There are several reasons why the teeth may be discolored or stained. If you have stained or discolored teeth and want to whiten or brighten them again, there is good news; you can achieve this safely.
There are several teeth bleaching options you can choose from which include trying a take-home bleaching product or visiting your dentist for an in-office bleaching treatment.
Though some teeth bleaching options have their associated side effects, most conventional teeth bleaching options are safe to use as long as you follow the instructed directions.
Teeth may become discolored as a result of the following reasons:
Extrinsic discoloration: just like its name, this type of discoloration is caused by external factors. Extrinsic discoloration is when foods, drinks, or smoking habits discolor the teeth. Foods with strong dyes, red wine, tea, coffee, and tobacco smoking contribute to extrinsic discoloration. Extrinsic discoloration only affects the outside of your teeth.
This type of discoloration is easily treated with good teeth whitening toothpaste that removes external stains.
Intrinsic discoloration: unlike extrinsic discoloration, intrinsic discoloration is caused by internal factors or factors from within the tooth. This type of discoloration may be caused by ageing, tooth trauma, infection, childhood illness, or medication use.
This type of discoloration normally requires professionally teeth bleaching to achieve the best teeth whitening result.
The type of teeth discoloration determines the best method for whitening your teeth.
Teeth Bleaching Options
There are several teeth bleaching products and methods available out there and you may be confused about which one is safe or better to use. Teeth bleaching products and methods are generally grouped into 3 categories, which are:
- Those easily obtainable over the counter from the drug store/convenient store or those made at home without the supervision of a dentist.
- At-home teeth bleaching products provided by a dentist.
- Those teeth bleaching products administered by the dentist at the dental office.
Most people usually refer the third category as an actual teeth bleaching method. Choosing any of the categories listed above depends on one or more of the following factors:
- Your type of discoloration.
- Your dental history, which includes dental crowns or dental fillings.
- Your age, especially if you are still a child.
- The time it takes for the result to be noticed.
- The treatment method involved.
- The cost of the treatment involved.
Of course, it is always useful to discuss all the available teeth bleaching methods with your dentist before you make a decision. Only your dentist would be able to recommend the best whitening method that best suits your whitening needs. It should also be noted that the time it takes for noticeable results depends on your type of discoloration and the method you choose to whiten your teeth.
Most people with stained teeth want to bleach their teeth but worry about the teeth bleaching side effect. So, the question is “is teeth bleaching safe?”
Teeth bleaching has been well evaluated over the past decades generating notable results. The active ingredient in most teeth bleaching products is Carbamide Peroxide, which according to the American Dental Association (ADA), yields Hydrogen Peroxide.
Though, the teeth bleaching manufacturers work to ensure that the products yield both effective and safe teeth whitening results, there are minor teeth bleaching side effect associated with these products.
Areas of concern after the teeth bleaching procedures are the gums, the teeth, and the dental restorations. The type of bleaching treatment you undergo determines the extent to which you experience side effects in any one of these areas.
The Gums – Gum Irritations
Most patients prefer the in-office bleaching treatment because based on the process and comfort of the associated professionalism. Interestingly, this method contains a higher concentration of bleach than at-home bleaching methods. After applying the in-office bleaching product, the dentist then applies a special light to increase the teeth bleaching effect for faster visible results.
However, bleach solution directly on the gums leads to gum irritation. Unfortunately, the higher the concentration, the greater the potential for this irritation. Dentists use special protection for the gums and roots to prevent bleaching contact or harm, but are unable to eliminate 100% of uncertainties in this regard.
The Teeth – Tooth Sensitivity
Another common teeth bleaching side effect is tooth sensitivity. This side effect rarely lasts unless the patient has pre-existing enamel problems that require dental check-up. Patients with tooth sensitivity can find relief in dental products that help to protect their enamel from the applied bleach. Nevertheless, there is a possibility of a brief sensitivity if the patient’s teeth tend to react to extreme temperatures.
Patients with dental decay, fractured teeth, or broken fillings may experience more significant and lasting discomfort without enamel damage.
In case of teeth sensitivity, do the following:
- Use a sensitivity toothpaste – Sensitivity toothpaste contains potassium nitrate, which helps relieve tooth sensitivity.
- Chew gum – According to scientific findings, the act of chewing gum may distract patients from feeling pain.
- Avoid teeth whitening for a while – take a break and stay away from teeth whitening products.
The Dental Restorations
Finally, there are cases where the bleach solution affects silver fillings or dental amalgam and leads to the release of mercury. Although the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) states that this is not a real health issue, many dentists have chosen to stop using this type of dental restoration. Not that the bleach solution does not affect other dental restorations like dental implants and dental crowns.
Is teeth bleaching safe? Yes, if carried out carefully and by a professional and well-experienced dentist. Teeth bleaching isn’t always a perfect dental practice, but it is a careful one. Sit is certainly safer to be when being administered in a dental office as opposed to settings like cruise ships, salons, and spas.
It is advisable to take ibuprofen after the teeth bleaching procedure to counteract any subsequent teeth bleaching side effect.
Why don’t you put your smile in the hands of a professional dentist and dental staff at Edge Dental Houston, for a teeth bleaching that meets your satisfaction.
