It’s Friday, and we want to share a fun quiz with you on both the whitening and blackening of teeth. Yes, you read that right. Have we piqued your interest? Then try your hand at this true-or-false test of knowledge from your Schaumburg cosmetic dentist, Dr. Brent Engelberg.
Questions
Q1. True or false – Teeth blackening is an ancient Asian tradition still practiced by some people in Vietnam.
Q2. True or false – You should never expose your teeth to peroxide.
Q3. True or false – Once you have whitened your teeth professionally, they will be whitened for life.
Answers
A1. TRUE – Fruit from the Areca tree mixed with lime paste is wrapped in a leaf that grows on the betel pepper vine. This creates a parcel that women in certain Vietnamese tribes chew on in a similar way that some Americans chew tobacco. The Vietnamese tribes consider blackened teeth to signal that a young woman is ready for marriage.
A2. FALSE – You can expect to see peroxide as the active ingredient in just about all teeth whitening products or kits that you find at your local drugstore. Peroxide gives oxygen the opportunity to permeate your tooth enamel. This bleaches your teeth to lighten, brighten, and whiten them. While peroxide is safe for teeth, you should be careful to avoid too much exposure or you could end up with tooth sensitivity issues.
A3. FALSE – If only this were true. Unfortunately, once you have whitened your teeth, you should consider avoiding the foods, beverages, and habits that might contribute to staining and dulling all over again. You may need to whiten in the future, but don’t do so too soon after a strong bleaching treatment, or you could end up with irritation due to overexposure to bleaching gels.
Teeth Whitening from Schaumburg Cosmetic Dentist
Interested in teeth whitening? Call your Schaumburg cosmetic dentist. Dr. Engelberg can help you achieve the smile of your dreams. To schedule a consultation, call our 60159 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.
