Dr. Noah's Dentistry Blog

Questions About Dentistry Answered

Archives for January 2015

Why can I taste metal?

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I used a paper clip to pick some food out of my braces. When I did that I got a horrible metallic taste in my mouth?

Ben H. – Ohio

Ben,

Your saliva works as an electrolyte to the two different metals you placed in your mouth. One being the braces and the other the paper clip. When you did that, it caused a reaction. That’s how a battery is formed.  Depending on what metals you use, the voltage can get pretty high and can shock or burn you.

Hopefully, your orthodontist told you not to put metal in your mouth, but if not, you know now.

The same thing can happen with silver fillings.

This blog is brought to you by Tulsa Dentist Dr. Ryan Noah.

Professional Teeth Whitening vs. Crest Whitestrips

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Will Crest Whitestrips really whiten your teeth? If so, what is the difference between that and the teeth whitening you get with a dentist?

Sarah A. – Vermont

Sarah,

I can kind of answer your first and second question simlutaneously. Yes, the will whiten, but it will take much, much longer than if you did professional teeth whitening with a local dentist.

The reason for this is the strength of the bleaching gel. There are restrictions as to how strong over-the-counter bleaching gel can be.  The reason for this is safety. Unfortunately, this means that it could take months longer to get your teeth whitened, which will mean a lot of whitestrip kits.

There is the additional issue that the strips are not very long. This means that depending on your smile, it may only cover four to six of your teeth. You’ll have many more teeth visible than that which won’t be whitened. Professional teeth whitening trays will go across your arch.

This blog is brought to you by Tulsa Dentist Dr. Ryan Noah.