Saturday, October 8, 2016

Teeth Whitening Tips Offered By Rockville MD Family Cosmetic Dentist

By Alicia Murphy


There are many teeth whitening solutions that are available to help get your teeth back to their original white color. As we age our teeth tend to yellow. If you smoke or drink lots of dark colored drinks this can add to that yellowing process. Gain your confidence and self esteem back with whiter teeth.

Some over the counter whitening products are so normal now that it's almost impossible to find them without whitening ingredients. For instance whitening toothpaste, which is effective in reducing yellowing over time by removing light surface stains. You can usually get about about 1 shade lighter with this product.

Whitening mouthwashes are also now available, but experts think they may not be very effective simply because they are in contact with the teeth for too short a time.

Some additional over the counter whitening options include strips and gels. These usually contain either carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide. Strips are applied directly to the teeth while gels are applied using a small brush. There are also tray-based whitening systems that can be purchased over the counter or even from your local dentist.

There are a few downsides to whitening systems purchased over the counter. Most have a one size fits all approach and are reliant on customers using them in the right way, which if not, can cause them to be less effective. There are also a few risks involved, such as gum damage due to chemical exposure. Whitening trays not fitted properly can potentially cause permanent damage, costing more to fix.

Some people should not whiten their teeth. Children under 16 should not use (or need) whitening products. If you are pregnant or lactating you should wait until after you have weaned the baby. People with sensitive teeth should talk to their dentist first, because the whitening system can cause irritation. Any cavities or gum issues should be treated before whitening, as it can make cavities worse. Also, the whitening materials will not affect fillings, crowns, etc - which can result in uneven whitening that actually makes your teeth look worse.

Over the counter whitening solutions can be intimidating and talking to your dentist can help. While in-office solutions may cost more, you are less likely to encounter issues since they are properly supervised.

If stains are severe, your dentist may suggest crowns or porcelain veneers. You may also be able to purchase customized trays that are made from impressions of your own teeth. These trays can reduce the risk of tooth and gum damage.




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