Enhancing the brightness of teeth is a common practice among adults. Teeth whitening strategies fill the market, but not all of them are effective. Breaking down the science behind teeth whitening can help individuals understand how the process works, what risks come with these chemicals, and other natural ways to help brighten their teeth.
Keeping up with your oral health is a great way to keep your teeth from discoloring, but not all people find these methods to improve the appearance of their teeth. Teeth whitening the right way will improve the look of your teeth without permanent damage to your teeth.
What Causes Tooth Stains?
The majority of teeth stains are caused by food and drinks, but lack of care or genetic factors can impact the whiteness of the enamel. The most common causes of tooth stains include:
- Coffee
- Wine
- Dark colored sodas
- Tobacco
- Medications with chlorhexidine or cetylpyridinium
- Excessive fluoride use
- Trauma to the tooth
- Poor oral hygiene
- Aging
Methods Of Teeth Whitening
While dental cleanings and bleach trays are popular options, there are multiple teeth whitening methods. Bleaching, abrasives, fluoride, and more will lift stains or change the enamel of your teeth to make them brighter.
One of the most accessible options is whitening toothpaste. These toothpaste options include mild abrasives and chemicals that will remove surface stains from the teeth. Whitening toothpastes may also have peroxide to help lighten the teeth over time. Toothpaste may take weeks or months to show results.
Other whitening options like whitening strips and gels put a higher concentration of peroxide directly onto the teeth. Professional whitening will also apply the hydrogen peroxide directly to the teeth but then introduce a laser or light to help deepen the whitening process.
Lifting Surface Stains
Many natural teeth whitening methods will help lift surface stains and whiten the teeth over time. Baking soda, activated charcoal, oil pulling, or eating certain foods can be effective for surface stains. Because these methods only lift surface stains, they can be unpredictable. Each person will experience different results and overuse could result in enamel damage.
Limiting tobacco, coffee, and acidic beverages will also reduce the surface stains on your teeth. These substances will cause teeth to look yellow or brown in extreme cases. If you want to reduce yellowing on your teeth, cut down on these substances, red wine, or acidic foods.
Penetration Of The Enamel
Agents with an active oxygen molecule will penetrate the enamel and react with the discolored molecules. This action causes it to spread throughout the tooth without damaging the enamel. Professional whitening treatments from a dentist or endodontist use the light to push the peroxide deeper into the tooth.
Does Teeth Whitening Cause Sensitivity?
The most common adverse effect of teeth whitening is tooth sensitivity. While most sensitivity is temporary, there is a risk of inflammation and exposed nerves when you consistently whiten your teeth. Most treatments cause sensitivity for about 2-3 days and will dissipate on the fourth day.
Extensive sensitivity can be associated with contact time and duration of whitening processes. Lower concentrations of hydrogen peroxide have been seen to produce lower sensitivity.
How Long Does Whitening Last?
Most whitening methods provide long-lasting results, but every individual is different. Certain factors like diet, smoking, genetics, and age can cause teeth to become yellow again. Touch-up treatments or lower-strength methods can be used to keep up the brilliance of your tooth enamel. If you are seeking professional whitening, dentists may perform treatments at every other dental cleaning appointment.
Services From Our Dental Practice
Sunset Dental offers multiple preventative, cosmetic, and restorative dental services for individuals in Utah. We know that patients want to improve the look and feel of their teeth without a high price tag. Sunset Dental serves patients of all ages to help you maintain proper oral health.
Our team has worked hard to create a comfortable and inviting dental office. While we are focused on providing quality dental care, we also hope that you feel safe and comfortable in our office. We follow all OSHA and CDC standards for construction and cleaning. We welcome all patients as if they are family. Looking to improve your oral health, look no further for a full-service dentist! Call or text 801-773-1533 for an appointment.