Having a bright white smile is often associated with self-confidence, looking younger and feeling more attractive. A study shows that one in four people avoid smiling because of the condition of their mouth and teeth. The real question is whether the benefits of maintaining a greater smile will outweigh the disadvantages.
There are actually several options for teeth whitening, each with varying degrees of risk. Understanding the teeth whitening options and risks can guide the decision whether or not to whiten.
Why Don’t Teeth Stay White?
Have you ever wondered why teeth are yellow in the first place? There are both internal and external factors that can cause yellowing of teeth, known as internal and external stains.
It is important to see a dentist to know what type of stain the teeth contain before determining the steps to take for whitening. Whitening is safe for both types of stains, but both at-home and professional products work best on external stains. Some internal stains cannot be removed at all.
Some foods and beverages can cause external staining. Examples include sodas, coffee, tea alcohol, citrus and sugar. These substances are known to be acidic and sugary, which can erode the enamel or white outer layer of teeth.
Another external factor and one of the biggest contributors to yellowing teeth is smoking and tobacco use. There are harmful chemicals found in nicotine and tobacco that can stain tooth enamel. These habits can cause gum disease as well as yellowing the teeth.
Genetics can contribute to internal blemishes. Some people are naturally born with a strong, white smile, while others may be born with thin enamel, causing teeth to appear naturally darker than normal.
Regardless of the teeth you were born with, aging can cause the enamel to gradually wear and tear over time. Other internal stains that cause nerve damage to the tooth can occur as a result of tooth decay, some oral medications, or dental trauma.
While reducing the effects of both external and internal stains can be an ongoing battle, dental care alone is an important first defense for maintaining white teeth. Brushing and flossing your teeth regularly helps remove excess stains by preventing the buildup of plaque and food debris.
Teeth Whitening Options
Teeth whitening can be done at home or in the dentist’s office. Home remedies such as rinses and toothpastes offer quick and easy methods for gradual whitening. Many people use whitening toothpastes to help remove surface stains as part of their risk-free daily cleaning routine.
Gel whitening strips and whitening plates are available for more aggressive teeth whitening at home. The plates are filled with a peroxide-based gel and worn for up to an hour. Whitening strips contain a similar gel and are usually worn for up to 30 minutes. These methods primarily remove superficial stains and should be used as directed.
Whitening plates and strips carry the risk of misuse and overuse. The chemicals in the gel can damage the teeth if the patient does not use the products as directed. This can lead to tooth decay, tooth sensitivity and gum irritation.
Dentists offer in-office whitening procedures that take less time than over-the-counter options. There are different methods that dentists use, including pure peroxide, ultraviolet light supplementation, and laser teeth whitening. A dentist can apply a higher concentrated bleach solution directly to the teeth. Most of these whitening procedures take about an hour and require only one office visit per year. The benefit of in-office treatment is that professional supervision minimizes many of the risks associated with at-home kits.
At-home whitening kits differ in both cost and results. These options are inexpensive, but multiple applications may be required before you see visible results. Most home kits can only make teeth 1-2 shades brighter. Although professional whitening costs more, results are often more effective and faster. Laser whitening in an office can often make teeth 12 shades brighter. Seeing a dentist will also help reduce the risks of teeth whitening.
Weighing the Risks
While teeth whitening is generally considered safe, some people wonder if it will weaken their teeth or if the chemicals are bad for them. The peroxide in teeth whitening bleach can damage gum cells. It can also damage the nerves, blood vessels and connective tissues of the tooth. Either way, overuse of these chemicals can lead to tooth sensitivity and gum irritation.
Increased tooth sensitivity may be in the form of short, sharp pains in response to hot or cold food and drink and usually occurs shortly after the application of bleaching agents. If whitening products are overused or misused, the peroxide in the whitening gel can erode tooth enamel and irritate dental nerves. Another risk of teeth whitening is chemical burn, which results in more severe pain and inflammation if the whitening product repeatedly reaches the gums. Discomfort from teeth whitening is usually temporary and lasts no more than two days. To reduce sensitivity after bleaching, individuals can:
.Use sensitive toothpaste
.Brush gently
. Stick to food and drink at room temperature
.Take over-the-counter pain relievers.
It is important to note that whitening products can harm patients with cavities, exposed roots or heavily eroded enamel. It is recommended that you see your dentist to make sure the teeth are healthy before choosing to whiten them. Likewise, teeth containing dental crowns and fillings cannot be whitened, causing them to stand out rather than blend in when whitening products are used.
While some may think at-home teeth whitening kits are more convenient and less expensive, in-office options are safe and offer longer-lasting results. The dentist oversees the entire whitening procedure and allows stronger bleaching agents to be used for faster and brighter results.
In general, patients without prior gum irritation or tooth sensitivity can use the home kits without any problems. For people with sensitive teeth or gums, professional in-office whitening treatments are recommended to protect the gums and prevent irritation. Professional care also allows the elimination of human errors, such as overuse and misuse of whitening products.
Consult a Professional for Teeth Whitening
Whitening products are becoming more and more popular and have been used by millions of people for decades. Products containing bleach and hydrogen peroxide should be used with caution, as teeth whitening involves some risks.
Look for professionally approved products to stay safe. Be sure to carefully follow the instructions for any of the whitening options provided. Reach out to a dentist with your questions and concerns and find out which option is best for you. If you experience any discomfort or sensitivity, try interrupting whitening treatments or switching to an alternative option.