In our modern society, we are continually being bombarded by TV Ads, Magazines and the general Media to improve/change our appearance for the better.

Products for hair care, anti skin wrinkle cream. pretty well ‘ lotions and potions’ for just about everything, including Teeth Whiteners.

For the teenager, who is all to conscious of his personal appearance, and probably more importantly, how he/she will appear to their peers, the teen mind is very open to such apparent ‘appearance enhancing ‘ suggestions, and is often the target of these kind of product manufacturers.

So just what are these teeth whitening products, which are relatively low priced and becoming increasingly popular in usage? Which is the best product to buy? Lets take a look!

Why do Teens Want Teeth Whiteners?

n  To improve their aesthetic appearance, either for personal reasons, or due to pressure from media or peer group..

n  Most teens desire a set of smiling, straight, white teeth, and will purchase such products to achieve this objective.

The artificial whitening of teeth among teenagers is usually achieved by the use of whitening strips. Just what are these Whitening strips?

Whitening Strips. What are They?

Whitening strips are an adhesive strip containing between 6 – 10 percent Hydrogen Peroxide, the may or not contain a gel.

They can be applied to either the upper teeth or lower teeth depending on the location and degree of whitening desired by the teen.

Application of Whitening Strips.

Usually the strips are applied for about a 30 minute period, two times each day. This should continue for a period of about twenty days. That is, treat the upper teeth for a period of 20 days as described, followed by treating the lower teeth  in a similar fashion for 20 days.

It will be found by the user, that following such treatment, a significant improvement in colour, a reduction in yellowness, and an enhanced whitening, will result.

With these whitening strips some tooth sensitivity or gum irritation may be experienced, but this soon passes away at the end of the whitening treatment.

Preparation for Teeth Whitening.

It is important that certain steps should be followed to prepare the mouth for such treatment. – -

n  First the teenager should have good oral health.

n  It is not advisable to drink or eat anything which may stain the whitening directly after its application. This applies equally to use of tobacco products.

n  Take note that any existing fillings or crown fittings will not respond to the whitener.

n  The strips will only cover the front teeth upper and lower.

n  If the teen suffers from tooth decay, periodontal disease or hypersensitivity, then whitening products are not recommended for use.

n  A thorough cleaning of the mouth and teeth should be carried out by a dentist prior to the application of the whitening strips

Good oral health care from infancy, accompanied by a continual healthy well balanced diet, and the avoidance of junk foods will go a long way to preventing the need for any artificially enhanced ultra white smile in most teenagers!.

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