October 2009

Friday, October 16, 2009

Teeth Whitening: Do it the Professional Way

There is a popular saying that goes like, “Smile and the world smiles with you.” There is no doubt that a beautiful whitening smile radiates infectiously to others. Let us put an emphasis on the word beautiful. How does one possess a beautiful whitening smile ? Of course you have to agree that heredity cannot be singled out. Lifestyle and attitude also play part in the maintenance or even having a sweet smile.

But what if you can not incorporate a do-it-yourself way to your busy lifestyle so as to have a smile makeover transform your simple smile into a rather healthy and “infectious” one? In this case, a professional treatment by a dentist might be the best remedy.

The following article provides an appraisal of a professional teeth whitening system usually provided and conducted by dentists.

Professional teeth whitening is a technique by which whitening compounds that are peroxide based are applied to teeth by dentists within their dental office. Laser teeth whitening is the common practice of dentist to whiten teeth stained by nicotine, food, or even liquids.

Peroxide-based whitening compounds usually depend on two factors:

1.The concentration of peroxide in a whitening compound
2.The amount of time a whitener is put in contact in the surface of the teeth

Laser teeth whitening utilize a higher concentration of whitener for a shorter period of time, say for hours or for few appointments.

The whitening compounds and associated equipment (bleaching light or laser) used by dentists are normally purchased from a manufacturer as a franchise, system, or simply as a kit. In fact, many manufacturers have provided national campaigns about their whitening products and equipment, and dentists play a vital part in the promotion of a manufacturer’s product because they are actually using the product to their patients.

Below is a list of some professional whitening products dentists and professionals choose. (The kind of bleaching laser or light is enclosed in parentheses.)

1.BriteSmile (gas plasma light/light emitting diode)
2.LaserSmile (a Biolase laser)
3.LumaArch (halogen light)
4.Rembrandt Sapphire (plasma arc light)
5.Zoom! (metal halide light)

Each of these whitening systems has its own degree of effectiveness. However, we can summarize three standard steps when using these types of products.

1.The dentist will compare the tooth shade of the patient with a tooth shade guide.
Surface stain and tartar are removed before determining the tooth shade. A dentist needs to document a pre-treatment and a post-treatment tooth shade to assess the effectiveness of the whitening treatment system applied. A dentist may make use of variously shaded tooth-shaped porcelain tabs and compare them to a patient’s set of teeth and each match is documented. Some dentists even take pictures of a patient’s teeth before and after the treatment.
Flour of pumice is used to polish each tooth to ensure that stains are completely removed.

2.The dentist will isolate teeth being whitened.
Bleaching agents, normally peroxide-based, can irritate or even damage delicate tissues within and inside mouth of patients. To protect these tissues, dentist use dental dam barriers.
Thin sheet of latex punched with a hole for each tooth and dental gels painted around each tooth are used to protect teeth being treated. When the latter is used, a cheek retractor, cotton rolls and gauze are used to make sure that the patient’s lips and cheeks are held out of the way. Afterwards, these items are simply peeled off.

3.Bib covering and eye protection are placed on the patient.
Unexpected things can happen. Bibs are worn by patients to protect their skin against the caustic nature of these bleaching agents.
Eye protection is also placed to ensure that whiteners will not irritate even the eyes of the patients. Moreover, it is a common knowledge that an intense bleaching light or a laser used to activate the components of bleaching compounds could cause eye damage.

What else can I do if I have undergone professional whitening?

To get rid off typical stains—the coffee and cigarette variety—can be washed away alternately with professional whitening systems. Here are some additional tips:

Munch some apple and drink water afterwards.

Brush after every meal to have a less chance of keeping stains on your teeth. Brush gently but effectively by using a dentist-approved toothpaste and toothbrush. Practice the correct ways of brushing.

Researches on dentistry note that an electric toothbrush removes a plaque percentage that is about 98.2 percent.

Gargle with a mouthwash that has an antibacterial action. This practice will surely will reduce stain-catching plaque.

Don’t depend on quick-fix remedies like using super-whitening tooth polishes because these also make the enamel of teeth thinner. And as enamel gets thinner, more of the dentin will show off making your teeth appear as heavily stained.

To put it simply, here are some reasons why or why not choose professional whitening systems.

1.The effect can be seen even instantly.

2.The whitening can be completed in just a few appointments (possibly even just one).

3.Professional teeth whitening remedies cost more than do-it-yourself teeth whitening items.

Hope this article brightens up your smile!

Teeth Whitening Products: Pros and Cons

Choosing tooth whitening product amidst the different tooth whitening products available in the market today can be very confusing. And some of the teeth whitening products are not giving your desired result.If you ask the experts, they will tell you that the best method of teeth whitening is still through your dentist. Not only is it the best, it is also the most effective and the quickest to have whiter teeth.
But then, not all people can afford the fees that come with each treatment. Another thing that hinders them from going to dentists is fear. It seems that as early as childhood, dentists are one of the most feared personalities that people do not want to encounter. This fear continues on in the adult years.

Although dentists do not advise people to choose teeth whitening products, they all agree in saying that these products are effective in some degree. According to studies, teeth whitening products, if used regularly and consistently can result in whiter teeth that can outlast any dentist-assisted procedure.

Another additional plus that teeth whitening products have is that they contain the same ingredients that are being used in professional whitening. Two of the active ingredients needed for whitening teeth are hydrogen peroxide and carbamide. These two are also the ingredients that are present in some of the products that are sold in groceries and drug stores.

The only advantage that teeth whitening products have over professional teeth whitening is that they tend to be very cheap. Everyone who will tumble upon them can simply afford to add them to the list of their basic things.

Most of these products can be bought for $30 or less. Compare this to the $100 or more that you need to pay to the dentist. It will not surprise you why people prefer them over the high fees.

Still, teeth whitening products are found out to have some disadvantages. Some of these are:

1. Suitability.
Teeth whitening products cater to all. But then different people have different needs. What others found effective may not work for others. This is one of the problems that people will encounter with these products.
There are those that have sensitive teeth and gums. The reaction to the products will depend upon the suitability of the products to the persons using them. An option would be to try different products until you find the one that is suitable to you.

2. Strong chemicals used.
You will not know what your reaction to the product until you have tried it out. Since you do not know how sensitive your teeth are, you will also not know what might happen when you start using the product.
Better consult with your dentist first before choosing a certain product.

3. Tray may not fit.
The tray put in your teeth is not exactly fitted after you. So there is a tendency that it may either be too large or too small.
When it is too large, the formula may not work well. On the other hand, if it is too small, it may cause gum bleeding and side effects that will cause bigger problems.
Be sure that the teeth whitening precuts you choose is suited for you. If none of them works, then maybe professional teeth whitening will.

Teeth Whitening Home Remedies Methods

Home teeth whitening products are the solution for those who hate going to the dentist's office.In the past, the only option that people have if they want to have their teeth whitened is to have an appointment with their dentist. Since most of them are not too eager to visit their dentist, they always set the appointments aside for a later date. In the end, they just forget about the teeth whitening appointment. People are in most cases too scared to keep their appointments with the dentist. Even if they want or need to have their teeth whitened, it will always end up being postponed or cancelled. This is why when home teeth whitening products were introduced in the market, these people were only too happy to try them out. Home teeth whitening eliminate the fear of going to the dentist. In addition, the process can be done on your own time. Plus, it is not as expensive as an appointment with your dentist.

It can be noted that there are still those who rely on the good old home teeth whitening methods of the past. Although they seem too traditional for the people of today, the result is still as effective as it was before.

What are some of the basic home teeth whitening methods that are still being used by some today?

1. Bi-carbonate paste combined with water.
Bi-carbonate soda paste can be brought at drug stores or at supermarkets. Some people still buy them to be used for whitening teeth.
They combine the paste with water and gurgle them on a regular basis. It is believed that regular use of this solution can remove stain from the surface of the teeth thus, leaving teeth whiter and shinier.

2. Lemon juice paste and salt.
This combined solution is known to erase the yellowish tint of the teeth. Some people ceremoniously apply this combination on the teeth that look dull.
Leaving them on the teeth for several minutes is supposed to whiten teeth because of the acidic content of the lemon juice paste. If done regularly, the dull color of the teeth is eradicated.

3. Bay leaves with dried orange peel.
The combination of bay leaves with dried orange peel can also act as a teeth whitener. Just like the lemon paste, all you have to do is apply this to your teeth frequently.

4. Inner orange peel part.
When peeling oranges you will notice that the back part of it is white. You usually throw it away as something that is not of purpose.

What you do not know is that it can be used to whiten your teeth. All you need to do is rub that white part on your teeth and it will give out a beautiful white shine.
These are some of the basic home teeth whitening methods that have proven their effectiveness in some parts of the world. Today, there are chemically made home teeth whitening products that you can buy and use.
The good thing about these basic home teeth whitening methods is that they do not come with the known side effects that over-the-counter products have. Plus they come in very cheap. You can try them out if you want to see if they work better than the products that you buy.

Teeth Whitening Reviews : Dealing with the Right Teeth Whitening Product

Teeth whitening productshave become one of the necessities of people who desire brilliant white teeth. The market has increased the available teeth whitening products to up to 25%. It is because our teeth normally become stained and discolored as we get older.

A quick review on teeth whitening will show that there are basically two types of teeth whitening methods.

1.Visit to the dentist. This is the first and most recommended method if you want to undergo a teeth whitening treatment. Your dentist will decide which treatment will suit you, whether its laser or bleaching procedure. Though the rate of these dental procedures are quite higher, you can still be assured that you'll have a perfect white teeth after the treatment. In addition, you'll also be given proper dental care, and have your teeth examined before getting started with any treatment.

2.Do it yourself option. If you want a cheaper way, then you can opt for doing the treatment at home. There are many tooth whitening products you can apply at home. Most reliable teeth whitening reviews imply that teeth whitening kits are also effective in enhancing the youthful beauty of your teeth and a way for brilliant white teeth. Just be sure that you'll purchase these products from a credible medical store. You can also ask testimonial from those satisfied customers that are using the home teeth whitening products.

However, doing teeth whitening at home involves more patience and time than at the dentist clinic. So, as you read this teeth whitening review, you can see the trade-off between the cost and speed. If you want it the fast way, you have to spend more. Professional teeth whitening offers treatment that will whiten your teeth in as little as one week. Home teeth whitening review that it will take two to three weeks to achieve a good result.

Evaluating the Teeth Whitening Products

A review on teeth whitening product should offer the basic information on what the consumer should care about.

Things such as:

Ingredients of the product. Proper care must be taken in consideration for any teeth whitening product. Most kits offer more whitening gel, and other ingredients. You should look for a tooth whitening product that would effectively do the whitening and cleaning of your teeth.

Strenght of the whitening gel. Most products state that they contain super strength whitening gel. Even though it's true, you must keep in mind that the stronger the whitening compound, the more harsh it will be for your teeth. This would imply that although the tooth whitening will give fast result, you may run the risk of your teeth becoming damaged and sensitive to temperature.

Quality Customer Service. This entails the different ways the good and the bad company market their products. Known companies are much more interested in keeping in touch with their consumers and taking care of them. Even though a lot of people are taking advantage of the customer service, many online businesses still continue to deal with long term customers. Any product review must consider the capacity of the consumer to link with the company.

Cost and Value. As mentioned, there is a trade off between the cost and speed. Of all the teeth whiteners available, consumer can't decide what to prioritize, if it's the value or cost of the product . So, you must be practical enough in choosing what to purchase. It must be your need. All the evaluation in the world will not make a product suit your way of life or your capability to go after with the instructions.

Teeth Whitening : Appraising the Real Cost

Whether you want to have a smile makeover for your prom night, or are just self-conscious since smoking cigarettes or drinking coffee have given you stained and yellow teeth whitening remedies will surely brighten that smile and, hence, you can gain additional boost to your confidence. Learn some basic information about the nature of teeth whitening, categories of whitening methods and techniques, as well as teeth whitening costs of each method by reading the following selections.

What does tooth whitening mean?
Tooth whitening lies under the field of cosmetic dentistry. The process itself eliminates stains and other discolorations on the teeth due to tea, coffee, smoking, and other lifestyle-related activities. Additionally, whitening can also lighten other usual teeth pigmentations.

The extent of improvement of teeth appearance and success of the treatment depend on the nature and the severity of the stains and/or teeth discoloration. Typically stains due to tea, coffee, or smoking will brighten between four and five shades. Moreover, discolorations that are due to antibiotics and hereditary factors, that is natural pigmentation can lighten between two and three shades after whitening treatments.

Teeth whitening remedies can be categorized into two:

1.Professional whitening systems
This is usually performed by dentists using whitening gels and lasers to activate the solution. This is normally done inside a dental clinic.

2.Home-based teeth whitening remedy
This could either be done in-between appointments of professional treatments using whitening kits and tray-based whitening technique or are just home-made remedies from kitchen and medicine items. These applications are usually done at home and according to the frequency suggested by dentists and/or by a product’s instructions.

Regardless, teeth will noticeably be brighter after these teeth whitening methods. However, while there are a variety of over-the-counter whitening products and do-it-yourself or home-made whitening solutions , consulting a dentist and even a physician is the only way to validate the thousand and one claims of these remedies.

Aside from the available time and temperament of the patient, cost of teeth whitening treatments is also considered. Apparently, the cost of teeth whitening depends upon the type of teeth whitening method to be employed.

Costs of in-office dental whitening method usually lie between $ 500 and $ 2000. On the other hand, home-based bleaching trays that are customized by dentists may cost between $ 100 and $ 300. Using home-made solutions are often inexpensive. Paint whiteners such as Crest Night Effect and Colgate Simply White Night may cost for as low as $ 50 depending on the country to where these products are marketed.

Now ponder on these questions carefully, first, “To whiten or not to whiten?” then, “What are the common advantages and disadvantages of employing a whitening method?”

Nevertheless, any method applied on the surface of the teeth will surely result into brighter teeth, and hopefully a brighter smile. The length of time before the wanted results are achieved varies. Professional techniques are relatively immediate as compared to home-made remedies and over-the-counter whitening paints and kits.

However, peroxide-based gels used in the abovementioned methods of teeth whitening causes the teeth to become temporarily sensitive to cold and hot food, drinks, and even through exposure to air. Trays for whitening that are customized by dentists cause oversensitivity of the gums. Additionally, some of the whitening kits that are bought even without prescription may tear down and make the enamel of teeth thinner and thinner. This will expose the dentin, which may, in turn, be severely colored. These things, obviously, will add up to the cost of having that smile makeover.

Now come to think of it. Read again before you say, “Ahhhhh!”

What's a Healthy Drink Recipes?

I've included two healthy drink recipes actually, one of healthy drink recipes is for cold winter days and another much simpler one for those hot day's, please try both they're awesome.My Germen Brethren "Fraulein" Taught me this one, it was the first thing she ever prepared for me,along with fresh baked bread, during a very cold winter night at our high schools Autumn festival 10 years ago. She was happy to go, as she graduated two years prior and never went to one. I was happy that such a sweet beautiful young lady was going to take a chance on a Straightedge Punk, that considered Cami pants and a black Sculley hat proper attire to anything.

Wassail-
Put into a large boiling pot...

1 gallon of fresh cider (or regular apple juice if no cider is available.)
6 oranges cut in half with the juice squeezed into the pot.
3 cups orange juice.
1 lemon doing same as oranges
1 tablespoon of cloves
7-10 cinnamon sticks
1/2 tablespoon nutmeg
2 cups white sugar
3 cups water

Bring mixture to a light boil on medium heat. Let set for twenty minutes then strain and serve or put some in a thermos to drink for on the go. You can reduce the ingredients depending on spice preference and cut or quarter the recipe for smaller batches.

The Straightedge screw driver.
This is an easy and refreshing drink for those that abstain from alcohol, and is good with breakfast, lunch, or dinner as well as on hot summer days. Giving you a fizzy drink, plus the benefit of orange juice.
Equal parts Sprite to orange juice, add ice, that's it.
I've heard many say it should be called a sXe mimosa but I dont really know what that is.
Note- Sprite will go good with any fruit juice, even grape.

How to Make a Homemade Healthy Sports Drink ?

The first healthy sports drink was invented in the year 1958, and there have been various versions of commercially produced healthy sports drink since that time. Louisiana State University was the location of the first ever drink of this kind, they named the creation, Bengal Punch. The most well known, and probably the most popular sports drink followed seven years later, this is when Gatorade was introduced. However, these sports drinks can be expensive if bought on a regular basis. The solution is to make your own sports drinks, homemade sports drinks are easy to make, and can even have more benefits than store bought products.
Here are some homemade receipes for you to try:

- Homemade Sports Drinks -

- Lemon Drink -

* 1 tsp lemon juice *
* 3/4 cup of water *
* 1/4 tsp of salt *
* 4 tsp of sugar *
- Cranberry Drink -
* 1tsp of sal t*
* 3/4 cup of water *
* 1/4 cup of cranburry juice *

- Orange Drink -

* 4tsp of sugar*
* 1/4 tsp of salt *
* 1/4 cup of orange juice *
* 1/4 cup of boiling water *
* 3 and 3/4 cups of cold water *
*You may want to dilute these drinks according to taste.*

These drinks will not be the same as the commercially produced products, but they are designed to give a good carb and energy boost. Carbohydrates in sports drinks make the body able to absorb the drink faster than absorbing water. One of the benefits of this type of drink is that you can rehydrate fast after a work-out, or any type of physical excercise. Some sports drinks have a high sugar content that prevents absorbtion, this is why making your own sports drink has the advantage. You know what you are putting in to your drink, and the exact quantities of the ingredients used.
If the drink has the correct amount of carbohydrates, then they will provide an energy boost as well as being absorbed quickly into your system. Sports drinks also have the added benefit of tasting good, therefore, a person is more likely to drink more, which will prevent dehydration. Studies have been done in the high energy sports industry to test whether sports drinks give more energy to the drinkers, than people who didn't drink the energy drinks. It was proven that the people who drank high energy sports drinks had more energy throughout exercise than those who did not drink a sports drink.
Try making your own homemade sports drinks, it's easy, and less expensive. Making your own drinks means you know what is going into the drink, and if you follow these recipes, you'll know you are drinking healthily, and you'll be feeling good.

Healthy Bottled Drinks: The Pros and Cons

Is healthy bottled drinks really best for you? Contrary to popular belief, healthy bottled drinks is not always the better then tap water. Many bottled waters say that they are from different springs. Yet, isn't your tap water from a water reservoir that is also from a spring? Bottled water does not contain fluoride which is essential to proper oral health and hygiene. In addition, if you read the labels many bottle waters have sodium added to them.
Bottled water has another disadvantage. It is bad for the environment. Bottled water comes in plastic bottles. Oil and precious resources are used to manufacture plastics. Drinking nothing but bottled water creates additional trash that if not recycled lays for ages in a landfill.
Advantage to bottle water is convenience. Many people do not want to drink water from a water fountain (work, gym, park, etc) because of germs. You can carry a bottle of water easily to meet your drinking requirements. Just remember to save your bottle to recycle or wash out and use again.
Another advantage to bottled water is that many are coming out with flavors. For people that have a difficult time maintaining their water consumption during the day, flavored water will make it an easier goal to reach.
Drinking bottle water is a valuable resource but should be done so wisely. If the water in your area isn't good, boil it and run through a coffee filter to strain out any small debris particles. Cool the water in the refrigerator. If you drink bottled water, recycle and re-use the plastic bottles.

Soothing Hot Healthy Drinks

After a cold day on the ski slopes or on a frigid winter evening, nothing warms both the body and the soul as fast as a steaming cup of hot black coffee or a mug of rich, hot chocolate. But the addition of whipped cream, sugar, and flavored syrups can turn these soothing drinks into a dieter's nightmare. With the holidays approaching, smart dieters needs to put together a repertoire of drinks that warm the body and soothe the spirit without pouring on the calories.When meeting friends at the latte bar or coffee shop, opt for hot black coffee or unsweetened tea, rather than a fancy latte or a cup of gourmet cocoa hiding under a towering mound of sweetened whipped cream. Boost the flavor of these "plain Jane" drinks with the addition of mint or spices. If you must use sweetener, choose one that is sugar-free - or even better, honey.
At home, go ahead and make yourself a cup of hot chocolate, coffee or tea. But make sure that you use DARK CHOCOLATE or, when choosing a tea, pick one that is green, white or black. Dark Chocolate has been shown to lower blood pressure and increase serotonin levels, as well as containing antioxidants; while the benefits of the poly-phenols of white, black and green tea are well-known. Feel free to flavor your tea with mint, lemon (or lime), honey and other spices, but skip the milk or whipped cream. Not only do they add calories, recent studies have shown that milk cancels out the benefits that are gained from drinking tea.
Mulled wines and ciders are always popular winter drinks, particularly around the holidays. Mulled red wine, packed with antioxidants & anti-inflammatories, also contains several chemicals that help reduce the risk of breast cancer, heart disease & high cholesterol. Mix up a batch of hot cider and give your party guests not only a delightful hot drink, but the gift of protection from a multiple of diseases. The apple cider aids in the prevention of colon cancer, heart disease, diabetes, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease and the cinnamon releases chemicals that help control glucose and cholesterol levels.
To make a super healthy hot apple cider, combine 4 cups of apple cider, 4 cups of cranberry or pomegranate juice, 4-6 whole cloves, 4-6 whole cinnamon sticks, 4 allspice berries and the zest of an orange. A cup of good brandy can be added, if desired. Simmer the cider for approximately 20 minutes and strain to remove the spices. Serve in mugs with a fresh cinnamon "stir stick" and a dish of honey nearby for those who need their drink a little sweeter.
Another tasty alternative is a delicious concoction of orange juice, cinnamon sticks and whole cloves. Simmered on the stove until thouroughly heated, the spices are removed and the orange juice is sweetened with a bit of honey. The addition of a splash of whiskey is sure to make this a favorite of your holiday guests for years to come, as well as a soothing drink for those suffering from a cold or the flu. Heating the spices releases the essential oils which makes breathing easier and the honey soothes a throat made sore and scratchy from either the cold & flu or the cold winter winds. To "fancy" this drink up for parties, serve it in clear glass mugs and with a slice of orange or lemon floating in it.
As you can see, even while watching your health and seeking to cut calories, it is possible to enjoy hot, soothing drinks with your friends and family. Bundle up, pour yourself a tasty drink and stay warm! CHEERS!

Does Mineral Water Have Health Benefits? The Pros and Cons 2

If we can get enough mineral nutrition from water drink alone, I will not drink that water. Reason? Simple. Go back to basics. What is water and from where did it come? There is no new water, every source of water available to us today, except those that we "create" by burning pure hydrogenin the presence of oxygen is recycled through the Hydrological Cycle where the Sun evaporates water to form clouds that returns as precipitation. water drink ought to be as close to rain as possible and mineral water is basically rainwater that has dissolved minerals en-route to us. Some of these minerals include ground arsenic.

We do not get enough beneficial minerals from drinking water; but through eating food. Don't waste your money and possibly endanger your life by drinking "mineral water". You are better off drinking purified water: water purified from all contaminants, including "minerals", pathogens and impurities. Water purified through micro filtration like Reverse Osmosis or extracted from impure water by distillation are preferred. When it comes to drinking water, less is better, not more, especially in this time and age where pollution of all kinds confront us with new health hazards.

Does Mineral Water Have Health Benefits? The Pros and Cons 1

Mineral water is mountain spring water. If you plan to purchase mineral water, be sure to check the company you purchase it from. Many companies are honest,but there are always a few cheats. Most scientists agree that micronutrients such as Magnesium, Selenium,Iron and Sulfites are beneficial to you. However the exact ratio of these minerals, and their concentration in most Springs are difficult to determine. I could take a Vitamin C tablet and probably get better results than what some mineral water companies profess.

However recently I bought a bottle of Ionized water. It seems that the technology behind bottled water has advanced. Ionized water is water that is purified through electrostatic charges. There are a high quantity of Ions (negatively charged Atoms) in ionized water.
The ionized water I used helped heal a cut on my finger several times faster than if I had let it heal alone.Some mineral waters have a history of promoting miracle cures. Again, many times these results have been contested,yet if you think of the possible benefit of a strong health index and mineral content, there is quite a correlation.
The research concerning mineral water is quite convincing. Linus Pauling, the Great Nobel Prize winner extolled the use of vitamins and minerals to prolong health. However, one must weigh the overall risk of experimenting with different company's products which are many times unregulated. It is a tantalizing thought that you could live to be a hundred years by drinking bottled mineral water.The question you need to ask, is the company's product viable, and are their claims for real.