As a result of an increasing concern over the safety and effectiveness of over-the-counter teeth whitening products as they flood the market without certification and approval, the Australian Dental Industry Association (ADIA) developed the New Regulatory Standards for Teeth Whitening Products in May 2013. This has brought about some changes over the dispensing of teeth whitening products in Perth and all other drugstores and supermarkets across the country. While consumers are assured about teeth whitening products dispensed through dental practices, considering majority if not all of them are certified, over-the-counter teeth whitening products generally are not. Hence, let us examine whether these products really work.
Teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure ideal only for people who have healthy teeth and gums. Individuals with yellow tones to their teeth respond best to this procedure, however it is recommended to consult a dentist before trying any of the over-the-counter teeth whitening products sold in the market.
Types of over-the-counter teeth whitening products:
1. Teeth whitening toothpastes
Toothpastes generally contain mild abrasives that are effective to remove surface stains. Since toothpastes are part of everyone’s daily hygienic routine, some contain added polishing or chemical agents to provide extra stain removal quality. While regular toothpastes help remove surface stains, whitening toothpastes can lighten teeth by one shade - still a long way to go compared to light-activated whitening performed at a dental practice which can ‘improve’ teeth color up to eight tones lighter.
2. Teeth whitening strips and gels
Whitening gels contain peroxide and are applied directly to the teeth’s surface with a small brush. The recommended application is twice daily for 14 days. Initial results are visible in a few days and are usually sustained for up to four months. Whitening strips, on the other hand, are virtually thin and invisible strips coated with peroxide-based whitening gel. The recommended application is twice daily for 30 minutes for 14 days. Results are relatively similar to whitening gels.
3. Whitening rinses
Whitening rinses are a recent addition to the teeth whitening products range and contain ingredients such as hydrogen peroxide which is proven to whiten teeth. Like regular mouth wash, whitening rinses freshen the breath and help reduce gum diseases and dental plaque. Rinses are just swished around the mouth for 60 seconds twice daily and results may take up to 12 weeks to be seen. Experts say rinses are not as effective as the other over-the-counter products since contact to teeth is only for 2 minutes in a day compared to 30 minutes with whitening gels and strips.
4. Tray-based teeth whitening
Tray-based teeth whiteners are a whitening system which involves a mouth guard-like tray with added gel whitening solution which basically contains the bleaching agent, peroxide. The tray is worn for two hours daily – ideally during nighttime - for four weeks or longer depending on the degree of discoloration or the individual’s desired level of teeth whitening.
The facts about over-the-counter teeth whitening products:
• The New Regulatory Standards clarified that continuation of general sales for over-the-counter teeth whitening products is only for those that have lower bleaching ingredient strength of about 18% carbamide peroxide or equivalent to only 6% or less hydrogen peroxide as opposed to greater hydrogen peroxide concentrations of professionally applied teeth whitening systems. In terms of effectiveness, over-the-counter products perform lower.
• Over-the-counter mouth piece trays are generally “one size fit all” which could possibly compromise and irritate gums and soft tissues for some users. Ill-fitted trays allow more bleaching gel to seep into the tissue compared to a custom-made tray provided by dentists which minimizes the gel’s contact on the gums. In-office professional application of teeth whitening products allows the dentist to take an impression of your teeth and customize a mouth piece tray to fit your teeth more accurately.
• Most over-the-counter teeth whitening products in Perth are not endorsed by the ADIA because the association believes that professional consultation and application remains the safest and most effective teeth whitening method. However, several whitening toothpastes sold in drugstores are now certified by the ADIA.
• Over-the-counter teeth bleaching systems and products are cheaper than dentists’ supervised applications, however you need to weigh out if the cost of safety and peace of mind is something you would compromise.
Most over-the-counter teeth whitening products are really popular since they are cheaper than in-office procedures. Some do produce the whitening desired, however the concern is in the side effects they can cause to the teeth, gums and soft tissues in the mouth in the longer term. When in doubt, always consult a dental professional who will be able to provide you all the necessary advice you need on teeth whitening.
For more on anything Teeth Whitening, Cottlesloe Dental in Western Australia is a good source to go for information on Teeth Whitening.
Saturday, 21 December 2013
The difference between a professional and a mediocre personal trainer
Before designing a programme, a personal trainer will assess their clients’ health. Some will use the Par-Q system (the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire which was conceived by the British Columbia Ministry of Health as a screening tool for anyone taking on an exercise regime), others will use their own devised questionnaire, but the basic premise is the same. The questions are health-related, for example, whether the client has experienced chest pain, breathlessness, dizziness, bone and joint problems, has a heart condition, or is currently taking medication. In some circumstances, a qualified trainer may insist on a doctor's assessment before embarking on a new regime.
Pregnant and post-natal women, those with existing health problems, old sports injuries, chronic pain sufferers, and the obese, can and should exercise. Their particular circumstances will determine their programme and any gradual increase in their fitness routine has to be carefully monitored. With or without any specialised requirements, a good personal trainer will then find out what results are expected. This could be an improved muscle tone, weight loss, or simply an overall increase in fitness level. If the client is looking to lose weight in a set time frame, to fit into a wedding dress for example, a knowledgeable trainer will be able to work out if that goal is a viable and healthy option, and how best to go about it.
Nutrition goes hand-in-hand with an exercise programme, so a good professional trainer will be able to advise their client on nutrition, food types, amounts, how and when to eat, what foods to avoid, and tips to keep them on the right track. Additional classes can be recommended to supplement the client's existing programme, the trainer will know what's available, what would be most beneficial, and what they are most likely to enjoy, whether that's Spinning, Zumba, or Boxercise.
Motivation and encouragement is a key factor. Even when a client is regularly exercising, it's not always that a good eating programme is also being adhered to. Maybe they don't feel they are progressing, so a motivational tool used by good professional trainers is to regularly take photos and measurements to show the client their improvement. They will also diversify the routine to keep it interesting, chat more about nutrition, and correct any weaknesses or bad habits that have crept in.
A good professional personal trainer will want to keep up with the latest techniques and research, so many take further education courses to improve their own teaching methods. They will have a good and thorough understanding of how muscles work, how they react, how to deal with an injury, how to soothe muscles and joints, and when to ease off certain exercises.
Take these points into account when selecting a professional personal trainer for yourself. First impressions are an indication too, whether you get along straight away, and the trainer looks as though they follow their own advice. Not every method works for everyone, so it's imperative for them to design a bespoke routine that you will be happy with, and that get your desired results.
If you are in Perth and need an awesome personal trainer, Lords Recreational Centre have expert personal trainers that know all about how to best get results for your body and have the knowledge, personal skills and experience, mediocre trainers don't.
How long do I have to workout before I see some results?
The rate at which the new healthier lifestyle makes a visible difference depends on many factors such as, age, gender, starting fitness level, genetics, the gym programme undertaken, and the accompanying dietary regime. Outwardly noticeable results will obviously come quicker when more of an effort is made.
In general, if a regular exercise programme and healthy eating plan is committed to, results will start to show after the first week. You will notice your stamina, flexibility, and endurance improve, and the time spent on the treadmill can gradually be increased without any difficulties. Varying the cardiovascular exercises in your gym programme makes it more interesting, and will give overall, a more comprehensive fitness level, so alternate between swimming, cycling, running on the treadmill, and working out on the cross-trainer.
Weight loss rates depend on the individual and their starting weight. A healthy guideline is aiming to lose two pounds per week until reaching a target weight, and then maintaining that ideal. Quite often the first week of a new diet may record the biggest weekly weight loss as the body adjusts to the change and sheds water retention. It's also worth remembering that increasing your muscle mass through exercising adds pounds.
Muscle tone can be noticeably improved after two weeks of training. Your body requires consistency to obtain and maintain its fitness level and muscle tone. Once into a routine of repetitive light-weight work (best for toning), the muscle stays tight in preparation for the next round. So, it's more beneficial to exercise for the small amount of time you have available daily, than to go for a full-on two hour burn session once a week. That will increase your chance of injury, and take a much longer time to build up tone, stamina, and strength.
However fast you would like to see results, don't expect to wake up looking like Brad Pitt or Miranda Kerr. When it doesn't happen it's then too easy to become despondent and either give up altogether, or push yourself too hard, again risking an injury that could cut short any training programme. Working out at the gym should be enjoyable above all else, and being patient for the visible results is well worth it.
Speak with the personal trainer at your local gym to recommend a programme specific to your particular requirements, whether that be weight loss, improved fitness levels, tone, strength, or a mixture of all. Personal trainers can adapt a schedule to fit around your routine, lifestyle, body shape, and expectations. Give yourself plenty of time if you are attempting to shape up for a special occasion or event, as a sustained health programme over a longer period of time will help you maintain your new found vitality.
If you are in Perth and need a personal trainer, Lords Recreational Centre have expert personal trainers that know all about how to best get results for your body in the quickest time possible.
Sunday, 15 December 2013
Tips on looking after your teeth after a veneer work
Having spent time and money on having one or more dental veneers fitted allowing you to smile with confidence, there are a few hints and tips that you need to know to keep those pearly whites bright. When you first had cosmetic dentistry, the dental practitioner in Perth will have explained how they were bonding thin slices of porcelain or a mixture known as “composite” to cover your natural tooth. Composite is a white filling made of a putty-like resin material and can be matched to the colour of your natural enamel and like porcelain, it is a durable and hard wearing product, however veneers are not going to be as strong as your natural teeth.
The following care and maintenance tips will help protect your veneers as well as keeping them bright and sparkling white, starting with dealing with food products. Get into the habit of cutting up hard foods such as apples instead of taking a bite out of them, the same goes for bars of chocolate, and also take care with bones, seeds or nuts. Don’t bite down on hard items such as ice and now is the time to break a few bad habits starting with chewing or biting your nails. Giving up smoking and avoiding sugary drinks and red wine, anything you know will stain the teeth, is also advisable, as well as cutting down on tea and coffee if you want to keep a whiter than white smile. Your dentist will advise you on methods of teeth whitening but cutting out tobacco and reducing the consumption of red wine is a small price to pay for looking good, as teeth with veneers are going to be susceptible to staining.
If you are someone who grinds his teeth at night when asleep, then you will need to consider wearing a mouth guard or night splint. The dentist may have already advised this, but it will need to be fitted and purpose-made for you to wear and will help you avoid damaging the veneers when sleeping. If you are a rugby player or take part in other contact sports where a blow to the face is inevitable, then you were probably advised not to have the veneers fitted until you stopped taking part in the sport. If you do have to continue the activity then discuss about a dental sports mouth guard to protect the veneers. There are several dentists in Perth who will be happy to discuss this aftercare method with you, and it is important if you have also had dental implants as well.
Tempting though it is to open a packet of sweets or biscuits with your teeth, after veneer work, use a pair of scissors and now is the time, more than ever, to ensure a regular oral hygiene programme. This means brushing twice a day and using a toothpaste containing fluoride, and flossing. Keeping up with regular check-ups at the dentist and maintaining a healthy diet means you will be rewarded with a Hollywood smile every time you look in the mirror.
If you have any other questions about veneer work and your teeth, Cottlesloe Dentists are always a good source of information to find out about anything teeth-related.
How IPL works in acne treatment
Acne is caused by the immune system which creates an inflammatory response to a bacteria living in our skin called P.acne. This bacteria lives mainly in the sebaceous glands, and stimulates the glands to overproduce an oil called sebum. The skin pores get blocked up with the excessive amount of oil, the bacteria multiplies and spots and raised red bumps and blotches appear usually on the facial area. The traditional methods of treatment involve cleaning the skin to get rid of the oil and reduce bacterial growth and prescribing antibiotics. However, over time the bacteria can become resistant to antibiotics, which is why alternative forms of treatment are now on offer.
A dermatologist may recommend chemical peels as one form of treatment, but for many people who are looking for a more natural process, then Intense Pulse Light or IPL technology is available in and around the Perth area. IPL is a very sophisticated process of laser technology that can effectively treat acne conditions as well as a range of other skin problems. The big advantage of IPL is that it is able to treat the skin without disrupting the surface, which for acne sufferers is very important. Removing acne has to be undertaken by targeting the bacteria in the skin so treatments such as microdermabrasion are not suitable.
IPL works by stimulating the skin’s own natural processes for clear complexion and the treatments are similar to having a really powerful camera flashlight held next to the face and skin areas being treated. The intense light, that is being emitted, is converted into heat energy and targets very specific proteins in the P.acne bacteria. The trained specialist who is using the IPL device, is able to very precisely adjust the wavelength of the laser beam or combination of wave lengths, to suit the individual condition being treated. The power of each pulse, the duration and number can also be changed to suit the individual’s skin physiology and severity of the acne, so this is a very accurate and customised treatment.
Unlike Botox, dermal fillers and skin needling, there is no injection into the skin because the laser is targeting proteins in the bacteria, so the aforementioned treatments are not appropriate. IPL can be used also for a variety of other conditions as it can target proteins in collagen so it works as a wrinkle relaxer, or target colour pigments such as melanin in age spots or dealing with thread vein removal. Laser hair removal is a different process but the IPL is a very versatile device and its full use can be discussed with the appropriate skin specialist, of which there are several in Perth.
So for a natural approach with no fuss, no pain and no invasive medical procedures for acne, IPL technology is spot on!
If you are in Perth, Australia, Liift Aesthetics are great and can also help you when it comes to anything else that is IPL related.
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