Teeth whitening is an effective way to improve the look of your teeth. Many people want to whiten their teeth to feel more confident when talking to others, but still wonder: "Is teeth whitening good for you?" and "Is teeth whitening safe?"
1. Is teeth whitening good for you?
Teeth whitening works by using oxidizing agents and light energy to create an oxidation reaction that breaks down the color molecules in the dentin, making the teeth whiter than before. Teeth whitening has met the needs of many people who want to brighten stained teeth so they look better and feel more confident when talking to others.
Almost anyone can have their teeth whitened, but whether teeth whitening is good for you and how effective it is depends on many factors. The most important are finding out what causes the staining and how severe it is, and then choosing the whitening method that suits the condition of your teeth.
The causes of tooth discoloration fall into two main groups:
Causes of surface staining:
- Strongly colored food and drinks such as red wine, coffee, tea, fruit juice and tomato sauce.
- Brushing incorrectly, so plaque is not removed.
- Long-term smoking
Causes of deep staining inside the tooth:
- Taking the antibiotic tetracycline as a child. If a woman takes tetracycline during pregnancy, her child's teeth may also be partly or fully discolored.
- Drinking water that contains too much fluoride, or using toothpaste with too much fluoride
- Age, genetics and so on.
2. Teeth whitening methods
The two most common whitening methods today are whitening trays worn at home and in-office whitening at the dental clinic. Each method has its pros and cons and suits different types of staining:
At-home whitening with trays:
The advantage of this method is that you do it at home, you can choose when to wear the trays, and the cost is fairly low. The dentist takes an impression of your teeth and makes a whitening tray that fits your teeth exactly. The tray is made of clear plastic. It holds the whitening gel in place and keeps saliva out. The tray is used with a low concentration whitening gel of about 10 to 15%. The downside of this method is that it only works for mildly stained teeth, such as staining from external causes or from aging.
In-office whitening at the dental clinic:
The dentist places a protector over the lips and gums and applies a desensitizing agent, then uses a whitening gel of about 35 to 37% together with high-intensity light. The advantage of this method is that it works quickly and is highly effective, even for heavily stained teeth, such as tetracycline or fluoride staining.
Whitening gel only works on natural teeth, not on porcelain crowns or teeth made of other materials. Before whitening, the dentist will remove tartar, restore any worn areas at the gumline with a filling, brush away plaque and treat sensitivity. If the staining is severe, a combination of in-office whitening and at-home tray whitening may be needed. Results vary from person to person, and the whiteness may fade over time, but your teeth will still be whiter than their original color.
3. Does teeth whitening hurt?
Teeth whitening methods are not painful. However, many people feel some sensitivity after whitening, especially those with sensitive teeth. These symptoms are not serious and usually go away within a few days.
In addition, if teeth whitening is done at a reputable clinic with good facilities, qualified and skilled dentists and quality whitening products, it is very safe and does not affect the enamel or change the structure of the teeth. At-home whitening also needs a dentist's guidance and supervision. Using poor quality whitening products or the wrong technique not only makes whitening less effective, but can also cause serious oral health problems.
4. When should you whiten your teeth?
Pregnant and breastfeeding women should not have teeth whitening, because the whitening agents can affect the baby's health. People with oral problems such as periodontitis, worn areas at the gumline, exposed roots or tooth decay need to have them fully treated before whitening. People who have a history of allergy or signs of allergy to whitening agents should not whiten their teeth with bleaching products, but should look for other ways that are safer for them, such as toothpaste or natural ingredients. Also, children under 16 should not have their teeth whitened, because at this age whitening agents can irritate the dental pulp and make the teeth sensitive.
During whitening and for 2 weeks afterward, your teeth are very sensitive, so avoid dark colored foods to keep them from staining again. When you drink colored drinks, use a straw instead of drinking directly from the glass. Avoid very hot or very cold food and drinks, which can easily cause sensitivity. Keep up good oral hygiene and brush thoroughly after eating to keep your teeth white and reduce the risk of them staining again.