Teeth whitening is a topic many people inquire about as many of us notice the colour of our teeth darkening with age and time, and with the accumulation of surface stains acquired from the use of tobacco products, as well as certain foods and drinks such as coffee, tea, and red wine.
There are many ways to whiten your teeth if teeth are stained or have darkened with age and time. Typically these products can be classified as either surface whiteners or bleaches. Whitening toothpastes and gums are surface whiteners and are limited to removing surface stain only as they do not alter the colour of the teeth themselves.
Over the counter home whitening kits are reasonably effective at whitening the teeth with minimal side effects due to the relatively low concentration of active whitening ingredient. For best whitening results a professional bleaching product can be used following a thorough professional dental examination by your dentist and a comprehensive dental hygiene cleaning appointment.
Most bleaching products are peroxide based and can alter the colour of the teeth themselves. While there are over the counter bleaching products for teeth, it is best to consult with your dentist and use a professional product for optimal results.
Your dentist may recommend an in office whitening treatment where a professional bleaching product and heat or light is used to enhance the whitening result.
Another option your dentist may recommend is a custom made mouth tray with a take home bleaching product worn for a period of time each day over several consecutive days. Bleaching done under a dentists care is safe and effective.
Tooth sensitivity and gum irritation or burns may occur during any bleaching treatment but these events are short lived and not permanent when they occur.
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