Having a pearly white smile is everyone’s dream, but having said that, it is extremely rare these days to maintain the original colour of your white teeth. Blame it on ignored oral hygiene, eating habits and lifestyle factors, seldom do we find people having a set of naturally white teeth. Thankfully, teeth whitening procedures are there to fulfil your dream of owning a set of white sparkling teeth. Today, many people opt for teeth whitening treatments to get the desired look for your teeth and enhance their smile. Although most teeth whitening procedures are simply cosmetic and non-invasive, there are several myths and beliefs questioning whether these treatments are safe or not.
Dentistry in Newmarket clears the air around the safety of teeth whitening. Before discussing the safety of teeth whitening, it is important to know that there are two common types of teeth discolouration that can occur – extrinsic and intrinsic. Extrinsic discolouration occurs due to certain foods, beverages and smoking habits. Extrinsic discoloration can be treated relatively easily by using whitening toothpaste, activated charcoal, etc. Intrinsic discolouration needs attention from a professional dentist as it is usually from within the tooth. With intrinsic discolouration, you can get your teeth professionally bleached. Usually, intrinsic discolouration occurs due to a childhood illness, ageing, tooth trauma or even medications.
Types of treatments
Depending on what kind of discolouration you have, the reasons of your discolouration, how severe it is and your oral health, you can choose one of the three main whitening methods. Professional teeth whitening requires a dentist to assess your oral health and recommend a bleach mixed with carbamide peroxide. This mixture helps to break down the will break down to hydrogen peroxide and urea and target your tooth’s enamel. Even though this method involves chemicals, it is considered a safe way to whiten your teeth. Usually, in-office treatments are recommended if you have receding gums and abrasion lesions. But sometimes dentists can also give you at home whitening kits which can be used in the comfort of your home to get whiter teeth. These treatments are safe to use and you can see the results quickly.
Another option is to use over the counter products like whitening toothpaste, activated charcoal or whitening dental strips. Whitening toothpaste can be safely used on a daily basis as a replacement for your regular toothpaste. You can expect some effects within a few weeks. Whitening strips can be purchased from any local pharmacy over the counter. These contain small amounts of hydrogen peroxide and can be safely used once or twice for a period of time indicated by the manufacturer. Lately, there is a lot of buzz around the use of charcoal to treat teeth staining. Although people tend to buy certain charcoal activated products from the marketplace without consulting their dentist, thanks to the smart marketing gimmicks of these products; it is highly recommended that no chemical product must be used without consulting your dentist first.
Side effects
Although whitening is generally a safe procedure, it is important to have your dentist decide the right kind of whitening procedure for you. No matter what procedure you choose there are some common side effects that you may experience, which include sensitivity and irritated gums, which usually subside after your treatment is finished.
If you are thinking about teeth whitening and wish to get more information about it, speak to your local Newmarket dentist at Dentistry in Newmarket to know the best option for you, whether it is dental implants, a teeth whitening procedure or any other dental treatment for you or your family.