Teeth Whitening: Making Your Smile Brighter
Are you wondering why your teeth seem to have a yellow hue? You may be a candidate for teeth whitening products! Before you jump into buying all the products available, there are some important things to consider.
What Causes Stains
Maintaining good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing daily will help keep your teeth white, however there are several things that can affect a white smile.
- Food and drink, such as coffee, tea, or wine that have dark color pigments which adhere to enamel.
- Tobacco use in any form due to its tar and nicotine contents.
- Aging, as the enamel wears and yellow colored dentin becomes more exposed.
- Trauma to the tooth.
- Medications, such as antihistamines, antipsychotics, and blood pressure medications.
- Grinding, which can expose the yellow dentin.
- Drugs, such as tetracycline, used during tooth development years.
Whitening Products
Most whitening products contain carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide which break down stains causing teeth to appear lighter. There are many options available over the counter for use or whitening treatments can be performed in the dental office.
- Whitening rinses and toothpastes
- Whitening strips and gels
- In office bleaching
Does Whitening Work for all Teeth?
The simple answer is no. It is important to determine the cause of the staining first. Teeth that are stained extrinsically from food, drink, tobacco, or other staining agents will likely respond well to whitening techniques. However, teeth that are intrinsically stained from trauma or faulty tooth development will be harder to whiten.
Side Effects of Whitening
Bleaching can cause an increase in sensitivity to extreme temperatures, pressure, and touch. Some people also report feeling sharp pins and needles through their teeth and gums during and immediately following treatment. Whitening products can also cause gum irritation that may last several days to months after treatment. In addition, people who have many restorations, such as crowns, veneers, or implants may have multicolored teeth as a result of the materials responding differently to the bleach. Typically, dental materials will retain their color, while natural teeth whiten.
It is important to consult with your dentist prior to trying whitening or bleaching products to figure out what will work best for you.
References
Authored By: Linda Dyett. Reviewed By: Larry Addleson, DDS, FAACD. “Teeth Whitening: How it Works and What it Costs.” Dentistry, www.yourdentistryguide.com/teeth-whitening/.
“Statement on the Safety and Effectiveness of Tooth Whitening Products.” Tooth Whitening Products: ADA Statement on Safety and Effectiveness, www.ada.org/en/about-the-ada/ada-positions-policies-and-statements/tooth-whitening-safety-and-effectiveness.
Tredwin, C J, et al. “Hydrogen peroxide tooth-Whitening (Bleaching) products: Review of adverse effects and safety issues.” Nature News, Nature Publishing Group, 8 Apr. 2006, www.nature.com/bdj/journal/v200/n7/abs/4813423a.html.
“Whitening: 5 Things to Know About Getting a Brighter Smile.” Mouth Healthy TM, www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/w/whitening.