Tooth Whitening - The Do’s and Dont's
Stained yellow teeth put you at a disadvantage in selected social situations. Given there is a good amount of competition in both business and social situations, it is undoubtedly useful to look as presentable as possible to be successful. Stained yellow teeth, that are so simply 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.
Specific Side Effects
With a few at-home kits, you run the risk of burning your gums, or making them sore. In the case of tooth whitening, as in most areas, you get what you pay for. Two side effects repeatedly 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, different treatment options could be followed. These include wearing the tray for a shorter time span, 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.
The second side effect seen is tooth sensitivity. A few affected individuals can’t stand to speak due to the fact that the airflow hurts their teeth. When and if you start experiencing tooth sensitivity, see your dentist immediately. Also, you can brush with toothpaste specially formulated for sensitive teeth.
Your Treatment Choices
You have a selection 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)
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 notably, your dentist will be 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 miniscule pain to your gums and oral tissue. Compare the full, dentist supervised process to an over the counter tooth whitening product, where you are completely on your own.
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.
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 get 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 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 fine 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 actually decrease the bleaching effect.
- Follow this teeth whitening system for several days consecutively.
Who should not Start Tooth Whitening
Tooth whitening might achieve some remarkable results and should well be worth the cost and time involved. But then, tooth whitening is not for all of us. The list below suggests 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)
- 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
In regards to unrealistic expectations, recognize that the whitening of your teeth will lead to a color somewhat whiter than the whites of your eyes. Any further expectation of the outcome of tooth whitening is just outside the bounds of present techniques.
Tooth Whitening Tradeoffs
- Do you desire as little pain and/or side effects as possible? Then pick a dentist-supervised, tailored fitted tray whitening technique.
- Do you seek to spend as little as possible? Then choose an over the counter kit, but be prepared to achieve 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 want or want tooth whitening as quick as possible? Then opt for the the latest laser treatment obtainable at a dentist’s office.
Recall, to make those newly whitened teeth to persist 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 decent, effective mouth rinse
If you have a further interest in tooth whitening, you may also want to review tooth bleach or also professional tooth whitening .
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