9 Dental Facts You Should Know About Teeth Whitening

Everyone desires a bright dazzling smile. Unfortunately, many years of consuming colored foods and beverages can leave your teeth looking dull or stained. Besides colored food items, teeth discoloration can be caused by smoking, dental trauma, poor dental hygiene, and certain medication.

Fortunately, you don’t have to feel embarrassed about your smile anymore. Teeth whitening is a smile, cost-effective and reliable way to whiten teeth. However, many myths about teeth whitening leave you wondering whether it’s a worthwhile option to transform your smile.

To help make an informed decision, you should know nine facts about teeth whitening.

• Teeth whitening isn’t for everyone.

While effective, teeth whitening isn’t ideal for everyone. Therefore, you must speak to your dentist for an exam to determine whether you’re eligible for the treatment. Teeth whitening uses bleaching agents like hydrogen and carbamide peroxide. Unfortunately, it might not work effectively on deep stains that go through the enamel. In such a case, you may need alternative whitening options like veneers, bonding, or crowns.

Similarly, you may not be eligible for teeth whitening if you have oral problems like gum disease or cavities. The whitening agents can irritate the already sensitive gums and tooth nerves, causing significant discomfort and further damage.

• Teeth whitening options

There are several ways how you can whiten your teeth. Professional teeth whitening is the quickest, safest, and most effective method to whiten your teeth. With in-office whitening, the dentist will do all the work, and you’ll leave the office with a shiny smile in less than two hours. The other option is to use at-home customized whitening trays and gels from your dentist.

Alternatively, you can use over-the-counter whitening products like whitening toothpaste, trays, strips, and mouth rinses. While not scientifically proven, some people also opt for home-based whitening agents like activated charcoal, apple cider vinegar, and baking soda.

• Teeth whitening is safe.

There are many concerns about the safety of teeth whitening. The good news is that teeth whitening is safe when done correctly. The safest way is to have your teeth whitened in the dentist’s office or using an at-home whitening tray and gel from your dentist. When using over-the-counter whitening products, follow the manufacturer’s instructions strictly.

• Side effects of teeth whitening

If done wrongly, teeth whitening can be harmful. For instance, it can erode your tooth enamel, causing great sensitivity and increasing your risk of developing decay. Teeth whitening products can also irritate your gums, causing pain and inflammation.

• Teeth whitening results don’t last forever.

While very effective, the results aren’t permanent. Teeth whitening requires excellent commitment and maintenance. Even after whitening your smile, returning to staining habits like smoking will stain your teeth in no time. On average, teeth whitening lasts for about six months to three years.

To maintain your bright smile longer, avoid staining habits like smoking and limit highly pigmented food items like coffee, tea, and soda. You can also consult your dentist about whitening toothpaste at home.

• You shouldn’t do teeth whitening too often.

While safe, you shouldn’t whiten your teeth now and then. Remember, whitening products use bleaching agents or abrasive chemicals to remove stains. These ingredients can weaken and erode your teeth’ enamel if used too regularly, causing sensitivity and tooth decay.

• Teeth whitening works through pores

Your teeth naturally have tiny pores which absorb color from highly pigmented items like coffee, soda, and tobacco. Teeth whitening products open your teeth’s pores and deactivate the stains to whiten your teeth.

Your teeth will darken as these stains build up. The only way to get rid of these stains is by using teeth-whitening gel, which is absorbed into the pores in your teeth and pushes the stains out during the teeth-whitening process.

• Teeth whitening may not work on dental restorations.

While effective on natural teeth, teeth bleaching might not work on dental works like crowns, veneers, and fillings. Unlike your natural teeth, dental restorations don’t have pores. Once stained, the best way to brighten your smile for a perfect smile is to replace them. It’s worth noting that these restorations resist stains better than your natural teeth. You don’t have to worry about stains on your dental work with proper care and maintenance.

• Teeth whitening takes time.

For mild stains, a single in-office whitening treatment is enough to brighten your smile. However, if you have deep stains, like those caused by excess fluoride during childhood, you may need multiple treatments or a few weeks to brighten your smile.

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Ready to transform your teeth with teeth whitening? Contact Sharon Dental Group for more information.