Although we think of cosmetic dentistry as a contemporary concept, humans have been making efforts to enhance their smiles for millennia. One popular treatment that has deep historic roots is teeth whitening. In today’s world, your dentist can provide a take-home kit using professional-grade gels and trays that are customized to fit your teeth to maximize results. That means you can lighten your grin by several shades all from the comfort of your own home.
That hasn’t always been the case, though. Keep reading to learn more about the fascinating evolution of cosmetic teeth whitening over the ages!
Ancient Attempts
The earliest forms of teeth whitening can be traced back to the Egyptians around 4,000 years ago. Their society valued beauty so much that, much like today, looking good was considered a status symbol because cosmetics like makeup and teeth whitening could only be afforded by higher-ranking individuals. They created a mixture of ground pumice and vinegar that was applied to their pearly whites to lighten them.
Then, 3,000 years ago, the Romans had an even more unsavory solution. They used human urine to brighten their grins because the ammonia content could be used as bleach.
Baroque Fixes
There wasn’t much progress in whitening methods until the 17th century in the Baroque period. Back then, barbers were responsible for caring for their clients’ teeth in addition to their hair as part of their overall appearance. They were known to use metal files to roughen the tooth’s surface and then use a strong nitric acid to remove stains. While this did get rid of discoloration, it also was so abrasive on enamel that it expedited tooth decay. At the time, this was considered a small price to pay for achieving the prestige that came with a lighter smile.
Modern Techniques
As medical knowledge and techniques expanded in the 19th century, dentistry began to grow in leaps and bounds. For example, when looking for an effective treatment against gum disease, dentists of the time experimented with hydrogen peroxide applications. They discovered that not only could it fight infection, but it also brightened teeth. Then, in 1918 they realized that exposing patients to a heating lamp while using this chemical accelerated the whitening process.
Finally, in 1989 teeth lightening procedures began to look more like what we use today. Dentists created a gel made of opalescence carbamide peroxide which they applied to a tray that they inserted into patients’ mouths.
Thankfully, ongoing advancements in dental technology and materials have led to even more effective solutions. Today, your dentist can provide top-quality ingredients that get better results than ever before. There’s no better time than now to call and schedule your next teeth whitening treatment!
About the Author
Dr. Jeff Lineberry received his dental degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and has proudly served the Cocoa Beach community for several years. Our services include preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry, allowing us to address a wide range of dental needs. Hoping to enhance your smile’s appearance? Let us design a personalized treatment plan for you! If you have questions about our blog or would like to schedule an appointment, call (321) 783-7514 or visit us online to get started.