Teeth Whitening – What Are the Best Teeth Whitening Treatments?

There are a variety of treatments available to remove stains and lighten teeth. These include cleansers, bleaches, and rinses.

Most teeth whitening Tampa products contain hydrogen peroxide, which breaks down chromogens (stains) to make your teeth appear lighter. However, peroxide can be irritating to your mouth in higher concentrations.

Dentist-Supported Treatments

If your smile is a little dark, there are a number of cosmetic dentistry options to lighten it. Your dentist will help you determine which treatment is right for you and supervise it if needed.

Your teeth can get discolored due to a variety of factors, including drinking coffee or tea, smoking, taking certain medications like tetracycline antibiotics, and aging. Teeth whitening can lighten the color of your smile and make your teeth appear brighter.

This treatment often requires only one dental office visit. The procedure involves applying a whitening agent that penetrates the porous surface of your teeth.

Your dentist may also use a high-powered light, such as a laser or halogen, to speed up the whitening process. The light can increase the oxidation of hydrogen peroxide or other stain-removing ingredients in the gel.

In-Office Treatments

teeth whitening Tampa treatments at the dentist’s office can whiten teeth by a few shades in one day. This is typically the fastest whitening option and a great choice for busy people who don’t have time to go through an extensive at-home whitening regimen.

Dental offices that offer in-office whitening often use high-concentration peroxide bleaching gels that deliver results quickly. These treatments are also considered more safe than over-the-counter solutions that can cause gum irritation and increase sensitivity.

During an in-office treatment, the dentist will first take a detailed dental history and assess the patient’s current teeth color. This information will help the dentist determine a desired tooth shade goal using a teeth shade guide.

The dentist will then apply a bleaching gel to the teeth and leave it on for a period of about 15 minutes. The patient will then return to the office and receive a follow-up check of their teeth after the gel application.

At-Home Treatments

Whether you are suffering from stained teeth, due to coffee and tea, medication use or just being older, there are some at-home treatments you can try. Talk to your dentist to find out what whitening options are safe and effective for you.

At-home tooth whitening products can include toothpaste, strips, trays, and gels that contain carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide. These ingredients penetrate the enamel to break down discoloration caused by smoking, aging, certain medications, and pigmented food and drinks.

Baking soda can also help whiten teeth. It may act as a mild abrasive that helps to gently polish away stains.

Another at-home whitening treatment is oil pulling, which involves swishing oil like coconut or sesame in your mouth for 15 to 20 minutes, then brushing. The oil is thought to be effective at removing stain-causing bacteria and reducing inflammation in the gums.

For more powerful whitening results, the ADA recommends whitening trays provided by your dentist. Trays fit snugly over your teeth to lock the whitening gel in place and reduce the risk of irritation or sensitivity.

Side Effects

The bleaching agents used in teeth whitening treatments and Tampa bay cosmetic dentistry can cause a number of side effects. The most common of these is tooth sensitivity.

This is caused by the whitening chemicals penetrating the dentin of the teeth and removing a few minerals from it, which exposes the sensitive nerves beneath. This sensitivity is temporary and usually goes away within three days after treatment.

Teeth whitening can also cause soft tissue irritation, known as chemical burns, on your gums. This happens when the whitening solution makes contact with your gums during treatment, or when the trays don’t fit properly.

This can cause redness, pain and even bleeding in the gums. It’s best to avoid these side effects by following the directions on whitening strips, trays, or pens and avoiding hot or cold foods or drinks after treatment. In addition, fluoride rinses and desensitizing toothpaste can help reduce sensitivity.

Author: Deeksha Choudhary