As we all know, teeth whitening is becoming increasingly popular as a way to improve one’s smile. Being self-assured, seeming younger, and feeling more attractive are frequently linked to having a bright, white smile. According to a survey, 1 in 4 adults refrain from smiling because of the state of their mouth and teeth. Is whitening teeth safe for your teeth?
The American Dental Association claims that teeth whitening is both secure and efficient. Professional teeth whitening can last six months to two years with appropriate oral hygiene and avoiding habits such as smoking, alcohol intake, and other behaviors that can lead to teeth staining.
Causes of Discoloured Teeth
Have you ever thought about why your teeth are yellow? Internal and external factors, known as intrinsic and extrinsic stains, can cause the yellowing of teeth. Before deciding on whitening procedures, it is critical to consult a dentist to evaluate the type of stain on the teeth. Both are safe for whitening, although at-home and professional treatments perform best on extrinsic stains. Some intrinsic stains are impossible to remove.
Certain meals and beverages, such as sodas, coffee, tea, alcohol, citrus fruits, and sweets, can induce extrinsic stains. These substances are well known to be acidic and sugary, which can erode the enamel or the tooth’s white outer covering. Another external factor that contributes to tooth discoloration is smoking or chewing tobacco. Nicotine and cigarettes include toxic compounds that can discolor tooth enamel and cause gum diseases.
Intrinsic stains may have genetic roots. Someone can be born with naturally bright, white teeth, while others might be born with thin enamel, making teeth appear darker. Whatever teeth you were born with, aging can cause enamel wear and tear over time. The tooth can also become intrinsically stained due to tooth decay, certain oral medications, or trauma that causes nerve damage.
Teeth Whitening Options
1. Teeth Whitening At Home.
For gradual brightening, at-home therapies such as toothpaste and rinses provide quick and easy solutions. Daily cleaning routines often include using whitening toothpaste to remove surface stains.
There are gel whitening strips and whitening trays available over the counter for more severe tooth whitening at home. Apply strips or a tray to your teeth and keep them on for the suggested period (These can vary depending on the product, so ensure that you read the instructions carefully). To guarantee that over-the-counter products are safe and effective, look for the American Dental Association’s Seal of Acceptance. Most at-home products employ hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, a compound containing hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide, a natural bleaching agent, breaks down molecules that produce discoloration caused by coffee, tea, red wine, and smoking.
Misuse and overuse of whitening trays and strips is a risk. The user needs to follow the instructions as directed by experts since the gel ingredients could damage your teeth which can cause tooth decay, tooth sensitivity, and gum irritation.
2. Teeth Whitening At Dental Clinic.
When compared to over-the-counter methods, dentists’ in-clinic whitening procedures are quicker. Dentists employ many treatments, such as pure peroxide, ultraviolet light boost, and laser tooth whitening. The teeth can be bleached directly by a dentist using a more intense solution. Whitening procedures usually take about an hour, and you only need to visit the dentist once a year. The advantage of the in-office treatment is that it eliminates many risks associated with at-home kits. However, such dental treatments may be more expensive than at-home alternatives.
Is it worthwhile to undergo whitening treatment?
If you want a sparkling white smile, teeth whitening can be a safe solution. Nonetheless, you should consult a dentist and research your options first. The gum cells may become harmed by the peroxide in teeth-whitening products. Additionally, it may cause damage to the tooth’s connective tissues, blood vessels, and nerves. Overuse of these substances, in either instance, can cause tooth sensitivity and gum inflammation.
Teeth sensitivity can manifest as short sharp aches in response to hot or cold foods and beverages, and it usually occurs quickly after bleaching treatments are applied. When whitening treatments are overused or misused, the peroxide in the whitening gel can erode tooth enamel and irritate dental nerves. If the whitening agent repeatedly contacts the gums, it could cause a chemical burn that causes more intense discomfort and inflammation. Before whitening your teeth, you should consult your dentist to confirm that they are healthy teeth.
Professional whitening is an excellent approach to brightening your smile. The outcomes of in-office whitening procedures are significantly more successful than those of over-the-counter solutions because they use greater bleaching agent concentrations. If you want to brighten your smile and are thinking about teeth whitening, you may contact our Oakville Family Dentist, Dentistry on Dunn. Our dental specialists will assist you in selecting the best solution and address any queries you may have.
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