Teeth Whitening

Millions of Americans have discolored teeth and want to have whiter teeth and brighter smiles. When dental professionals ask people what they would most like to do to improve their smile, the most common answer is whitening their teeth.

Understanding tooth whitening requires understanding tooth coloring first. There are two basic types of coloring that affect your teeth and your smile!

Exogenous staining is found on tooth surfaces. Causes include:

tobacco products

Food and beverages such as strawberries, coffee, tea and wine

Tartar (forms when plaque adheres to the surface of teeth for a long time)

Endogenous staining occurs below the surface and is not easily removed. Such staining can become part of the tooth and can be caused by:

age

Excessive use of fluoride

Certain medicines taken during tooth development

Tooth damage

How to use teeth whitening products to make teeth whiter? Just as tooth staining and discoloration can be caused by several causes, there are several solutions. Optional tooth-whitening products include whitening toothpastes that contain soft abrasives that remove stains from the surface of your teeth while brushing, making your teeth whiter. Some toothpastes also contain hydrogen peroxide or phosphates to help remove and prevent tooth staining. The soothing foam effect of whitening mouthwashes is harmless to the teeth, prevents tooth staining, and can reach hard-to-reach areas of the mouth, so using these mouthwashes is also recommended. At-home bleaching kits bleach your teeth using sticks or whitening gels and trays to effectively whiten your enamel. In-office bleaching often requires a visit to the dental office to have the teeth bleached – the bleaching procedure can be improved with the help of specialized lamps or lasers.