A Whiter Gateway to Oral Health

Featured Products Promotional Features

  Posted by: Dental Design      10th September 2021

With 32% of Brits wanting whiter teeth, and a further 66% actively considering it,[i] providing tooth whitening treatments at your practice is a dependable way to ensure that your patients have the option to improve their smiles, their confidence and their oral health.

The Problems Regarding At-Home Kits

At-home, over-the-counter tooth whitening kits offer patients the advantage of a cheaper treatment within the comfort of their own home; it is no wonder that 52% of the population are using home kits at least once a day.[ii] Unfortunately, using home kits can have a detrimental effect on the health of the mouth. For example, the whitening tray may not fit correctly, and so the bleaching gel could seep onto the gums and other areas of the mouth, causing blistering and sensitivity. Another issue arising from these kits is the concentration of the hydrogen peroxide; as you are aware, over-the-counter tooth whitening products can legally only contain up to 0.1% of hydrogen peroxide, whereas dentists are able to use products containing 6% hydrogen peroxide. [iii] Most people buying these products will not be aware that a concentration of 0.1% of hydrogen peroxide is too low to make any discernible difference to the appearance of the teeth. Therefore, in offering professional tooth whitening treatment to your patients, you are guaranteeing them gratifying results in a safe and legal setting.

Easy to Upsell

Tooth whitening treatments are a great solution to upsell to patients; gently prompting them to consider whitening their teeth to optimise their smile aesthetics, whether as a standalone procedure, or following something else, such as orthodontic treatment. The topic of whitening can come up during check-ups, filling appointments etc., and so it is relatively simple for you broach the subject ethically. In doing so, you are giving your patient the opportunity to improve the aesthetics of their smile, with no pressure to decide straightaway. Also, as you know, the procedure is relatively straightforward, easy to explain and easy to understand, boosting treatment acceptance. Another issue that many patients may face is that of staining, caused by habits such as drinking tea, coffee, and inadequate cleaning. By offering advice on the pros of tooth whitening and its upkeep/aftercare, you are giving the patient the tools to make changes in their everyday behaviours that will benefit their oral health – and their self-confidence – long-term.

Treatment Longevity

The durability of tooth whitening treatment varies from patient to patient, impacted by natural properties and different lifestyle choices. Even patients who have previously undergone whitening treatment can still be offered products that support longevity of the results achieved. Solutions such as the Arm & Hammer™ Advance White Pro™ Baking Soda toothpaste is one example that is affordable and accessible for a wide range of patients. Arm & Hammer™ Advance White Pro™ Baking Soda toothpaste can remove staining, and with consistent brushing and cleaning practises, teeth can become up to three shades whiter within six weeks thanks to micro-polisher technology (see details on the packaging). Arm & Hammer™ Baking Soda toothpastes are scientifically proven to improve the appearance and health of the teeth and mouth. By recommending high-quality and affordable products such as these, you can boost your patients’ confidence in you and your practice, encouraging their continued loyalty too.

A Gateway

As with any area of dentistry, the emphasis is always on taking patient-centred approach and delivering care in their best interests. Tooth whitening may be a cosmetic dental treatment, but it is also a gateway to helping patients enhance their oral health. As part of the process, you will provide information and guidance in improving the health of their teeth and gums to facilitate more effective and more durable results. The ability to protect their investment and enjoy the effects of whiter teeth for longer is also useful motivation for high-quality daily oral hygiene at-home. 

In addition, establishing a strong patient-practitioner relationship is paramount where the health and happiness of the patient is concerned. As well as offering treatment and on-going support, creating an environment where the patient can ask questions and feel empowered and in control of their decisions removes any obscurity or confusion regarding their oral health. As such, tooth whitening is only the beginning.

 

For more information about the carefully formulated Arm & Hammer Baking Soda toothpaste range, please visit https://www.armandhammer.co.uk/ or email: ukenquiries@churchdwight.com

Arm & Hammer oral healthcare products are available at Boots, Superdrug, Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Asda and Morrisons throughout the UK.

 

Author: Charleane McInally is a professional educator for Waterpik, and dental hygienist

 

 

[i]Oral Health Foundation. News & blogs. Why a white smile should also be a healthy smile. June 2020. https://www.dentalhealth.org/Blog/why-a-white-smile-should-also-be-a-healthy-smile [Accessed July 2021]

[ii] Which.co.uk. Why you need to be wary of home tooth whitening kits. https://www.which.co.uk/news/2020/08/why-you-need-to-be-wary-of-home-tooth-whitening-kits/  [Accessed 5 July 2021]

[iii] Tooth Whitening and The Law. Oral Health Foundation. Available Online. https://www.dentalhealth.org/tooth-whitening-and-the-law. [Accessed 5 July 2021]


No Comments


No comments yet.


Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.