Archive for February 17th, 2010

Tooth Whitening Or Bleaching? The Myths Of Cosmetic Dentistry Explained

Demand For Whiter Teeth

More and more, people are demanding whiter teeth. They are no longer willing to accept the slow discoloration of their teeth over time. As a result, a major industry has grown up around “tooth whitening”. I want to bring some clarity into the cloud of information (and misinformation) concerning “tooth whitening” and the procedures and products used to achieve whiter smiles. This is going to be a series of articles addressing this subject.

Today we will start with some definitions and explanations. In subsequent posts I will discuss the pros and cons of the different methods and materials employed and then, finally, discuss some of the major brands of tooth whitening systems out there currently. Let’s get started.

The Factors Affecting Tooth Color

Tooth color is an enormously complex subject composed of many factors including hue, saturation, translucency, stains and age to name a few. However, for our purposes here, the thicker the enamel, the whiter the appearance of the teeth. Some people start out with thick opaque enamel and, hence, whiter looking teeth. In general, the original color of teeth ranges from the yellow-brown caste to the grey-green caste. As teeth age, the enamel tends to wear and become thinner and more translucent. This allows the yellow-brown color of the underlying dentin to show through more. Also, aging is accompanied by slight cracking and imperfections in the surface of the enamel allowing deeper penetration of stains.

Types of Stains

Stains are classified as either intrinsic (internal) or extrinsic (external or surface). Intrinsic staining can be a result of age, trauma (either acute or chronic), exposure minerals (as in Tetracycline) during formation or fluoride in too large doses. Often there is a combination of all these factors, different for each individual.

Extrinsic stains affect the surface of the tooth enamel coming from foods, dark colored beverages (wine and juices), tobacco and other sources that penetrate surface imperfections over time with the wear and trauma of chewing and/or tooth grinding.

Whitening vs Bleaching

Although the term “tooth whitening” is commonly used for all types of whitening systems, there are actually two distinct types of procedures involved. The FDA classifies the use of a peroxide containing agent to produce a whiter intrinsic shade as “bleaching”. “Whitening” on the other hand is the process of removing as much of the extrinsic or surface stain on teeth through the use of toothpastes, toothbrush floss and other cleaning agents such as the pumice used by the hygienist.

In the next installment, we will talk about the three types of whitening systems commonly available: In-office systems, At-home systems and Over-the-counter systems.



Or you can also download the free complete report on tooth whitening at http://www.toothhaven.com/?page_id=112 . Follow Steven J. Brazis DDS at http://www.sjbrazisontwitter.com
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Be the first to comment - What do you think?  Posted by Andy Harvey - February 17, 2010 at 6:07 am

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Health Issues In Daily Exercises

Most of us do not know that daily fitness exercises may not always boost our health but sometimes can even make it worse. Our bodies need to be properly trained, but that doesn’t mean that you have to do more than you can possibly do. Intense training sometimes can badly affect one’s immune system or even internal organs. Health and fitness are closer to each other than we usually suspect.

First of all it is important to know what your real possibilities are. You don’t have to do the exercises for your friends or for your family. You do it for yourself. Better results would be achieved if you know what you really can and cannot do. For that it’s important to consult with a doctor. For example, if you have some heart problems it would be better for you not to do some exercises than gain some health problems. A doctor knows best about your health and fitness routines could become more efficient with his help. So be careful when you choose exercises that are potentially risky.

There are some things that you need to avoid. One of them is starvation diets. If your goal is losing weight it is important not to hurry. It takes a lot of time to lose weight. You have to be patient, crash diets could make it worse. And besides after a good workout you have to eat properly. Good food makes growing your muscles possible. It means fruit, cereals, vegetables and other good stuff. Drinking water also is very important after each exercise. And yes, there’s no place for junk food and alcohol. It can ruin your whole fitness and health goals.

Nutrition is very popular in our days. But not all people know how to use it. Some people just buy everything that they see thinking that the more they get the better is the results. And it’s not right. Even professional athletes try to use just a small amount of nutrition. There is always some nutrition specialists at your local gym that can help you make the decision what amount of protein you should take.

If you have some health problems or you’re just sick sometimes it better to take a rest instead of an intense training day. Visiting a doctor wouldn’t be a bad idea. Maybe he can give you extra advices on what to do or not to do during the time you are sick. But don’t make it as an excuse for not doing your exercises. Our health and fitness program requires our attention even during sickness.

It is important to have good rest and sleep after exercises. Our health and fitness needs energy that can be regained through a good nap. That will keep your body tight and ready for new challenges!


Carole is the author of some web-blogs in Health category. You can find more interesting and useful information at Sports And Fitness Blog and Ideal Weight Blog.
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Be the first to comment - What do you think?  Posted by Andy Harvey - at 6:07 am

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Bodybuilding Nutrition – Eating to Build an Impressive Physique

Another bodybuilding nutrition secret lies in eating less but more frequently. In fact it is suggested that you eat several small meals throughout the day instead of the traditional large meals, thrice in a day. You should preferable eat around six smaller meals which could be spread throughout the day.

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Be the first to comment - What do you think?  Posted by Dane Bergen - at 3:10 am

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Smart Bodybuilding Nutrition Tips That Work

Latest bodybuilding research shows that when you eat is more important than what you eat. Follow these bodybuilding nutrition tips, and results will follow.

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1 comment - What do you think?  Posted by Jim O'Connor - at 3:10 am

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