Our tooth is made of two layers outside the soft inner tooth pulp. These layers are called dentin (on the inside) and enamel (on the outside). Our teeth get covered with plaque and grime when we consume beverages and solid food. This deposit can easily be scraped away by brushing or getting a cleansing treatment done by your dentist. However, if left for long, the grime and plaque will seep through your enamel and might stain the insides of your teeth.
Causes of Tooth Discoloration
Infants have whiter teeth as compared to adult teeth that might get yellow with time. With time and eating habits, our teeth become tainted and stained. You might have noticed people with whiter teeth look much younger than those who have yellow teeth.
Internal tooth discolouration is caused by genetics and antibiotics. With age, our teeth enamel and dentin changes, causing internal discolouration. Exposure to high levels of fluoride, antibiotics, and tetracycline can also cause tooth discolouration. Some other causes include tooth decay, root canal problem, restorations, developmental disorders, and trauma.
External tooth discolouration can be caused by many reasons, including eating habits, oral hygiene, and age. The main causes of tooth yellowing are consuming caffeine, smoking, unhealthy foods and more.
What is cosmetic teeth whitening?
Cosmetic teeth whitening is the process of removing stains from the tooth and making them look brighter and whiter. To remove stains the products used seep in the tooth itself and remove stubborn stains A mixture of carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide is used in the cosmetic teeth whitening process, as this mixture emits whitening agents deep into the pores of your enamel that causes oxidation to get rid of the discolored spots.
The percentage of the compound mixture doesn’t matter much. The sensitivity of your teeth will decide what amount should be used for teeth whitening. The only thing that can affect your result is the cause of tooth discoloration. If your teeth have stains because of nicotine/tobacco, it can take up to 90 days to whiten your teeth.
Pros of Teeth Whitening
- Enhanced appearance – Pearly white smile makes you look younger and attractive. Well shaped teeth and whiter shade enhance your appearance.
- More confidence – People with a whiter smile seem trustworthy and charming. Having a beautiful smile shows that you have good health and you are confident with yourself.
- Lasting good impression – Having a beautiful white smile makes the people around you think that you are a dependable, honorable, and honest kind of good person.
Cons of Teeth Whitening
- Expensive – Professional cosmetic teeth whitening is an expensive treatment. You may switch to cheaper options, but the results will differ.
- Not for everyone – If you have restored teeth, this treatment is not for you because your restored teeth can get damaged by the bleach.
- Results don’t last longer – Your teeth will never be permanently white with one-time teeth whitening service. Proper oral hygiene and eating habits will help you keep the results for longer. Getting a whitening treatment done every six months is a good option.
- Food preferences – You have to avoid certain food and beverages in order to maintain your teeth whitening results. Cutting down on caffeine, wine, tea, berries, and acidic food will help you keep your pearlies white.
Best Cosmetic Teeth Whitening Treatment
Don’t fall for the quick teeth whitening cosmetic procedures. Regular teeth whitening treatment will take between three to five sittings over several weeks to achieve the best level of whiteness, but the result won’t last for long since teeth whitening is an ongoing process.
If you don’t like to visit your dentist for teeth whitening, you can settle for at-home DIY cosmetic teeth whitening solutions. Look for trusted and high-quality teeth whitening trays and teeth whitening kits. Whitening trays are the most adaptive to patients’ needs because they can be left over your teeth for however long as the patient requires. You can use different whitening gels based on your teeth’s sensitivity.
Another option is teeth whitening strips. These strips are available at any drugstore and are quite cheap. But if you have strong stains on your teeth that are caused by nicotine or tobacco, or if you have crooked teeth, the strips might not show results.
Being Safe with Cosmetic Teeth Whitening
Choosing the safest cosmetic teeth whitening method is always a great idea. Keep in mind your teeth sensitivity and teeth whitening side-effects before choosing your whitening method.
