With a wide range of products available for removing stains from your teeth, there’s no doubt that bright, white teeth help heighten the quality of your smile. While teeth whitening is a popular way of improving the look of your teeth, have you ever wondered how it got its start? Let’s go back in time to explore how teeth whitening began and how it’s evolved since then.
Ancient Means of Teeth Whitening
In ancient Egypt, the beauty of the human profile was of great importance. Having white teeth was considered a symbol of virility and wealth. Pharaohs used a special toothpaste made from pumice stone, ground oxen hooves, and wine-vinegar to whiten their teeth. Ancient Romans were also concerned with the health and appearance of their teeth. They were known to use chew sticks to brush their teeth and keep them plaque free. Evidence shows that they also brushed their dentures with urine believing that the ammonia contained in it would help maintain their whiteness. On the other hand, Ancient Europeans were known to clean their teeth using acid. Though this may have visually restored their teeth, it also led to the destruction of the protective enamel.
Modern Day Teeth Whitening
Modern day tooth whitening started when a group of dentists were testing the effectiveness of Gly-Oxide on treating sores in the mouth. They fabricated custom trays that fit over the teeth and gums then filled them with the substance. Upon having young patients test out the trays, they were amazed to see that the patients’ teeth appeared to be lighter. It has since been proven that carbamide peroxide, which makes up 10% of the ingredients found in Gly-Oxide, is an effective way to whiten teeth. Though this discovery was completely accidental, using whitening trays has become a popular choice for improving the appearance of one’s smile.
Types of Teeth Whitening
With a plethora of tooth whitening techniques available today, it has certainly come a long way. Some of the most common forms of tooth whitening include:
- Tooth whitening strips containing peroxide or bleach
- Activated charcoal and coconut oil, though there is no scientific evidence to back their effectiveness
- Whitening toothpastes that remove surface stains and use abrasives or chemicals to polish your teeth
- Teeth whitening kits
- Professionalteeth whitening
Through trial and error, we have discovered several safe, effective teeth whitening techniques. With your dentist’s guidance, teeth whitening can be a great way to improve your look and achieve a smile you’ll be proud to show off!
About the Author
With several decades of combined experience in the dental health field, Dr. Lawton and his highly qualified Houston team offer exceptional dentistry services for the whole family. They proudly provide the best care available, and the health and well-being of their patients is always their top priority. Dr. Lawton believes that personalized care is the key to brighter, more beautiful smiles and offers both in-office and at-home teeth whitening options. For more information on teeth whitening, call our office at (281) 447-2186 or visit our website.