The citizens of the U.K. may never catch up to the obsession their American friends have when it comes to the perfect smile. Having perfectly straight teeth that are gleaming like a hospital sheet are not necessarily healthier than those slightly crooked and more of an off-white in colour. In fact, citizens of the U.K. average about a half a cavity less than their counterparts across the pond.
There is still the attitude that Brits find imperfect teeth to show character, and they also don’t feel the need to flash a smile with every greeting and occasion like many Americans do. That being said, the teeth whitening industry is growing in the U.K. There are also those in the entertainment industry who feel the need to have some cosmetic procedure done to showcase their pearly whites, especially if they appear on American television. Interestingly, though, most comedians have opted to keep their original teeth.
Warnings Against Commercial Whiteners
Hydrogen peroxide is the active ingredient in teeth whitening. It has been found to be safe at levels of up to 6%. However, there are some things to consider:
- Federal regulations in the U.K. allow registered dentist to use solutions of only .1%. Most professionals administering treatments are beauty therapists. The lack of dentist administering the treatment is because teeth whitening is categorized as cosmetic rather than medical.
- Over the counter products are found to be psychologically addictive. There are those who become obsessed with how white they can get their teeth.
- Overuse of these products can do harm to your teeth. The enamel can wear down, ultimately permanently discolouring the teeth. The wear on the teeth is due to the acidity in many of the products.
- They do not penetrate or work on dental work such as crowns or veneers causing unevenness in appearance.
Of course, not all whitening kits are created equally. You can compare and view different options here, including some kits that are free of hydrogen peroxide.
Warnings Against Dental Veneers
Not surprisingly, dental veneers are wildly popular in the U.S., and they are gaining popularity in the U.K as well. But consumer beware; what seems like a quick and easy fix comes with some risks and disadvantages:
- It is a painful and extensive process. It involves many visits to the dentist for measurements and having your teeth ground down to fit the veneers.
- Severe jaw pain and trouble sleeping have been reported.
- Increased sensitivity to food and beverages has been reported.
- Some have an allergic reaction to the veneers.
- They are not permanent and can become chipped and loose.
- They are very expensive.
Whitening Your Teeth with Baking Soda
If you have baking soda in your cupboard, you have one of nature’s little miracles in a box. Baking soda is sodium bicarbonate, and it is used not only for baking but for cleaning, as an acid reducer, as an odour reducer, a carpet and laundry freshener, and, of course, to clean and brighten teeth.
It has been used to clean or brush teeth for over 150 years, long before commercial toothpaste was invented or made popular. You may have noticed, too, many popular brands of toothpaste have added baking soda back into the mix.
Another huge advantage of baking soda is the cost. When compared to the cost of veneers at about 200 to 400 pounds per tooth or even a professional or over the counter whitening treatment, it is quite a savings.
How does baking soda work to whiten teeth?
When mixed with water baking soda releases free radicals that interact with stain molecules. It is effective against food, wine, coffee, and tobacco stains. It is also useful in removing plaque.
What is the best way to use baking soda to whiten teeth?
Though baking soda is healthy for not only your teeth but also your gums and tongue, it still has abrasive properties, so it should be used with care:
- Place about a tablespoon of baking soda in your hand or a small dish.
- Mix it with tepid water until it is a workable consistency.
- Brush your teeth and gums thoroughly.
- Rinse your mouth well with water.
- Do this every other day or 2-3 times per week.
- Brushing with baking soda should not be substituted for using a dentist approved toothpaste.
- You may want to add a drop or two of hydrogen peroxide to the mix occasionally.
- Some sources may suggest adding lemon juice, but you will want to consider the acidic properties of lemon juice. They can be damaging to your teeth.
It may take several applications before you notice a difference. Additionally, you may not see the blinding results the commercial or professional services provide much less the transformation of veneers. You can be confident, however, that you will have a much healthier smile.
Whitening your teeth is not a substitute for thorough and good dental care. Good oral hygiene includes brushing twice daily, flossing daily, using a germ-killing rinse daily, and visiting a dentist at least once or twice a year for a professional cleaning and a check-up.
Americans are treating dental care much like dermatology. They are spending much more at the dermatologist on Botox and other cosmetic procedures and less on treatment for skin diseases and check-ups and treatments for skin cancers. Similarly, they spend 1.4 billion dollars a year on whitening products and procedures for their teeth, while spending about 50 million on toothpaste, dental floss, and mouth rinse. It should be the other way around. More efforts and expense should be given to the health of our teeth and mouth rather than the whiteness of our smile. The toothbrush you select is also critical. Most dentists do recommend the use of an electric or battery operated toothbrush.
Making baking soda part of your dental routine is a way to ensure a healthy mouth and teeth while at the same time beautifying your smile.
