Stain, Gram Tips

Dental Bleaching - Is It Actually Required Or Is Just A Craze?

Dr. Manoj Tiwari 89% (17 ratings)
BDS, MDS
Dentist, Jaipur
Dental Bleaching - Is It Actually Required Or Is Just A Craze?

How do your teeth become stained?

Teeth discoloration is generally caused by stain-causing beverages. These include coffee, red wine, tea and some other hard drinks. Use of tobacco, excessive fluoride and dark-colored berries may also cause staining of teeth.

Why do you need dental bleaching?

Our tooth is the hardest calcified substance which mechanically helps us to break food particles into minute ones so that they are easily digestible by the body. They aid in our appearance. Hence, having white stain-free teeth is a joy.

The concept of dental bleaching or teeth whitening

Dental bleaching or teeth whitening is a process of removing the stains from our teeth and to reveal them as milky white. There are 2 types of teeth whitening, whiten and non-whiten. Dental plaque, betel chewing, tobacco tar, drinking dark color liquids like coffee, tea are some reasons why our teeth get stained. The mineral structure of the tooth becomes phosphate deficient. The enamel layer gradually thins and gets perforated. Hence tooth whitening is required. The dentist removes the eccentric stains as well as intrinsic stains using hydrogen peroxide. Carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide is available as bleaching strips, bleaching pen and as bleaching gel for tooth whitening. Laser tooth whitening technology is also used for this purpose. Increases in the sensitivity of the teeth, irritation in the gums are some of the side effects in teeth whitening process. This procedure of teeth whitening must be essentially done under medical supervision. This is not a one time job and may require more sittings with the doctor depending on the amount of stain in the teeth as well as the whiteners required.

Bleaching or teeth whitening is not recommended for the following people:

  1. Children below the age of 16 should not undergo this procedure.
  2. Individuals with sensitive gums and teeth should consult a dentist prior to using teeth whitening.

Whitening Procedures:

  1. Vital Whitening- It is performed on teeth that have live nerves. Here the gel is applied directly on the tooth surface.
  2. Non Vital Whitening: This procedure is applied if the patient has undergone root canal treatment.

Is dental bleaching a requirement or just a craze?

Dental bleaching should not become a craze/mania because unhealthy obsession for the extremely white teeth will lead to body dysmorphic disorder. This is a mental disorder in which a person cannot stop thinking about one or more perceived defects in his or her appearance.

Teeth whitening should be done only when necessary. People who have unrealistic expectations with:

  1. Dental bleaching should not opt for this procedure.
  2. Also, bleaching or teeth whitening is not recommended for the following people:
  3. Children below the age of 16 should not undergo this procedure.
  4. Individuals with sensitive gums and teeth should consult a dentist prior to using teeth whitening.
4948 people found this helpful

Dental Bleaching - Is It Really Required?

Dr. Amee Patel 92% (80 ratings)
BDS, Post Graduate Diploma in Clinical Cosmetology
Dentist, Surat
Dental Bleaching - Is It Really Required?

How do your teeth become stained?

Teeth discolouration is generally caused by stain-causing beverages. These include coffee, red wine, tea and some other hard drinks. Use of tobacco, excessive fluoride and dark-coloured berries may also cause staining of teeth.

Why do you need dental bleaching?

Our tooth is the hardest calcified substance which mechanically helps us to break food particles into minute ones so that they are easily digestible by the body. They aid in our appearance. Hence, having white stain-free teeth is a joy.

The concept of dental bleaching or teeth whitening...

Dental bleaching or teeth whitening is a process of removing the stains from our teeth and to reveal them as milky white. There are 2 types of teeth whitening, whiten and non-whiten. Dental plaque, betel chewing, tobacco tar, drinking dark colour liquids like coffee, tea are some reasons why our teeth get stained. The mineral structure of the tooth becomes phosphate deficient. The enamel layer gradually thins and gets perforated. Hence tooth whitening is required. The dentist removes the eccentric stains as well as intrinsic stains using hydrogen peroxide. Carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide is available as bleaching strips, bleaching pen and as bleaching gel for tooth whitening. Laser tooth whitening technology is also used for this purpose. Increases in the sensitivity of the teeth, irritation in the gums are some of the side effects in teeth whitening process. This procedure of teeth whitening must be essentially done under medical supervision. This is not a one time job and may require more sittings with the doctor depending on the amount of stain in the teeth as well as the whiteners required.

Bleaching or teeth whitening is not recommended for the following people:

  1. Children below the age of 16 should not undergo this procedure.
  2. Individuals with sensitive gums and teeth should consult a dentist prior to using teeth whitening.

Whitening Procedures

  1. Vital Whitening- It is performed on teeth that have live nerves. Here the gel is applied directly on the tooth surface.
  2. Non-Vital Whitening: This procedure is applied if the patient has undergone root canal treatment.

Is dental bleaching a requirement or just a craze?

Dental bleaching should not become a craze/mania because unhealthy obsession for the extremely white teeth will lead to body dysmorphic disorder. This is a mental disorder in which a person cannot stop thinking about one or more perceived defects in his or her appearance.

Teeth whitening should be done only when necessary. People who have unrealistic expectations with:

  1. dental bleaching should not opt for this procedure.
  2. Also, bleaching or teeth whitening is not recommended for the following people:
  3. Children below the age of 16 should not undergo this procedure.
  4. Individuals with sensitive gums and teeth should consult a dentist prior to using teeth whitening.
4652 people found this helpful

Dental Bleaching Is It a Requirement or a Craze?

Dr. (Major) Ankit Gupta 91% (811 ratings)
BDS, MDS - Orthodontics
Dentist, Gurgaon
Dental Bleaching Is It a Requirement or a Craze?

How do your teeth become stained?
Teeth discoloration is generally caused by stain causing beverages. These include coffee, red wine, tea and some other hard drinks. Use of tobacco, excessive fluoride and dark colored berries may also cause staining of teeth.

Why do you need dental bleaching?
Our tooth is the hardest calcified substance, which mechanically helps us to break food particles into minute ones so that they are easily digestible by the body. They aid in our appearance. Hence, having white stain free teeth is a joy.

The concept of dental bleaching or teeth whitening
Dental bleaching or teeth whitening is a process of removing the stains from our teeth and to reveal them as milky white. There are 2 types of teeth whitening, whiten and non-whiten. Dental plaque, betel chewing, tobacco tar, drinking dark color liquids like coffee, tea are some reasons why our teeth get stained. The mineral structure of the tooth becomes phosphate deficient. The enamel layer gradually thins and gets perforated. Hence tooth whitening is required. 

The dentist removes the eccentric stains as well as intrinsic stains using hydrogen peroxide. Carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide is available as bleaching strips, bleaching pen and as bleaching gel for tooth whitening. Laser tooth whitening technology is also used for this purpose. Increases in the sensitivity of the teeth, irritation in the gums are some of the side effects in teeth whitening process. This procedure of teeth whitening must be essentially done under medical supervision. This is not a one time job and may require more sittings with the doctor depending on the amount of stain in the teeth as well as the whiteners required.

Bleaching or teeth whitening is not recommended for the following people:

  1. Children below the age of 16 should not undergo this procedure.
  2. Individuals with sensitive gums and teeth should consult a dentist prior to using teeth whitening.

Whitening Procedures

  1. Vital Whitening: It is performed on teeth that have live nerves. Here the gel is applied directly on the tooth surface.
  2. Non Vital Whitening: This procedure is applied if the patient has undergone root canal treatment.

Is dental bleaching a requirement or just a craze?
Dental bleaching should not become a craze or mania because unhealthy obsession for extremely white teeth will lead to body dysmorphic disorder. This is a mental disorder in which a person cannot stop thinking about one or more perceived defects in his or her appearance.

Teeth whitening should be done only when necessary. People who have unrealistic expectations with:

  1. dental bleaching should not opt for this procedure.
  2. Also, bleaching or teeth whitening is not recommended for the following people:
  3. Children below the age of 16 should not undergo this procedure.
  4. Individuals with sensitive gums and teeth should consult a dentist prior to using teeth whitening.
3954 people found this helpful

Dr. Kaarthik 87% (29 ratings)
PG Dip PUBLIC HEALTH, BDS
Dentist, Salem
Smoking can stain your teeth yellow, cause bad breath, and increases your risk of gum disease, breathing problems, lung cancer and mouth cancer.
If you smoke 20 or more cigarettes a day, you're six times more likely to develop mouth cancer than someone who doesn't smoke. So giving up smoking is important if you want to look and feel better.

Dr. Kultej Saluja 87% (80 ratings)
BDS, Certified Implantologist
Dentist, Delhi
If you wear dentures, general rule is to: brush, soak, brush. Always clean your dentures over a bowl of water or a folded towel in case you drop them. Brush your dentures before soaking, to help remove any food debris. Using an effervescent denture cleaner will help remove stubborn stains and leave your denture feeling fresher.
6 people found this helpful

denture

Dr. Dental World 88% (138 ratings)
MDS, BDS
Dentist, Gurgaon
denture
If you wear dentures, the general rule is: brush, soak, brush. Always clean your dentures over a bowl of water or a folded towel in case you drop them. Brush your dentures before soaking, to help remove any food debris. Using an effervescent (fizzy) denture cleaner will help remove stubborn stains and leave your denture feeling fresher.
13 people found this helpful

10 Unknown Facts About Tooth Whitening!

Dr. Anju Thomas 85% (22 ratings)
BDS, MDS Prosthodontics
Dentist, Bangalore
10 Unknown Facts About Tooth Whitening!

There is a myth that whitening erases all the damage they’ve done to their teeth over their lifetimes. The opposite is true — the better you’ve cared for your teeth, the greater the results. If you have kept up on your dental appointments, brushed and flossed regularly,  and avoided damage and discoloration, the whiter your teeth will appear after treatment.  

Too much whitening gel too fast will permanently damage teeth.  Over-whitening can make them look translucent or discolored 

Ultra-violet (UV) light is a frequency of light that works by accelerating the whitening gel to act faster.  This process is FDA regulated and only offered under dentist supervision. Caps and veneers will neither whiten nor stain.  Immediately after whitening (regardless of the product you use),  your teeth are more susceptible to restaining. The pores in your teeth are slightly more open and can more easily allow stains in.

 Teeth Whitening

Know Before You Go-If you have extrinsic discoloration (i.e. staining from things like coffee and tea) it can be removed by cleaning the teeth with professional teeth cleaning. Bleach will not work well on extrinsic discoloration. If you have intrinsic yellowing, no amount of stain-removing toothpaste can lighten the intrinsic color of the tooth. You’ll need to whiten your teeth using a bleaching gel that is held up against the teeth.

What we think & what happens actually 

After whitening treatment  it is completely normal for sensitivity to occur.  The teeth become temporarily dehydrated which reduces their ability to insulate the nerve from changes in temperature. Sensitivity will disappear 12-36 hours after whitening. To prevent soft tissue irritation use gingival barrier.

 

 

2 people found this helpful

How to Get Your Smile Ready for Wedding Season

Dr. Arti Misra Sharma 89% (120 ratings)
BDS
Dentist, Bangalore
How to Get Your Smile Ready for Wedding Season

With the wedding season nearly approaching, you should be ready for several parties and gatherings and lots of photographs to be clicked. You would surely want to look good on every wedding occasion. Hence you should make sure that your teeth are at their best, when it comes to looking good. The teeth are responsible for shaping the perfect smile, and so you must take measures to make your teeth look stunning in order to get your smile ready for the upcoming wedding season.

Here are some tips on how you should take care of your teeth:

  1. Whiten your teeth: You can avail a quick whitening service for your teeth from a dental clinic. This will make your teeth brighter and much whiter, which will enhance your smile. Always get teeth whitening done from a clinic instead of using whiteners bought from stores, as the latter do not work as effectively. Moreover, teeth whitening done at a clinic is not much expensive.
  2. Maintain proper oral hygiene: If you want to get perfectly white teeth ready for the wedding season, you should maintain your oral hygiene routine strictly. Brushing and flossing should be practiced regularly, and you should also use a mouthwash. Brush two times a day and take time to brush. Maintain healthy teeth to make them look beautiful and get the most perfect smile.
  3. Use strategic makeup colors: Several colors can be used to enhance the whiteness of your teeth. Using bright red lipstick would make the teeth look better and brighter with a nice overall contrast. You can choose from different shades of red, pink or cherry of a warm tone. Blue toned lipsticks make a bad contrast against stains and the yellow tinge on the teeth is brought out. You can also use a Bronzer.
  4. Remove stains: You should try to remove any stain from your teeth and ensure that no further stains are caused. After having any dark beverage like red wine or syrup drinks, make sure to remove the stains instantly. This can be done simply by wiping the stains with a napkin.
  5. Keep your face and smile relaxed: For the most beautiful and natural smile, you should have a relaxed facial expression. Avoid making hyperactive expressions as these make your smile look artificial. Do not show an expression that looks as if a lot of effort has been put into it. The most beautiful smile is a natural one.

Following these tips, you will be able to get your smile ready for the wedding season. Your smile will be at its best, and you will look amazing in every single picture that will be clicked. If you wish to discuss about any specific dental problem, you can consult a specilized dentist and ask a free question.

3374 people found this helpful

Dr. Apoorv Mittal 90% (19 ratings)
BDS, Diploma in Hospital Administration, Diploma in Pharmacy
Dentist, Delhi
Prevent Dental Stains Without Chemicals

Do you wish your teeth were whiter? Some people have off-white teeth naturally, probably through their genetic inheritance. Others get stained teeth over time for a variety of reasons. If you would like to brighten your smile but don't want to put the time or money into commercially whitening them, here are a few suggestions for doing it on your own.

1. Limit your consumption of tea, which contains tannic acid. This substance can darken teeth gradually over time, as evidenced by the stains left in teacups used for serving this beverage. You also may want to cut back on cola products, which has a similar but lesser effect. Any foods with deep colors, like blueberries, can leave stains on your tooth enamel. So be sure to brush your teeth after eating foods like these.

2. Rinse your mouth after eating. For best results, try to rinse with water even after snacks, including pop or candy bars. This will prevent foods from sticking to or staying with your teeth, where they can adhere to the enamel and cause stains to appear gradually. At work, use the drinking fountain or bathroom sink for a quick rinse. The quicker you rinse, the better results you will have. Some people even carry small bottles of mouthwash for a quick gargle after lunch.

3. Brush your teeth at least twice a day. Morning and evening are the best times, or following two of your main meals. This will help to remove food bits that can cause discoloration or decay. You can use whitening toothpaste if you prefer, which will provide a low-key brightening effect on your teeth without the use of harsh chemicals or abrasive products. Ask your dentist to recommend a safe whitener for this purpose.

4. Ask about tetracycline substitutes. If you are prescribed tetracycline, a popular antibiotic, ask the doctor if there is a reasonable substitute, as tetracycline has been known to discolor patients' teeth, especially those who took it frequently or for prolonged periods of time. If you must take it, check with your dentist about how to combat the potential darkening effect it may have on your teeth. Other medications may have this effect, as well, so if tooth color is a problem, ask your doctor about the potential for discoloration for any prescription you receive, or simply inquire about those you should avoid.

Avoid Home Remedies For Tooth Whitening!

Dr. Puneet Kansal 89% (2090 ratings)
MDS - Orthodontics, BDS
Dentist, Meerut
Avoid Home Remedies For Tooth Whitening!

Frequently asked questions. As suggested by many clinicians does lemon and baking soda whiten teeth?

Baking soda and lemon juice are not a healthy way to whiten your teeth. Although the result may seem that your teeth are whiter you have actually eroded and abraded your teeth. Lemon juice is very acidic and will erode your teeth. Baking soda is very abrasive and will abrade your teeth. Together they can have a very destructive effect. Once enamel is lost, it is lost forever.

A healthier and more effective way to bleach your teeth is to do the in-office bleaching systems or the at home bleaching systems with bleaching trays. There is no way to know how much improvement you will get but you will see an improvement. Some over-the-counter whitening products can be effective if used as instructed.

A good way to keep your teeth white is to get your routine cleanings, minimize foods that can stain your teeth (coffee, tea, wine, soda etc.) and don't smoke. Also, you can use whitening toothpaste and keep the slurry that forms from brushing in your mouth for about 5 minutes. If done consistently for a few weeks you will notice an improvement.