tooth whitening- BLEACHING

TOOTH WHITENING-

As you get older, your teeth naturally become darker. If you drink tea, coffee, red wine or consume other foods and drinks with strong colourings, your teeth may become discoloured earlier in your life. Another major cause of discolouration is smoking, which can make your teeth appear yellow. Tooth decay, fillings and tartar build-up (a hardened form of plaque, which is formed by a film of bacteria on the surface of your teeth) can also contribute to discolouration
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Tooth whitening products can help to lighten your teeth. They usually contain either a chemical called hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. When these chemicals break down, oxygen gets into the hard outer surface (enamel) of your teeth, which whitens them. The whitening effects can last from a few months up to three years. This varies from person to person.

There are several different ways you can whiten your teeth. For example, you can buy bleaching kits to use at home, or your dentist can whiten your teeth for you. Bleaching won't work on false teeth, crowns, veneers or fillings (including tooth-coloured fillings). Instead, your dentist may be able to replace these with lighter ones. He or she can give you advice about the different bleaching methods and which will be the most effective for you.

If you have tooth decay or gum disease, this will need to be treated before you have any whitening treatments. There are some instances when your dentist may recommend that you don't have your teeth whitened. For example, bleaching isn't usually recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, or for anyone under the age of 14 whose teeth are still developing.

 

What are the alternatives to tooth whitening?

Simple ways to improve the appearance of discoloured teeth include:

• brushing regularly with a fluoride toothpaste
• stopping smoking
• cutting down on food and drinks that can stain your teeth, such as tea, coffee and red wine
• visiting your dentist regularly – he or she can scale and polish your teeth to remove any tartar that has built up

Whitening toothpastes are slightly abrasive, which may help to remove surface staining, but don't change the natural shade of your teeth. Experts are currently reviewing how effective whitening toothpastes are.