Archive for the 'Tooth Whitening' Category

As a general rule teeth whitening strips are not bad for the teeth, with simple ones causing no problem at all. Your teeth could turn bluish permanently if used more than what is directed, with the teeth turning brittle. Also most whitening products contain around 3% bleach that is not recommended by health experts, with about 0.1% bleach found acceptable.

It is also to be realized that whitening strips provide for a strip on the upper teeth and one for the lower teeth, each of them pressed against the outer surface. However recesses and grooves between teeth could show up as dingy cracks, more like a painted fence that looks good from outside, but whose groves show up dark and dingy.

Whitening of teeth has great cosmetic value, but the craze to have stain-free teeth has lead to complications ranging from minor discomfort to severe pain and damage of tooth enamel. These repercussions arise mainly on account of the bleaching products used, with acidic compounds like fruit juices deteriorating your teeth’s enamel. Gum irritation and increased sensitivity with accidental ingestion could lead to symptoms like nausea, vomiting followed by burning sensation in the chest. However when teeth whitening are done by qualified and experienced dentists in their office care can be taken to prevent these side-effects with the placing of a dental dam.

Also research indicates that when hydrogen peroxide in the whitening gel could leak from the tray and release cancer causing free radicals and cause tongue cancer.

It is believed that the teeth could hurt after whitening because the bleaching agent hydrogen peroxide penetrates the nerve tissue of the tooth and this causes dehydration of the teeth. In addition most professional whitening processes use activating light that causes sensitivity due to prolonged exposure.
Brushing your teeth with a soft bristle tooth brush with desensitizing gel like Sensodyne toothpaste that has a high fluoride content can help get over acute sensitivity. Avoiding both hot and cold stimuli could also help.

The best of teeth whitening strips come from Crest. 3D WhiteStrips Professional E whitens teeth in just 3 days, but they should be used by7 first-timers and those that have sensitive teeth. However Crest WhiteStrips 3D Advanced Vivid can be used for medium to sensitive teeth and whiten teeth in about 10 days with more geniality and lesser sensitiveness. Crest WhiteStrips Premium Plus is ideal for those already experienced in teeth whitening, while Crest WhiteStrips Supreme Professional Strength is useful for those that require strong whitening and do not have sensitive teeth.

The answer to this question can never be generalized for it largely depends on the products that are used for teeth whitening. It is worthwhile noting that many of the modern products have neither shown adverse effects on the teeth nor gums, but your dentist would be the best person to decide on this issue. Dentists advice against teeth whitening if you have a gum disease, are pregnant or nursing the baby, and when you have tooth colored caps and other dental work that has been done on your front teeth; as these front teeth cannot be bleached.

Generally high concentrations of tooth bleaching agents in the past caused increased sensitivity. But with gels used for bleaching being now less concentrated the sensitivity is now reduced to just 48 hours after bleaching. The sensitivity can also be considerably reduced with brushing with toothpastes containing potassium nitrate or fluoride that help reduce sensitivity by soothing tooth nerve and also re-mineralize your teeth. You could also minimize the use of the tray applicator if you are using one, with opting to stop whitening for a while helping in allowing the teeth to adapt to the procedure.

The length of time that a teeth whitening can last would depend on various factors. If overconsumption of tea, coffee and other liquids is the cause, you would help by changing your behavior and attitude. Then a few touch ups may be enough to maintain white teeth. The same applies to smoking that could cause dark nicotine stains. Similarly if your teeth have been genetically stained or caused after a serious illness, you may require more frequent teeth whitening procedures. In most people whitened teeth rarely return back to their once deep stained form.

It is best to brush your teeth lightly before any whitening treatment and leave about 30 to 60 minutes before each whitening procedure. It is best to use desensitizing toothpaste that contains about 5% potassium nitrate and fluoride to treat tooth sensitivity and also strengthen tooth enamel. Rinsing and flossing before a whitening procedure. However it is best to avoid rinsing with acidic liquids that could lead to weakening of tooth enamel. In addition flossing lightly helps remove built up bacteria, but make sure you do it at least 30 minutes before you start the whitening procedure.

Whitening strips generally do not damage the tooth enamel, but can cause sensitivity to teeth that is temporary. Some contend that they may be harmful if used for a long time and could turn the teeth bluish permanently. Some others feel that the teeth turn brittle if used often.

It is to be understood that most teeth whitening products involve the application of bleach that could make it unsuitable for people that have gum disorders and extreme sensitivity. However these people could benefit with having their gums treated first to make them healthy for application of whitening strips. Those having extreme sensitivity conditions could benefit from using products that are specialized designed for such users. These whitening strips can be used for a shorter period and have lower strength whiteners.

It is not safe for kids to undergo teeth whitening, with it working best on adults of at least 18 years of age. There are ample chances for sensitivity to set in especially in teenagers, so teeth whitening should be more just to maintain the beautiful looks and not turn addictive. Parents can play a vital role in inculcating good eating and dental habits in their children and discourage the use of over-the-counter teeth whitening products like teeth whitening strips, gels, pens and mouth guards. However the use of mouth rinses, flosses, whitening toothpastes and gums prove quite safe.

This question cannot be answered with a simple answer for your expectations about the final results needs to be realistic. Long term results can never be expected, but brushing, flossing and visiting your dentist for periodic cleaning and check-ups can only render optimum results. Also results of teeth whitening can vary from person to person. It is also relevant to note that not all can be a suitable candidate for teeth whitening.

Tooth whitening is not good for your teeth when teeth restorations like veneers have been used, or when there is internal staining of the teeth or root canal procedures have been done. Whitening products like hydrogen peroxide, and carbamide peroxide cannot work well on them and these teeth could appear artificial. Internal tooth whitening may be required when there is internal staining.

Brown or grey hue teeth cannot be whitened, with only teeth with a yellow hue producing good results. Teeth whitening may not be useful and is not advisable for pregnant or nursing mothers and those that have hypersensitivity in teeth.