Everyone wants their smile to shop a set of healthy and pearly white teeth. So, no wonder that teeth whitening has gained so much popularity in recent years.
Teeth might get discolored due to several reasons. Some of which are under your control but the rest are not. Regular brushing and flossing and other routines will help maintain strong and white teeth, but discolored teeth can also be a result of injuries or illness.
If you’re considering teeth whitening, you should know how the process works and what your options are. You can either do it from a professional dentist in Canberra or there are some at-home kits that you can try.
So, here we have rounded up how teeth whitening works and which method you should use. So, if you are a candidate for teeth whitening, then read on.
Common Causes of Discolored Teeth
Over time teeth might get discolored due to several reasons. Some common cause behind discolored teeth are:
Food and Drink
Among food and drinks, coffee, tea, and red wine are known for leaving stains and the pigments present in them can lead to discolored teeth.
Tobacco
Tobacco contains tar and nicotine, the two chemicals that can leave tough stains on your teeth.
Age
There’s a softer layer called dentin that is below the tooth enamel. With age, the enamel gets thinner causing the yellowish dentin to show.
Trauma
If you have had some injuries in your mouth, your teeth might not be getting enough blood anymore causing your teeth to appear discolored.
Medications
Medicines like antihistamines, antipsychotics, and medications for high blood pressure can contribute to teeth darkening.
How does Teeth Whitening Work
Teeth whitening process is fairly simple and straightforward. But it will vary with what product you choose and whether you want to get it done professionally or at home.
Teeth whitening products contain bleaches, often hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, which breaks down the stains into smaller pieces and reduce the color concentration of the stains. Thus, making your teeth whiter.
Options for Teeth Whitening
As mentioned, there are several options for teeth whitening and you should consult your doctor before choosing one. The common options for whitening your teeth are:
Whitening Toothpaste
Toothpaste meant for whitening is gentle whiteners, which are great for sensitive teeth. They work on the surface and remove light stains quite effectively. Because they use a polishing action and no bleaches are present, whitening toothpaste is safe to use with no adverse side effects.
However, they are gentle whiteners and will not work in whitening more severe stains.
At-Home Teeth Whitening
At-home teeth whitening kits can be of different types like whitening strips, trays, rinses, brushes, etc. and they can be bought over the counter. These products usually contain peroxide which works in lightening the tooth enamel. But you’ll have to use them for some days or even weeks to notice a difference.
Professional Teeth Whitening
Professional teeth whitening will be done by a certified dentist. They too will use a whitener, but they will be stronger as they contain more peroxide. They are faster in producing results than at-home whiteners and will whiten your teeth within an hour.
These are the options that you have for teeth whitening. While at-home whitening will cost you less, professional whitening can be extremely fast in producing the desired results. So, it’s really up to you which one you want to choose. If you can’t make up your mind or need professional advice or help you can always connect with us. As renowned dentists in Canberra, we can guide and help you in your teeth whitening endeavor and any other dental problems that you might have.