Teeth are the greatest asset a person can possess. Not only do they help us chew food, but they also enhance the appearance of a person.
It is important to keep oral hygiene in mind and take good care of your set of teeth. They are expected to be clear, white and flawless.
Regular treatment and care can give you a clean set of teeth. Teeth whitening treatment can be performed at your home and by a professional dentist, but the question that always arises is- ” Is teeth whitening safe?” The process will be discussed thoroughly whether teeth whitening is safe and how the entire method functions.
Reason and Types of Teeth Discoloration:-
The main reasons for teeth discoloration are-
- Extrinsic Discoloration:-
In this type of discoloration, your teeth are discolored or stained by food, beverages or smoking habits. Consumption of coffee, tea, red wine, foods with dyes, and tobacco can result into this type of staining.
- Intrinsic Discoloration:-
The outer layer of teeth is affected by Intrinsic discoloration. It can occur due to medication use, childhood illness, infection, tooth trauma, or aging.
Methods of Teeth Whitening:-
There are many procedures and products for whitening your teeth. The three main kinds of methods are as follows-
- Performed by the dentist.
- Prescribed by your dentist to use at home
- Acquired over the counter or prepared at home without the recommendation of a dentist.
The facts on which your teeth whitening treatment depend on are-
- The kind of discoloration you have.
- The method of treatment
- Age of the patient
- Your dental history including fillings and crowns
It is always better to have a proper discussion with your dentist before opting for one. Your treatment procedure will be recommended by your dentist according to your demands and the duration of treatment will be according to the type of your discoloration.
- Professional Teeth Whitening:-
Several different methods are used by your dentist to whiten up your teeth. In these methods, they generally bleach the teeth with the use of carbamide peroxide. It breaks down to hydrogen peroxide and urea and transforms the colour of the teeth through a chemical reaction. It is considered to be a safe procedure to whiten your teeth.
- In-office Treatment:-
It is a quick and beneficial method for the patients and the whitening effect also stays for a longer period of time. An hour or few visits may be needed to perform the procedure because the used products contain more amount of hydrogen peroxide than in the homemade products. Application of light can also be used by the dentist while applying the whitening product to speed up the treatment procedure but it has not proven to be effective all the time.
- Treatment at home with the help of your dentist:-
Your teeth can also be whitened at home with the help of dentists. Custom-fit trays can be made up by your dentist to fit up your mouth. A gel will be added to it and it can be worn for 30 minutes to 1 hour a day for a few weeks to whiten the teeth.
Teeth Whitening Products:–
Some over the counter products are available for whitening your teeth but they are not as effective as the ones recommended by a dentist. They won’t work much if your teeth are intrinsically discoloured. Some OTC products contain the Indian Dental Association’s Seal of Acceptance which provides more confidence to the buyers for buying the products.
- Whitening Toothpastes:-
Whitening Toothpastes don’t contain carbamide peroxide. These toothpastes work on the surface of the teeth with various other elements including abrasives and the chemical blue covarine. They are generally time taking.
- Activated Charcoal and other home based methods:-
Activated charcoal is a home-based method for teeth whitening. As it is not scientifically proven, a dentist should be consulted before applying the process on your teeth.
Is teeth whitening safe?
Side Effects of Teeth Whitening:-
- Teeth Sensitivity:-
Teeth Whitening can make your teeth more sensitive and you can experience it on your first or second treatment. Products containing potassium nitrate and sodium fluoride gel can be recommended by your dentist to treat this sensitivity.
- Irritated Gums:-
When your gums get in contact with the whitening products, irritation may be experienced. This side effect goes away after the treatment.
Teeth whitening cannot be done on a permanent basis. The lasting of your teeth whitening depends on your habits of eating, drinking and oral hygiene. Washing your mouth or brushing your teeth soon after eating or drinking can help to prevent the discoloring agents from placing on the surface of your teeth. To answer the question that – ‘Is teeth whitening safe?’ It can be concluded that teeth whitening is a safe process of treatment as long as you follow your dentist’s instructions.
Aesthetica Dental Implant Clinics by Dr. Kamlesh Kothari is a Kolkata based chain of dental specialty clinics with a special highlight on dentistry and implantology. The aim of the organization is to deliver appropriate care and treatment in the eastern parts of the country. Our organization is equipped with all modern technologies of dental treatment.
Dr. Kothari is an internationally reputed surgeon, who with his team of experienced and highly qualified dentists endeavor to cure their patients with best care and at a reasonable price.