Tooth Whitening - The Do’s and Dont's
Stained yellow teeth put you at a disadvantage in some social circumstances. Considering there is a good amount of competition in both business and social circumstances, it is undoubtedly useful to appear as presentable as possible to be successful. The bonuses 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
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. 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 often 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 procedure 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 observed is tooth sensitivity. Some affected people 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 right away. 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 administered home bleaching systems ($300 - $600)
With the dentist supervised tooth whitening, your oral cavity and gums are guarded from bleaching effects. The dentist can determine the optimal type of stain to match your distinct set of dental restorations. Most importantly, 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 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.
Determine what your tradeoffs are! 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.
Tooth Whitening Tradeoffs
- Do you want as minimal pain and/or side effects as possible? Then choose a dentist-supervised, tailored fitted tray whitening technique.
- Do you desire to spend as little as possible? Then select an over the counter kit, but be ready to achieve 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 latest laser treatment obtainable at a dentist’s office.
Some Tricks of the Trade
If you choose to proceed with the Tooth Whitening process, also make sure you do the following Therabreath Recommendations to come up with the finest 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 better 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 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 enable a reduction in the sensitivity of your teeth and gums.
- Right away following the teeth whitening treatment, augment the result by using an oxygenating oral rinse. Do not 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 could achieve some remarkable results and should well be worth the cost and time involved. However, tooth whitening is not for all of us. 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)
- Individuals with fillings or dental restorations.
- Those with exposed roots, cavities, gum disease, worn enamel
- Individuals having allergies and sensitive teeth
- Individuals with unrealistic expectations
- Teeth with dark gray stains or crowns
In regards to unrealistic expectations, understand 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 simply outside the bounds of current techniques.
Recall, to make those newly whitened teeth to persist longer post-whitening, make sure you do the following:
- Brush your teeth minimally twice a day!
- Floss on a daily basis
- Quit smoking!
- Make every effort to avoid soft drinks and high coffee consumption
- Use a decent, effective mouth rinse
If you have a further interest in tooth whitening, you may also want to review tooth whitening or in addition teeth whitening comparisons .
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