Is Teeth Whitening Dangerous?

Teeth whitening is now the in thing, with at least 70% of the population having tried one form or another of teeth whitening from toothpastes and strips to laser.

Teeth whitening procedures use either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide (which breaks down into hydrogen peroxide after a few hours). These bleaching agents are available in different strengths from 5% up to 40%.

In the majority of cases the only side effects are increased sensitivity with hot and cold foods and mild pain that tends to disappear within 2-3 weeks.

Teeth Whitening Kits

Most teeth whitening kits bought over the counter contain less than 10% bleaching agent and they need to be used everyday for 2 weeks. In Australia, regulations require that they contain less than 6% peroxide. It is possible to obtain higher concentrations online and you should be aware of the risks associated with using them.

Whitening kits comprise a bleaching gel and a tray. You put a small amount of the gel on the tray and fit the tray over your teeth leaving it there for half an hour to all night depending on strength of the gel. The safest ones are those kits supplied by your dentist because the trays are made to match the exact shape of your teeth and there is less risk of the gel burning your gums or irritating your throat.

The major risk is side effects due to the condition of your teeth before using one of these kits. It is important that you consult your dentist before buying an over the counter teeth whitening kit.

If you have any cracks or cavities the bleaching gel can access the tooth nerve and cause severe pain and even kill it.

Another risk is the overuse of these teeth whitening products. Prolonged use can cause pain, irritated gums, receding of the gums, irritation to the gastrointestinal track, the wearing away of the teeth close to the gums, and a bluish translucent tint that can be permanent. Make sure that you follow the product's instructions and don not use for longer than recommended with a touch up every 6 months or once a year.

Laser Teeth Whitening Treatments

These procedures are usually carried out by a dentist and use up to 40% hydrogen peroxide gel. They deliver up to 8 shades whiter in an hour or two. The bleaching agent is so strong that it can burn any soft tissue in the mouth.

To avoid harm to the gums and tongue the dentist first apply a protective layer of a plastic-like gel to the gums. He also uses a dental retractor to pull back the lips. He then paints the bleaching gel on the surface of the teeth and applies a light to accelerate the whitening effect.

This procedure can also cause sensitivity and pain even if performed by a dentist. These side effects have been known to continue for up to 3 months after the treatment.

Another thing to be aware of is that bleaching your teeth removes the pellicle. The pellicle is a protective layer that covers your teeth. Without this layer your teeth are more prone to absorb stains, so it is important to avoid coffee, tea, red wine, coke, any dark coloured foods, and smoking for at least 48 hours until the pellicle reforms. Otherwise your teeth will get about two shades darker right away.

Teeth Whitening Toothpastes

Teeth whitening toothpastes work by using abrasives and a chemicals that dissolve surface stains. They take between 2 to 6 weeks to make the teeth appear 2 to 3 shades whiter. Prolonged use can damage the enamel of your teeth.

Whitening toothpastes only remove surface stains, they do not work on deep stains or change the natural colour of your teeth. Some toothpastes use a substance called blue covarine which sticks to the surface of the teeth and makes them appear whiter.

Teeth Whitening Strips

Teeth whitening strips work in the same way than whitening kits. They contain up to 10% hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide gel on a flexible plastic strip. The strip moulds to the shape of your teeth and bleaches your teeth.

They may be safer than the over-the-counter whitening kits because there is no risk of the bleaching gel spilling over your gums, however if the strips are applied too close to the gums you may still get burns or irritation.

Summary

It is important to consider that whatever method you use, teeth whitening is only temporary and your teeth will start getting stained again right after treatment. In the best of the cases some lightening may be retained for up to 3 years. Avoiding smoking and eating foods that stain; and brushing your teeth after every meal will help prolonging the brightening results.

Most whitening kits or treatments cause sensitivity and sometimes pain to most people. Most at risk are those using over-the-counter kits without first consulting their dentist. Existing cavities and cracks can cause serious problems and you can even losse teeth.

Because the results are temporary people tend to overdo it which will cause a weakening of the enamel. Just like over bleaching your hair your teeth will become porous and brittle, making them susceptible to cavities and causing sensitivity and pain.

Natural Ways for Whitening Your Teeth

Natural whitening methods only remove surface stains giving you up to 3 shades lighter. They can also be used to maintain your teeth white after a bleaching treatment.

• Eat lots of crunchy vegetables. Vegetables such as celery, carrots and apples are great to clean plaque and stains.
  
  
• Mix Baking Soda with your toothpaste and brush your teeth with this once a week for maintenance or once a day for 7 days and then only once a week. You may be tempted to do this more often, don't. Baking Soda is a mild abrasive, use in moderation it removes plaque and stains, abused it will damage the enamel of your teeth.
  
  
• Rub lemon and orange peels on your teeth. The citric acid will break down stains whitening your teeth, however it should not be used more than once a day for a week. Can be repeated every six months. If used more often it will damage the enamel of your teeth and cause sensitivity.
  
  
• Make a paste by mashing strawberries with a fork and brush your teeth with this paste. Strawberries contain malic acid which is very good at breaking down stains and whitening your teeth. You should brush your teeth with toothpaste afterwards because strawberries also have sugar.
• However the best way to whiten your teeth naturally is using Activated Charcoal (Activated Carbon). Activated Charcoal is excellent at absorbing toxins and tannins. Most stains in your teeth are caused by tannins present in everyday foods and tobacco. Activated Charcoal will remove the stains on your teeth without damaging the enamel and you can use it every day. What's more, It will also protect your mouth from plaque and bacterial growth because it balances the PH.
  
  You can buy Activated Charcoal in powder form or capsules at health stores. You must be careful when using it because it can make a mess in your bathroom, although it does not stain, and can be easily removed with water. Take a plate with you to the bathroom and place it next to the sink. Carefully open the capsule in the centre of the plate (or pour a small amount of the powder). Wet your toothbrush (don't use an electric toothbrush) and dip it in the powder. Carefully move the brush over your teeth, only once. Leave the charcoal in your mouth for 5-8 minutes. Rinse your mouth well and brush with your normal toothpaste.

How to avoid lines and wrinkles around the lip area

Have you ever wondered why some people despite being only in their early 30's show a large amount of lines and wrinkles in the skin around the lips?

When you are talking to another person your eyes are drawn to movement and the mouth is one of the main focal points, second only to the eyes. In other words, if you have deep lines around the lips it will be the first thing the other person will notice about you, that is why it is so important to keep your mouth looking it's best.

There are many factors, all avoidable, that contribute to lines around the lips.

1.  The main culprit is smoking. Smoking cigarettes will damage your skin in two ways:
• The actual cigarette smoke contains many toxins that dry and kill the skin cells and the lips are the most exposed area. 
• Puckering the lips when inhaling makes your muscles overwork in the same expression creating wrinkles around the lips.


2. From about two decades ago, we are seeing carrying our water bottles around everywhere we go. Initially confined to the gym and excursions the water bottle has now become our constant companion, with the average person taking a sip every 5-10 minutes.
   
   You should be aware that this health icon is one of the worst habits that cause lines and wrinkles around the mouth. The constant puckering of the lips, dozens of times a day, cause deep lines over time. So, next time, when you sit at your desk with a water bottle, also grab a cup and drink from the cup instead.
   
   If you are out and about you can try squirting the water into your mouth or drinking with the whole lid off, rather than sucking it.


3.  Avoiding the sun whenever your can or using a broad spectrum sunscreen will prevent the formation of fine lines around the mouth. The sun causes premature aging causing the collagen in our skin to break down and the cells to dry increasing deep lines in the lip area and our face in general.
   


4. Drinking alcohol dehydrates our skin contributing to wrinkles around the mouth, so minimise alcohol intake.


5. Clean and moisturise your skin twice daily: morning and night. Don't use soap. Use a cleaning lotion that is gentle to the skin and will balance your PH. Follow it by applying a good moisturising cream that will hydrate your skin diminishing fine lines and wrinkles around the mouth and the whole face in general.


6. Drink plenty of water, specially during the summer months. Water will hydrate your skin keeping it supple thus diminishing unsightly deep lines.
   
   
   

HOW SHOULD WE WASH OUR FACE

Washing your face seems pretty simple but you will be amazed at how many people are doing the wrong thing.....

Environ Skin Care Products

1) Wash Face With Clean Hands

Don't be surprised how many people don't clean their hands before cleansing their face. So wash your hands first, then wash your face to avoid rubbing all the dirt from your hands into your face.

2) Wash Twice Daily

Over washing the face can lead to irritation and lack of moisture. We should wash our face twice a day: in the morning and once again at night before we go to bed. Make sure to rinse any cleanser off completely, residue can lead to irritation and dryness. It is good to use lukewarm water to rinse our skin, if the water is too cold or too hot it can cause dehydration.
If your skin is oily it is better to soak up the excess oil with a tissue rather than washing your face more often.

3) Pick a Right Cleanser

Depending on your skin type, you should pick a pH-balance cleanser that suits your face. Most cleansing products have a surfactant, a chemical or natural compound that helps break through the surface tension of the skin. The cleanser absorbs dirt and oil and removes them during rinsing. Make sure ingredients list does not contain fragrance, parabens or harsh soap. Never-ever use soap to wash your face.

4) Don't Over Exfoliate

Do not over exfoliate the skin by using harsh grains. Many exfoliators contain sharp crystals made from particles of apricot pits or nuts that can cut into the skin causing irritation and inflammation. Be gentle to the skin by using a gentle scrub made from rice or enzyme exfoliant so don't cause damage to the skin. Depending on the exfoliant you may be able to use it everyday or as recommended by the product instructions.

Lastly, always put on a suitable moisturiser after wash to prevent dehydration.

HAPPY WASHING !