Tooth whitening is a common procedure in cosmetic dentistry. As teeth age they become darker due to changes in their structure. Teeth can also become stained by tobacco, bacterial pigments, and food and drink. Many methods can be used to whiten teeth: bleaching pen, bleaching gel, bleaching strips, laser bleaching and natural bleaching. Oxidizing agents such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide are used to lighten the shade of the tooth. The oxidizing agent penetrates the porosities in the crystal structure of enamel and oxidizes interprismatic stain deposits. In a dental surgery power bleaching employs light energy to accelerate the process of bleaching. The effects of bleaching can last for several months, but may vary depending on the lifestyle of the patient. Factors which will decrease whitening include smoking and drinking dark colored liquids such as coffee, tea and red wine.
Side effects of teeth bleaching
Side effects of teeth bleaching can include: chemical burns with gel bleaching (if a high-concentration oxidizing agent contacts unprotected tissues); sensitive teeth; and overbleaching. Individuals with sensitive teeth and gums, receding gums and/or defective restorations should consult with their dentist prior to using a tooth whitening system. People who are sensitive to hydrogen peroxide (the whitening agent) should not try a bleaching product without first consulting a dentist. Also, prolonged exposure to bleaching agents may damage tooth enamel. This is especially the case with home remedy whitening products that contain fruit acids. Bleaching is not recommended in children under the age of 16 years. This is because the pulp chamber, or nerve of the tooth, is enlarged until this age. Tooth whitening under this condition could irritate the pulp or cause it to become sensitive. Tooth whitening is also not recommended in pregnant or lactating women.
Whiter teeth for free
There is no need to spend money on expensive tooth whitening kits. Teeth can be very effectively whitened with things that are probably sitting in your medicine chest or a kitchen cupboard.
Free home made tooth whitening paste
Probably the most effective way to whiten teeth at home is to prepare a paste that contains baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, table salt and toothpaste. Spoon about two teaspoons of baking soda and half a teaspoon of salt into a little bowl or cup. Drop two or three teaspoons of hydrogen peroxide into the baking soda and salt, making a paste. Then add a small dollop of toothpaste. Mix all of the ingredients together and use to brush teeth gently. Be sure to leave the paste on your teeth for at least two minutes. Do not swallow this paste. After you finish brushing with this paste, brush again with regular toothpaste to cleanse your mouth of the taste as well as the peroxide solution. This treatment can be used as and when needed, but only one per week. Do not use this peroxide paste if you have open sores, cavities, gingivitis or other gum diseases. This paste may not be the best whitener to use if your teeth are very sensitive. Consult a doctor or dentist before trying this tooth whitening treatment.
Baking soda
Brushing with baking soda is one of the oldest natural tooth whitening remedies. Baking soda can irritate gums. To avoid this, try mixing it with salt and brush gently. Many types of toothpaste come with baking soda added.
Hydrogen peroxide
This tooth whitening method involves gargling with hydrogen peroxide. It may cause some tooth and gum sensitivity and is not recommended for daily use. Even though some discomfort may be experienced, whitening with peroxide is safe providing that it is not swallowed. The concentration of peroxide in hydrogen peroxide is lower than in tooth whitening gels and strips, and the whitening results are less dramatic.
Foods that whiten teeth
Raw vegetables
Eating apples and chewing raw spinach, carrots, celery, cucumbers, broccoli, strawberries can whiten teeth.
Lemon Juice Paste
Calcium deposits on the teeth are a major cause of teeth yellowing. A paste of one teaspoon of lemon juice and one teaspoon of salt will remove the calcium stain from the teeth and make them whiter. Do not use this method more than three times per week. Acid in the lemon juice can degrade tooth enamel if used too often. Also, individuals with sensitivity to acidic fruits should use caution, or consult with a doctor before use. This recipe may lead to gum inflammation or other health issues.
Bay leaves/Orange peel paste
Teeth can be whitened by rubbing a mixture of dried and powdered bay leaves and dried orange peel on to them. Do not use this method more than three times per week. Acid in the orange peel can degrade tooth enamel if used too frequently. People with sensitivity to acidic fruits should use caution, or consult with a doctor before use. This recipe may cause gum inflammation or other health problems.
Strawberries
Brushing teeth with a mashed strawberry paste has a similar effect to lemon juice paste because strawberries also contain citric acid. Unfortunately, this acid damages teeth over time by degrading calcium. Brushing too hard could harm gums or tooth enamel due to the presence of seeds in the paste.
Other tooth whitening techniques
Use a Straw
Drinking colas and sports drinks through a straw will limit the amount of contact that they have with the teeth because it brings the liquids directly to the back of the mouth.
Chew Gum
Chewing sugarless gum after eating and drinking helps clean teeth. Gum gets between teeth and gums and removes food particles. However, this approach is better at cleaning teeth and maintaining their appearance, rather than whitening them.
Hardwood Ash
Brushing hardwood ash on to teeth daily can effectively whiten them. However, the ash contains highly concentrated amounts of potassium hydroxide, which can damage tooth enamel over time.
Natural teeth whitening conclusion
Using natural teeth whitening techniques can work effectively. The most effective and safest ingredients are baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. The best way keep teeth and gums in optimal condition is to brush and floss them regularly. Avoiding foods and drinks that stain can also keep teeth naturally white.