Many of our the customers we treat on a day to day use the teeth whitening treatment as the kick start to give up smoking.

Smoking is one of the worst things that we consume on a day to day basis that stains our teeth changing them to a yellowish or brownish colour over a period of time. Typically smokers will have slightly darker teeth in the middle than the teeth located to the sides as these are the teeth that absorb the nicotine and change the colour.

Having a whitening treatment can involve purchasing home kit, a laser or zoom treatment or having the trays made at the dentist so smokers have plenty of choice.

Home kits
The most affordable way to whiten these days with the internet supplying a massive choice of trays or strips at fairly low cost per usage. Home kits are normally low strength and therefore for deep or stubborn staining home kits are normally not that effective. However for many smokers home kits can be worth trying. If used regularly then eventually you will notice a change to the colouration and deep staining will start to remove. These kits are worth using as a maintenance in between a laser treatment as you then get the best scenario of instant whiteness and a low cost, time efficient way of keeping the staining away.

Laser or Zoom whitening
This is becoming one of the most popular ways to whiten the teeth because it only takes one hour to perform the treatment and therefore minimises the hassle factor. Laser whitening involves placing a gel on to the surface of the teeth and the light activates the gel and increase the speed of the whitening process, without the laser the teeth would still whiten but much slower and less effectively.

Tray based bleaching
The dentist will make the trays to suit the mouth and then the customers will use the trays for fourteen consecutive days. Normally this involves sleeping in the trays overnight and during the treatment it is best to stay away from anything likely to re-stain the teeth easily. This system requires dedication and not everyone is comfortable sleeping with the trays in their mouth. For deeper staining the trays are very effective and once you have purchased the trays the ongoing maintenance is also a consideration. For example using the trays once every six to eight weeks will ensure the staining is kept at bay and this will keep the look of the teeth as white as possible.

Whatever way you decide to approach using teeth whitening to give up smoking there is plenty of information on the web to help you make the right decision. Obviously budget plays a part to play but also people should think about the longer term management when deciding the best solution.

Ring a few companies and get some advice from your dentist is the best way to approach this and whatever you decide good luck with your whitening adventure and giving up smoking!

Antibiotic is an agent that weakens or destroys bacteria; antibiotics are medically used to treat various types of bacterial infections. The various types of antibiotics work either by preventing an infection from growing or by destroying an existing infection. Antibiotics are produced either from a mold or a fungus or are produced synthetically.

Question: What are the various types of antibiotics and what do they do?

Common forms of antibiotics include aminoglycosides, macrolides, penicillins, tetracyclines, and cephalosporins.

Aminoglycosides work by interfering with the protein formation of bacteria. Aminoglycosides include gentamicin, amikacin, and tobramycin. Side effects can include damage to the nerves of hearing and balance, as well as kidney injury.

Macrolide antibiotics interfere with the protein formation of bacteria during multiplication. Erythromycin is a macrolide. Side effects include gastrointestinal discomfort.

Penicillins (discovered by Sir Alexannder Fleming in 1928) work by damaging the cell walls of the invading bacteria as the bacteria reproduce. Penicillin G and V are widely used for streptococcal and other bacterial infections. Broad-spectrum penicillins, such as ampicillin and amoxicillin, are used on a variety of infections caused by gram-negative organisms. Hypersensitivity reactions, for example, a fever or a rash, are fairly common side effects of penicillin use. Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) rarely occur, but can be life-threatening.

Tetracyclines, which are active against a wide range of bacteria and other organisms, are thought to prevent production of proteins in the invading bacterial cells. The tetracyclines include tetracycline and doxycycline. Side effects of therapy may include gastrointestinal irritation, sensitivity of the skin to sunlight, and liver and kidney injury. This group of drugs should not be administered during the last four to five months of pregnancy, nor should it be given to children before the age of eight years. Permanent discoloration of developing teeth may result.

Cephalosporins are relatively new antibiotics active against a wide range of bacteria. Like penicillins, they interfere with bacterial cell wall formation. A frequently used cephalosporin is cefaclor. Side effects include rashes and fever. Sometimes, persons allergic to penicillins will also be allergic to cephalosporins.

Question: Should antibiotics be used to fight all infections?

Antibiotics can safely save lives when prescribed appropriately. However, indiscriminate use of these drugs can have serious consequences and can counteract their usefulness. A number of bacterial strains that cause disease have become resistant to the antibiotics that were once able to control or destroy them.

Although literally thousands of antibiotic substances have been found in nature or have been produced chemically, relatively few have been proven safe and effective. Certain antibiotics can become toxic when outdated.

Persons who know they are allergic to an antibiotic drug should tell the physician before being treated for any condition. An allergic reaction could lead to anaphylactic shock, which can be life-threatening. Even a lesser reaction can be quite serious and should be monitored by a physician.