Oral hygiene and the desire to keep the teeth looking beautiful is not something new. In fact, for centuries, societies have explored different methods for taking care of the teeth.
In the beginning: The advent of the toothbrush
In ancient times, people would chew on sticks to keep the teeth clean and remove particles. In fact, in many countries, this method is still used to this day.
Around the 15th century, the beginning of the modern toothbrush was developed, made of bamboo, bone, and hog’s hair. In Europe, horsehair toothbrushes were reserved for the Elite upper class, which also used brass toothpicks to remove food particles after eating.
In the 1950s, toothbrushes made of nylon bristles were introduced as a more sanitary and healthy way to keep teeth clean.
Early whitening practices
In 2000 BC, the ancient Egyptians used a paste, made of ground up pumice and vinegar in combination with chewing sticks. Even more bizarre, the Romans utilized the ammonia in urine to bleach the teeth white
Latest whitening methods
Luckily, today whitening has come a long way. In fact, teeth whitening has become so popular that many are overwhelmed when trying to choose from over-the-counter or professional methods.
When opting to whiten the teeth, there are a few important facts to consider:
- Do you need this done quickly for an upcoming event, or can it be gradual over time?
- Do you want to simply remove stains or whiten the teeth several shades brighter than the natural color?
- Do you have any issues with tooth or gum sensitivity?
While over the counter methods seem convenient, they rarely produce the results that our patients want. Most can remove stains, but cannot significantly whiten. In addition, they are one-size-fits all, which means that they may not whiten evenly or the gums and tongue may not be properly protected from the whitening agent.
Professional teeth whitening from Pure Gold Professionals in Dentistry can whiten your teeth shades beyond your natural color. With customized solutions, we can help you whiten your teeth in our office for that upcoming event, or in the convenience of your own-home with our professional take-home kits.
If you want to transform your smile, come in today to find out more about our teeth whitening treatments.