We all want brighter teeth and beautiful and healthy smiles. A whiter and brighter smile will increase your self-confidence, and you will certainly become more attractive. But, like other processes, teeth bleaching has its advantages and disadvantages.
First of all, you must know that teeth whitening is not a very complicated procedure. You have two options: in-office-based teeth-bleaching or out-of-office bleaching (your dentist will provide you with a custom-made tray for at-home whitening, with bleaching solution and with precise instructions to be followed). Both options use peroxide-based bleaching agents.
Besides these, there are also some natural ways to whiten your teeth (which do not involve bleaching agents) that you can use.
What are the reasons our teeth change color?
Over time, our teeth may become darker. This is because of foods and beverages (red wine, coffee, tea, which contain color pigments), and because of tobacco use. Tobacco causes brown stains that are very difficult to remove. Tooth darkening can be the result of the use of some medications. For example, the antibiotic tetracycline, some antihistamines, and blood pressure medications.
Trauma to your teeth may also cause a change in color.
Another reason for teeth discoloration can be age. Over time, the enamel gets thinner and more of the yellowish dentine is revealed.
Before considering teeth whitening as an option, please be aware of the fact that this process does not work on all teeth. Yellow teeth will bleach well, brown teeth will not be as responsive to bleaching as the yellow teeth, and gray teeth may not bleach at all. Veneers, crowns, and fillings can’t change their color.
Since professional teeth whitening involves the use of chemicals, a lot of people are a little worried. This is why there are some methods you can try at home.
- Oil pulling – it involves swishing oil around in your mouth to remove bacteria, which can turn into plaque and cause your teeth to look yellow. You can use sunflower oil, sesame oil, or coconut oil.
- Use baking soda when brushing your teeth. It has natural whitening properties.
- Use apple cider vinegar – dilute it with water and swish it around in your mouth for several minutes. Rinse your mouth with water afterward.
- Use turmeric.
- Eat a lot of fruits and vegetables (strawberries and pineapple are known to keep your teeth white).
- Limit sugar in your diet, and eat calcium-rich foods (calcium may protect your enamel from erosion).
- Daily brushing and flossing, the use of mouthwash, and regular cleaning at the dentist prevent the build-up of plaque. Plaque is responsible for a lot of trouble in your mouth.
Side effects
Some people may experience tooth sensitivity. But it is temporary, and it may last a few days after bleaching.
Advantages
Your general appearance will certainly be improved. You will smile more, and self-confidence will explode.
As you can see, there are a lot of methods you can choose if you want to bleach your teeth and have a perfect and brighter smile. Most important is that your daily oral care has to be a must. Brush, floss, use mouthwash, and visit your dentist twice a year for regular check-ups. Eat healthy and avoid foods and beverages that can stain your teeth. Call your dentist and make an appointment if you want an in-office whitening. Dr. Arhiri is here to help and to give you the best option, taking into account your teeth's particularities.
References:
https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/w/natural-teeth-whitening
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/features/whiten-your-teeth-at-home#1
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/whiten-teeth-naturally
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/ss/slideshow-10-secrets-to-whiter-teeth
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/teeth-whitening-and-bleaching#1