Teeth whitening – types, causes and risks related

teeth whitening

Why teeth whitening?

With sparkling teeth we all start. But over the time, factors like age, accidents or lifestyle habits cause the enamel on the surface of the teeth to be worn out and hence allowing the yellow core to be made visible, which gives a dull appearance on the outlook. Stains and debris get accumulated and trouble your confidence with their tampered effects. Now in such situations, to restore a sparkling smile back to the face, Teeth whitening helps.

Type of stains:

There are two types of stains. Extrinsic stains are common ones that appear on the teeth’s surface as a result of the exposure to beverages, tobacco or foods. These superficial stains can be removed by proper brushing. Intrinsic stains are stubborn stains that are formed in the interior of the teeth. Intrinsic stains are those that are formed on the interior of teeth as a result of aging, accident, excessive fluoride ingestion, etc. This warrants a regular dental procedure to correct the discoloration extending from few months to a year. At times, when results don’t turn fruitful, the option of Dental veneers is sported.

What Causes Tooth Staining?

  • Age:Tooth color and the progressing age are directly proportional. Wear and tear naturally causes the teeth to discolor over the period of time and it is inevitable. Starting color: IT is to be noted that we are all born with an inborn teeth color, yellow-brownish or grey-greenish, which then shows up over time.
  • Translucency and thinness:These are generic traits and show profoundly over time. Thicker teeth respond well to whitening process and things get fine. But then, when the case is of thin teeth, especially in the front row, then it becomes difficult for whitening to respond. Thinned teeth are one of the cases where Whitening is not found to work upon effectively.
  • Eating habits:Eating excess acidic foods, drinking too much of red wine, coffee and so on, over a period of time, is bound to leave stains on your teeth. This causes the teeth surface to become more transparent and the yellow color to show through.
  • Smoking habits:Nicotine causes intrinsic stains as it leaves back deep brownish deposits that become hard to correct by.
  • Trauma:Accidentals falls/trauma can produce sizable cracks in teeth, causing the collection of stains and debris.

Risks related to Teeth whitening:

  • Sensitivity: The teeth whitening process can cause a temporary rise in sensitivity to temperature and pressure. High concentrated bleaching agents might be the cause for this. At times, sharp pains in the middle of the front teeth called zingers, come as spontaneous waves. While sensitivity may last for a few days, at times, the case might extend to few months too and become a long time hassle.
  • Gum irritation: Over 50% of people using peroxide whiteners report irritation issues in their gums. This is due to the high concentration of the bleaching agents, and usually takes time to diminish over time with proper attention.
  • Technicolor teeth: In case of bonding, dental crowns or veneers, the issue is they don’t respond to whitening unlike natural teeth. So when the teeth are whitened, the surrounding teeth turn white but they remain discolored, leading to a condition called Technicolor teeth.

The procedures are of different types and it differs from person to person according to the nature of the stains. As we can see, there are few essential risks that are involved with a relatively easy teeth-whitening process too. In any case, it is advisable to take the help of a professional dentist to do the best whitening that your teeth deserves. Rainbow Dental from Sydney, open 27/7 all through the year, with its set of professional dentists offer you free consultation and excellent dental services to bank upon. Step in and check your teeth out.

Christmas Party Approaching? Time to get those teeth whitened!

As the festive season approaches, you will get busy preparing for feasts and planning for parties. Amongst all this frenzy, one aspect that always gets neglected is your teeth. While you make appointments for personal grooming, why not book an appointment to visit a dental doctor too? After all, your teeth play a major role in how you look.

chr4In case you haven’t fixed an appointment, don’t worry, we have some tips and suggestions to help you keep those pearly whites shining this Christmas season.

Avoid fizzy drinks

One of the main culprits of ruining the teeth enamel is those fizzy drinks that you gulp down during parties. However tempting they may be, they erode the enamel and cause discoloration.

Do not smoke

Smokers tend to smoke heavily during the festive season. However, tobacco causes the teeth to turn yellow in a very short span of time, especially when teamed with starchy food and fizzy drinks. Therefore, limit your intake of cigarettes and keep a count on how many you smoke per day. Don’t overdo just because it is the festive season.

Brush and floss regularly

While you are aware of the importance of brushing and flossing, make sure you do it religiously this festive season-twice a day. It will improve your oral health and will also help you get a brighter smile. It is common to go off to sleep after parties, without paying attention to our oral health. Don’t make this mistake and make sure to brush and floss at least twice a day, especially after parties.

Use a fluoride mouthwash

In addition to brushing and flossing, make sure to rinse your mouth with a fluoride mouthwash as it will help to keep the mouth clean and also make the teeth look shinier. You do not need to do this every day, just a few times a week will suffice.

Whiten your teeth at home

If you wish to indulge in some teeth whitening at home you can do so by using teeth whitening strips which are easily available in markets and pharmacies. These strips are easy to use and also affordable. It takes just 30 to 40 minutes to use these strips and you are ready to enjoy any party with those pearly whites.

Do not rely simply on whitening toothpastes as they only serve to clean your teeth and not whiten them. While they may make claims of being used by dentists, the amount of hydrogen peroxide used in the toothpastes is not enough to bleach your teeth. Thus, rather than wasting your money in buying such costly toothpastes, it is advisable to either book an appointment with your dentist or at the most use shining strips.

Everyone wishes to look good during the festive season, but very few take the time to whiten their teeth. Make sure that you do not make this mistake and start taking care of your pearly whites before the run up to the festive season.

May your smile light up the Christmas party.

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