In today’s world, being well-groomed is a crucial indicator of health and prosperity. Whether it is the clothes you are wearing or your new hairstyle, many people pay a lot of attention to their physical appearance. Out of an individual’s many features, one of the most prominent aspects usually noticed is their smile. Thus, everyone always hopes that their teeth remain pearly white and radiant. Sadly, however, this is rarely the case.
What Causes Staining of Teeth?
Staining of teeth can occur due to several factors ranging from diet to physical habits. This could include brushing more than required, grinding your teeth, smoking, poor diet, or simply growing old. With all these aspects playing a role in the color of your teeth, it is no surprise that teeth often turn yellow.
- Over-brushing: This is harmful to your teeth as it can cause erosion of the enamel. This can cause the yellowing of teeth as well as an increase in the sensitivity of the teeth over time.
- Grinding: This also causes loss of the enamel. This usually takes place when you are sleeping and hence you may find it hard to control. However, you should not ignore this as grinding is a manifestation of stress or other mental discomforts. Thus, you should try to fix this issue as early as possible.
- Certain Beverages: Drinking beverages like tea, coffee or red wine can leave stains on the teeth. Thus, reducing the consumption of such drinks can reduce staining.
- Smoking: Apart from its various harmful effects, nicotine is also a substance that is known for leaving stains on the teeth, fingernails, lips, etc.
- Age: As we grow older, the enamel naturally becomes thinner. This exposes the yellow dentin below the enamel and hence makes our teeth appear yellow. Thus, staining is of two types- extrinsic staining (caused on the surface) and intrinsic staining (caused by thinning of the enamel).
Is Teeth Bleaching Safe?
While many people wish for their teeth to be whiter, they are skeptical about the safety of the treatment. This is because the primary compound used in teeth bleaching products is hydrogen peroxide which is widely known for its harsh nature.
On the other hand, hydrogen peroxide has been used for decades for teeth whitening. Thus, if you are uncertain, using the DIY method may not be the best option for you. Instead, you could always receive the treatment from a dental clinic. Here, choosing a dentist who is well known and has numerous qualifications, such as an IV Certification, may be helpful. Such aspects show that the dentist is experienced and dedicated. Thus, it is more likely that they will perform the procedure without any mistakes.
According to the American Dental Association, there are numerous kinds of toothpaste as well as whitening strips that have received the ADA Seal of Acceptance. You can buy these products from local pharmacies without a prescription.
The ADA, however, also recognizes that some methods of whitening may not be suitable for all age groups. This is especially true in the case of children as it can lead to mismatched color, increased sensitivity, etc. In fact, for aspects like sensitivity, many people may react to the product differently. Thus, it is crucial to pay attention to how your teeth feel after a whitening procedure.
Side Effects
While teeth bleaching is a safe procedure, it is good to remain aware of some of the side effects that may occur:
- Irritation of the Gums: When applying hydrogen peroxide to your teeth, it is essential that you do not allow the substance to touch your gums.
- Increased Sensitivity: As mentioned earlier, some individuals may find that their teeth grow more sensitive. If this is the case, they should consult with their dentists before continuing the procedure.
- Affects Your Fillings: Over the years, there has been some evidence suggesting that hydrogen peroxide affects silver fillings, making them release mercury. However, this is purely anecdotal and the ADA has ruled this out.
Conclusion
Regular dental visits are an essential part of your routine as they can help you clean your teeth. This will not only help reduce plaque, which is also responsible for teeth turning yellow, but it can also prevent a host of other infections. Furthermore, your oral health is an indicator of overall health in the body.
By visiting the dentist regularly, you can improve your chances of getting an early diagnosis for ailments, such as mouth cancer. Thus, visiting the dentist is an extremely vital aspect of overall healthcare and goes beyond just the aesthetic objective. Still, we hope that this article successfully highlights the various reasons teeth bleaching is safe for you and hence helps you achieve your goal.
References
- Oral Health Topics: https://www.ada.org/en/member-center/oral-health-topics/whitening
- IV Sedation Certification: https://www.docseducation.com/catalog/iv-sedation-certification
- Clinical Resources: https://www.ada.org/en/science-research/ada-seal-of-acceptance?utm_medium=VanityUrl
