be a limit to how much gel they give you or how often you can get refills.

This post is sponsored by New Orleans cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune. Read more about Find out why many consider Dr. Delaune to be the best dentist in New Orleans.

Can I whiten my bonding?

Posted on by smiles4u.

About 14 years ago I had bonding done on my two front teeth. I really need to have it replaced because it is no longer white, but I am still saving up the money to do it. Until then, will bleaching help with returning it to its original color?  — Sara in Texas

Sara,
Unfortunately, you cannot whiten dental bonding – not even with those high-powered whitening procedures that are done in the dental office. If you try to do it, it will only make your natural teeth look whiter and the difference in color will probably be even more noticeable. Have you talked with your dentist about polishing the bonding? If the discoloration is from external staining it’s possible that the discoloration could be polished away. If the staining is internal, you’ll get the best results by having the bonding replaced.

Be patient and continue to save your money. When it comes to bonding, the worst thing you could do is go bargain shopping for the best price. You’ll want to be sure your dentist has the expertise, artistry and skill to do it right.

This post is sponsored by New Orleans cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune. Read more about Find out why many consider Dr. Delaune to be the best dentist in New Orleans.

Does a holisitic dentist offer safer teeth whitening?

Posted on by smiles4u.

I’ve been thinking about whitening my teeth, but I’m concerned about the chemicals that are used in many of today’s teeth whitening procedures. I have read that some can cause cancer.  I have often thought about seeking out a holistic dentist in my area. I like my dentist, but he uses more modern practices and when I asked him about whitening, he recommended the in-office procedure, which I know is loaded with harsh chemicals. Would a holistic dentist have other options? — Annie in Maryland

Annie,
You are not alone in your concerns and today more people are seeking out natural and holistic dentists. Sadly, many practitioners still rely on what they learned early on in their training, and don’t take the time to seek out the latest information on products and procedures and whether or not they can affect our bodies in a negative way.

The most common active whitening ingredient linked to cancer is the hydrogen peroxide found in in-office treatments. There is no definitive proof that it harms the body, and the only way it can be absorbed is through soft tissue contact. It’s unlikely that your gums will absorb much whitening gel because it is applied with custom-made trays that fit only the teeth and in-office systems block out your gums. You would feel it burning or tingling if it did, and your dentist would need to remove it immediately.

Take-home systems are much lower strength and safer because they are generally made with carbamide peroxide. Holistic dentists often prefer the take-home method because of this.  If you like your dentist and aren’t ready to make a switch ask and see if he has a take-home system that contains carbamide peroxide. An absolute all-natural solution that many people get results with over time would be brushing a mixture of baking soda and lemon juice on your teeth a couple times a week and leaving it there for a few minute. Be sure to rinse it off right away so that the acid in the lemon juice doesn’t damage your enamel.

This post is sponsored by New Orleans cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune. Read more about Find out why many consider Dr. Delaune to be the best dentist in New Orleans.