Common foods and drinks such as coffee, red wine, berries and, of course, tobacco smoking, can cause staining and darkening of the teeth as well as losing their brightness. These effects are often exaggerated as people age. Wear and tear creates etchings on the tooth surface – this can make teeth even more susceptible to various discolorations and stains.
Why teeth are changing color?
Teeth can go from white to not-so-bright for a number of different reasons:
• Specific foods and drinks
• Tobacco use
• Age
• Trauma
• Use of certain medications - such as antihistamines, antipsychotics and high blood pressure medications. Chemotherapy and head and neck radiation can also visibly darken teeth.
Brushing and flossing are everyday ways to keep good oral health and hygiene. If you think about teeth whitening it is a good thing to get help straight from your dentist, who will offer you the most suitable advise.
Tooth whiteners
Teeth whiteners use a form of peroxide (hydrogen and carbamide) with varying strength to oxidize the tooth's color particles. The concentration of peroxide in OTC-bought kits ranges from 3% to 10%. However, in professional whiteners (available for use at a dentist's office) it is as high as 40%.
Professional whiteners are considered more effective than over-the-counter products.
How teeth whitening actually works
Teeth whitening products contain one of two tooth bleaching agents - hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. They break stains into smaller pieces, which makes the color less concentrated and teeth brighter.
It’s important to talk to your dentist before deciding to whiten your teeth. Whiteners may not correct all types of discoloration. Yellowing teeth will probably give out good results and bleach well, but darker stains and brown teeth may not respond as well. Teeth with gray tone discolorations may not respond at all. Whitening won’t work on caps, veneers, crowns or fillings. Whitening won’t be effective if the discoloration is caused by medications or a tooth injury.
Teeth whitening options
There are three main ways to have a shining smile again with teeth whitening. Always consider a dentist appointment and consultation first!
Whitening toothpastes
All toothpastes help remove surface stain. This is achieved through the action of mild abrasives that scrub the teeth. Whitening toothpastes that have special chemical or polishing agents that to provide additional stain removal effect. Unlike bleaches, these types toothpaste do not change the color of teeth. They can only remove stains on the teeth surface.
In-office (dentist supervised) teeth bleaching
Usually this procedure requires only one doctor’s office visit. The dentist will apply a protective gel or rubber shield to protect the gums, after which bleach is applied to teeth.
Home (unsupervised) bleaching
Peroxide-containing whiteners actually bleach the tooth enamel – and often come in a gel and are placed in a special tray that fits on the teeth. The use of a whitening strip that sticks to your teeth is also popular choice. The concentration of the bleaching agent is lower than what your dentist would use in-office.
Whitening and side effects
Some patients experience tooth sensitivity, which when the peroxide gets through the enamel to the soft layer of dentin and irritates the nerve of your tooth. In most cases the sensitivity is temporary.
Overuse of whiteners can also damage the tooth enamel or gums. Always follow the product or procedure directions and consult your dentist.
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