If you are planning to whiten or bleach your natural teeth you definitely need to read this article. We will discuss the reasons when you should go for teeth whitening, some issues that you must consider before taking the steps and uncover the potential risks that can occur in your teeth after the process.
But before all that you need to understand what changes the color of your teeth from white to yellow or more darker. So, without further ado let us learn what is this problem called.
Tooth discoloration
There are two basic reasons for discoloration:
- Intrinsic stains (Inside the teeth)
- Extrinsic stains (outside the teeth)
Intrinsic stains – It can occur due to two reasons – one is before birth and another is after the birth. If there were some diseases that occurred during the birth or childhood that is one reason for the discoloration of teeth.
For example, if you lived in the fluoride belt region then there are high chances of discoloration. (Brownish, yellowish stains or white spots aka hypo plastic spots)
The intrinsic stains on teeth/tooth after birth can occur due to the tooth being dead because of accidents, root canals, and decay.
Extrinsic stains – It occurs on the tooth surface due to personal habits. These habits may be different but the most common habit to cause extrinsic stains is over-brushing. Other habits includes drinking lime juice, alcohol, hard cold drinks smoking, tobacco etc.
NOTE: The major difference between teeth whitening and teeth bleaching is the treatment of intrinsic stains extrinsic stains respectively.
What is teeth whitening?
Teeth whitening is the process of removing extrinsic stains from the teeth that occurred due to soda, alcohol, bacteria, coffee, red wine and other acts that can erode the enamel and take away the natural color of the teeth.
When does teeth whitening work?
Teeth whitening is a common process and works for 90% of the patients depending on the dentist. As a rule of thumb – yellowish color teeth can respond well to whitening but brownish color teeth does not respond well.
Gray stains (from smoking) on the surface can be removed but you must not expect a dramatic change in your teeth. Moreover, if you have some sort of bonding and fillings placed in your teeth, the whitening process will not affect those parts.
Risks involved in teeth whitening
Honestly, there have not been any serious reports of side effects caused by teeth whitening. But, as a smart human being, you must be aware of the fact that – if you have a thick enamel then you will not face too much sensitivity in your dentine.
However, if your enamel is not sufficiently thick then there are high chances of constant pain and sensitivity. And besides this, there might be gum irritation due to whitening product used in the process, but it goes away after the treatment is completed. In a nutshell, teeth whitening cost can be considered a safe process.
Final words
Here was some information on teeth whitening and reasons for tooth discoloration. Now, please be advised that before you visit your dentist and ask for the treatment you need to understand the fact that the natural color of human teeth is little yellowish in color.
So, if you are super depressed because you don’t have a bright white teeth you need to calm down and accept that majority of people have yellowish tooth and they all are comfortable with that.
However, if you have major problems like one tooth discolored, or have external stains then you can visit your Oklahoma City dentist and ask for the treatment. Good luck and keep smiling!
Reflections Dental Care Also Offers Following Services :
Cosmetic Dentistry Oklahoma City OK
Contact US:
Reflections Dental Care Address:10924 Hefner Pointe Dr Oklahoma City, OK Phone: (405) 563-7097