Stains and discoloration may be caused by a variety of reasons like smoking, high consumption of caffeine-containing beverages like tea/coffee, consumption of strong medicines or most commonly with growing age. There are a couple of ways to whiten Teeth. Some of the more common techniques are getting whitening done by professionals, whitening at home using bleaching agents, and whitening toothpastes. Each of these techniques has its own advantages and pitfalls. Opting for a professional teeth whitening would involve a visit to the local dentist who would ensure that a bleaching agent removes the stains from the teeth without causing any damage to the gums in any manner. This is by far, the most effective treatment that stays for a greater period than any other whitening treatment.
The next treatment to whiten teeth consists of the application of various bleaching agents available in the market as kits that one can use in the privacy of their homes. Usually available across the counter in chemist shops or with a dentist, bleaching agents contain a chemical called hydrogen peroxide. This chemical is diluted using a gel-like substance, which, if applied on the teeth, removes stains. These kits also provide a safety feature in the form of a protective guard that helps restrict the effect of the bleaching agent on the teeth and safeguards the gums.
Finally, another popular technique used is that of tooth whitening toothpastes. These are packaged similar to ordinary toothpastes with the difference that they polish the teeth and effectively remove the more stubborn stains. Although the effects of these toothpastes are far from permanent, yet they are easy to apply and do not irritate the gums as do some bleaching agents. Another increasingly popular yet less known technique is laser technology. Herein, a bleaching gel is applied on the teeth first and then laser applied to leave a long-lasting effect on the teeth.
While it is increasingly becoming a trend to use whitening agents in the privacy of one¡¯s home, it also makes sense to be aware of some precautions one needs to take while using these chemicals. For one, it is always advisable to avoid these whiteners for a prolonged period, unless one has obtained approval from a qualified dentist. Secondly, for those who experience dental infections or have undergone a recent treatment of the teeth, one should prevent subjecting oneself to tooth whiteners. Finally, whiteners are a strict no-no for pregnant women, or those who get stains due to the after-effects of antibiotics. In such cases, it is best to consult a dentist and apprise him of your particular problem instead of trying to solve it yourself through such chemical whiteners.
To summarize, teeth whitening has a number of visible benefits including ease of use, affordability and relatively harmless effect on the teeth. On the flip side, one might experience minor irritation in the gums or in some cases, tooth sensitivity.
