About this topic
Having a smile with bright, white teeth may be important to you. If so, there are many products available to help improve the color of your teeth. Talk with your dentist to find the best choice for you. Ask your dentist if your teeth and mouth are healthy enough to start a whitening routine or procedure. ‚
General
The enamel on your teeth is the hard protective coating that covers the softer inside. This is the part of the tooth that becomes stained from things like aging, smoking, and drinking coffee or tea. Sometimes drugs you take may change the color of your teeth. Your teeth may look gray, yellow, brown, or even orange. Whitening your teeth may help lighten the stains and brighten your smile. ‚
There are a few ways to whiten your teeth. ‚
- Whitening toothpastes ¢ ˆ ’ These have a mild abrasive. As you brush your teeth, they remove stains on the enamel.
- Whitening strips ¢ ˆ ’ Have a mild bleaching agent and do not fit snugly to your teeth. May take more time to remove stains. May be less comfortable because they are not a custom fit to your mouth.
- In-home whitening ¢ ˆ ’ Your dentist will make a mold of your teeth and then make a mouthpiece to fit exactly over your teeth. You fill the mouthpiece with a whitening gel from your dentist and wear it as directed. Follow your dentists orders as you whiten your teeth. Keep any follow up visits with your dentist.
- In-office whitening ¢ ˆ ’ Your dentist applies a strong whitening agent to your teeth. Your dentist may need to shine a special light in your mouth to make the agent work. This will take 30 to 90 minutes and you may need to have 1 to 4 visits to have your teeth fully whitened.
What will the results be?
After whitening, your teeth should look brighter and whiter. They should also have less stains on them. You will likely have to repeat your tooth whitening at some time. ‚
Talk to your dentist before you start. Some kinds of stains will not go away with tooth whitening. These are stains caused by silver fillings, drugs, root canals, or other things. Tooth whitening also will not work on crowns, bridges, or fillings. It only works on your natural tooth enamel. ‚
What problems could happen?
Most whitening products can cause your teeth to become sensitive. Try using them every other day or talk with your dentist to see how you can whiten your teeth comfortably. ‚
You may notice that your natural tooth will become whiter, but your existing white fillings, veneers, or crowns will not. If you need fillings, veneers, or crowns on your teeth, you may want to bleach your teeth before that work is finished. If you have old white fillings, you may need to have them replaced to match your now whiter teeth. ‚
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Limit the amount of coffee and tea you drink. Try using a straw if you must drink these liquids to limit how much comes in contact with your teeth. Rinse well with water after these drinks.
- Do not smoke.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Very sensitive teeth or gums
- If you get any swelling or sores in your mouth, throat, lips, or tongue
Where can I learn more?
Academy of General Dentistry ‚
http://www.knowyourteeth.com/infobites/abc/article/?abc=B&iid=290&aid=1122 ‚
American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry ‚
http://www.aacd.com/whitening ‚
American Dental Association ‚
http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/w/whitening ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚