Teeth-Whitening Products Could
Cause Bigger Problems Than Yellow Teeth
Are you thinking that your teeth don’t look nearly as white as the movie stars you see? If so, perhaps you’re thinking about purchasing one of those over-the-counter teeth- whitening products.
But buyer beware: Cosmetic teeth-whitening is a $3.2 billion-dollar industry that is not regulated by the Food And Drug Administration because it is considered a cosmetic procedure.
The sheer number and types of whitening products can be overwhelming. They include whitening toothpastes, gels, whitening strips, whitening pens, whitening mouth rinses and even paint on bleach.
“It is best to consult your dentist before purchasing over-the-counter whitening products,” says Dr. Anita Myers, a dentist and author of the bookStunning Smiles: A Dental Guide To Improve the Way You Eat, Smile & Live (https://dranitamyers.com). “Some of these products can lead to thinning enamel, gum irritation and recession, and make teeth overly sensitive.”
Some whitening strips contain chlorine dioxide, which can destroy the enamel on teeth. Chlorine dioxide is the same acid that is used to disinfect swimming pools. It whitens teeth by eating away at the surface of the enamel.
“All stains are the same,” Dr. Myers says. “Some are mostly on the surface of the teeth and come from consuming lots of dark-colored liquids like coffee, tea and red wine, as well as foods with vibrant yellow spices like turmeric. The tar and nicotine from cigarettes are also huge culprits.
“Often, surface stains can be diminished by routine brushing, flossing and biannual professional cleaning in the dentist's office. Unfortunately, there are deeper stains you just can't avoid by being careful about what you eat and drink. And some issues may remain after whitening. Porcelain or composite dental crowns and bondings will not lighten up. So if you change the color of the teeth around them, you might wind up with an uneven smile or need to replace old fillings and crowns.”
If you are going to use an over-the-counter whitening product, Dr. Myers has these recommendations:
Don’t leave the strips or gels on longer than recommended. This could lead to sore gums and other dental problems.
Avoid acidic beverages. After you whiten, avoid soda, sports drinks, or other acidic beverages for a couple of hours to protect your teeth.
Pregnant women or nursing mothers should delay applications. Although no studies have shown this to be a problem, it is best to delay using those products, Dr. Myers says.
Monitor Gums. If you use gel-filled trays, which you wear over your teeth like a mouth guard, it may bother your gums if they don't fit well. “Stop using the product if you start having this problem,” Dr. Myers says. “If you like the gel-filled trays, your dentist may be able to make one that better fits your teeth.”
“If you are in doubt about what to choose as a teeth-whitening product over the counter, look for the The American Dental Association seal of acceptance,” says Dr. Myers. “At least you will know that the product has been evaluated by an independent panel of qualified dentists.”
About Dr. Anita Myers
Dr. Anita Myers, a dentist and author of the book Stunning Smiles: A Dental Guide To Improve the Way You Eat, Smile & Live(www.dranitamyers.com), is a graduate of the University of Texas Dental Branch and holds a bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University. She is an alumnus and visiting faculty member of the Pankey Institute for Advanced Dental Education. Dr. Myers is a member of the Academy of General Dentistry and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Voted one of “America’s Top Dentists” from 2010-2019 by the Consumer’s Research Council, she is also a member of several local, state and national dental associations.
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UNITED UTAH PARTY TO GOVERNOR HERBERT: VETO TOXIC WASTE BILL
UUP calls for more environmental study to ensure Utahns are safe
HB220, a bill that would allow for increased storage of radioactive material that gets hotter over time, is heading to Governor Herbert’s desk for a signature. In response to this bill, United Utah Party issued the following statement:
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Radioactive waste has the potential to do a great deal of damage to the health of Utahns for generations to come. We call on Governor Herbert to veto this bill and ask the legislature for further study before taking irrevocable action that could do irreparable harm.
Both the governor and the Department of Environmental Quality have stated there are problems with the bill. With waste as dangerous as this, we can't afford to make mistakes. In addition, Energy Solutions has given significant campaign donations to legislators, and it’s clear they expect something in return. Last year, they got a hefty tax break. This year, it appears as if legislators are eager to satisfy a big donor to their campaign coffers at the expense of being cautious with the health and welfare of the people they represent.
The United Utah Party stands for responsible stewardship of our natural resources, and we fear the legislature has moved too quickly with this bill to understand its environmental implications. That's why we urge the governor to force the legislature to slow this process down to make sure our environment is protected for us and future generations.
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For more information, visit unitedutah.org.
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Governor Gary R. Herbert’s Schedule
February 25, 2019 - March 1, 2019
**The Governor’s schedule is subject to frequent change**
Monday, February 25
National Governors Association Meetings - All Day
Travel to Salt Lake City
Tuesday, February 26
10:30 a.m. Meet with Leadership Team
Location: Governor’s Office
1:00 p.m. Meet with Lt. Governor Spencer Cox
Location: Governor’s Office
2:00 p.m. Meet with General Counsel
Location: Governor’s Office
3:00 p.m. Call Constituents
Location: Governor’s Office
5:00 p.m. Meet with Legislative Leadership
Location: Governor’s Office
Wednesday, February 27
8:00 a.m. Meet with Minority Leadership
Location: Governor’s Office
9:00 a.m. Meetings with Legislators
Location: Governor’s Office
11:45 a.m. Attend Lunch with Interns
Location: Governor’s Office
1:00 p.m. Meet with BioUtah
Location: Governor’s Office
Thursday, February 28
9:00 a.m. Meet with Majority Leadership
Location: Governor’s Office
10:30 a.m. Governor’s Monthly KUED News Conference
Location: KUED Studios, Salt Lake City
Media Availability
12:00 p.m. “Let Me Speak to the Governor” Show on KSL Newsradio
Location: Governor's Office
Friday, March 1
12:00 p.m. Attend Cabinet Meeting
Location: State Capitol
Lt. Governor Spencer J. Cox's Schedule
February 25, 2019 - March 1, 2019
**The Lt. Governor’s schedule is subject to frequent change**
Monday, February 25
9:00 a.m. Tech Day on the Hill
Location: State Capitol, Rotunda
9:30 a.m. Meet with Representative Kyle Andersen
Location: Lt. Governor’s Office
10:00 a.m. Meet with Department of Workforce Services
Location: Lt. Governor’s Office
11:00 a.m. Guest Appearance on ToddCastUtah Podcast
Location: Lt. Governor’s Office
12:00 p.m. Meet with Natalie Gochnour
Location: Salt Lake City
1:30 p.m. Meet with General Counsel
Location: Lt. Governor’s Formal Office
2:15 p.m. Meet with Colliers International Leadership
Location: Salt Lake City
Tuesday, February 26
10:30 a.m. Meet with Governor’s Leadership Team
Location: Governor’s Office
12:00 p.m. Meet with Derek Brown
Location: Lt. Governor’s Office
1:00 p.m. Weekly Update with Governor Herbert
Location: Governor’s Office
2:15 p.m. Film Interview for Mayor Brent Taylor Documentary
Location: Lt. Governor’s Office
3:30 p.m. Elections Review with Staff
Location: Lt. Governor’s Office
5:00 p.m. Meet with Legislative Leadership
Location: Governor’s Office
Wednesday, February 27
11:00 a.m. Meet with CSforAll Summit Leadership
Location: Lt. Governor’s Office
12:00 p.m. Lunch with Governor’s Office Interns
Location: Governor’s Office
1:45 p.m. Meet with Mana 7 Charities
Location: Lt. Governor’s Office
Thursday, February 28
7:45 a.m. Radio from Hell Guest Appearance
Location: X96 Studio
9:00 a.m. Meet with Majority Legislative Leadership
Location: State Capitol, Senate Rules Room
10:00 a.m. Speak at Utah All-State High School Art Show Awards Ceremony
Location: State Capitol, Capitol Boardroom
Media Access
10:30 a.m. Meet with Snow College Director of Advancement and Government Relations
Location: Lt. Governor’s Formal Office
12:00 p.m. Speak at Sandy Area Chamber of Commerce Peak Awards Ceremony
Location: Sandy
Media Access
Friday, March 1
11:00 a.m. Greet Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind Student Group
Location: Governor’s Office
12:00 p.m. Attend Cabinet Meeting
Location: State Capitol
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