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Whiten your Smile

Throughout the years, your teeth can become discolored from any number of factors. Surface stains can be caused from beverages such as coffee, tea, cola and red wine, as well as the use of cigars, cigarettes, pipes and smokeless tobacco. Medications such as tetracycline, minocycline and doxycycline can cause grayish staining in individuals if ingested during periods of tooth formation, which is why these medications are no longer given to children under 8 years old or women who are pregnant. As strange as it may seem, excessive levels of fluoride can also cause stains on the teeth, so until children can be relied upon to spit out toothpaste rather than swallowing it (the main cause of too much fluoride ingestion), they should be given toothpaste without fluoride.

In addition to external factors, internal factors such as age and tooth decay can have a negative effect on the whiteness of teeth. Injuries also can cause tooth trauma, and often may lead to necrosis, or death of the nerves inside the tooth, in turn leading to tooth discoloration.

Whitening procedures vary a great deal in scope, from in-office bleachings administered by a dental professional to at-home bleaches, whitening toothpastes and rinses. Before you choose a method, however, there are several important things you should know about tooth whitening.

For starters, not all stains will respond to bleaching. According to the American Dental Association, teeth that have a yellowish tint will most likely respond best to bleaching. Brownish teeth will not whiten as well, and teeth with a grayish hue will likely not respond well at all to bleaching efforts. In addition, if you have had bonding or tooth-colored fillings in your teeth, bleaching will not change the color of these substances, but may affect the neighboring teeth, causing the bonded or filled teeth to stand out. The best first step is to speak with your dentist before beginning a tooth whitening regimen.

In-office professional whitening treatments usually involve placing a bleaching agent on the teeth, followed by a special light that augments the bleaching action. These visits usually take about 30 minutes each, and more than one visit often is required for optimal results.

At-home treatments can range from whitening gels and creams to toothpastes and rinses. GoSmile’s Advanced Formula B1 Tooth Whitening is clinically proven to whiten teeth up to 10 shades in just seven days. The paint-on concentrate is a unique formula that ensures greater contact time on the tooth, giving you the whitest smile possible. For a complete whitening system, try GoSmile’s B1 Whitening Go All Out Kit, which includes the Advanced Formula B1 Tooth Whitening, Daily Tooth Whitening and Breath Freshener and AM/PM Whitening Protection Toothpaste.

Supersmile Superquick Total Oral Care Whitening System includes numerous whitening agents. The Accelerator formula and Professional Whitening Toothpaste require brushing only twice a day for significantly whiter teeth in just 12 days. The Single Dose Powdered Mouthrinse is the only one designed to effectively cleanse the teeth and mouth without brushing or rinsing. The Whitening Floss is formulated with the plaque-depleting agent Calprox and baking soda. The 45º Toothbrush is a patented Supersmile design that ensures the ADA recommendation of a 45º brushing angle, and the Tongue Cleaner removes bacteria, 85% of which is responsible for bad breath. These items work together to keep your smile at its best and brightest.

The Jet Set Whitening Protection Toothpaste Kit by GoSmile contains the AM Whitening Protection Fluoride Toothpaste, an invigorating blend of citrus essential oils that gets you ready to face the day; PM Whitening Protection Fluoride Toothpaste, a soothing blend of chamomile and lavender essential oils with delicious vanilla that helps rest your mind and body; and a collapsible travel toothbrush.

If you’re looking for a unique twist on toothpaste, try GoSmile’s Lemonade Smile. This refreshing toothpaste combines lemon and white cranberry that whitens and brightens teeth each time you brush.

For whitening and breath freshening on the go, smooth a drop of Quikee by Supersmile over your teeth with your tongue. The no-brush, no-rinse formula instantly cleans and freshens the mouth. GoSmile’s Mint-licious Mini is great for touch-ups all day long. These mini smile refreshers erase everyday stains, such as coffee, tea, cigarettes and red wine, leaving the teeth shining and the whole mouth feeling clean.

If you’re one of the millions of people who are unhappy with your smile, talk to your dental professional about your options for whiter, brighter teeth.

Article posted 6/11/2007.

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Powdered Mouthrinse by Supersmile $29.00

Whitening System - Small by Supersmile $36.00

Quikee by Supersmile $16.00