Whitening
Over time, your teeth can go from white to not-so-bright for several reasons.
Food and Drink
Coffee, tea and red wine are some major staining culprits.
Tobacco Use
Two chemicals found in tobacco create stubborn stains: Tar and nicotine. Tar is naturally dark. Nicotine is colorless until it’s mixed with oxygen. Then, it turns into a yellowish, surface-staining substance.
Age
Below the hard, white outer shell of your teeth (enamel) is a softer area called dentin. Over time, the outer enamel layer gets thinner with brushing and more of the yellowish dentin shows through.
Trauma
If you’ve been hit in the mouth, your tooth may change color because it reacts to an injury by laying down more dentin, which is a darker layer under the enamel.
Medications
Tooth darkening can be a side effect of certain medications. Young children who are exposed to antibiotics like tetracycline and doxycycline when their teeth are forming (either in the womb or as a baby) may have discoloration of their adult teeth later in life.
How does teeth Whitening work?
Teeth whitening is a simple process. Whitening products contain one of two tooth bleaches (hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide). These bleaches break stains into smaller pieces, which makes the color less concentrated and your teeth brighter.
Does Whitening work on all teeth?
No, which is why it’s important to talk to your dentist before deciding to whiten your teeth, as whiteners may not correct all types of discoloration. For example, yellow teeth will probably bleach well, brown teeth may not respond as well and teeth with gray tones may not bleach at all. Whitening will not work on existing dental work. It also won’t be effective if your tooth discoloration is caused by medications or injury.
What are my Whitening options?
Talk to your dentist before starting. If you are a candidate, there are four ways to put the shine back in your smile:
Stain removal toothpastes
All toothpastes help remove surface stain through the action of mild abrasives that scrub the teeth. Unlike bleaches, these types of ADA-Accepted products do not change the color of teeth because they can only remove stains on the surface.
At-home bleaching from your Dentist
Dr Kiser can provide you with a custom-made tray for at-home whitening. In this case, he or his staff will give you instructions on how to place the bleaching solution in the tray and for what length of time. Out-of-office bleaching can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.
Over-the-counter bleaching products
You may see different options online or in your local grocery store, such as toothpastes or strips that whiten by bleaching your teeth. The concentration of the bleaching agent in these products is lower than what your dentist would use in the office. If you are thinking about using an over-the-counter bleaching kit, look for one with the ADA Seal of Acceptance.
Are there any side effects from teeth Whitening?
Some people who use teeth whiteners may experience tooth and/or gum sensitivity. That happens when the peroxide in the whitener gets through the enamel to the soft layer of dentin and irritates the nerve of your tooth. In most cases the sensitivity is temporary. You can delay treatment, then try again.
Overuse of whiteners can also damage the tooth enamel or gums, so be sure to follow directions.
