Archive for August 2010

Professional vs At Home Teeth Whitening

 Teeth whitening is a simple procedure which uses a bleaching agent to reduce the appearance of stains and to create a healthier, more attractive smile.

Most dentists have now entered the teeth whitening market to offer professional teeth whitening services to those looking to correct stained or yellow teeth. However just like most services provided by professionals,  the cost of tooth whitening  by  a dentist can be high and consequently out of the reach of many.

 Fortunately there is now a large range of at home teeth whitening products available on the market that are as effective as professional dentist chair teeth whitening treatments.   Not only are they as effective but they are also more affordable.  more convenient and most definitely more appealing to the many that have a strong aversion to the dental chair and want to spend as little time in it as possible!

Professional teeth whitening treatments performed by your dentist may cost anything up to $1000. For a fraction of the cost you can achieve the same results with at home teeth whitening solutions. There are also a variety of application methods so that there is something to suit everyone and the convenience of being able to apply the treatment in the comfort of your own home. Instead of waiting awkwardly in the dental chair for the treatment to take effect,  you are able to go about your usual routine or relax comfortably in front of your television whilst the treatment whitens your teeth up to 6 shades lighter!

 The most frequently asked question by those who are considering at home teeth whitening as an alternative to whitening treatments performed by a dentists is usually is  are home teeth whitening products safe? The truth is that many of the products available as at home teeth whitening treatments are the same as those used by dentists. The difference is that you are paying for a professional to administer the treatment for you.

The reality is that teeth whitening is a rather simple process that does not require a professional to administer  – it is simply a matter of applying the teeth whitening product to your teeth and leaving the treatment on for the recommended period of time.

Whiter Smile has a range of teeth whitening products starting at just $50 for our teeth whitening starter kit, this product allows you to trial at home teeth whitening, see how easy it is to apply and the difference in the whiteness of your teeth that is achieved in just  one week!

Causes of Bad Breath

The exact reasons that bad breath may occur can vary. It is difficult to pinpoint exactly which cause is creating every individual’s problem. The clinical term for bad breath is halitosis, which is an oral disease that is more common and widespread than you may think.

To find out if you have halitosis, there is a very simple test. Just lick the back of your hand and wait a few seconds for the saliva to dry. Once you have done this, smell the back of your hand. If there is a bad smell, you may have halitosis.

The presence of bacteria in the mouth and on the tongue is the main cause of bad breath. This oral bacteria’s growth is due in part to remnants of food left in the mouth. This can cause a buildup of tartar and plaque. Gum disease left untreated can also contribute to bad breath. Certain foods containing volatile sulfur compounds, such as onions and garlic, can also create sour odors in the mouth, as well as consumption of alcohol, coffee and dairy products.

Using tobacco products can also be a factor of bad breath, as well as other oral diseases. Gum irritation, loss of taste and tooth discoloration may result from tobacco usage. Periodontal disease, another possible effect from tobacco, can cause severe bad breath as well as irritation.

Most people associate bad breath with diet, however medication can be a precipitator as well. Various antidepressants such as aspirin and diuretics can have a common side effect of dry mouth, or xerostomia. Saliva is a natural mouthwash that our body needs in order to reduce oral bacteria. When dry mouth occurs, the production of saliva is reduced, which in turn causes more bacteria to grow. The saliva ducts also lessen production during sleep, which is why most people wake up with “morning breath”.

Another possible cause of halitosis is related to health problems. Common ailments such as bronchitis, chronic sinusitis, diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders, kidney disorders, liver malfunctioning and respiratory tract infections can all be causes of bad breath.

Luckily, everyone who suffers from halitosis has options. Whiter Smile has a selection of bad breath treatments available through our online shopping facility to treat bad breath including a  range of products bo Therabreath  and BreathRX.