Teeth come in a variety of colors and shades naturally. Not to mention, they change color over the years from wear and tear and lifestyle factors. You can turn back the clock with professional teeth whitening, but did you know a bright smile isn’t a new trend? Believe it or not, teeth whitening dates back to 3000 B.C. Thankfully, you don’t have to chew on sticks or brush with urine to keep your teeth white. Here’s how teeth whitening has evolved throughout time to deliver the stunning results you see today.
History of Teeth Whitening
Early civilizations used many methods to keep their teeth white and clean. Some chewed on twigs and sticks, while others filed their teeth or used toothpaste made of pumice stone. The Ancient Romans used urine to combat discoloration, but it wasn’t until the 20th century that peroxide bleaching was introduced into dentistry.
Dentists began using peroxide bleaching methods in the 1980s after discovering the technique. A couple of decades earlier, Dr. Jean Arthur applied an oral antiseptic gel to treat gum disease and found the peroxide in the treatment whitened teeth. This opened the door to endless tooth-whitening products.
With access to a whiter smile, society embarrassed the trend of teeth whitening. Now, you don’t have to wait several weeks or use various methods to reverse stains or discoloration. You have many options to say goodbye to a yellow smile.
Options for a Whiter Smile
As you walk any oral hygiene aisle at a store, you will see many OTC whitening products. From mouthwashes and toothpaste to stripes and gels, they claim to provide amazing results. However, none contain professional strength whitening agents. You won’t be disappointed with your results when visiting your cosmetic dentist for teeth whitening.
Your dentist will examine your mouth to determine the cause of your stains to create an effective treatment plan, which can include:
- In-Office Teeth Whitening: You can get your teeth up to 8 shades whiter using an in-office system. After applying a protective barrier to your gums, a highly concentrated whitening agent is applied to your teeth and activated by a special dental light.
- At-Home Teeth Whitening: You can enjoy the improvement of an in-office treatment from the comfort of your home. Your dentist will give you professional-grade gel and trays to wear daily for 2 weeks. Stains will fade gradually for lasting results with the right aftercare.
You can have a beautiful, confident smile using a whitening method that has decades of success. Your smile can stay bright for several months or years, depending on how well you maintain it, like brushing and flossing.
About Dr. Mark E. Lawton
Dr. Lawton earned his dental degree at the University of Texas Health Science Center and regularly pursues higher education in the most advanced treatments and techniques, like cosmetic dentistry. He is a proud member of various professional organizations, including the American Dental Association and the Texas Dental Association. If you’re ready to revamp your smile, contact our office today to request your cosmetic consultation.