A Whiter Brighter Smile

I recently visited the dentist with my three children for their routine check ups.Whilst I was there I noticed a lot of information displayed on the notice board for various types of cosmetic treatments;which included botox and dental whitening treatments.I have always taken pride in my appearance and thank my mum on insisting I saw an orthodontic technician in my youth;I am confident to smile!However I've always been curious as to why I have just one tooth slightly discoloured than the rest and I suppose with most celebrities enhancing their appearance vanity in today's society is important as we are constantly exposed to media cosmetic perfection!

Air brushing is used frequently on celebrities photograghs in magazines to enhance their appearance;however teeth can be whitened now safely either at home or in the dentist's chair.

Anyway having been quized by my children over my yellowish tooth and whilst I was there I decided to ask my dentist what was responsible for my one premolar to be discoloured and this was his reply.

Discolouration of teeth may result from bacteria stains, tobacco, tea, coffee, foods with an abundance of chlorophyll, restorative materials, and medications Stains from bacteria may cause colors varying from green to black to orange. Green stains also result from foods with chlorophyll or excessive exposure to copper or nickel. Amalgam, a common dental restorative material, may turn adjacent areas of teeth black or gray. Long term use of chlorhexidine, a mouthwash may encourage extrinsic stain formation near the gingiva on teeth. This is usually easy for a hygienist to remove. Systemic disorders also can cause tooth discoloration. Congenital erythropoietic porphyria causes porphyrins to be deposited in teeth, causing a red-brown colouration. Blue discolouration may occur with alkaptonuria and rarely with Parkinson's disease. Erythroblastosis fetalis and biliary atresia are diseases which may cause teeth to appear green from the deposition of biliverdin. Also, trauma may change a tooth to a pink, yellow, or dark gray colour. Pink and red discolorations are also associated in patients with lepromatous leprosy. Some medications, such as tetracycline antibiotics, may become incorporated into the structure of a tooth, causing intrinsic staining of the teeth.

So after this detailed annalysis,I enquired over my yellowish tooth,which must have been caused through injury in childhood because I could rule out all the other reasons given for it!The majority of my teeth are naturally white so my options were to either have a :

• descale and polish at a cost of £36 or approx.$55

• otherwise if I wanted to go a shade brighter to consider teeth whitening treatment at a cost of £200 or approx.$307 !

I only want one tooth treating so being reluctant to splash out on the full cosmetic whitening procedure I decided to look at other cheaper alternative options.

• One natural remedy that does brighten the teeth is using bicarbonate of soda(baking soda) .It is a great substance for descaling the tartar that builds up on teeth.Basically all you need to do is dip your tooth brush into the powder and use for a least 4minutes before rinsing your mouth out.

• Always brush your teeth after drinking tea or coffee and carbonated drinks to prevent staining.

• You can now purchase professional safe home teeth whitening kits that are not expensive and guarantee results or your money back within a period of time of using their product;terms and conditions always apply.Some kits contain 16% Carbamide Peroxide which is equivalent to 5.8% Hydrogen Peroxide. It is exactly the same amount a Dentist will use during in-surgery whitening treatments, only the actual strength may differ. These kits store easily and can be kept for up to two years.Home teeth whitening kits are effective whenever you need to brighten up your smile.

Make sure that the teeth whitening kit you choose, is approved by the Food & Drug Administration of America and UK.

So in my conclusion to a brighter whiter smile,I shall be giving the home treatment a trial because:

1. It's cost effective.

2. It's safe.

3. If it works for one tooth only I shall be even more happier to smile!