Teeth Whitening – What You Need to Know
Among the best ways to improve your overall dental health is to invest in a professional teeth whitening service. There are a variety of methods available, including at-home kits and in-office treatments. These services may help you achieve a brighter smile, but there are some precautions to keep in mind.
In-office whitening
Whether you want to have a more attractive smile or are looking to remove stains, teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures. The benefits of in-office whitening are immediate and effective. In-office whitening is also safe when performed by a qualified dentist.
In-office whitening treatments use a powerful concentration of peroxide. This can be applied for several minutes at a time. The strength of the peroxide varies from 25 to 40 percent.
In-office whitening treatments also create a controlled environment to produce the best results. Most systems use a carbamide peroxide-based bleaching gel, although some work with a laser.
In-office whitening is a good choice for busy individuals who do not have the time to properly apply an at-home whitener. It is also a great option for those with sensitive teeth.
While teeth whitening isn’t the fastest or the cheapest procedure, it’s an effective way to brighten your smile. Most people see a few shades of improvement after the treatment.
In-office whitening can also be a quick and effective way to remove stubborn stains, such as stains caused by smoking, coffee, or wine. However, the effects are short-lived. To prevent the yellowing of your teeth after the treatment, it’s important to continue practicing good oral hygiene and maintaining regular visits to your dentist.
If you’re considering teeth whitening, talk to your dentist to determine which treatment will best suit your needs. Your dentist will recommend the most effective application method and will be able to determine the amount of peroxide in a gel solution.
When it comes to the best tooth-whitening systems, some of the top brands include Opalescence Boost. This system is a great alternative to Zoom! and offers the same benefits without the glare of UV light.
There are other products available, but they’re not nearly as effective. If you’re trying to avoid the ADA Seal of Approval, you’ll probably be better off going with an over-the-counter product.
In-office whitening can be a quick and affordable way to get a more beautiful smile. If you’re worried about sensitivity, it’s also a good idea to buy a product that contains desensitizers. This will help reduce the discomfort experienced by many patients who have recently undergone a whitening treatment.
At-home whitening
Using at-home whitening for teeth has become a popular solution to the problem of tooth discoloration. It can provide a quick fix to stains on the surface of the teeth and can last up to five years.
At-home whitening is a more affordable option than professional treatments, but there are some limitations to the method. For example, the strength of the bleaching agent can affect the length of time it takes to achieve results.
The most common at-home teeth whitener is a peroxide-based solution that can last up to several months. It penetrates the enamel and breaks down color-causing molecules. It also helps prevent the spread of stain-causing bacteria.
Another method is to use a natural, antioxidant-rich oil. Coconut oil contains anti-inflammatories and enzymes that help fight plaque. Some dentists suggest this technique to help reduce inflammation in the gums and decrease the number of decay-promoting bacteria. However, it’s important to remember that it doesn’t work as well for brightening the teeth.
There are three different types of teeth whitening products: toothpaste, pens, and kits. They can be purchased at the store or through the internet.
Most toothpaste contains abrasives that remove stains from the enamel layer. Some brands may require mixing the ingredients at home. You can also buy a do-it-yourself kit that includes whitening strips. These are used for 10 to 30 minutes two times a day.
Teeth whitening trays are another popular at-home treatment. These are custom-fitted to fit your mouth. They usually include a brush and rinse. The amount of whitening that is visible on your teeth will vary depending on the strength of the whitening agent and how often you wear them.
Unlike toothpaste, at-home whitening trays must be worn for a specified period of time. Some brands can be worn for up to a week, while others are recommended for up to a month. You should avoid smoking for at least 30 minutes after wearing the trays.
The American Dental Association has published a variety of oral health topics, including teeth whitening. There are also dozens of DIY options available for any budget.
Symptoms of tooth sensitivity after whitening
Symptoms of tooth sensitivity after teeth whitening usually last from a few hours to a day. This symptom is the result of the chemical reaction between the bleaching agent and the tooth enamel. The chemicals enter the dentin tubules and expose the nerve endings below. They also remove minerals from the enamel, causing temporary sensitivity. This will fade away as the teeth and enamel start to regenerate.
There are several over-the-counter and prescription products that are designed to reduce the sensitivity that occurs after a whitening treatment. These products may include a desensitizing toothpaste, desensitizing gel, or pain relief medication.
The most obvious way to lessen sensitivity is to brush your teeth gently. Use a soft-bristled brush that is gentle on the teeth and gums. A good toothpaste for sensitive teeth will contain nitrates, a nifty little chemical that soothes dental nerves.
Avoid extreme temperature changes, such as hot or cold food or beverages. These extreme temperatures can cause sensitivity flare-ups. You should be careful to rinse your mouth after consuming hot or cold liquids.
If you’re suffering from sensitivity, talk to your dentist. They can prescribe a pain reliever, such as ibuprofen, to reduce the sensitivity. They may also recommend a special type of toothpaste, such as Sensodyne, which is specially designed to lessen the stinging sensations that occur after a whitening treatment.
The best way to prevent sensitivity after a teeth whitening is to give your teeth a rest between sessions. You can also limit the number of times you whiten your teeth. This will allow the teeth to rebuild the minerals that were removed from them.
When using a whitening product, you can also look for one that contains a lower concentration of hydrogen peroxide, which will cause less sensitivity. These products will also take longer to get the full effect, so they are best used over a few days.
If you’re looking for a way to improve your smile, speak with your Wilmington, DE dentist today. They can answer any questions you have about whitening and provide you with guidance on alternative whitening treatments.
Precautions to take after whitening
During the first 48 hours after teeth whitening, you need to be very careful with your diet. Avoid acidic foods and drinks that can irritate your teeth. You also need to rinse your mouth regularly with water and brush your teeth with a soft toothbrush.
You also need to avoid foods and drinks that have highly pigmented coloring. This is because these can stain your teeth. The same goes for colored drinks and dental products. You should also try to stick to high-calcium foods. This will help prevent tooth decay.
You should also be careful about the temperature of your food. Hot and cold foods can irritate your teeth. If you experience sensitivity, you may need to use a sensitive mouthwash to help. You can also ask your dentist for sensitive toothpaste.
You should also be cautious about tobacco products. These can have long-term damage to your teeth. If you have been using cigarettes, you should consider quitting. If you smoke, you can still maintain a white smile by using sugar-free gum. You can chew on this gum 20 minutes after a meal.
You should also try to eat crunchy food. This will help to remove temporary stains and increase saliva production. It will also help to clean your teeth during the meal.
You should also avoid drinking acidic juices. Sour fruit juices, like lemon and orange, can erode the enamel of your teeth. If you do drink these kinds of beverages, make sure you rinse your mouth with water after the drink.
To maintain a white smile, you should brush your teeth every day. You should also floss daily. If you do not have the time to floss, you can use an antiseptic mouthwash. This will help to eliminate the bacteria in your mouth. You should avoid colored dental products for at least 48 hours after teeth whitening.
You should also stick to a specific diet for two weeks before your whitening treatment. This will minimize the risk of stains on your teeth. You should eat a variety of high-calcium foods and avoid colored foods. You should brush your teeth after each meal, and use toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth.
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Health A-Z. (2022, April 26). Verywell Health. https://www.verywellhealth.com/health-a-z-4014770
Harvard Health. (2015, November 17). Health A to Z. https://www.health.harvard.edu/health-a-to-z
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