Important Facts You Should Know About Teeth Whitening




Teeth Whitening

Important Facts You Should Know About Teeth Whitening

Teeth play an important role in our appearance and as such are an invaluable asset in our arsenal when it comes to charming someone, whether in an interview or a more casual setting. Thus, we see a lot of people investing a lot of time and effort, not to mention money in taking care of teeth to make sure their teeth look pristine.

One of the most popular cosmetic procedures for sparkly white teeth is teeth whitening. In this blog, we’ll provide you with teeth whitening information that you need to distinguish facts from myths that surround this dental procedure.

Fact 1: Teeth Whitening and Teeth Cleaning are Very Different

Teeth whitening and teeth cleaning are two different procedures that serve different purposes. Teeth cleaning is a dental treatment that removes plaque, tartar, and bacteria from your teeth and gums to prevent decay, gum disease, and bad breath. Teeth whitening, on the other hand, is more of a cosmetic dental treatment that removes stains and discolouration from your teeth. The importance of teeth whitening lies in the fact that it improves the appearance of your smile by making your teeth look brighter and whiter.

Also Read: Teeth turning yellow? Know the reasons and cure

Fact 2: Teeth Whitening is Not Suitable for Everyone

Teeth whitening, while being an effective way to improve smiles, isn’t suitable for everyone. The factors teeth whitening information usually list you as ineligible for this procedure are:

Sensitive Teeth or Gums

If you have sensitive teeth or gums, consult your dentist for teeth whitening information before trying it out on your own. Teeth whitening can cause temporary sensitivity or irritation in people with sensitive teeth, which accounts for almost 60% of the population.

Dental Restorations

Teeth whitening can only whiten natural teeth. If you have dental restorations, such as crowns, veneers, bridges, or fillings, they will not change colour with teeth whitening. This can create uneven or mismatched shades in your teeth, which may come across as a result of poor dental health care to the casual onlooker.

Intrinsic Stains

Another piece of teeth whitening information many DIY solutions conveniently forget to mention is that this procedure can only remove stains on the surface of your teeth caused by external factors like food, drinks, or tobacco. Intrinsic stains, which may be caused by medication, trauma, or genetics, are resistant to teeth whitening. You may need other dental treatments, such as bonding or veneers, to cover intrinsic stains.

Fact 3: Teeth Whitening is Not Permanent

Teeth whitening can give you a noticeable improvement in your smile, but it is not permanent. Since factors like diet, lifestyle, and oral hygiene habits stain teeth in the first place, your dentist will provide teeth whitening information that you’ll need the procedure again every few months or years.

You can also prolong your results by following the 5 ways to take care of your teeth:

  • Avoiding foods and drinks that stain your teeth, eg. coffee, tea, wine, berries, etc.
  • Brushing and flossing regularly
  • Giving up smoking or chewing tobacco
  • Using a fluoride toothpaste
  • Visiting your dentist for professional cleaning.

Fact 4: Teeth Whitening is Safe When Done Properly

Teeth whitening is a safe procedure when done properly by a qualified dentist or dental hygienist, or under their supervision and keeping in mind the teeth whitening information provided by them. The bleaching agents (usually in a gel form) used in teeth whitening kits are designed to remove the stains on your teeth without harming the enamel or the gums.

However, if you use too much of the gel in one place, or leave it on for too long, there may be some undesirable side effects, such as:

  *   Tooth Sensitivity: A common side effect of teeth whitening that usually goes away within a few days, sensitivity can be reduced if you have the right information about teeth whitening, which includes:

  • Using a lower concentration of bleach
  • Reducing the duration of the treatment, or
  • Using desensitising toothpaste or gel.

  *   Gum Irritation: Another common side effect that occurs when the bleach comes in contact with your gums, this can be prevented by using a custom-fitted tray that fits snugly around your teeth and protects your gums, providing the best dental care.

  *  Enamel damage: This is a rare but serious side effect of teeth whitening that can occur if you overuse or misuse bleaching products. Enamel damage can make your teeth more prone to decay and sensitivity. You can avoid enamel damage by following the instructions of your dentist and using only reputable products.

Fact 5: Teeth Whitening is Not the Only Way to Improve Your Smile

Teeth whitening is not the only option you have to enhance your smile. Other dental treatments can address different cosmetic issues, such as:

Dental Bonding

A procedure that involves a tooth-coloured resin is applied to your teeth to repair chips, cracks, gaps, or discolouration. Make sure to consult your dentist for dental care information about this procedure, as it can also change the shape or size of your teeth.

Dental Veneers

These are thin shells of porcelain or composite that are bonded to the front surface of your teeth to improve their colour, shape, size, or alignment, and may be considered an alternative to advanced teeth whitening. They can also cover intrinsic stains that are resistant to bleaching.

Dental Crowns

These are caps that cover the entire visible part of your teeth to restore their function and appearance. They can also protect weak or damaged teeth from further decay or fracture.

Dental Implants

These are artificial tooth roots that are surgically placed into your jawbone to replace missing teeth. They can support crowns, bridges, or dentures that look and feel like natural teeth.

Also Read: Myths and Facts About Dental Hygiene - All You Need to Know

Conclusion

When you try to look for teeth whitening information online or from friends and acquaintances, there is a lot of chance of getting sidetracked by the myths that surround this common dental procedure. Hence it is best to consult a dentist or dental student (if you have access to one) from reputed organisations like Mansarovar Dental College before jumping the gun and buying a teeth whitening kit to use at home.

We hope that the teeth whitening information and facts that we provided in this blog will be useful to you in your journey to reclaim your smile and confidence!

FAQ's


1. What is the risk of teeth whitening?

The main risk of using teeth whitening kits, especially the ones meant for use at home, is that they can damage your teeth enamel.

2. What is the secret of white teeth?

The secret of white teeth is avoiding stuff that leaves stains on your teeth while practising dental hygiene and care advice given by your dentist.

3. Can yellow teeth become white again?

Yes, in most cases, yellow teeth can become white again by using teeth whitening procedures, unless it never was white to begin with.

4. How long does teeth whitening last?

The effect of a teeth whitening session may last for a few months to a year or two, depending on the food and dental care habits of an individual.


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