Good Reasons to Bleach Stained Teeth
As individual’s age, their teeth often become discolored due to daily medications, foods and smoking that either stains dental enamel completely or causes brown spots. Whatever the reason for the darkening of teeth, it is now simple to have a bleaching procedure at a dentist’s office or at home. For many individuals, having stained teeth leads to embarrassment at work or school, causing people to feel self-conscious about smiling. Having a teeth whitening procedure during a routine dental visit is an easy process that often lasts only an hour while leading to a brighter smile that makes an individual appear younger.
How Dentists Whiten Patient’s Teeth
Dental specialists such as cosmetic dentists are also able to whiten teeth in addition to performing other procedures to improve a patient’s appearance. The most common office procedure to create natural looking dental surfaces is using a carbamide peroxide and water solution that causes a bubbling chemical reaction. The hydrogen peroxide seeps into the enamel surface of teeth slowly to remove stains gently without harming the external or internal structures. However, a small amount of preparation is necessary first with a dentist protecting or removing dental restorations to avoid damaging the devices. A protective gel is applied to a patient’s gums and oral surfaces to prevent a burning sensation during the bleaching process. In most dental offices, a warm laser light is used to dry the bleaching chemicals faster, making this a quick procedure.
Buying Dental Bleaching Products
Many individuals prefer to bleach their teeth at home to save money or time. Fortunately, many companies manufacture teeth bleaching or whitening products that are safe to use at home when the directions are followed carefully. Finding whitening or bleaching products at brick-and-mortar or online stores is simple. Individuals can choose mouthwashes with mild whitening ingredients to swish around in their mouths several times a week to remove small stains or dental trays to hold bleaching gel against teeth to remove difficult stains. There are also specialized toothpastes with abrasive substances that help to scrub away stains with a toothbrush.
Follow the Directions for the Product
When buying a teeth whitening or bleaching product, a shopper should read the ingredients, warnings and directions listed on the box. In addition, verify that the product has not expired in order to buy a fresh product that works effectively. Before using the product, read the additional directions that are included as an insert. If the product provides information on skin testing to check for allergic reactions, then do not skip this important step. Anyone experiencing a skin reaction should contact the manufacturer about the irritation that occurs. In many cases, a company will refund a customer’s money due to an allergic response.
Complete a Skin Test
It is important to remember that despite not having an allergic response on the testing site, an individual may have a reaction on sensitive tissues of the oral cavity. When a reaction such as burning or swelling occurs, stop using the product immediately. Rinse off the chemicals by washing the skin or rinsing the mouth, before seeking medical attention. The chemicals in many home teeth bleaching or whitening kits can cause stains on clothing or countertops. This means everyone should protect surfaces and clothing with old towels. Anyone with dental restorations made of metal, porcelain or composite materials should consult a dentist before using teeth whitening chemicals.
Who Qualifies for Teeth Bleaching?
Mild teeth bleaching products such as mouthwashes, chewing gum or toothpaste are least likely to cause an individual to develop sensitive gum tissue. Stronger products, including strips or trays that are left on the teeth for longer amounts of time often cause sensitivities afterward that make it difficult for someone to drink beverages or consume food. Dentists never recommend whitening or bleaching for children due to their teeth’s enlarged pulp chambers. In addition, pregnant and lactating women should avoid the bleaching process due to the natural hormonal changes in their bodies.
Selecting the Best Time for Bleaching
A good time to choose for whitening or bleaching with stronger products is when an individual is able to stay home for a day or two in case of sensitivity in the teeth and gums. While using bleaching strips, an individual is often unable to talk, drink or chew food for several hours to allow the chemicals to remain on the teeth. Store-bought or customized dental trays that hold bleaching gel against the teeth also make it impossible to eat or talk. Anyone using these devices will also begin to salivate profusely, leading to a mess that requires wearing protective garments.
How to Protect Sensitive Teeth and Gums
A customized mold made by a dentist for home use tends to hold the chemicals in place better while ensuring the spaces between teeth are also whitened. No matter whether the bleaching tray is an over-the-counter model or specially designed, never leave it in the mouth longer than suggested to avoid damaging teeth or sensitive oral tissue. Many of the trays or molds are made for using only once because the devices degrade from the bleaching chemicals and body heat. If a mold or tray specifies a onetime use, then throw it away after a bleaching process to avoid damaging the gums or teeth with a deteriorating device.
Home Teeth Bleaching is an Excellent Choice
While whitening or bleaching teeth at home is typically a less expensive and more convenient process than visiting a family dentist, doing it too much can lead to damage to the dental enamel and surrounding skin tissue. The products used at home are meant to dissolve milder discolorations, leading to teeth that are one or more shades lighter. Severe stains on dental enamel caused by an injury or infection are more likely to improve with specialized attention from a cosmetic dentist. However, home whitening and bleaching is an excellent alternative for many patients who want pearly white teeth.