Tooth Whitening - The Do’s and Dont's
Stained yellow teeth put you at a disadvantage in selected social circumstances. Considering there is much competition in both business and social circumstances, it is certainly useful to look as presentable as achievable to be successful. The advantages of tooth whitening are many - extending to your business, social and personal life. Stained yellow teeth, which are so simply remedied, shouldn't get in the way of you being successful.
Specific Side Effects
Two side effects often 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 remedy the mouth tissue irritation, different treatment options could be followed. These include wearing the tray for a shorter time period, suspending the process for two-three days, or use of a high fluoride gel to augment 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 case of tooth whitening, as in most areas, you get what you pay for.
The second side effect observed is tooth sensitivity. A few affected individuals can’t stand to speak because the airflow hurts their teeth. If you start experiencing tooth sensitivity, see your dentist immediately. Also, you can brush with toothpaste specially formulated for sensitive teeth.
Your Treatment Options
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 supervised home bleaching systems ($300 - $600)
Compare the full, dentist supervised process to an over the counter tooth whitening product, where you are completely on your own. 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 meet your distinct set of dental restorations. Most significantly, your dentist will make an individualized mouthpiece tray, exactly fitted to your mouth. This results in maximal exposure of your teeth to the whitening agent and miniscule pain to your gums and oral tissue.
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 get the finest results:
- Apply some aloe vera juice to your gums. Then, 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 following the teeth whitening treatment, augment the result by using an oxygenating oral rinse. Do not use a mouthwash containing alcohol, as this can in fact lessen 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, customized fitted tray whitening technique.
- Do you wish to spend as little as possible? Then pick an over the counter kit, but be ready to do everything yourself.
- Do you want as little gum irritation as possible? Then opt for a minimal concentration of carbamide peroxide in the whitening gel.
- Do you need or want tooth whitening as quick as possible? Then opt for the newest laser treatment accessible at a dentist’s office.
Determine what your tradeoffs are! When opting for a whitener you ought to look for the ADA Seal for safety and effectiveness. Tooth whiteners, gels or strips contain carbamide or hydrogen peroxide as the active bleaching ingredients.
Who should not Start Tooth Whitening
Tooth whitening might achieve some remarkable results and may well be worth the cost and time involved. Yet, tooth whitening is not for all of us. The list below shows those who should not engage in this technique:
- Children under the age of 16
- Pregnant/lactating women
- Darkly stained teeth (grayish or purple-stained teeth)
- People with fillings or dental restorations.
- Persons with exposed roots, cavities, gum disease, worn enamel
- Those 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 further expectation of the outcome of tooth whitening is simply outside the bounds of present techniques.
Remember, to make those newly whitened teeth to go on longer post-whitening, make sure you do the following:
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day!
- Floss on a daily basis
- Quit smoking!
- Try to stay away from soft drinks and excessive coffee consumption
- Use a good, effective mouth rinse
If you have a further interest in tooth whitening, you may also want to review the best teeth whitening or additionally best teeth whiteners .
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