Whitening: 5 Things You Should Know About Brightening Your Smile

Whitening: 5 Things You Should Know About Brightening Your Smile

Whitening: 5 Things You Should Know About Brightening Your Smile

Brush and use thread dental are everyday ways to keep your radiant, white and healthy teeth. However, if you think that your smile lacks sparkle or is more yellow than it was, you are not alone. When the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry asked different people what they would most like to improve from their smiles, the most common response was whiter teeth. In addition, according to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry almost 90% of patients requested teeth whitening.

Are you thinking about whitening your teeth? Check the data first. These are five of the most frequently asked questions about the process.   

Why have my teeth changed color?

Over time, your teeth may go from white to a more subdued tone for several reasons:

Food and Drink
Coffee, tea and red wine are some of the main culprits. What do they have in common? Pigments of intense color called chromogens that stick to the white part, outside of the teeth ( enamel ).

Use of Tobacco
Two chemicals in tobacco stain stubbornly: tar and nicotine. Tar is naturally dark. The nicotine colorless until it is mixed with oxygen, then it turns yellow and stains the surfaces.

Age
Under the hard white outer layer of your teeth (enamel) there is a softer area called dentine . Over time, this outer enamel layer becomes finer with brushing and the yellowish dentin is exposed.

Trauma
If your mouth has been hit, your tooth may change color because it reacts to an injury by building more dentin, which is a darker layer under the enamel.

The Most Accurate Practicable Nutrition For Blood Sugar
The 10 Best Tips Against Toothache For Urgent Pain Relief

Medications
Darkening may be a side effect of antihistamines, antipsychotics, or blood pressure medications. Young children exposed to antibiotics such as tetracycline and doxycycline when their teeth are forming (in the womb or in babies) can suffer discoloration of permanent teeth later in life. Chemotherapy and radiation in the neck and head can also darken teeth.

How does teeth whitening work?

Teeth whitening is a simple process. Bleaching products containing one of the two dental bleaches (hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide). These bleaches break the stains into smaller pieces, which makes the color less concentrated and your teeth brighter.

Does whitening work on all teeth?

No, so it is important that you talk to your dentist before deciding to bleach your teeth, since bleach may not correct all types of discoloration. For example, yellow teeth will probably clear up well, brown teeth may not respond as well, and teeth with gray tones may not clear up at all. The bleach does not work in covers, veneers , crowns or fillings . It is also not effective if the cause of the discoloration are medications or a dental injury .

What are my options?

Talk to your dentist before you start. If you are a candidate or candidate, there are four ways to make your smile shine again:

Dental creams Stain removers

All toothpastes help remove superficial stains through the action of mild abrasives that exfoliate teeth. Look for whitening toothpastes that have obtained the ADA Acceptance Seal to remove stains (it will say on the package). These toothpastes carry additional cleaning agents that are safe for your teeth and have been proven effective. Unlike bleaches, these types of products accepted by ADA do not change the color of the teeth, since they can only remove surface stains. 

Whitening in the Dentist's Office

This procedure is called whitening in the chair and usually requires a single visit to the dentist's office. The dentist will apply a protective gel to your gums or a protective rubber shield to protect them. Next, you will apply bleach to your teeth.

Whitening at Home with Dentist Prescription

Your dentist can provide you with a custom-made whitening tray to whiten at home. In this case, your dentist will give you instructions on how to put the bleaching solution in the tray and for how long. This may be your preferred option if you feel more comfortable whitening in your own home at a slower pace, but with the help of the dentist. Whitening outside the office can take from a few days to a few weeks.

Top 10 Best Foods For A Good Diet
5 Practicable Tips For A Stronger Immune System

Whitening Products Without Dentist Prescription

You may see other options on the internet, or at your local store or supermarket, such as toothpastes or strips that whiten teeth by discoloring them. The concentration of bleaching agent in these products is lower than what your dentist would use in the office. If you are thinking of using a whitening kit that you can buy without prescription, weigh your options with your dentist and look for a product with the ADA Seal of Acceptance. This means that it has been proven safe and effective for teeth whitening. See a list of products accepted by ADA for bleaching at home.

Does tooth whitening have side effects?

Some people who use bleaches may experience tooth sensitivity . This occurs when bleach peroxide enters through the enamel to the soft layer of dentine and irritates the nerve of your tooth. In most cases the sensitivity is temporary. You can delay the treatment, then try again.

The over-use of the bleaches can also damage the enamel or gums, so make sure you follow the instructions and talk to your dentist.