Teeth Whitening Can be Hazardous

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According to research done by IMC Research, seventy percent of people with bad teeth say it has negatively impacted their lives (“Bad Teeth Can Have Mental Impact”). From fourth grade through high school, parents and children struggle with the decision on whether or not to whiten teeth. Due to cultural overemphasis on the perfect smile, people’s over use of whitening products leads to many oral problems, and consequently the ADA must campaign for awareness of the risks to teeth whitening. There is so much pressure to be perfect in our society, and this trend is starting to affect the younger generations.
Teeth whitening has been around for a extensive time, beginning around 4,000 years ago with the ancient Egyptians, who created a paste mixture Even in their society, it was a sign of wealth and beauty to have white teeth. During the 17th century, barbers took care of hair and teeth, and they used acid to whiten teeth. The trend soon turned to fluoride, but soon after, the negative effects of too much fluoride were discovered. According to Jean Arthur, a dentist from Providence, Rhode Island, dentists accidentally stumbled on using peroxide for whitening. Today, the use of peroxide for teeth whitening trays are very popular (Vernon Sparks).
While whitening is becoming increasingly popular, the American Dental Association does not fully support teeth whitening. No over the counter product has received the American Dental Association’s seal of acceptance (Komaroff). The Association also stated that there are some toxicological effects that have been linked to cancer. While these claims haven’t been fully proven by research, there is unquestionable evidence to support this theory (Konig). This is a grey area of whitening, and it n...

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... the perfect smile.

Works Cited
“Bad Teeth Can Have Mental Impact.” Dentistry. FMC, 25 June 2012. Web. 25 Feb.
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“Holistic Dentist Says Don’t You be Fooled by Teeth Whitening Strips!” Revolution
Tooth, 11 May 2013. Web. 25 Feb. 2014.
Jacobson, Malia. “Teeth Whitening: Facts on Teens & Bleaching.” Metro Parent,
Metro Parent Publishing Group, 15 May 2013. Web. 2 Mar. 2014.
Komaroff, Anthony L., M.D. “Time for Tooth Whitening?” Harvard Health
Publications. Harvard University, 16 Feb. 2010. Web. 25 Feb. 2014.
Konig, Diderique. “Dangers of Teeth Whitening.” Yahoo Health. Yahoo Lifestyle
Network, 21 Dec. 2012. Web. 25 Feb. 2014.
Peterson, Dan, D.D.S. “Teenage Dental Health.” Family Gentle Dental Care, 6 Feb.
2008. Web. 2 Mar. 2014.
Vernon Sparks, Lisa. “A History of Tooth-Whitening.” Seattle Times. The Seattle
Times Company, 15 Nov. 2010. Web. 2 Mar. 2014.

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