What ‘s the cause of poor teeth color?
Our teeth are absorbent. Cola, coffee, teas and red wine as well as tobacco are the common culprits that stain our teeth. Our aging plays a part as well. Our tooth enamel becomes thinner in time and subsequently more transparent causing the inner layer, the dentin to appear darker.
What works?
The primary ingredient in most all teeth whitening procedures is Peroxide. It is safe and effective, but will, in some cases can cause temporary tooth sensitivity when the peroxide molecules make their way to the tooth nerve passageways.
Who Can Consider Teeth Whitening?
It’s important to see your Dentist prior to beginning any teeth whitening regiment. It is not recommended for people with extreme sensitivity to cold, anyone with crowns or fillings on their front teeth, or those patients with grey discoloration (rather than yellowing) due to early antibiotic use. In this case, the color is deeper in the tooth and will not react to any topical teeth whitening procedures.
The Methods
There are many products available but the most effective method is the ‘Barrier Method’, this is when trays or strips are used whereby the solution is against the teeth for the longest time. You will see dramatic results after using for thirty minutes a day in just a full week. Over-the-counter trays or test strips are fine however they sometimes are ill fitting which causes the solution to cause gum irritation. It is recommended to avoid brushing your teeth an hour prior to using any teeth whitening methods, the detergents in the toothpaste causes the gums to become further irritated. A custom fit tray from your dentist is the most effective way to get the perfect tray that has been molded to the shape of your teeth and bite.
Another method available is a paint-on whitener. Common sense will tell you that your saliva will quickly dilute and wash away anything you’ve applied and would not give you good results.
It’s important to note that simply brushing your teeth is another method in teeth whitening. Toothbrushes with an oscillating motion will give you better results than a manual tooth brush, and devoting a full two minutes is also very important. As for toothpaste, look for products that prevent new stains from sticking to your teeth.
Your dentist has all the tools and resources to provide you with the perfect fit for teeth whitening. They have gum-protecting masking gels to protect the gums during stronger, in-office treatments, and can also provide accelerating bleach options that get teeth up to 10 shades lighter in a single visit. This method uses light to increase the effectiveness of a standard application. The inpatient bleaching treatment, also known as the ‘ZOOM’ bleaching system is recommended for patients with more intrinsic staining. At Michael J Gulotta DDS, we use the Opalescence System that has less post treatment sensitivity.
With teeth whitening procedures so readily available today, there’s really no excuse for ignoring your teeth color. Speak to your dentist upon your next visit about the way in which you can get back the bright smile you used to have. It’ll give you loads of self confidence and a youthful, healthy appearance that we all work so hard to achieve.
Easy, on-the-go Teeth Whitening Care
•Eat crunchy fruits and vegetables such as apple slices, carrots, and celery sticks for snacks. They actually will help clean your teeth while you chew.
•After lunch. If you’re unable to brush, chew sugar-free gum that will absorb some of the new surface-staining food you may have eaten.
• When your out for dinner, be sure to rinse your mouth out by swishing water for 30 seconds if you’re unable to brush.
•Multitask in the morning by using teeth whitening strips. Use these strips when taking your five minute shower.
Michael J. Gulotta, DDS - Family Dentistry
1150 Portion Road
Holtsville, NY 11742
631-696-3820
www.mrmolar.com
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