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Your Guide on Teeth Whitening |
The teeth whitening process involves the use of bleaching agents on teeth to achieve a temporary dazzling white appearance. Teeth whitening gels, dental strips, and toothpastes are some dental products used as teeth whiteners.
The surface of a tooth comprises two layers of enamel, an outer layer and an inner one. The outer layer protects the inner layer of enamel. A layer of film, known as ‘pellicle’ is formed on the outer layer of enamel, when a person eats, smokes, or drinks. This film comprises of foreign matter and causes teeth to appear darker than they actually are. The act of brushing teeth after every meal helps break down the film.
However, teeth whiteners help break down the film much more easily. An oxidation process occurs when the bleaching agent in teeth whiteners comes into contact with the tooth enamel to break the stains. The two bleaching agents used in teeth whiteners are hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide.
You can always buy OTC teeth whitening dental products such as teeth whitening gels, whitener toothpastes, and tooth whitening dental strips. However, OTC whiteners should not be used blindly as many a times the quantity of peroxide in some of them may be more than safe.
So it is recommended that teeth whitening kits or treatments should always be used on the advice and supervision of a qualified dentist for certain conditions. These conditions include infected gums, decayed teeth, multiple tooth colored crowns or fillings, or white spots on teeth. It is important to note here that more than optimal use of bleaching agents can remove enamel and result in sensitive teeth.
Custom mouth trays are tooth whitening dental products recommended by dentists. They are used in conjunction with tooth whitening gels. The best way to achieve teeth whitening is to undergo it under the supervision of a qualified dentist in his/her clinic
Most teeth whitening gels contain hydrogen peroxide. The hydrogen peroxide penetrates the surface of a stained tooth and breaks down the pellicle film. This action removes the stain from the tooth. Hydrogen peroxide is a corrosive substance. Therefore, it should not be overused or used for more than the recommended duration. Further, it should not be used on cracked or sensitive teeth and gums.
Toothpastes that contain tooth whiteners use abrasives. These should be used with utmost care, for there is a danger that enamel may be damaged if they are left over on teeth for longer than what is recommended. A clear sign of damage to enamel is yellow teeth which are sensitive to cold/heat.
Teeth whitening dental strips are made of plastic and have a layer of tooth whitening gel applied on one side of it. The strip is applied on teeth with the side on which the gel has been applied facing the teeth. Its mode of action and precautions pertaining to it are same as that for the gel described earlier. |