It is becoming more and more popular to whiten our teeth and sometimes, it can even become a competition of who has the whitest, brightest smile. Certain foods and drinks, as well as smoking, can cause discolouration and this can affect our gelling grins, as well as our confidence.
If you want to make your teeth brighter and whiter, you can do so safely, and there are several options to choose form. You can visit your dentist for whitening treatment or try at-home whitening products. There are some effects that come from teeth whitening, however most conventional whitening treatments are safe to use as long as you follow the product’s directions.
There are different types of stains when it comes to your teeth, and the first is extrinsic staining. Extrinsic stains affect the external layer of the tooth, such as the tooth enamel, and are caused by long-term activities such as smoking and consuming foods and drinks such as coffee, cola and wine.
Extrinsic discolouration is much easier to remove than intrinsic stains, which is the second type of staining. Extrinsic staining can be treated with teeth whitening options such as whitening toothpaste, whitening strips and safe whitening at-home products.
Intrinsic staining are stains that are deep inside the tooth and effect the tooth’s dentin, the tooth layer below the enamel. Intrinsic staining may result from medications, fluoride overexposure, infections, childhood diseases, old age or oral trauma such as internal bleeding.
Some safe teeth whitening options for this type of staining include veneers and dental bonding.
The safest way to whiten your teeth is to monitor your consumption of food and beverages that can lead to teeth discolouration. Acidic foods may wear down the protective covering of your teeth, which leaves them susceptible to stains.
Another way to whiten your teeth is to use whitening toothpaste. This can contain hydrogen peroxide or other compounds that oxidise and break down stains. Brushing your teeth twice a day with whitening toothpaste for a few weeks may show results. However, whitening toothpastes only affect extrinsic stains.
Another solution is to use whitening strips. There are many questions surrounding if teeth whitening strips are safe, however when you follow the manufacture’s guideline properly, they are entirely safe.
You can also try cosmetic teeth whitening, which is completely safe and is guaranteed to show results.
