Preventive Dentistry

Preventive Dentistry

Introduction

Tooth whitening is a procedure that lightens teeth and helps to remove stains and discoloration. Whitening is among the most popular cosmetic dental procedures because it can significantly improve how your teeth look. Most dentists perform tooth whitening. (Grace Sun, 2006)

The outer layer of a tooth is called the enamel. Every day, a thin coating forms on the enamel and picks up stains. Tooth enamel also contains pores that can hold stains. Whitening is not a one-time solution. It will need to be repeated from time to time if you want to maintain the brighter color. The most common reasons for teeth to get yellow or stained are aging, tobacco, tea and coffee. All of these can stain the surface of the teeth.

Explanation

It is also possible to have stains that are inside the tooth. These are called intrinsic stains. For example, intrinsic stains can be caused by exposure to too much fluoride as a child while teeth are developing. Other causes include tetracycline antibiotics. They can stain a child's teeth if taken by a mother during the second half of pregnancy or by a child who is 8 years old or younger. Teeth are still developing during these years.

Tooth whitening is most effective on surface stains caused by age, foods or drinks. (Grace Sun, 2006)

Cavities need to be treated before teeth are whitened. That's because the whitening solution can pass through decayed areas and reach inner parts of the tooth. If this happens, your teeth could become sensitive. Whitening also will not work on exposed tooth roots, which do not have an enamel layer. Receding gums can cause roots to become exposed. Whitening also does not work on crowns or veneers. (Grace Sun, 2006)

Some whitening agents are activated by special lights or by heat. After the whitening agent is applied, the dentist will shine the light on your teeth for a short time. Some dentists have started to use lasers instead of a light or heat. Consumers like the high-tech aspects of laser treatments, but the technology is still too new — and too expensive — to justify its general use. The American Dental Association states that while the technique may be safe, there are no published data on the safety or effectiveness of using lasers for tooth whitening.

If your teeth are badly discolored, you may need more extensive whitening than can be done in the office. ...