As we grow older the tendency to have stained or discoloured teeth increases. Many factors such as eating and drinking habits and smoking, all have an effect on the colour of our teeth. There are many myths surrounding tooth whitening these days. There is also a lot of misinformation regarding the topic.
Here is a list of the most common myths and the facts surrounding tooth whitening.
Will whitening damage my enamel?
No! Teeth whitening will not damage or harm your enamel. The hard, protective outer layer of the tooth is considered one of the hardest tissues in the human body. Even though enamel is the outermost layer of the tooth, the layer underneath the enamel (dentin) is the one that actually absorbs most of the stain and discolouration. The whitening product travels through tiny tubules in the enamel through to the dentin and begins to lighten the tissue.
Will baking soda whiten my teeth?
While baking soda my remove some small surface stains on teeth, because of its abrasiveness it can also damage tooth enamel. Baking soda can also disrupt the balance of good and bad bacteria in the mouth. This imbalance can speed up the build-up of plaque on the teeth.
Is Activated Charcoal effective for tooth whitening?
Much the same as baking soda, activated charcoal can remove some surface stains on the teeth. It can also be abrasive so can wear away at the tooth enamel if used regularly. There is no solid evidence that charcoal does, in fact, whiten teeth.
Do over the counter whitening toothpaste work?
Although most of the ingredients for whitening seem to be present in the toothpaste they will have little effect. For the product to make any change to the colour of the teeth it needs a minimum of 20 minutes contact with the teeth. This is much longer than the standard 2 minutes that is usually advised to brush for.
Once whitened, my teeth will stay white forever.
Unfortunately, this is not true. As our body ages so do our teeth. Aging can cause the teeth to discolour even if they have been whitened. Lifestyle factors will also have an effect on our tooth colour. Things like red wine, tea, curry, and smoking can discolour our teeth.
Whitening at the Dentist is Most Effective
Whitening procedures performed at your dentist are the safest and most effective by far. Here at your local Family Dental Clinic Pimpama, we can perform in chair whitening and we also offer to take home whitening kits.
Following a dental examination to make sure there are no cavities or disease present in the mouth the dentist can whiten your teeth in the chair. This procedure involves a bleaching gel being applied to the teeth which are then activated by a focused light. In- chair whitening can take up to 90 minutes and produces instant results. For the take-home kits, the dentist will take impressions of your mouth and construct customised bleaching trays designed specifically to fit your teeth. You can expect to start seeing results with take-home whitening after about 5 days of treatment.
If you are ready for the bright, white smile you have always wanted contact our highly experienced team for a consultation today!