The Right Way to a Healthy White Smile

Tongue Cleaning - The Right Way
The Right Way to Floss
Why Should You Use a Whitening Toothpaste?
3 Surprising Ways To Keep Your Teeth Healthy
Teeth Whitening Choices
Whitening Instructions
Pre Teeth Whitening 
Vaccines For Tooth Decay

Teeth Whitening Choices

There are several different home teeth whitening options once you have decided you want to have a bright, white, natural looking smile. Click each link below to go to the appropriate choice.

 

• Teeth Whitening Trays or Moulds
• Whitening Strips
• White Light System
• Paint on Delivery
• Whitening Gel Re Fills
• Whitening Toothpastes

 

Teeth Whitening Trays or Moulds

The most significant improvement in home teeth whitening kits has been the quality of the actual mould or tray that you make to deliver the whitening ingredient onto the tooth’s surface. The new ‘thermoshrink’ technology moulds are now as close as you can get to those made by your dentist. This is effectively where the huge cost savings can be made as you do not have to pay for your dentists chair time. Here you place the mould or tray into HOT but not boiling water to soften it and then insert into the mouth, press round and mould to the shape of your teeth by sucking ‘out’ any air products to make a near dental quality impression.

 

Then following the whitening kits instructions closely you dispel the whitening ingredient into the tray and insert into your mouth, pressing and moulding to make sure the ingredient surrounds all your teeth. You leave the try in for approximately 30 / 45 minutes depending on the actual kit & strength. You can do the upper and lower set together or one at a time, perhaps one in the morning and one at night.

 

Each system comes with complete with everything you need to whiten your teeth.

 

At Home Teeth Whitening Kits

• Bdazzled Professional
• Bdazzled Xpress
• Bdazzled White Wedding
• Nite White ACP
  
• Day White ACP
  

Crest Whitening Strips

 

 Crest Whitestrips are thin moldable cellulose strips pre coated with bleaching gel (hydrogen peroxide) which when peeled off their coating base are applied to your teeth. The strips stick neatly to your teeth and keep the bleach on the tooth whilst the whitening activity takes place. The range has recently been improved with the addition of Crest Advanced Seal which are stronger and have a unique formula that mean there is very little ‘strip’ slippage during the process. Crest Whitestrips will whiten you upper and lower front teeth, however they will not whiten your back teeth as the moulds / trays will. Over 23 million kits have been sold since the launch in 2001 and there are many happy customers.

 

The current Crest Whitestrips range is;-

• Supreme
  
• Crest 3D Professional Effects
• Crest 3D Advanced Vivid
• Crest 3D Vivid
• Crest 3D Gentle Routine
• Crest 3D Stain Shield
  

 

Whitening Gel Refills

These are whitening gel syringes that are for use if you have already had a dental mould made for you or in the past you have used one of the above home teeth whitening kits. Rather than purchase the whole kit again you simply need to purchase the  ‘top up’ syringes at the strength level you desire.

 

We highly recommend that once you have found the right kit for you and it that doesn’t give you any sensitivity and your teeth whiten over a reasonable amount of time you stick with that brand.

• Bdazzled Xpress & Professional
  
• Night White ACP
  
• Day White ACP
  

 

Paint-On Delivery

These whitening kits come normally in the form of a brush on system (very similar to the application of nail varnish). They are still dental strength carbamide peroxide however they dont have a method of holding the bleach to the teeth.

 

Simply dry off the teeth, then apply one or two coats of the bleach direct on to the tooth (or as directed) and then try to keep the lips off the teeth for about a minute.

 

Whitening Pens are ideal to prevent stain build up over a period of time as you can use them anywhere anytime. They are also perfect for those who have ‘crooked’ teeth when either the strips or trays may ‘miss’ certain parts of the tooth.

 

Whitening Pens

• Bdazzled Top Up  :) Whitening Pen

Whitening Toothpastes

Tooth paste or whitening toothpastes do not whiten your teeth like the methods mentioned above as the ‘ingredients’ are not in contact with the teeth for long enough. However regular use of a ‘whitening toothpaste’ like the ‘whitening pen’s’ can help prevent the build up of tooth stains.

 

Whitening Toothpastes

• Crest Vivid White
• Pearl Drops Professional Whitening
• Pearl Drops Hollywood Smile
• Arm & Hammer’s ‘Extra’ Whitening

 

Teeth Whitening Instructions

 

The following guidelines  are for the use of professional quality thermo shrink whitening trays, dentist moulds and high quality dental strength bleaching gels.

 

Before Treatment

Ideally brush and floss prior to bleaching your teeth as the whitening process is more affective with clean, dry teeth. Make sure that the whitening trays are clean and dry and fit well before applying any whitening gel. Moisture can reduce the efficiency of the gel and can sometimes slow down the whitening process.

 

Applying the Whitening Gel

It is VERY IMPORTANT that you do not fill the whitening trays with gel. Simply place a small drop of the whitening ingredient half way up on the inner front surface of the tray where each tooth has left an impression. Do not spread the whitening ingredient around. 

The average persons arch requires 0.5ml - 0.7ml of whitening gel, and we recommend that you only whiten the first 8-10 teeth as when we smile most people do not see the back teeth. However as everyone is different and our smiles differ it is a matter of choice how many you whiten. The whitening ingredient will mix and work its way around all the teeth during the process so a good coverage is always achieved.

 

Bleaching Trays

Insert the tray into the mouth and over the teeth. If  there is any excess whitening ingredient that seeps over the top of the tray, simply hold the tray in place with one hand and wipe away excess gel with a dry tissue from the lips and gums. Then wear the tray with the whitening gel as directed by the manufacturer.

 

After Whitening

Remove the tray and rinse away any excessive whitening gel. Then floss and brush with your ‘sensitive’ tooth paste or if the teeth are overly sensitive wear the trays for longer with the Dr Collins De-Sensitising gel. 

 

 Important Whitening Considerations

 

Dental Work. 

Tooth whitening will only whiten your teeth back to their natural shade, whatever that was. If you were born with naturally yellow teeth then that is the shade you will go back to. The whitening process works over a period of time and everybody is different, some see results or big shade changes in a matter of days, others who may have more intrinsic stains can take longer. The process generally can take from 5 - 30 days.

 

Tooth whitening will NOT work on any dental work, it will not whiten or bleach, caps, crowns, veneers, bridges,fillings, bonding or any other artificial dental work. It is recommended that once you under go the whitening process you then have your ‘dental work’ redone to match your new shade, knowing that you will always be able to maintain your new levels of whiteness with simply top up whitening.

 

Teeth that have become yellow over time generally whiten the fastest. However Tetracycline (antibiotic) stained teeth or greyish teeth are more difficult to whiten or bleach. If you have amalgam (silver) filling’s, near or behind the front teeth, long term bleaching can cause surrounding teeth to appear or have a green tinge to them. Also, exposed root portion of the teeth which occurs with gum recession also will not bleach. Bleaching teeth that are generally translucent in appearance can cause teeth to become more translucent or darker as the dentin (porous dark layer underneath the enamel) is more visible. if you are concerned about any of t he above it is recommended that you consult your dentist.

  

Sensitivity

As we have already mentioned some sensitivity during the whitening process is normal. Your gums can become slightly sensitive (tingling sensation) or can be moderately uncomfortable. This is common and while using all products containing peroxide based gels, however it is NOT harmful. If you suffer from increased sensitivity then follow our instructions on how to prevent sensitivity, (link to sensitivity here please). Due to the nature of the whitening process crestwhitestrips.co.uk highly recommend the use of Dr Collins desensitising gel (link to product) following a bleaching treatment.

 

 

WARNINGS

• Do not use whilst pregnant
• Keel all gels & syringes out of the reach of children. 
• Do not smoke, eat or drink whilst bleaching your teeth.
• Dental whitening gel should be refrigerated for long term storage. Shelf life is one year un-refrigerated, 2 years refrigerated.

 

Pre Teeth Whitening Instructions

 

Tooth sensitivity can be experienced during the whitening process as hydrogen or carbamide peroxide is applied directly to the tooth’s surface. Sensations from mild tingling to slight discomfort can be felt. However this is normal, it is not harmful to the tooth and will ease after a few days. If more than the above is experienced then you should stop use immediately and consult your dentist.

 

However there are ways to minimise tooth sensitivity.

 

Pre Whitening Instructions;-

1. 7-10 days before commencing a whitening treatment start using a tooth paste that contains fluoride and 5% potassium nitrate. Products like Arm & Hammer ‘Sensitive’, and Sensodyne are perfect. We highly recommend the Pearl Drops Replenishing Polish for use before, during, after and in conjunction with a normal toothpaste or a sensitive one as above. Pearl Drop Replenishing Polish contains liquid calcium which helps restore the tooth’s surface enamel that gets thinner as we age.
2. After brushing with the toothpastes as above we recommend that you start to wear your empty moulds / trays for short periods of time until you get used to them, before using any bleaching ingredient.
3. After wearing the empty trays for a few days we recommend that you then place the Dr Collins De-Sensitising gel in the tray for 30 mins to 1 hour before bleaching. Some dentists also recommend that you can use a desensitising tooth paste in the mould overnight (this must be a foam free one like t he original Sensodyne).
4. Start the teeth whitening process as directed by the manufacturers of the kit you purchased.
5. Continue brushing your teeth during the whitening process with a ‘sensitive’ toothpaste.

 

Key Points

We would recommend that you start with a low strength whitneing gel to begin with and then gradually build up over time. As the cycle is repeated then increase the levels to possibly shorten the bleaching time.

 

If you do experience any sensitivity during the teeth whitening process then we recommend you take the following actions;-

 

Reduce the amount of whitening time and then build up again over a few days

Miss a night or two of the treatment

Ideally after the whitening process, use the Dr Collins De-Sensitising gel inside the tray after bleaching - DO NOT MIX WITH THE BLEACHING GEL.

 

Highly Recommended Pre Whitening Treatment - Dr Collins De-Sensitising Gel

 Vaccines For Tooth Decay

For most of the twentieth century, the only way dentists could treat cavities was to "drill and fill." But what if cavities never formed to begin with, thanks to a vaccine painlessly squirted into the nostrils in the first few years of a child's life?

Harvard Medical School faculty members working at the Forsyth Institute in Boston, an independent research and educational organization focused on oral and craniofacial science, have discovered the basis for a vaccine that could someday end tooth decay in children. Professor of oral biology Martin Taubman, who heads Forsyth's immunology department, and associate clinical professor of oral biology and pathophysiology Daniel Smith, a senior member of the Forsyth immunology department, say their vaccine could prevent decay-causing bacteria from gaining a foothold in the mouth.

Although it has been common knowledge among dental scientists since the 1950s, most people are still startled to learn that tooth decay is merely a symptom of a chronic infectious disease called dental caries (Latin for "rot"). The germs that cause caries, a group of bacteria called the mutans streptococci, amass in significant numbers in the presence of sugar-sucrose, specifically. As mutans break down sugar, they manufacture lactic acid, which strips away tooth enamel and eventually produces cavities.

Rotting teeth are now nearly epidemic around the world, caused in part by the spread of sugary Western foods, including infant formula. In China, 75 percent of five-year-olds have tooth decay. And in the United States, dental caries affects permanent teeth in almost half of all children between the ages of five and 17, most of them poor. Lacking the money to drill and fill, poor children are more likely to see their cavities progress to excruciating tooth infections and to have decaying teeth extracted rather than undergo costly treatments like root canals or crowns.

The Forsyth team aims to pull the rug out from under the cavity-causing mutans germs by making it impossible for them to stick to teeth to begin with. Like other active vaccines, theirs works by introducing a foreign substance, called an antigen, into the body. Antigens trigger the immune system to produce antibodies, which attack the antigens and stay in the system indefinitely, providing long-term immunity.

The new caries vaccine uses an antigen called glucosyltransferase, or GTF-an enzyme that allows decay-causing bacteria to accumulate on teeth and, Taubman says, arouses a greater immune response than other previously tested antigens. By stimulating immunity to the enzyme, the vaccine makes it impossible for the decay-producing microorganisms to cling to the teeth.

Unlike many vaccines that work through the bloodstream, this one triggers immunity in saliva and mucous tissues-hence it could be squirted or swabbed into the nostrils. The researchers believe the best way to provide long-term protection against caries is to vaccinate children at about the age of one, after baby teeth have begun to emerge, but before the mutans bacteria have started to amass in destructive numbers. At this age, Taubman explains, children's immune systems are developed enough to produce the needed antibodies. (Once the bacteria have begun to build up, usually when a child is between 18 and 36 months of age, antibodies still form, but are powerless to interfere with mutans streptococci that have already established themselves on teeth; in high-sucrose conditions, these bacteria can still cause decay.) Since antibodies remain in the saliva-and can be "boosted"-they could conceivably provide lifelong immunity, although this has yet to be proven.

That is the next step: human clinical trials. Taubman and Smith have successfully tested the new vaccine on rats (which, like humans, love to gobble sweets) and also showed positive effects and safety with an orally administered form of the vaccine tested 10 years ago in a Phase I trial involving young men. The researchers are now seeking to partner with institutions that could provide the initial financial support (perhaps $400,000 to $500,000, Taubman estimates) and/or research facilities to help make enough vaccine to test in wider controlled studies.

Alternatively, we could simply give up our love affair with sugar.

3 Surprising Way's To Healthy Teeth

In addition to brushing and flossing, a healthful diet (with natural or added fluoride) protects teeth from decay and keeps the gums healthy. Read on to discover how to keep your smile safe and strong.

Tooth decay (cavities and dental caries) and gum disease are caused by colonies of bacteria that constantly coat the teeth with a sticky film called plaque. If plaque is not brushed away, these bacteria break down the sugars and starches in foods to produce acids that wear away the tooth enamel. The plaque also hardens into tartar, which can lead to gum inflammation, or gingivitis.

A well-balanced diet provides the minerals, vitamins, and other nutrients essential for healthy teeth and gums. Fluoride, occurring naturally in foods and water, or added to the water supply, can be a powerful tool in fighting decay. It can reduce the rate of cavities by as much as 60 percent.

Dental Health Guidelines
Start right by eating right during pregnancy. Make sure that your children's teeth get off to a good start by eating sensibly during pregnancy. Particularly important is calcium, which helps to form strong teeth and bones, and vitamin D, which the body needs to absorb calcium.

You need lots of calcium for healthy teeth and gums. Low-fat dairy products, fortified soy and rice beverages, canned salmon or sardines (with bones), almonds, and dark green leafy vegetables are excellent sources of calcium.

You need vitamin D to help absorb the calcium. Vitamin D is obtained from fluid milk, fortified soy and rice beverages, margarine, fatty fish such as salmon, and moderate exposure to the sun.

Fluoride is key. To a large extent, cavities can be prevented by giving children fluoride in the first few years of life. Fluoride is supplied through fluoridated water (not all municipalities fluoridate their water supply, however), beverages made with fluoridated water, tea, and some fish, as well as many brands of toothpaste and some mouthwash. Fluoride supplements are available for children who don't have access to fluoridated drinking water. It is wise to check to see if the water supply in your area is fluoridated. Excess consumption of fluoride can cause mottling of the teeth.

Also needed are phosphorus, magnesium, vitamin A, and beta carotene. In addition to calcium and fluoride, minerals needed for the formation of tooth enamel include phosphorus (richly supplied in meat, fish, and eggs) and magnesium (found in whole grains, spinach, and bananas). Vitamin A also helps build strong bones and teeth. Good sources of beta carotene, which the body turns into vitamin A, include orange-colored fruits and vegetables and the dark green leafy vegetables.

Children are particularly vulnerable to tooth decay; parents should:

• Provide a good diet throughout childhood
• Brush children's teeth until they're mature enough to do a thorough job by themselves (usually by 6 or 7 years old)
• Supervise twice-daily brushing and flossing thereafter
• Never put babies or toddlers to bed accompanied by a bottle of milk (which contains the natural sugar lactose), juice, or other sweet drink
• Never dip pacifiers in honey or syrup

1. The sugar factor. Sucrose, most familiar to us as granulated sugar, is the leading cause of tooth decay, but it is far from the only culprit. Although sugary foods, including cookies, candies, and sodas, are major offenders, starchy foods (such as breads and cereals) also play an important part in tooth decay. When starches mix with amylase, an enzyme in saliva, the result is an acid bath that erodes the enamel and makes teeth more susceptible to decay. If starchy foods linger in the mouth, the acid bath is prolonged, and the potential for damage is all the greater.

Be careful when eating dried fruits. Dried fruits can have an adverse effect on teeth, because they are high in sugar and cling to the teeth. Even unsweetened fruit juices can contribute to tooth decay -- they are acidic and contain relatively high levels of simple sugars.

Fresh fruits, especially apples, are better choices. Fresh fruit, although both sweet and acidic, is much less likely to cause a problem, because chewing stimulates the saliva flow. Saliva decreases mouth acidity and washes away food particles. Apples, for example, have been called nature's toothbrush because they stimulate the gums, increase saliva flow and reduce the build-up of cavity-causing bacteria. A chronically dry mouth also contributes to decay. Saliva flow slows during sleep; going to bed without brushing the teeth is especially harmful. Certain drugs, including those used for high blood pressure, also cut down saliva flow.

2. Gum disease. More teeth are lost through gum disease than through tooth decay. Gum disease is likely to strike anyone who neglects oral hygiene or eats a poor diet. Particularly at risk are people with alcoholism, malnutrition, or AIDS/HIV infection or who are being treated with steroid drugs or certain cancer chemotherapies. Regular brushing and flossing help to prevent puffy, sore, and inflamed gums.

Gingivitis, a very common condition that causes the gums to redden, swell, and bleed, is typically caused by the gradual buildup of plaque. Treatment requires good dental hygiene and removal of plaque by a dentist or dental hygienist. Left untreated, gingivitis can lead to periodontitis -- an advanced infection of the gums that causes teeth to loosen and fall out. There may even be more serious consequences of gum disease. Studies have shown a link between poor oral health and heart disease. Bleeding gums apparently provide an entry port for bacteria or viruses that can cause heart problems. Women with tooth or gum problems are also more likely to give birth to premature babies.

Bleeding gums may also be a sign that your intake of vitamin C is deficient. Be sure that your diet includes plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables every day; munching on hard, fibrous foods, such as a celery stick or carrot, stimulates the gums.

3. Helpful foods. You can protect your teeth by concluding meals with foods that do not promote cavities and may even prevent them. For instance, aged cheeses help prevent cavities if consumed at the end of a meal. Chewing sugarless gum stimulates the flow of saliva, which decreases acid and flushes out food particles. Rinsing your mouth and brushing your teeth after eating are important strategies to prevent cavities. Here are some tips:

• Consume Plenty Of
• Calcium-rich foods, such as low-fat milk, yogurt, and cheese.
• Fresh fruits and vegetables for vitamins A and C, and for chewing in order to promote healthy gums.
• Tea, which is a good source of fluoride.
• Limit
• Dried fruits and other sticky foods that lodge between the teeth.
• Avoid
• Sweet drinks and snacks.
• Steady sipping of acidic drinks for prolonged periods.

From Foods That Harm, Foods That Heal

Why Should You Use a Whitening Toothpaste?

Read this important Teeth Whitening information below, then CLICK this link to recieve 5% off your order for your Crest Vivid Whitening toothpaste. Simply copy & paste this code OD303V4W5A1B4 and enter at checkout & pay only £6.64 for a massive 4.02oz -  2 months supply!

No matter what condition your teeth are in, you can achieve a whiter smile by using whitening toothpaste. Whitening toothpaste is not only easy to find (on our site, www.crestwhitestrips.co.uk)  but it is easy to use - requiring no special skills or products - to help brighten your teeth on a daily basis. The results of using whitening toothpaste speak for themselves, but we thought we'd give you three reasons to try out whitening toothpaste today:

1. Whitening toothpaste removes stains.

Whitening toothpaste, such as the market leading Crest Vivid White Toothpaste, has been proven to remove surface stains, or "extrinsic stains," from the enamel of teeth. These surface stains can be caused by a variety of discolorants, including tobacco, coffee, and red wine. Repeated use of these common discolorants can cause teeth to appear yellow and dingy.

Whitening toothpaste can restore the luster of tooth enamel while breaking down and removing many surface stains. Using whitening toothpaste may help your teeth look up to two shades brighter with regular use.

2. Whitening your teeth requires no extra time or cost from you.

You're going to brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day anyway - so why not add the extra benefit of getting a brighter smile from your efforts? Brushing your teeth with whitening toothpaste is safe and effective and requires the same time commitment as regular brushing. Whitening toothpastes are also priced competitively with other toothpastes.

3. Whitening toothpaste maintains a whiter smile, especially after using a deep whitening product.

In order to achieve maximum whitening results, it is important to use whitening products that are designed to clean deep down into the pores of your teeth to remove intrinsic stains. These products may include gels, white strips, and whitening pens. However, you will only need to do a deep-down clean about every 18 months if you are able to maintain your whiter smile by using whitening toothpaste on a daily basis.

Whitening toothpaste can help to remove stains before the stains find their way past the tooth enamel to the inside of the tooth. By using whitening toothpaste daily, your teeth can stay whiter longer.

Get your 5% saving now, Crest Vivid White - Simply the best whitening toothpaste on the market.

www.crestwhitestrips.co.uk

 

The Right Way to Floss

How many times have you heard how important it is to floss on a daily basis?

Proper flossing will ensure that food particles trapped next to, or in-between the teeth are dislodged. Brushing alone can be insufficient, as the bristles from the brush sometimes fail to penetrate deep enough to remove all the food.

Which Foss do I Use?
As for the type of floss you use, there is really no best or worst choice. Your pick should depend primarily on preference (i.e. brand, flavor, etc.) and on the amount of space between your teeth.It's estimated that 9% to 15% of Americans experience dental anxiety and fear so strong that they avoid seeing the dentist, in some cases for decades. This is unfortunate, because people who avoid going to the dentist are often the ones most in need of dental care.

If there is very little space, you should go with a fine, waxed thread. Wax makes floss more durable, reducing the likelihood of shredding. However, it can leave a slight film on the teeth that can retain plaque. Dental tape, an alternative with greater thickness, works well if sufficient space exists between your teeth.

Teflon-coated Glide is highly durable and designed to pass easily between the teeth. It's a particularly good option if you have very little space. It is available in tape or thread forms. As for the flavors, they really do not matter - unless they motivate you to floss.

What's the right way to floss?
Irregular (or improper) flossing may cause your gums to bleed - caused by the inflammation of the gums (gingival tissue), or gingivitis. The proper method, as advocated by the American Dental Association (ADA) is to curve the floss against the side of the tooth and proceed to "wipe" it upwards, from under the gum-line.

Do this all the way to the tip two or three times, in a gentle manner.
The key takeaway is that flossing at least once a day is more important than which type of floss you use, and the ADA stands firmly behind this recommendation.

Tongue Cleaning - The Right Way

A white tongue is something that nobody wants to have.  Not only does a coated tongue look abnormal, but if it is left untreated, it's a strong indication of a breath problem. People who have the condition known as geographic tongue are definitely more likely to experience a white tongue. Geographic tongue simply means a tongue that has lots of grooves and fissures in it, and these grooves and fissures make an excellent breeding ground for the anaerobic bacteria that cause bad breath and a white tongue. The way around this problem is simply making sure that your tongue is kept as clean as possible. However, not all tongue cleaning is created equal....

Tongue cleaning (or tongue scraping) is a process that the majority of people in the UK don't do on a daily basis.  It's one of the most important steps you can take to keep your breath clean and fresh!

It's not difficult to do, and it's not even that time consuming. That extra minute or two per day can reap huge rewards in preventing bad breath, helping to prevent white tongue and returning it to its normal color.

Let me clarify a few things about tongue cleaning:
It's not necessary to scrape hard - I've seen patients make their tongues bleed because they were pressing down too hard. In general, pressing harder does not remove more bacteria. You simply need to press hard enough so that the tongue cleaner contacts your tongue, flush across the cleaning surface. Try not to leave any gaps.

 
Tongue cleaning alone does not prevent bad breath
Tongue cleaning does not kill the bacteria that cause bad breath that are breeding below the surface of a geographic tongue. It simply removes the gunk on the surface of your tongue (mucus and food debris) which are a food source for the anaerobic bacteria. In order to get rid of those anaerobic bacteria (which are responsible for white tongue), you must use an oxygenating toothpaste which can penetrate beneath your tongues surface.

 
It's not necessary to use one of those complex, expensive gizmos to successfully clean your tongue
All you need is a fairly rigid instrument that you can easily make flush with the largest amount possible of your tongue's surface area. The electronic tongue cleaners you see can be helpful if you have arthritis, difficulty with coordination, or in general have a tough time performing the actions listed below.