Perhaps you’ve sported an over-the-counter whitening strip or two, or gone to your dentist and received a custom bleaching tray. There are several basic whitening methods that we are used to in this day-and-age, but you may be surprised to know that the desire for a bright and youthful grin is not a new part of history. Northbrook cosmetic dentist, Dr. Brent Engelberg, has heard of teeth whitening being traced all the way back to 3000 B.C.
Going Way Back
The ancient Egyptians are thought to be the pioneers of teeth whitening. They made a paste using ground pumice stone mixed with wine vinegar in an attempt to brighten grins. It is believed that white teeth were considered to be a sign beauty and wealth. However, it probably doesn’t sound like a sign of being in the upper echelon of society if you would dare to whiten your teeth with urine. Yet ancient Romans did just that. As off-putting as this may seem, the science behind the concept is sound since the ammonia in urine can act as a bleaching agent.
Continued Evolution of Teeth Whitening
In the 17th century, whitening practices started to get really wild. Instead of dentists, patrons would go to their barbers for a haircut and some dental work. Whitening done by barbers involved filing down teeth to break through the enamel and then applying acid directly on the dentin. Smiles were rendered whiter through this practice, but the enamel damage and ensuing erosion meant that someone would pay a high price of losing teeth for the short-lived privilege of a bright smile.
Modern whitening began to take form in the late 1980s. Peroxide was being used as an oral antiseptic in dentistry to treat gum disease. The happy side effect of whitening was discovered through this process. Teeth bleaching has been undergoing refinement and improvement ever since.
Teeth Whitening from your Northbrook Cosmetic Dentist
Dr. Engelberg can help you achieve the smile of your dreams. To schedule a consultation, call our 60062 dentist office at 847-259-8030. We are happy to serve patients in Northbrook, Deerfield, Highland Park, Wilmette, Winnetka, Glencoe, Vernon Hills, Lincolnshire, Libertyville, Skokie, Evanston, Palatine, Schaumburg, Elk Grove Village, Rolling Meadows, Northwest Chicago Suburbs, and Northern Chicago Suburbs.
