Many people feel that all those advertisements on TV with people getting pearly whites are too good to be true. A general notion is that using chemicals may cause some side effects. Some over-the-top advertisements may be the reason for this partially unfounded fear. Though treatment from excessively amateur medical practitioners use may cause some side effects, if properly used under the guidance of a licensed dental practitioner in moderation, it is quite safe. Also, exercise caution while purchasing oral health products and remember to check with your Dentist, if you have any questions about the products.
Let’s find out why our teeth get a yellow hue. Our teeth lose their natural color due to mainly two broad factors – extrinsic and intrinsic stains. The main culprits of leaving a mark on the enamel are our regular beverages, such as coffee, tea, cola, and dark-colored foods and drinks like red wine, ketchup and sauces. Fruits like grapes, blueberries, and pomegranates too are villains in smearing our teeth. The scientific reason is that these are rich in chromogens – pigment-producing substances that take a fancy for sticking onto the enamel. It is not just superficial damage, but acidic foods and sugary beverages can erode the protective tooth enamel and make it worse by helping the chromogens to stick onto the teeth. Another culprit is tannin, a bitter-tasting compound found in tea and wine that also leans towards tooth enamel.
So, whitening our teeth is nothing but counteraction against these color-causing, damage-inducing agents. There are mainly two broad categories of whitening agents. Peroxide-containing bleaching agents and whitening toothpaste (dentifrices).The former is used in a dentist’s clinic&contains Carbamide peroxide – a bleaching agent. The most common mild temporary side effects are tooth sensitivity and occasional irritation of soft tissues in the mouth.
Is teeth whitening safe? The short answeer is that teeth whitening when not done under the guidance of a licensed dental practitioner may not be quite safe.
Safe Steps to Whiter Teeth
- Make sure that issues like gum disease or cavities have been eliminated before you commence teeth whitening
- Discuss your teeth whitening goal with your dentist.
- Use products that have a CDA approval or which are recommended by your dentist.
- Follow instructions step-by-step when whitening is at home.
- Listen to your teeth. If you develop sensitivity tell your dentist.
How To Avoid Staining Your Teeth
- Brush at minimum twice a day
- Floss at least once a day
- Quit smoking or chewing any tobacco products
- Cut down on stainers like Tea and Coffee
- Cut down on the other stainer – Red Wine.
- Set up a regular dental hygiene and teeth cleaning schedule with your dentist.
At Aurora Family Dentistry we provide all details of and steps in the teeth whitening process to you. We always take all requisite care and safeguards during all our procedures
Is teeth whitening safe? We trust that understanding some of the factors involved in tooth discoloration and understanding the process of whitening, have cleared your concerns on tooth whitening. If you have other questions call our office or book at appointment with one of our dentists.
Resources: Canadian Dental Association
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