Tooth Whitening - The Do’s and Dont's
Stained yellow teeth, that are so easily remedied, should not get in the way of you being successful. The bonuses of tooth whitening are numerous - extending to your business, social and personal life. Stained yellow teeth put you at a disadvantage in a few social situations. Considering there is a good amount of competition in both business and social circumstances, it is certainly useful to look as presentable as possible to be successful.
Who should not Start Tooth Whitening
Tooth whitening can achieve some remarkable results and should well be worth the cost and time involved. However, tooth whitening is not for everybody. The list below indicates those who shouldn't 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
- Individuals having allergies and sensitive teeth
- People with unrealistic expectations
- Teeth with dark gray stains or crowns
In regards to unrealistic expectations, recognize that the whitening of your teeth will lead to a color slightly whiter than the whites of your eyes. Any other expectation of the outcome of tooth whitening is simply outside the bounds of present techniques.
Some Tricks of the Trade
If you decide to proceed with the Tooth Whitening process, also make sure you do the following Therabreath Recommendations to obtain the best results:
- Apply some aloe vera juice to your gums. Then, just before whitening, for two minutes brush your teeth with oxygenating toothpaste combined 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 press 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 after 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 reduce the bleaching effect.
- Follow this teeth whitening system for several days consecutively.
Determine what your tradeoffs might be! When choosing 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.
Specific 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, several treatment options could be followed. These include wearing the tray for a shorter time period, putting off 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 situation of tooth whitening, as in most areas, you get what you pay for.
The second side effect observed is tooth sensitivity. Some affected people can’t stand to talk due to the fact that 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 varying 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 administered tooth whitening, your oral cavity and gums are guarded from bleaching effects. The dentist can determine the optimal type of stain to match your unique set of dental restorations. Most significantly, your dentist will be able to make an individualized mouthpiece tray, precisely 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.
Tooth Whitening Tradeoffs
- Do you like as minimal pain and/or side effects as possible? Then choose a dentist-supervised, tailored fitted tray whitening process.
- Do you want to spend as little as possible? Then select 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 low concentration of carbamide peroxide in the whitening gel.
- Do you desire or want tooth whitening as quick as possible? Then opt for the the latest laser treatment accessible at a dentist’s office.
Remember, to make those newly whitened teeth to last longer post-whitening, make sure you carry out the following:
- Brush your teeth minimally twice a day!
- Floss on a daily basis
- Quit smoking!
- Make every effort to steer clear of 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 teeth whitening options or additionally tooth whitening strips .
|
