Tooth Whitening

What Is Tooth Whitening?

Tooth whitening is a procedure that focuses on making an individual’s natural teeth appear whiter and brighter. The tooth whitening procedure involves sanding down stains, bleaching, ultraviolet (UV) light therapy, and additional processes.

Various tooth-whitening products are available, and many at-home approaches are also worth trying. You can also benefit from a tooth whitening procedure by a dentist for effective teeth whitening.

Some teeth whitening methods may cause certain side effects, such as tooth sensitivity and irritation. Let’s take a quick look at how teeth whitening works, its procedure, and the safety measures involved.

Types of Teeth Stains That Can Be Whitened

To whiten your teeth, you’ll need to choose a whitening method that can effectively remove the staining on your teeth.

• If you have both intrinsic and extrinsic stains, your dentist will recommend a whitening toothpaste that safely treats both stains.
• If you don’t know about the kind of stain you have on your teeth, you must consult a dentist. They can determine the type of stains and the method that will work best for you.

• Intrinsic Stains

Intrinsic stains are present inside your tooth enamel before your teeth even erupt from the gums when you are a kid.

The use of antibiotics, fluoride exposure, and thinner tooth enamel can cause it. These stains can also sometimes be caused by genetics.

• Extrinsic Stains

Extrinsic stains are present outside your tooth, caused by excessive exposure to food and beverages, which leaves discoloration on your teeth. Some of the causes of Extrinsic staining are coffee, artificial food colorings, and smoking.

Tooth whitening products

1. OTC whitening products include tooth whitening, toothpaste, strips, foam, tooth whitening pen, and mouthwash. These products may also contain baking soda, which acts as a mild abrasive to effectively scrub stains.
2. Certain whitening toothpastes contain charcoal with abrasive properties, and some whitening formulas also may include low concentrations of carbamide and hydrogen peroxide.
3. The hardest exterior is the teeth enamel, which is not made of living cells that don’t repair themselves. Whitening products usually contain fluoride​ that helps strengthen tooth enamel to prevent stains.

What Turns Your Teeth Yellow, Black, And Discolored

Certain factors cause yellow or black stains and discoloration of teeth:

• Foods And Beverages 

Tea, coffee, red wine, Soft drink, dark-colored fruits, and vegetable juices contain chemicals such as pre-chromogens, chromogens, or tannins. 

These directly attack the teeth and bind to tooth enamel, causing yellow or brown staining and making your teeth appear darker.

• Smoking 

Regular smoking is a primary cause of yellowish and dark teeth. The toxins in cigarettes bind to the outer layer of teeth, causing your teeth to darken quickly. 

Smoking also leads to plaque buildup, which is a contributor to gum disease, tooth decay, periodontal disease, and other ailments.

• Aging

Tooth enamel naturally thins with age, allowing pigment from food and beverages to become easily embedded, resulting in the yellowing of teeth.

• Gum And Tooth Injury

Tooth discoloration can be a result of gum and tooth injury, often caused by internal bleeding and damage. Additionally, trauma can also cause the blood vessels within the tooth to rupture, leading to a buildup of blood pigmentation.

• Certain Medications

Asthma, blood pressure medications, antibiotics used during pregnancy, and exposure to excessive fluoride in children can cause teeth darkening. 

In addition, those undergoing cancer treatment may experience tooth darkening as a side effect of the medication.

Types Of Teeth Whitening Products

Types of teeth whitening procedures that are most popular and widely accepted:

• Philips Zoom Teeth Whitening 

An in-office tooth whitening procedure that utilizes a high-performance tooth whitening gel containing hydrogen peroxide combined with wave stimulation. 

Laser tooth whitening helps break up dull stains and reveal noticeably whiter teeth immediately after the treatment.

• Home bleaching 

At-home teeth whitening is a procedure that involves bleaching your teeth using a high-quality tooth whitening kit, which typically includes a whitening gel. 

A dentist will take an impression to create teeth whitening trays and administer the initial teeth whitening treatment. They will then dispense an at-home best tooth whitening kit for continued use. 

It is the most convenient way to whiten your teeth, especially for those who want to achieve a satisfactory whiteness.

Procedure of Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening is a procedure that includes bleaching or other methods to make teeth appear brighter and whiter. The process can be done in a dentist’s office or at home.

In-Office Teeth Whitening

• The dentist initially uses a blow dryer to dry the teeth
• A whitening gel is then applied to the surface of your teeth
• Blue (LED) laser light is used to activate the applied gel
• The process is repeated at least 3–4 times
• To reduce sensitivity, a fluoride coating is applied

At-Home Teeth Whitening 

• A dentist will take the impression of your teeth to create a custom tray filled with bleaching gel to fit your teeth.
• The gel is applied to the surface of your teeth for a fixed amount of time.

Other Teeth Whitening Methods 

• Strips, gels, or rinses
• Whitening toothpastes
• Baking soda
• Ultraviolet (UV) light therapy

Maintenance

• Limit or avoid tobacco use
• Limit foods and drinks that stain teeth
• Reduce the risk of mouth trauma
• Follow a good oral care routine
• Use a whitening toothpaste

Who Is Not A Good Candidate For Teeth Whitening

• For individuals with gum disease, tooth decay, root canal inflammation, or periodontitis, using whitening gel may cause sensitivity.
• A dentist will first recommend treatment to treat the condition and reduce discomfort, followed by a teeth-whitening procedure.
• Individuals under 16 years of age may experience tooth sensitivity due to the developing nerve in the tooth.
• During the pregnancy or breastfeeding period.

Where Can I Get The Best Teeth Whitening Treatment?

The best and most effective teeth whitening depends on the quality of the whitening product for the best possible outcome, leading to a dazzling smile.

Additionally, teeth-whitening treatment in a dental center is best for the accurate and rapid production of a mold of the teeth.

Ideally, a tooth whitening treatment at ‘Dacula Dental‘ with cutting-edge dental technology and the best tooth-whitening kit helps create trust and confidence before and after the treatment. For further information, contact our customer support team.

                                “Get A Healthy, Pleasant, And Confident Smile”