Hi my name is George Bayley I am a co-owner and founder of SMOOCH Dental Spa alongside the wonderful Lisa Meredith. I am not a dentist or medical professional, I just believe that oral health is so important for us all. In fact everyone should have their teeth* cleaned at least twice a year and see their dentist yearly. I have to admit that I had my doubts about getting my teeth whitened. I was not at all bothered about the colour of my teeth or in any way self conscious about them. In my mind I have perfectly good teeth and that was that really. However, then my daughter Hannah had her teeth whitened by Lisa co-owner and founder and clinical director of SMOOCH and I had the first inklings of 'Wow' her smile looks amazing and it appeared to give her a bit of lift! But I just carried on with life, as with all professions the last thing you do is get treated yourself... this is the story and there is a quick video also at the end of the article.

Then along came a Philips ZOOM! Whitening, the world's pre-eminent whitening system, training day for clinicians in Christchurch... they needed a guinea pig... I got volunteered as someone who had never had it done before and everyone (apart from me) thought I would benefit no doubt. I'd like to point out that this was not my idea of a good idea or a fun thing to do, as I have sensitive teeth, which is what lead me to work with Lisa to set up SMOOCH with the GBT gentle Airflow system in the first place, that is a story for another time. 

I indicated to Lisa and the Philips Zoom! training team that I was a little concerned about being the Guinea Pig, definitely not a brave Guinea Pig by any means! But I was in good hands Lisa did a full hygiene inspection including x-rays and a full clean of my teeth with the wonderfully gentle GBT Airflow machine a week prior and then provided me with some special products and advice on how to desensitise my teeth in preparation for the whitening process. These included a special toothpaste Clinpro and some      Zen CP+ desensitising gel which alleviates discomfort from dentin hypersensitivity by mineralising and occluding the dentin surface and deep inside the dentin tubules. I used these daily for the 4 days prior to Guinea Pig day as I called it. I have to admit that I did also pop a couple of Panadol on the day, as I had heard about these things called 'Zingers' caused by the whitening process, more about them later. 

So there we were at the training day and after a couple of hours on the science behind the process - here's link to it - which provided me with complete peace of mind as to the safety and efficacy of the process, it was finally time for the Guinea Pig.  Well the trainer, Kate from Titirangi Smiles, thanks Kate, immediately made me completely at ease and as will happen if you come to SMOOCH I was talked through the whole process and able to ask questions. 

It started with some lovely vitamin E cream on my lips to protect them and then the insertion of a Philip Zoom retractor, which was actually comfortable unlike most. Then the clinician will set about isolating your teeth by what's called damming your gums with a barrier putty which they cure with an ultra violet light. This leaves your gums protected from the active ingredients in the Whitening product. 

The Philips ZOOM! Whitening product is then applied to your teeth and the Philips ZOOM! Whitespeed light is positioned to ensure a great result as the light helps the processes effectiveness (see the science). It felt warm but not unpleasant and I could definitely feel that things were happening. After 15 minutes the whitening product was wiped away and replaced with new product for a further 15 minutes, to be followed by one more round, I did after the second round get a couple of little 'Zingers' in my lower left teeth but they were not unpleasant and Kate just put on some special gel on the area where I indicated I had felt them, before changing the whitening product, and I didn't have anymore during the treatment.

45 minutes later and the last coating of the active ingredient was wiped away, I washed out my mouth and low and behold was blown away with these beautiful whitened teeth, and did that make me Smile or what... haven't stopped since. It's just the confidence that you know your teeth look great and that people react so well to people who smile... don't get me wrong people don't know they are whitened they just react well to a smile that is just that little bit more impactful... a tiny change really but a huge effect.

I was warned there may be some sensitivity post treatment for up to a week, but was provided with some calming gel and carried on using the Clinpro toothpaste for a few extra days. It is now a week post treatment and I can report that I had a couple of zingy sensations about an hour after but really just carried on with life as normal since having coffee, curry and red wine without any detrimental effect - although I do have to admit I did swill my mouth with water... 

It should be noted that the Hydrogen Peroxide concentration was 25% in my treatment. Concentrations above 12% can only be used in treatment by Medical Professionals and Philips ZOOM! is only available to Medical Professional. This just one of the significant differences between retail teeth whitening offerings and that carried out by Medical Professionals, the big one for me though was all the advice prior to and post treatment and the peace of mind this gave me that I was in safe hands and using the most well researched system in the world.

You can book into to see our Medical Professionals and read all about our treatments on our Teeth Whitening page... it all starts with a Pre-Whitening Consult and I'd suggest a good clean first up... Click here to go to the Teeth Whitening page. 

Click here to view the video

*At SMOOCH we clean dentures too... just $50

Click here to see the Story in Metropol Magazine October 2024 Issue

Recent neuroscience research indicates that oral health is considerably more important than previously believed. 🦷

Andrew Huberman, a well-known neurologist, has enlarged the pillars of health and performance to include dental health as a key component. This addendum emphasises the critical relationship between dental cleanliness and our emotional, physical, and social wellbeing.

Here are some significant lessons about the subject:

1. Cavity Formation: Cavities are caused by bacteria that thrive on sugar and carbohydrates, not on sugar alone. These bacteria are part of a communicable process, yet they are a necessary component of our oral environment.

2. Acidity and Remineralization: Preventing cavities requires a balance of acidic and alkaline states in our mouths, as well as the accompanying demineralization or remineralization processes.

3. Fluoride: While fluoride at low dosages can improve teeth, there is a difficult balance to strike because high quantities can be harmful to thyroid and brain health.

4. Mouthwash and Oral microbiota: Alcohol-based and antiseptic mouthwashes may disturb the oral microbiota. Instead, investigate options that promote a healthy mucosal lining.

5. Xylitol-Based Products: Chewing gums and mints containing xylitol can help fight cavity-causing germs.

6. Lifestyle Factors: To maintain good oral health, avoid alcohol, smoking, stimulants, dipping tobacco, and foods that affect saliva pH.

7. Simple Oral Health Tips: Keep a basic (less acidic) mouth environment, encourage nasal breathing to keep the mouth moist, and allow intervals of no food or drink to stimulate saliva production for remineralization.

Understanding the complex relationship between dental health and overall performance is critical for professionals. Let's embrace these lessons and incorporate them into our daily routines to live a better, more vibrant existence.
At Smooch Dental Spa we are avid readers, watchers and listeners to keep right up to date with the latest research, techniques, equipment, software, treatments and the interaction between the Oral Biome and the rest of the body. This podcast from Professor Huberman is fascinating and quite approachable for non-practitioners so we would encourage you to take a listen as it will be a significant benefit to you to understand more about your teeth, mouth, gums and their interconnection to the rest of your biome.


#OralHealth #Wellbeing #Performance #Neuroscience #HealthTips

Teeth whitening is a popular and growing beauty trend, and a treatment I am frequently asked questions about. 

However, with so many whitening products and providers available, it can be hard to know which ones are safe, effective, and won't leave you out of pocket. 

There are two methods used for teeth whitening: in-chair whitening and home kit whitening. 

Before 2012, tooth whitening was unregulated, but the EU passed legislation stating that only dental professionals can deliver teeth whitening, provided they have received the proper training. Even as a dental hygienist, I am regulated by the DCNZ guideless around tooth whitening. If you see teeth whitening offered in a shopping mall or your local beauty salon, it is illegal. 

The EU has set a limit on the amount of active ingredient used in whitening products, which is important to consider. The active ingredients, Hydrogen Peroxide or Carbamide Peroxide, were once as high as 38%, but the maximum amount allowed now is 6% for Hydrogen Peroxide or 16% for Carbamide Peroxide. These two chemicals are the only ones that can change the color of your teeth. 

So how does it work? These ingredients cause a chemical reaction in the teeth that breaks apart the carbon bond that creates yellow stains. Once the bonds are broken, they no longer reflect a yellow colour. 

Which whitening method is best for you? 

It simply depends on your preference. 

In-chair whitening requires you to sit in the dental chair with the whitening agent applied to your teeth and a light used to accelerate the product for approximately an hour. Your teeth will be noticeably whiter after treatment, but you will still need to whiten them at home to improve the efficiency. This option is great if you need an immediate result, however, it requires further whitening and maintenance, and will cost more due to the surgery time required and extra materials. 

Home whitening involves skipping the hour in the dental chair and simply having two custom-made whitening trays made. These are worn with the whitening agent in them. You wear the trays for anywhere from an hour to overnight for ten days. Results should last 1-2 years, but depending on lifestyle choices, your teeth may darken sooner. You can top up your colour with just a few days/nights of whitening to restore them. This option is generally favoured as you are in control, there is less reported sensitivity and it costs less. 

Is teeth whitening safe? 

Yes, evidence suggests that when carried out with the correct products and with the correct training, teeth whitening is a safe procedure. 

Will it hurt? 

Possibly. Teeth whitening can cause varying sensitivity. This only lasts while you are whitening your teeth and there are products available to help manage such symptoms. 

If you're interested, find out what teeth whitening packages we offer or book an appointment now.