All of us love sparkling white baby teeth, called milk teeth, and most probably wish we could keep the permanent ones in the same pure and sparkling form. Unfortunately, this is not usually possible for adults, as the teeth become stained and slowly discolor over time, no matter how vigilant we are.
While regular brushing and flossing are sufficient in preventing the development of dental caries and tooth stains, ignoring your dentist’s instructions on oral hygiene can result in these and more. Tooth whitening, or dental bleaching, is a procedure in which a bleaching agent is applied to the teeth in order to dissolve stains and regain the bright white smiles we strive for.
Types of Tooth Stains
Tooth staining can either be intrinsic or extrinsic. The extrinsic stains are mostly superficial, and are a result of dietary components and beverages (coffee, tea, caramel, etc.) that possess different pigments, in addition to smoking and chewing tobacco, which can stain the teeth. External tooth staining is accelerated in cases where the surface of the teeth is already roughened due to acidity and demineralization.
Intrinsic tooth stains appear deeper within the tooth structure. The most common reason for intrinsic tooth staining is the incorporation of any pigment or chemical within the developing teeth. Prescription of oral tetracycline, an antibiotic medication often prescribed to children, during tooth development results in the teeth taking up grayish stains.
Similarly, consumption of excess fluoride, during developmental stages of the teeth, can potentially lead to development of brownish stains on the teeth. Other causes of intrinsic staining include trauma to the teeth, or staining following root canal therapy. In case of a dental trauma, a blood clot forms within the tooth, which can be seen on the exterior, giving the appearance of a deep stain.
Are All Types of Stains Removable?
Since the extrinsic stains are generally superficial, it is usually possible for the dentist to remove them using a suitable bleaching agent. Unfortunately, intrinsic stains are not only present deeper within the teeth, but the pigments get incorporated into the structure of the teeth during development, such as those caused by tetracycline and excess fluoride consumption, and it is not possible to remove them through bleaching.
Types of Tooth Bleaching
Bleaching of the teeth can either be performed at the dental office, known as in-office bleaching treatment or at home using a kit that can be purchased at most pharmacies and markets.
Tooth Whitening at Home
Various commercial tooth whitening products are available in the market, each possessing different chemical formulations. The basic chemistry of these products is similar to household bleaching agents, but the concentrations of active ingredients is less, to make them safer for use within the oral cavity.
To carry out this procedure, your dentist will provide you with custom made trays, which are to be filled with the whitening agents and placed in the mouth, around the teeth, as per the instructions of your dental practitioner or the manufacturer of the product. It must, however, be emphasized here that tooth whitening should be carried out strictly according to the manufacturer’s recommendations in order to avoid any untoward effects.
In-office Tooth Whitening
Tooth whitening procedures are also carried out at the dental clinics. The procedure involves placing a suitably sized tray, filled with the bleaching agent, into the patient’s mouth for a specified time period. The gums are covered with a protective agent to prevent them from getting bleached or damaged. This procedure usually requires 2-3 visits, and each sitting requires approximately 60-90 minutes for completion.
Is Tooth Whitening Safe?
Every dental procedure can be considered safe, provided it is carried out by a qualified professional and all precautionary measures are taken into consideration. Likewise, tooth whitening, whether performed at home or by a dental professional, is a safe procedure if the dentist’s and manufacturer’s instructions are adhered to. However, mild tooth sensitivity or gingival irritation is not uncommon immediately after undergoing tooth whitening. These symptoms are expected to gradually subside.
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