Did you know that a staggering 45 million Americans use teeth whitening products and treatments?
It’s no secret that we value a bright smile here in America. In fact, people all over the world seem to want the famous ‘Hollywood smile.’ But how much do you actually know about teeth whitening?
These fun facts explore a side of the teeth-whitening process you might not know. From the fascinating history of whitening to how people view white vs. yellow teeth, we’ve got you covered!
Read on for 5 facts about teeth whitening that you probably didn’t know.
1. Teeth Whitening Started in the 1800s
Wanting a brighter smile isn’t a new phenomenon. In fact, people have been using different types of whitening products for hundreds of years.
Some of the first dentists to explore dental whitening used chlorine to get yellow teeth back to their original color. It wasn’t until the 1970s that a dentist called William Klusimer invented peroxide-based whitening agents.
However, this agent caused gum irritation, so dentists continued searching for new ways to brighten smiles. Today, we use carbamide peroxide, which has fewer negative side effects.
2. White Teeth Aren’t Always Healthy
Of course, a bright smile is an indicator of good dental health. However, looks can sometimes be deceptive. Your dental health isn’t as straightforward as the color of your teeth, so it’s important to get regular dental check-ups, too.
Natural tooth coloration varies from person to person- if your teeth are naturally more yellow or off-white, they may still be perfectly healthy and free from decay.
However, our teeth whitening products can help make your smile more aesthetic and boost your confidence.
3. Whitening Toothpaste Only Lifts Surface Stains
Lots of people think they’re maintaining tooth whiteness by using store-bought whitening toothpaste.
What they don’t know is that these products don’t contain much actual whitening agent.
While the whitening toothpaste may lift the coffee and food particles from your teeth, you’ll need to use a real whitening agent if you want to see long term results.
4. Your Teeth and Skin Have A Lot in Common
You probably know that your skin is covered in pores- tiny holes that let your skin ‘breathe.’
What you might not have realized is that your teeth work in a similar way. The discoloration is caused when stains seep into the tooth’s porous surface, becoming tapped below the surface.
Professional tooth whitening penetrates the enamel’s surface to deal with stains once and for all.
5. White Teeth Help You Make a Good Impression
A recent study showed that people with good teeth are seen as healthier, happier, and more trustworthy. In fact, Americans perceive people with bright smiles as 58% more likely to be successful and wealthy.
If you want to make friends and excel at work, good cosmetic dentistry could be the boost you need.
5 Facts About Teeth Whitening You Need to Know
We hope you found these 5 facts about teeth whitening interesting and learned something you didn’t know before. If you’re interested in enhancing your smile, our tooth-whitening products let you smile with confidence.
If you’d like to learn more about our products and services, contact us today.