Resources: www.ada.org, www.mouthhealthy.org, www.cdc.gov
Everyone loves the thought of having a sparkling, white smile. But if you’re someone who is dissatisfied with the color of your teeth, don’t let that prevent you from showing off your smile.
If you’re looking into whitening your teeth, the first thing you should do is talk to your dentist. Whitening can’t improve all types of discolored teeth. For example, teeth that are yellow may respond well to whitening treatments, while teeth that are a more brownish-color may not whiten as easily. And teeth that are gray may not whiten at all. Results from whitening may be influenced by the amount of treatment time and as well as frequency. Also, the concentration of the active agent, the patient’s age, and the type of stain can have a factor in the effectiveness of whitening. Talk about your options with a dentist you trust.
Typically, there are three methods for whitening, if you and your dentist determine it is a good procedure for you to do. While most at-home, in-office, and dentist-prescribed whitening methods do seem effective, the American Dental Association does have concerns about their long-term health influences. The ADA reports that the best choice is to seek advice from your dentist first. This consultation with a professional will, ideally, bring to light any potential problems, such as previously undiagnosed oral health issues.
Again, following a meeting with your dentist, if you decide to whiten your teeth, these are the common options you’ll be presented with:
Whitening toothpaste: Here’s what you need to know about whitening toothpastes. All toothpastes help wipe away stains on the surface of your teeth when you brush.
Whitening toothpastes that are approved by the ADA employ special ingredients that may boost the power of your toothpaste to remove stains. Keep in mind, though, these products don’t truly change the color of your teeth the same way that bleach can because they only deal with surface stains.
At-home bleaching: If you want to bleach the enamel of your teeth, then at-home whitening is an option. With this method of bleaching, people usually have a mouth guard in which whitening gels are placed. This strategy could lead to some side effects like irritating the gums or causing increased sensitivity. If you’re concerned about these risks, seek advice from your dental care professional.
In-office bleaching: If you feel more confident having professional whitening help, in-office bleaching might be the smart choice for you. Usually, bleaching procedures at a dental office can be completed in one visit. Initially, the dentist will take precautions to keep your gums safe using a rubber shield or protective gel. After that, the dentist will use a bleaching agent and possibly a light or laser to enhance the agent’s whitening power.
Nothing can replace brushing and flossing when it comes to the health of your teeth. Whitening is a cosmetic procedure and should not be used to replace brushing your teeth daily. Most dental whitening products do not contain fluoride, which is important for preventing tooth decay, so you need to use fluoride toothpaste twice each day to be sure your teeth are in healthy condition. But, if your daily oral care regimen still leaves you thinking your teeth are dingy, whitening might be something that could help you feel better about your smile.
What Parents Should Know about Oral Care for Children
Resources: www.cdc.gov, www.mouthhealthy.org, www.mychildrensteeth.org
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