Marketability of BrushMints® Products The Consumer Demand for  Convenient Smile Maintenance It’s no secret that Americans will spend a great deal of money on products and services to enhance and maintain a nice looking smile. Here’s some very telling information from the American Association of Cosmetic Dentistry on just how important the appearance of ones smile actually is. (Asterisks are added to indicate relevance). In an independent study conducted on behalf of the AACD in 2004, it was discovered that:
Virtually all Americans (99.7%) believe a smile is an important social asset. 96% of adults believe an attractive smile makes a person more appealing to members of the opposite sex. Three-quarters (74%) of adults feels an unattractive smile can hurt a person's chances for career success. When asked, "What is the first thing you notice in a person's smile?" The most common responses were: Straightness Whiteness & Color of Teeth* Cleanliness of Teeth* Sincerity of Smile Missing Teeth Sparkle of Smile* And when asked, "What types of things do you consider make a smile unattractive?" The most common responses were: Discolored, Yellow, or Stained Teeth* Missing Teeth Crooked Teeth Decaying Teeth & Cavities Gaps & Spaces in Teeth Dirty Teeth* And finally, when respondents were asked, "What would you most like to improve about your smile?" The most common response was: Whiter & Brighter Teeth* All stats are based upon a 2004 scientific poll of the American public.” This information, along with more relevant study statistics, was found at the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry website: http://www.aacd.com/index.php?module=cms&page=75   in April of 2011.
The Consumer Need for Dental Stain Prevention The market for teeth whitening products and procedures is in the billions; and aside from the high cost, there are other reasons dental stain prevention is a good idea that just makes sense. The vast majority of whitening treatments, including those using light enhancement utilize various concentrations of hydrogen peroxide. Excessive exposure to laser or light enhanced peroxide whitening compounds can in some cases weaken the structure of the enamel.
The light energy causes the peroxides to penetrate deeper into the enamel, thus closer to the nerve. When teeth are then exposed to acidic solutions (such as soda or juice) some demineralization (calcium loss) can occur. This is also the reason dentists warn patients that for the first few days following a whitening procedure, their teeth are especially susceptible to staining; and they should avoid dark colored foods and drinks for the first few days. Additionally, many consumers are discouraged from using whitening products and procedures at all, due to thin sensitive teeth, or gum disease; and many experience extreme sensitivity after bleaching their teeth. For these people, over whitening can not only be painful, but over time, can potentially cause thin teeth to take on a slight bluish tint and transparency around the edges which may indicate damage to the structure of the enamel. For more information, contact Karen Ross at: karen@klrossenterprises.com - Phone: (310) 947-3577 - Cell: (805) 444-1931.