Considerations Before Deciding on Teeth Whitening
Before making a decision to undergo teeth whitening, there are several factors to consider. Here are the most important questions that can help you in this process.
Teeth whitening is a significant concern in today’s world, as having white teeth reflects your dedication to dental hygiene and health. Below are answers to common questions regarding the teeth whitening procedure:
What is teeth whitening?
Teeth whitening is a highly effective method used to lighten the natural color of teeth without removing any part of the tooth surface. While this method cannot make teeth pure white, it can help lighten the existing color by several shades. Whitening products typically use chemical agents such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. Only licensed dentists can use more concentrated whitening solutions, which are thus more effective.
Do teeth and gums get damaged during teeth whitening?
In the teeth whitening process, no parts of the tooth are removed, as the color change results from the chemical breakdown of pigments present on the teeth. Therefore, it is considered a safe method; however, some temporary side effects may occur, including:
- Tooth sensitivity
- Gum irritation
Does teeth whitening go well with smoking?
The recommendation is definitely no. Smoking leaves stains on teeth, and continuing to smoke after teeth whitening will diminish the results quickly, possibly requiring treatment to be repeated annually. Moreover, to ensure that teeth remain white and to achieve maximum results, it is advised to refrain from smoking for at least 24 hours after the procedure.
Read more about dental health:
- Diagnosing gum and tooth pain at Dr. Checker
- Teeth cleaning and the secret to a beautiful smile
- How to choose the best dentist?
- To follow our tweets, click here
Can teeth whitening be done during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Currently, there are no clear studies or results regarding teeth whitening during pregnancy or breastfeeding. As a precaution, it is recommended to avoid teeth whitening during these periods.
What foods and drinks should be avoided?
You should avoid all foods and drinks that can cause tooth staining, such as:
- Coffee
- Tea
- Cola
- Red wine
Teeth become more sensitive to staining during the whitening process.
Does teeth whitening always succeed?
Certain colors respond better to whitening, particularly yellow teeth. In contrast, gray teeth or those with brown streaks can be more challenging to whiten. It is up to the dentist to determine whether whitening is the recommended treatment in these cases.
Are the results of teeth whitening permanent?
Teeth whitening is not permanent, and results can last from a few months to three years, varying from person to person. The whitening effect will not last long if you continue to smoke or drink tea and coffee.
What conditions should avoid teeth whitening?
Teeth whitening is not advised in the following cases:
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Tooth sensitivity issues
- Gum diseases
- Presence of unhealthy teeth or exposed dentin
Can teeth whitening be done using over-the-counter products?
These products usually work by removing surface stains; they contain active ingredients but in very low concentrations. Therefore, if you are interested in teeth whitening, personal care products do not provide a complete solution; they are intended for routine care and act as an auxiliary measure.
Tips for Teeth Whitening
In conclusion, to maintain white teeth, daily and proper dental care is essential. This does not only mean using a toothbrush that can reach a small part of the mouth; dental floss and mouthwash should be used daily alongside brushing for the following reasons:
- To eliminate bacteria in the mouth where the toothbrush cannot reach.
- To achieve a beautiful smile and healthy teeth, free from gum inflammation.
