Teeth Whitening: Just Before You Consider It

All teeth whitening methods are safe when applied according to directions. However, no two sets of teeth are alike and may therefore react differently to different methods. No matter, it will always be safest to consult with a dentist before any teeth whitening are applied. This may cause a little inconvenience for a time but then it is always best and for the most part it is only a one time visit. After that you could be on your own and consider home kits and self help solutions. Never though must tooth whitening be done on kids below sixteen years old, pregnant women and lactating mothers.

Following are some of the risks that are frequently encountered.

Increased teeth sensitivity

This is more likely to happen when the treatment is done in a clinic or a health spa because bleaching agents that are used are more concentrated than home bleaching kits. More concentration of the bleaching agents however means faster results compared to home treatment methods that are very much “watered down” to insure safety.

Some of the risks that are likely to occur are sensitivity to touch, temperature and pressure. For persons with sensitive teeth though, toothpastes containing potassium nitrate are recommended. Even without specialty toothpastes, the sensitivity is usually over in two days. However, persons with recessed gums, faulty tooth restoration and cracked teeth are more likely to encounter shooting pains.

Irritation

Bleaching agents contain peroxides. Peroxides when it gets in contact with the soft tissues inside the mouth will often give a tingling sensation that may not be pleasant to about half of the patients undergoing teeth whitening. Peroxides also have a taste that may be unpleasant to some. In any case though the taste is very bearable and the tingling sensation may be ticklish but the feeling is always a cleaner mouth afterwards.

Normally, irritation of the soft tissues in the mouth could last several days. For most people though, the irritation lasts only while the bleaching agent is in the mouth and dissipates gradually with use or when the strength of the mix is reduced. Again not everyone suffers mouth and gum irritation.

Uneven Teeth Coloration

Mouth whitening and bleaches only affect the color of the teeth. What it does not bleach are crowns, veneers, restorations and other materials relative to tooth repairs. So while the teeth are becoming whiter with every application, those that are not retain its original color and results to uneven coloration.

The best part is, unlike most cosmetic procedures, teeth whitening are really very inexpensive. Teeth whitening price ranges only from $100 to $400 except for complicated procedures but those procedures are rare.

The risks therefore are very much worth it. In days like this when cosmetic surgery reigns supreme, when we are judged by our looks (no matter what the cover of the book says), when Hollywood sets the standard for pleasantness and likability, and when everyone around us spends a fortune to look good, a yellow smile is not an option.

Teeth Stain And The Foods That Can Cause It

There are foods that ought to be avoided when it comes to maintaining healthy white teeth. There are even foods and beverages that can erode the enamel as much as any other food containing natural acid. Here is all of the foods and beverages that can stain the teeth and should be consumed appropriately:

1) Tea –

Tea can cause discoloration of the teeth more than coffee can stain it. There are also studies that prove that some herbal teas contain substances that can potentially strip the enamel of a tooth along with staining it. For iced tea and other carbonated drinks, you may use straw to reduce staining the teeth.

2) Energy drink –

Sports drinks are also acidic beverages which contain chemicals and vitamins which can erode the tooth enamel. It also contains food coloring which make it easier to stain the teeth once the enamel has been stripped off.

3) Sauces –

Food sauces especially those rich ones are some causes of teeth staining aside from being acidic such as tomato sauce and curry sauce. Some sauces have ingredients that are also known to be natural food colorings. You may consider lighter sauces or perhaps brush and rinse your teeth after every meal.

4) Wine And Alcoholic Beverages –

Highly acidic red wince may cause discoloration of the teeth as it contains chromogens and tanning. Just when you thought that white wine is safe, think again as this is more acidic and has more potential of staining your teeth.

5) Soda and Carbonated Beverages –

Carbonated beverages contain chromogens and acid that can discolor the teeth even if it does not contain dark food coloring. Some carbonated drinks are even found to be as acidic as battery acid and contain flavorings that also have the ability to strip off tooth enamel.

6) Fruit Berries –

Berries are one of the fruits which can cause stains on the teeth due to its highly pigmented molecules. Some examples of these are blackberries, blueberries, cherries, and pomegranates. Although some highly pigmented fruits seem to be of lighter colors, their acid content can still harm the tooth enamel. So make sure to brush after eating a slice of a blueberry pie.

7) Sweets And Candies –

Candies contain food coloring that can stain your teeth just like popsicles and chewing gums. Although the coloring may not be permanent but consuming this too often and gnawing on hard candies may damage the teeth and cause discoloration. So always rinse and brush after eating or chew sugarless gum to take off the food coloring and additives.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6322092