How Safe Is Tooth Whitening?

Yellow teeth are not only a sign of poor dental care but also gives an unpleasing sight.

Our teeth get stained and discoloured over time, which may happen due to many reasons such as aging, tobacco usage, drinking too much caffeine, etc. There are two types of discoloration of the tooth, Intrinsic and Extrinsic.  The intrinsic discoloration happens from inside, and this is due to some medications, poor diet or aging. The Extrinsic discoloration happens from outside due to eating foods, alcohol drinking, etc.

To get rid of the yellowish stains on your tooth, whitening is the most effective way. Tooth whitening is nothing but whitening the teeth both internally and externally. Internal or intrinsic whitening is done using a chemical product that contains hydrogen peroxide. External Tooth whitening is done by removing the stains at the outer part of the tooth. The tooth whitening lightens your teeth and makes your teeth brighter than before.

What’s safe and not safe for tooth whitening?

Tooth whitening is considered a safe treatment globally and shows immediate results. However, tooth whitening might be not safe for nursing mothers and a pregnant woman. Also, it's hazardous if you over whiten your teeth, as it may result in irreversible gum or enamel damage.

For those who consider tooth whitening by consulting a dental specialist, there are some precautions to go through.

Before tooth whitening, you must make sure that you do not have any gum diseases and cavities. Tooth whitening makes things worse for those have cavities in between. People who have hypersensitive teeth may also get hurt when they whiten their teeth. Patients with temporomandibular joint disorder or bruxism mustn’t try for tooth whitening.

It depends upon each one whether they should go for a dentist or at-home treatment for tooth whitening. To have a quick treatment or remedy, one must consult a dentist. But, for safe and long-term treatment, you can go for teeth whitening at home. You can see some significant changes in teeth whitening before and after.

How to spot a tooth whitening scam?

Before you opt for tooth whitening products like gel or powder, you must make sure it's not a scam or for simply marketing purpose. Products like activated charcoal are sold making you believe it works. But doctors claim that there is no scientific evidence that the activated charcoal actually works on the tooth.

To avoid becoming victims to scam products like that, try consulting a dental specialist for your problems and try not to take decisions on your own.

How to get the best whitening results?

Tooth whitening shows long-lasting results only if you put effort. After your tooth whitening is done, make sure you eat the right diet. Foods which are rich in calcium and vitamin D must be consumed in a conserved amount in your day to daytime.

Try not to fail in maintaining the whiteness of your teeth after the whitening treatment.

Brush twice a day before and after your bedtime, flossing, clean your teeth by doing oil pulling once in a week to avoid any stains to form again.

Do consult your dentist at periodic intervals to maintain a proper and healthy tooth.

If you are about to do teeth whitening at home, visit the dentist to buy the correct products depending upon your current tooth health. It is very much safe when you consult your dentist before any personal treatments or using any peculiar product.

The safest way to whiten your teeth

Having good-looking teeth appeals to your overall appearance, and gives you confidence. There are some safe ways to whiten the teeth without going for any chemical products.

Brushing after drinking or eating

Brushing right after your meal can greatly avoid stains on your teeth. Consistency is the key for brushing. Also, avoid consuming tobacco and too much caffeine drinking.

Oil pulling

Oil pulling cleanses your teeth to a great extent that cannot be achieved through constant brushing. You can do coconut oil pulling, as it has some taste, unlike the other oil.

Baking soda or hydrogen peroxide

To get good results after your brushing, baking soda or hydrogen peroxide may help. Brush with a little amount of baking soda or gel consisting of hydrogen peroxide for whitening your teeth. It removes stains and discoloration on your teeth.