The outer layer of each tooth, called the enamel, contains pores that can hold stains. The whitening process virtually erases stains and brightens your teeth, without damaging your enamel or your gums.

Custom trays are made from molds of your teeth. In these trays you place the whitening gel . These trays are worn for as little as one hour a day for two weeks. In-office whitening is also available at 4 to 6 times the cost.

In-office whitening is also available for more immediate results. In as little as one appointment we can whiten your teeth several shades. Schedule a Cosmetic Consult with one of our Doctors to discuss your options.

Did you know that this whole process could be avoided or corrected with modern dental treatments? If you are noticing a change in your smile, you should call your dentist to see what is going on and what can be done. With all the tools we have in dentistry today, there is no need to become “long in the tooth”!

As we age our teeth change color and start to shift or crowd. Correcting this problem can be as simple as regular cleanings at your dentist’s office and take home bleaching or it could be more involved with the use of veneers or crowns.

It’s never too late to have the smile you have always dreamed about and with all our modern dental materials and techniques we can do some amazing things!

The History of Toothpaste

The toothpaste that we currently use on our teeth contains three basic elements:  an abrasive,  a flavoring and a soaping agent (the suds). These three fundamental materials that clean our teeth are a vast improvement over what has been used in the past.

Previous ingredients used to clean teeth included salt, crushed bone or seashells, ashes from fires, sand, pumice, charcoal and baking soda. At times, sweeteners like honey were added to improve the flavor. The first toothpaste in the form that we know it was invented by Washington Wentworth Sheffield, a dentist from Connecticut. His creation, called Creme Dentifrice, was available as early as 1850 – but not in a tube. The first toothpaste to be packaged in tube form was Colgate toothpaste, called Colgate Ribbon Dental Creme, and was first sold in 1896.

So Many Toothpaste Choices!

There are so many different types of toothpastes available that patients often ask Dr. Williams what kind he recommends. The most important qualities to look for when choosing toothpaste are not brand or cost, but rather whether you like the taste and texture. You will, after all, be putting it in your mouth at least twice a day.

Additionally, your toothpaste should contain fluoride, especially in Portland where the drinking water does not have adequate amounts of the tooth-strengthening mineral. Most mainstream brands, especially those with the American Dental Association seal, contain fluoride.

What About Tooth Problems?

If you have problems with tarter building up on your teeth, Dr. Williams recommends using  an anti-tarter toothpaste, which usually contain an active ingredient called pyrophosphate.  If you have sensitive teeth due to root exposure or wear, consider using a toothpaste containing potassium nitrate, which can block the tubules in teeth that cause sensitivity.

From whitening toothpaste to tartar control, it doesn’t matter all that much what type of toothpaste you use as long as you’re brushing twice a day with a soft toothbrush and keeping your teeth and gums clean and healthy.  Dr. Williams and his team of skilled hygienists at Mt. Tabor Dental can answer any questions you may have about toothpastes and other oral health products.

Dental decay (called “caries”) is an active process; starting out the size of a pinhead and eventually spreading enough to destroy an entire tooth!

Regular dental check-ups including x-rays once a year will help your dentist detect decay when it is first beginning and easily treated.

Early treatment can be as simple as a tooth colored filling while delaying treatment can lead to the need for a root canal and crown or even removal of the tooth.