July 30, 2021
Do You Want Your Teeth to Be Whiter?
Who doesn’t adore a gleaming white bright smile?
Every year, tooth bleaching is one of the most popular dental operations, with people spending huge sums of money just to keep their teeth sparkling.
Drinking coffee, red wine, smoking cigarettes, and just aging, as well as certain drugs like tetracycline, can discolor our teeth over time.
What is The Process of Tooth Bleaching?
The term “tooth bleaching” refers to any procedure that makes teeth appear whiter.
Bleaching and non-bleaching whitening products are the two most prevalent methods.
When a product eliminates food or debris from the teeth without using bleach, it is referred to as “whitening.”
Bleaching products contain peroxide (hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide), which removes both surface and deep stains on teeth and can lighten teeth beyond their natural colour.
What Causes Teeth to Get Discolored?
Teeth discoloration can occur for a variety of causes.
Extrinsic Discoloration
It is a type of discoloration that occurs outside of the body.
When foods, beverages, or smoking habits stain your teeth, this is known as extrinsic discoloration.
This form of discoloration can be caused by coffee, tea, red wine, dyed foods, and smoke. The outside of your teeth is affected by these stains.
Whitening toothpaste that targets the teeth’s outer stains can be used to cure extrinsic discoloration.
Intrinsic Discoloration
It is a type of discoloration that occurs naturally in the body
The term “intrinsic discoloration” refers to discoloration that occurs within the tooth.
Medication use, childhood illness, infection, dental trauma, or aging can all produce inherent discoloration.
Intrinsic discoloration may require expert bleaching to get the same level of whiteness, if not better.
See Also – Cavities and Dental Decay: All the Things You Should Know About
Options for Teeth Whitening
Teeth can be whitened using a variety of ways and materials. You may be unsure of which products to use and which are safe.
Whitening procedures can be divided into three categories:
- Provided by your dentist
- Obtainable over the counter or produced at home without the supervision of your dentist
- Supplied by your dentist for usage at home
You may decide on a teeth whitening procedure depending on one or more aspects, such as:
- The sort of discoloration you have
- The treatment costs
- Your age
- The treatment technique (this pertains to children)
- Your complete dental history including your old and ongoing dental procedures.
Before trying any whitening treatment, it’s a good idea to talk to your dentist about it.
Best dentists can suggest a treatment plan that is tailored to your specific needs. You’ll probably talk about a few different ways to whiten your teeth.
At Kirkland Premier Dentistry Dr. Gaurav Sharma has 400+ hours of Continuing education from the prestigious AAID (American Academy of Implant Dentistry) He applies for the latest research & advances in dentistry to provide the best dental care to patients.
Keep in mind that the amount of time it takes to properly whiten your teeth depends on the type of discoloration you have and the procedure you use.
Other Factors and Consequences
While teeth whitening is generally regarded safe, you may encounter the following negative effects as a result of the procedure:
Sensitive Teeth
Following teeth whitening, your teeth may become more sensitive.
This could happen on your first or second treatment, and it will go away with time. Your dentist may suggest using products containing potassium nitrate and sodium fluoride gel to treat sensitivity.
Gums That are Irritated
Gingival inflammation is also a possibility. When your gums become irritated, this happens.
This might happen if the whitening product comes into touch with your gums. After the treatment is over, this adverse effect should go away.
Keep in mind that teeth whitening is not a long-term solution. For both external and intrinsic discoloration, you’ll need to seek whitening procedures on a regular basis.
If you have implants, crowns, bridges, or dentures, talk to your dentist about how to match the colour of your teeth.
Teeth whitening procedures may not be suitable for you if you have active cavities or are undergoing other dental treatments.
After Care
How long your tooth bleaching benefits persist depends on your eating, drinking, and dental hygiene habits.
Your teeth remain prone to discoloration from liquids like tea and coffee, as well as certain meals, even after you’ve undergone any teeth whitening treatment.
Immediately after eating or drinking, rinse your mouth or brush your teeth to prevent those discoloring substances from settling into the surface of your teeth – and to reduce the possibility of plaque buildup!
Conclusion
Whitening your teeth is deemed safe as long as you use dentist-approved methods.
Always use the method that best suits your needs and always follow the product’s instructions. If you have any negative side effects, talk to your dentist.
