Teeth whitening seems to be getting cheaper and more accessible as now we have infinite options to reach the perfect smile we’ve always wanted. It’s important that we do some research to avoid doing more harm than good to our oral health.
There is one main reason for teeth yellowing: aging. As teeth constantly repair themselves new dentin – inner part of teeth – is darker and enamel – outer layer of teeth – gets thinner. Dentin can also turn yellow or even gray, as a result from taking tetracycline based antibiotics at a young age, hitting a tooth, fluorosis, silver fillings and genetics. Enamel can get stained from drinking tea, coffee, wine or smoking.
When considering teeth whitening the first thing you should do is visit your dentist. The reason is simple, your mouth is as complex as any other part of your body, and if you have untreated dental issues, whitening can cause further problems.
The first thing you should do is visit your dentist. The reason is simple, your mouth is as complex as any other part of your body.
The process for making your teeth look whiter depends on if the enamel is stained or the dentin is changing colors. Enamel stains can be removed with a professional cleaning, it is recommended to have one every six months to maintain your dental health at its best; if the inner part of the teeth is what is changing color, no dental stain-removing technique will lighten it.
As mentioned before, there are now several techniques to whiten your teeth, with some being more effective than others. The term “whitening toothpaste” can be misleading since it only lightens the teeth superficially, removing stains but does not whitens the dentin.
Nowadays it is easy to find whitening strips containing hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, which you mold around the teeth so it seeps in to lighten and whiten them. On the downside these strips are not flexible enough and they do a poor job getting into the curves in between teeth so they often give uneven results. Also, an important fact when talking about whitening chemicals is that when they come in contact with the gums and other soft tissues in the mouth it may cause an unsafe reaction.
Another common technique used by many is “whitening mouth wash” which has the right chemical, but to allow this chemical to work it must be held up against the tooth for several minutes to seep into the inner part of the tooth and produce a color change.
The professional whitening is an in-office technique in which the dentist applies a high concentration of peroxide – adding a gum protection beforehand – and light is used to accelerate the chemical reaction. It can last up to a year and a half, and teeth won’t go back to their previous color. Sensitivity is highly common after this procedure, but usually lasts no more than 24 hours and taking an off-the-counter painkiller is recommended.
Another option is using custom made whitening trays, in which your dentist sets a hydrogen peroxide gel. The trays keep the gel in place preventing it from reaching the gums. This method is usually completed on a pair of in-office sessions and several night at-home sessions. The result is a whitening lasting about a year and a half.
Last but not least, you should avoid using the activated charcoal method made popular by social media. This is a whitening method that involves smearing a charcoal-derived black mixture on teeth, which can lead to enamel deterioration and tooth erosion, also leaving stained or blotchy teeth.
Sometimes we tend to go with the low-cost or more accessible techniques, but remember, when it comes to health, we must see a specialist who can provide us with the best method for each one of us.
Article written by:
Dr. Ana María Castillo
Dental Surgeon
Medical license: 874856
