Teeth whitening or dental bleaching is simply the process of whitening the shade of a person’s teeth. Whitening can be done by either changing the color of the natural or extrinsic (substance) color of the tooth’s enamel and is most often desired when teeth get yellowed over time due to many reasons. Most people would like to have a beautiful smile that is free of stains and discoloration, but teeth whitening can be a costly endeavor. Teeth whitening can be done in the dentist’s office under local anesthesia, at home with whitening kits, or by using professional teeth whitening products that can be purchased online or in drug stores. It is not something a person should do on their own without the proper guidance and advice of a dentist.
Although at-home treatments can sometimes be successful, most times they are not. Professional teeth whitening treatments are much more effective because they use a stronger peroxide concentration than over-the-counter products. Professional treatments can also last longer, because they use stronger chemicals. At home treatments are typically shorter-term and will only produce visible results if the whitening product is used consistently. The effects of teeth whitening products can wear off after continual use, so it is crucial to follow all directions carefully.
If you desire a brighter smile then you may want to consult with a dental team about possible solutions to your problem. The most common solution to staining teeth and brighten your smile is through the use of special dental trays for brushing. A dental tray helps remove food particles from between your teeth and keep them from becoming trapped there. Brushing with a special toothpaste designed to minimize staining is recommended when you have a high-protein meal to prevent plaque from building up on your teeth. Brushing twice a day with a paste made from baking soda and water can help.
Another common cause of white spots is smoking. People may begin to see their teeth yellow as a result of smoking, but this condition is temporary. If you quit smoking you will most likely see a dramatic difference in the color of your teeth within a few weeks. Most people have an overall whitish color to their teeth, but some can have brown or grey patches. This condition is known as intrinsic staining, but it usually goes away when you stop smoking.
A dental association might suggest a change in your dental hygiene routine to help reduce the appearance of stains. Flossing with a soft bristle brush several times a day can remove plaque that builds up between your teeth and below the gum line. Using fluoride toothpaste to brush your teeth with at least three times each day can help fight the build-up of mineral deposits that cause yellow and brown teeth.
People with a dental association member in their area may be advised to use a home tooth whitener or an abrasive cleaner. Either product should contain a small amount of bleach or chlorine, but you should not exceed the recommended amount. The high amount of bleaching agents in these products can actually bleach your enamel instead of removing stains. Dentists strongly recommend against using an abrasive or an inexpensive home tooth whitener in an attempt to whiten your teeth because they could cause more harm than good.
The term ‘dirt’ comes from the fact that tooth enamel wears away as part of normal dental work. The layer of tooth enamel is made up of a hard material called dentin. Any abrasive scrubbing, brushing or flossing can wear away this dentin layer and expose the softer tissue beneath. If the layer of dentin is exposed, the stain will reappear and the whiter the teeth will become.
Tooth discoloration may also be caused by calcium deposits within the enamel, dental cavities, overgrowth of bacteria or structural damage to teeth. It’s important to consult with your dentist if you have any questions about your health and treatment options. Although there are several over-the-counter home treatments for whitening teeth, it’s best to seek professional dental advice before trying any home remedies.