Teeth Whitening

The media today tells us that the whiter your teeth are, the more attractive you are.  Over the past few years, more and more teeth whitening products and procedures have become available, but which one is right for you?  Are there side effects?  Are they safe?  Are they expensive and if so, are they worth the money? 

Teeth whitening can be split up into two categories.  First, there are extrinsic stains which are stains on the surface of the teeth.  Second, there are intrinsic stains which are stains on the inside of the teeth that show through the tooth making it look discolored.  Whitening toothpastes and chewing gums can work well on extrinsic stains, but they do nothing for intrinsic stains.  The internal stains are usually removed best by using some form of peroxide.  The ions in peroxide attach themselves to the stains and break them down which makes teeth appear whiter and brighter.

There are some side effects to teeth whitening.  As with any medical procedure, there are risks that should be considered.  Exposure to teeth whitening agents for too long can cause the enamel to break down which, in turn, makes teeth more sensitive so tooth sensitivity to hot and cold liquids as well as cold air has been reported as a side effect of whitening.  Gum irritation can also occur if they solutions are applied incorrectly.  The oxidizing agents can hurt the tissue in your mouth which is all very sensitive. When using an at home procedure, it is very easy to swallow some of the bleaching gel which can cause nausea and vomiting. 

Although there are side effects, bleaching or whitening of the teeth is safe if you follow the directions.  As with any medical product, if you overuse it or use it incorrectly, serious injury can occur so teeth whitening products should always be used under the supervision of a dentist.  It is also important to remember that once your teeth are white again, continuous bleaching does more harm than good.  Your teeth can be bleached to white, but don't overdue it or you will just cause injury to your gums and the tissue in your mouth.