Almost everyone would like to address some aesthetic defect in their smile, and the people who lived in previous centuries were no different. Historians and archaeologists have unearthed evidence of a wide variety of teeth whitening techniques used by ancient people, and some of these methods were much safer, more effective, or more pleasant to think about than others. Here’s a brief guide to how people tried to brighten their smiles in previous centuries and how far cosmetic dentistry has come.
And the Number One Way to Whiten Teeth in Ancient Rome Was…
The ancient Romans were known for their love of grapes and wine, and these items are notorious for leaving reddish or purplish dental stains. Small concentrations of ammonia can bleach these discolorations out of the enamel, and the people of Rome found a cheap and accessible whitening treatment that was available to people of all social classes. By rinsing their mouths with their own urine, Romans were able to remove dental stains, but this treatment came with the unfortunate side effect of atrocious breath.
Medieval Teeth Whitening Was Brutal
If you lived in medieval Europe, you probably received your oral health treatments from the local barber, and these providers did not perform the safe and effective teeth whitening procedures dentists offer today. Medieval barbers would whiten smiles by roughing up the patient’s enamel with a file or a rasp before treating their teeth with a coating of corrosive nitric acid. While this could remove stains, it did so by destroying healthy enamel and leaving the patient more vulnerable to dental injuries and infections as well as tooth loss.
Modern Teeth Whitening Is Safe, Effective, and Comfortable
Today’s dentists offer effective teeth whitening treatments that can safely deliver remarkable results in brief timeframes. These are administered in one of two methods:
- An in-office procedure: Your dentist can use protective barriers, customized dental trays, and concentrated whitening agents to brighten your grin at their office in about an hour.
- A take-home kit: These kits include customized dental trays and professional-grade whitening gel. You’ll only need to apply the gel to the trays and wear them over your teeth for about an hour every day for two weeks to achieve astounding results.
Teeth whitening treatments from your dentist can lift stubborn stains and leave your smile up to eight shades whiter, and the effects can last for up to three years if you take excellent care of your teeth. These procedures can also be safely re-administered as needed to maintain your results over time. Consulting with your dentist can help you find the best way to achieve your ideal smile.
About the Practice
Burncoat Family Dental offers the most excellent oral healthcare in Worcester. Led by Drs. Damerji, Alyassi, and Iren, the staff treats each patient with respect, courtesy, and genuine compassion in a warm and welcoming office environment. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, emergency, and cosmetic dentistry such as teeth whitening. To book your cosmetic dental consultation, contact the practice online or dial (508) 852-0168.