Posted on: June 11, 2014
Did you know that oral hygiene is not a recent phenomenon? It’s true – societies have utilized various methods to take care of their teeth for centuries. Here at Oral Care Dentistry, we proudly offer teeth whitening in Beverly Hills for patients who want to always look their best. Now we present to you the history of teeth whitening!
Back in 3000 BC, people weren’t using toothbrushes to clean their teeth. They used chew sticks: small branches that were chewed to remove particles from the teeth the same way a brush does. Chew sticks are still used to this day in many countries.
What we know as the toothbrush today was first developed in China in the 15th century. They employed hog’s hair as bristles and attached them to bamboo and bone handles. In Europe, only the upper classes brushed their teeth using soft horsehair brushes, or picked their teeth after eating with brass toothpicks.
It wasn’t until the 19th century that people realized that brushing their teeth with animal hair was probably not the most sanitary or healthy way to care for teeth. In 1950, bristles made of nylon were introduced to the toothbrush as a tough, moisture-proof, and, most importantly, bacteria-resistant alternative to animal hair bristles. These nylon bristles are the same bristles we are familiar with today.
The practice of teeth whitening really begins with the first toothpaste: ground pumice stone mixed with wine vinegar, made by the ancient Egyptians in 2000 BC. They brushed this paste on their teeth while chewing on chew sticks.
The Ancient Romans actually brushed their teeth with urine, using the ammonia in urine as a bleaching agent!
Over the years scientists have utilized ammonia and other chemicals in more modern approaches to teeth whitening. Today, more conventional methods include the over-the-counter whitening strips that have become increasingly popular over the last few years and teeth whitening procedures performed by your dentist in a dental office. These in-office teeth whitening procedures involve your dentist applying a highly concentrated peroxide gel to your teeth to break down stains from tooth enamel.
The newest and best teeth whitening method is the Zoom! teeth whitening system, widely known as the most effective way to remove tooth discoloration. After the patient’s teeth are cleaned, a peroxide whitening gel is applied to the teeth and a special LED light is used to activate the whitening agents in the gel. The Zoom! procedure only takes an hour and results are immediate—you’ll leave your dentist’s office the same day with a sparkling, whiter smile!
For centuries humans have been using numerous methods to get brighter smiles. While the desire for whiter teeth hasn’t changed, luckily the technology has evolved into more effective treatments that provide longer-lasting results.
To try the latest and greatest in teeth whitening in Beverly Hills, contact Dr. Parnaz Aurasteh at Oral Care Dentistry to see if Zoom! teeth whitening is right for you. To learn more, call us at (310) 247-1252 to schedule an appointment.
