Tooth Whitening - The Do’s and Dont's
Stained yellow teeth put you at a disadvantage in some social situations. Given there is much competition in both business and social circumstances, it is surely useful to look as presentable as achievable to be successful. Stained yellow teeth, which are so simply remedied, shouldn't get in the way of you being successful. The advantages of tooth whitening are many - extending to your business, social and personal life.
Some Side Effects
Two side effects frequently seen are irritation of the soft mouth tissues (the gums) and an increase in tooth sensitivity. Irritation of the mouth tissues frequently is caused by a poorly fitted mouthpiece tray and not the tooth bleaching chemical. To lessen the mouth tissue irritation, various treatment options could be followed. These include wearing the tray for a shorter time span, suspending the procedure for two-three days, or use of a high fluoride gel to add to the tray, thus assisting in re-mineralizing the teeth. With some at-home kits, you run the chance of burning your gums, or making them sore. In the situation of tooth whitening, as in many areas, you get what you pay for.
The second side effect observed is tooth sensitivity. Some affected individuals can’t stand to speak due to the fact that the airflow hurts their teeth. When and if you start undergoing tooth sensitivity, see your dentist immediately. Also, you can brush with toothpaste specially formulated for sensitive teeth.
Your Treatment Choices
You have a choice of treatment options of differing cost and effectiveness:
- Over the counter gels ($15) and whitening strips ($10 - $55 for a 14-day treatment)
- Tray-based tooth whitening systems ($20 - $150)
- Dentist administered home bleaching systems ($300 - $600)
With the dentist supervised tooth whitening, your oral cavity and gums are protected from bleaching effects. The dentist can determine the optimal type of stain to match your distinct set of dental restorations. Most significantly, your dentist is able to make a customized mouthpiece tray, exactly fitted to your mouth. This results in maximal exposure of your teeth to the whitening agent and little pain to your gums and oral tissue. Compare the full, dentist supervised procedure to an over the counter tooth whitening product, where you are totally on your own.
Who should not Start Tooth Whitening
Tooth whitening could achieve some remarkable results and may well be worth the cost and time involved. However, tooth whitening is not for everyone. The list below suggests those that should not engage in this technique:
- Children under the age of 16
- Pregnant/lactating women
- Darkly stained teeth (grayish or purple-stained teeth)
- Individuals with fillings or dental restorations.
- Individuals with exposed roots, cavities, gum disease, worn enamel
- Individuals having allergies and sensitive teeth
- People with unrealistic expectations
- Teeth with dark gray stains or crowns
Regarding unrealistic expectations, understand that the whitening of your teeth will lead to a color slightly whiter than the whites of your eyes. Any additional expectation of the outcome of tooth whitening is simply outside the bounds of current techniques.
Some Tricks of the Trade
If you choose to proceed with the Tooth Whitening process, also make certain you do the following Therabreath Recommendations to attain the most ideal results:
- Apply some aloe vera juice to your gums. At that time, just before whitening, for two minutes brush your teeth with oxygenating toothpaste along with some good natural polishing agents.
- The best home tooth whitening systems use a moldable tray system containing a mouthpiece you can personally fit to your mouth. You mold them by soaking them for a few seconds in warm water, then you push the plastic down or up against your teeth and gums. When the plastic cools you have a nice fitting, soft plastic mouthpiece that is just right for your particular teeth and face.
- Use a strong teeth whitening gel to ensure that the time your teeth are in contact with the whitening gel is well spent. Use a 21% carbamide peroxide concentrated teeth whitening gel, not containing any glycerin, that will allow a reduction in the sensitivity of your teeth and gums.
- Immediately subsequent to the teeth whitening treatment, augment the result by using an oxygenating oral rinse. Don't use a mouthwash containing alcohol, as this can in fact decrease the bleaching effect.
- Follow this teeth whitening system for several days consecutively.
Tooth Whitening Tradeoffs
- Do you like as minimal pain and/or side effects as possible? Then choose a dentist-supervised, personalized fitted tray whitening approach.
- Do you wish to spend as little as possible? Then choose an over the counter kit, but be prepared to carry out everything yourself.
- Do you like as little gum irritation as possible? Then opt for a minimal concentration of carbamide peroxide in the whitening gel.
- Do you require or want tooth whitening as quick as possible? Then opt for the new laser treatment obtainable at a dentist’s office.
Determine what your tradeoffs are! When selecting a whitener you should look for the ADA Seal for safety and effectiveness. Tooth whiteners, gels or strips contain carbamide or hydrogen peroxide as the active bleaching ingredients.
Remember, to make those newly whitened teeth to persist longer post-whitening, make sure you carry out the following:
- Brush your teeth minimally twice a day!
- Floss on a daily basis
- Quit smoking!
- Try to steer clear of soft drinks and high coffee consumption
- Use a good, effective mouth rinse
If you have a further interest in tooth whitening, you may also want to review cosmetic teeth whitening or in addition teeth whitener .
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