Herbal Toothpastes - Not Used for Whitening

Hollywood celebrities aren't the only ones showing off their dazzling white smiles these day, many with the use of herbal toothpastes. Now whiter teeth are as close as your dentist's office, your neighborhood drug store or your own bathroom sink. Among the options:

Toothpastes. All toothpastes help remove surface stains by using mild abrasives. Special "whitening" toothpastes contain chemicals or polishing agents for additional stain removal which may lighten your teeth a shade or two. You'll see them listed on your toothpaste label as dicalcium phosphate, sodium metaphosphate, calcium carbonate, silica, zirconium silicate or calcium pyrophosphate. However, unlike bleaches, these products won't change the basic color of your teeth.

At-home bleaching. Consumers can take advantage of several products now on the market, starting with bleaching strips. These are placed over the teeth for a short period each day, for one to two weeks. Bleaching solutions for at-home use also are available. Be sure to follow directions precisely, to avoid injury and irritation of the teeth and gums.

Chairside bleaching. Your dentist will use either a gel or a rubber shield to protect your gums during the procedure. A bleaching agent, usually containing hydrogen peroxide or a chemical equivalent, is then applied to the teeth. Some dentists are now using lasers to enhance this process, however their safety and effectiveness haven't yet been well established.<.p>

Remember that your teeth may become extra sensitive while you're using bleaching products. This sensitivity is often temporary, and disappears once the bleaching process is finished. Your gums can also become irritated from contact with the bleaching chemicals. If this becomes a problem, discuss it with your dentist.

It's normal for a person's teeth to darken with age. This occurs because the outer layer of tooth enamel wears away, revealing darker tissue in the more central portion of the tooth, surrounding the nerves and blood vessels. Darkened or stained teeth also frequently result from smoking, using smokeless tobacco, taking certain medications and regular drinking of coffee, tea or sodas.

Tooth bleaching is an effective treatment for about 78 percent of people. When the teeth are seriously discolored, however, veneers or crowns may produce better and more permanent cosmetic results. Since bleaching is considerably less expensive, though, it's normally tried first.

Before you begin any tooth-whitening regimen, be sure to check with your dentist. Whiteners may not be appropriate or effective for everyone, especially children under age 16, women who are pregnant or nursing, people with severely receding gums, and anyone who is allergic to peroxide. In rare cases, people have become obsessed with bleaching, to the point that they end up burning away gum tissue and causing permanent damage to their teeth. Remember, even if you do bleach, it's also important that you continue to brush and floss your teeth regularly, or use an effective oral hygiene product such as OraMD® or herbal toothpaste. Using toothpaste, herbal or fluoride, is one of the most effective ways to keep the teeth clean and white.