Teeth whitening are a commonly used dental process these days. Though
teeth whitening is more commonly associated with cosmetic enhancing, it is done by many to have a bright smile. White teeth are believed to add that special glow to your million dollar smile.
Why teeth whitening?
Teeth are basically made of minerals like calcium. As the child grows into an adult, the mineral composition of the teeth undergoes a change. This mainly happens because the enamel becomes less porous. Sometimes, external factors like smoking, tobacco chewing, bacterial pigments and food habits also stain the
teeth making it lose its whiteness over a period of time. Hence it becomes necessary to whiten the teeth to get back the original sparkle.
The process of teeth whitening
Teeth whitening or teeth bleaching makes use of oxidizing agents to whiten the teeth. The bleaching agent is usually carbamide peroxide which in the presence of saliva forms hydrogen peroxide, a strong bleaching agent. This substance is applied to the teeth. The chemical penetrates into the layers of the tooth enamel and bleaches it. Sometimes, even the dentin, which is the layer below the enamel, gets whitened.
Teeth whitening can be done either by a dentist or by yourself at home. In both cases, the gel that you would use for whitening would be different. It is advisable that you get your teeth bleached from a professional. The gums being sensitive need to be protected from harsh agents like hydrogen peroxide. Hence a dentist would first cover the gums with a thin plastic like material before applying the gel on the
teeth. The white color lasts many weeks but chewing of tobacco or smoking may reduce the longevity of the color.
It must be noted that bleaching is effective only for those teeth which are yellow or stained in
herbal treatment. Some teeth have a naturally gray tint. This cannot be removed by bleaching. Bad gums and spotted teeth also do not respond well to teeth bleaching.
Risks involved in teeth bleaching
Sometimes, if the bleaching has not been performed by a professional, it can result in chemical burns as a side effect. The gums feel itching and irritation may persist. The
teeth may become sensitive to heat and cold and cause discomfort during eating. Sometimes, the original color is got back within days of bleaching. Studies have shown that in some patients the color obtained was in fact a few shades lesser than what the original color of the teeth before bleaching was. An over concentration of hydrogen peroxide may also be a cause for this side effect.
Precautions
Persons with problems or infections in gums are advised to postpone the
teeth whitening process till the condition is cured. Consult a dentist before starting the treatment for
teeth whitening procedure. If it is your first time, it is best to get it done by the dentist. Those patients allergic to peroxide also must stay away from this process. Continuous exposure to bleaching agents damage the tooth enamel.
