Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Kor Bleaching - Whitening for Life!


Deep KoR Bleaching
Tetracycline Staining: Before and After KoR Whitening system
Unretouched Photos of an actual Deep Bleaching (KoR Whitening) Tetracycline stained teeth. 
Please note that the "shade guide tab" is the same in both photos.  The "before/after" photos were taken by Dr Rod Kurthy (DDS in California and inventor of the system).  His worldwide reputation and credentials are of the highest degree.  His KoR whitening system has been on the market (for Dentists who seek out the credentialing process to obtain a "license" to use it) for almost 10 years and is without question the absolute best and deepest bleaching methodology available.  This system makes ZOOM and LASER whitening virtually obsolete (unless is looking for a "same-day" "wow" result - but this result will not last anywhere near as long as KoR). 
·        Do you have deep staining in your teeth?

·        Do you get a lot of sensitivity from bleaching your teeth?

·        Do you have tetracycline staining?

·        Do you hate wearing bleaching strips?

·        Do you desire a beautiful, whiter and more youthful smile?

·        Are you embarrassed to smile?

If you answered yes to any of the above questions, it is time to talk about Kor Whitening! 

More about Kor Bleaching ...
It is a bleaching procedure (available only to "licensed" dentists) that has the dental world talking!  It is the only whitening product to receive “Best Product” in Dental Shopper Professional Magazine for Practicing Dentists.   

There have been other  bleaching systems, but Kor Bleaching sets the bar! Read more to find out if Kor Bleaching is right for youKor Bleaching is perfect for you if….

·        You love a healthy, beautiful and youthful looking smile

·        You have tetracycline staining (grey or dark teeth).

·        You have staining that does not improve with over-the-counter products

·        You drink coffee, tea or red wine (you don’t have to give these up with Kor Bleaching).

Advantages of choosing Kor Bleaching include…
·       Little to no Sensitivity

·       Comfortable and easy process

·       Permanent results

·        Completely safe for teeth and gums

·        Perfect for ages 14 and up!

If you are looking for a provider in the St. Louis area that does Kor Bleaching, look no further.  Plaza Health Dentistry is proud to be a "licensed" provider for this extraordinary product.  Visit our website (www.stlouis-cosmeticimplantdentist.com) or call our office to schedule a consultation (314-843-0500). We look forward to meeting you!

Artificial Sweeteners and Your Teeth


Are Artificial Sweeteners Bad for My Teeth?

If you are like many Americans you may be turning to "Sugar Substitutes" (artificial or natural sweeteners) as a way to lose weight or curb your sugar intake.  You might be wondering if all Sugar Substitutes are the same for your teeth. 

Sugar Substitutes are often found in products labeled “sugar-free” or “diet”.  They are found in many products including juice, chewing gum, desserts, candy, soda, ice cream, yogurt, etc.  Importantly, Sugar Substitutes are not all the same.  2 large categories include Artificial and Natural (non-sugar) type Sweeteners (see table).   

Artificial Sweetener
Natural Sweeteners
Sunett,
Sweet One
Agave Nectar
Aspartame (Equal, NutraSweet)
Date Sugar
Neotame
Fruit Juice Concentrate
Saccharin (Sweet’N Low)
Honey
Sucralose (Splenda)
Maple Syrup

 
In addition, there are "Sugar Alcohols" such as Mannitol, Sorbitol, and Xylitol.  As you can see this can be a very confusing subject.  Sugar Substitutes (esp. artificial sweeteners) are regulated by Federal Drug Administration, and are generally recognized as being safe for human consumption in moderation.
Not all "Sugar Substitutes" are the same when looking at the effects on tooth decay.  Dental health agencies promote the use of Xylitol, because of its anti-cavity properties.  Meaning, there is scientific evidence that suggests that Xylitol reduces the bacteria in the mouth that causes dental cavities.  In addition, Xylitol has also shown to help relieve the symptoms of dry mouth.  Dry mouth can also cause cavities as saliva is necessary to help reduce the amount of acid that can be found in the mouth.
While Xylitol may be proven to be the superior Sugar Substitute (S.S.), it's really the truth that all S.S.s are better than plain sugar, honey, molasses or sugars derived from fruit and here's why.

Bacteria in the mouth often combines with these sugars and creates an acid that when left on the teeth that cause decay.  Bacteria cannot combine w the S.S.s so the bacteria remain harmless when exposed to these products.

Further ... Many dentists recommend chewing sugar-free gum after meals if brushing is not an option.  The current research suggests that Xylitol gum may be the best option for sugar-free gum, but they all sugar-free brands show benefits when used after meals.

Here is the "Catch" however.  Don’t be fooled into thinking that because something is sugar-free it is good for your teeth.  Many diet sodas and fruit juices, although they contain artificial sweeteners, they have high levels of acid - which by itself is harmful to your tooth (it doesn't even need the bacteria to "eat away" at your tooth (ie decay).   If you have concerns about artificial sweeteners, Sugar Substitutes and the effects they may have on your teeth, your dentist is a great source of information.