Teeth Whitening: Tips, Side Effects, and Duration

Photo by Shiny Diamond

Some people change their appearance by buying new clothes or cutting their hair, but you know what will go with your new appearance? A beautiful white smile. The good thing is there are many ways that you can achieve that perfect smile.

Causes of Tooth Discolouration

The causes of tooth discolouration may vary. It may be caused by food intake, tobacco use, medication, aging, and poor dental hygiene. Additionally, tartar buildup can also make your teeth look yellow. In that case, be sure to take time and read more on tartar buildup and how to prevent it, as it can only be removed by a dental professional and the procedure is different from whitening treatments.

If you need a dentist in charlotte to get rid of plaque before proceeding with whitening treatments, check out this reputable dentist.

Tips

Here are teeth-whitening tips that will surely help you:

• Be mindful of at-home whitening treatments. Not all teeth-whitening treatments you see on the internet are effective, so think before resorting to home remedies. Some of these options avoid chemicals and lean more on using natural ingredients. However, studies show that while natural ingredients such as strawberries, coconut oil and charcoal may remove superficial stains on the teeth, it does not change tooth colour.

• Consider over-the-counter products. Maybe it’s a big day for you, and you need a quick fix for those discoloured teeth. Over-the-counter products are good options for you. These products are available in different concentrations, and if followed correctly, will properly work on your teeth. Some over-the-counter products you can use:

• Whitening strips
• Whitening gels
• Whitening pen 
• Whitening toothpaste

These products, while an easy fix, are only temporary. There is also no guarantee that the product will suit your teeth. You can consult with your dental provider in order to ensure that the product is a good fit for you.

• Ask your dentist for a safe whitening treatment option. Your dental provider will be able to examine your teeth and provide a tooth colour analysis. They can also inform you why your teeth have darkened, and give recommendations for teeth-whitening.
• Get whitening treatment if you have braces. Dental applications can also stain your teeth, so if you want a brighter and whiter smile to go with your braces, know that it is possible. 

Your whitening options will vary on the type of brace. For example, whitening toothpaste and mouthwash and an electric toothbrush are viable options if you have lingual braces and clear removable aligners, or traditional metal braces. However, whitening strips and whitening trays are not safe to use when you have traditional metal braces.

Dental providers, affordable cosmetic dentistry, know the best options and the right course of action for whitening treatments for people with braces. Whether you’re in London, Brampton, or Mississauga, the best dentist to visit is a dentist near you.

• Whitening dentures is different from whitening your natural teeth. Proper care for your full or partial dentures involves daily cleaning and regular whitening. Dentures are not exempt from eventual discolouration, so your single replacement tooth also needs to be whitened from time to time.

To whiten your dentures and keep them stain-free, you can use either of the following: hydrogen peroxide, denture bleach, baking soda, white vinegar, salt, floss, or even mouthwash.

Side Effects

Photo by Sora Shimazaki

Teeth whitening in Brampton is generally a safe procedure. However, there are still possible side effects. The most common effects are the temporary increase in tooth sensitivity and mild irritation of the soft tissues of the mouth. Both of these conditions are temporary and will disappear within 1 to 3 days of completing the whitening treatment.

• Tooth sensitivity – You may notice that your teeth are sensitive during the process and after the procedure. This is due to the exposure of the dentin layer during the whitening process. If your teeth are sensitive, see to it that you inform your dentist so they can advise what options are suitable for you. 
• Soft tissue irritation – A mild irritation of the soft tissues of your mouth may occur if the whitening solution is exposed to the gum tissue during the process. It also results from an ill-fitting mouthpiece tray.

Duration

Teeth whitening is temporary. How long it lasts varies from person to person, and from the kind of whitening treatment that they used.

Professionally whitened teeth can last from a few months to up to 3 years if you avoid substances that will stain your teeth. However, over-the-counter whitening products don’t last as long as they will only last from 2 weeks to a few months.

Remember that the better you treat your teeth, the whiter they will stay. When in doubt, make an appointment and always ask your dental provider what to do.