The Essentials of Teeth Whitening

A great get-up can easily be ruined by any facial imperfection. So, to compliment that designer outfit, you would skillfully apply that make-up to hide those scars and blemishes or go to the salon for a more professional help. However, no matter how good your make-up artist is, nothing can be done to hide teeth discoloration. At least, no cosmetic can be applied to instantly whiten teeth.

So why do teeth darken anyway? Here are some causes:

* Foods - Coffee, teas, wines, and colas have contents that stain the teeth. Reports also show that some fruits and vegetables, such as potatoes and apples discolor the teeth.

* Tobacco - The nicotine present in tobacco products leave a residue on the teeth.

* Disease - Certain infections tend to affect the enamel, which is the hard teeth surface, and the dentin, which is the material under the enamel.

* Medications - The use of tetracyclines and doxycycline antibiotics affects the bones and teeth, particularly of infants and young children. These antibiotics discolor the teeth. Some antihistamines (which are used during allergic reactions), antihypertensive and antipsychotic drugs, and mouthwashes containing chlorhexidine and cetylpyridinium chloride are also reported to cause teeth discolorations.

* Dental materials - Amalgams used in restorations leave a grayish coloration on the teeth due to the silver-sulfide materials contained in the preparation.

* Environment - Fluoride (when in excess) also causes discoloration of the teeth. Fluorides can be present in the water (fluoride levels can be high in some areas) and teeth care products. When in excess, these can affect the calcium that protects the teeth.

* Heredity - Genes also encode the thickness or the brightness of the enamel.

* Age - Advancing age strips off the white enamel layer, thus revealing the dentin's yellow color.

* Poor dental hygiene - Need we say more?

So, what if you are guilty or are exposed to any of these? Is there anything that can be done? Fret not, because there are several things that you could do to prevent it.

* If it is possible, minimize or eliminate you're your exposure to agents that discolor your teeth. You may now realize that quitting smoking or drinking coffee and cola drinks has more benefits than you those.

* Also, practice correct brushing and flossing techniques. Discoloration can be minimized if your teeth were cleaned properly. You should also see a dentist every six months for professional and advanced cleaning.

Now, you would ask, what if the problem is already there? What can be done to whiten my teeth again?

There are whitening toothpastes and over-the-counter whitening systems currently available in the market. These whitening kits can cost around $300-500. Just ask your local pharmacist for more information.

There are also in-office procedures that can be done by your dentist. These are called supervised whitening procedures and may be started in an office visit and the patient completes it at home. Sometimes, these procedures are done in the office entirely.

These options include:

* At-home bleaching kits - Where the trays are made in an office visit and the dentist gives the patient a suitable whitening preparation to be used for an hour or through the night. This is the most commonly used whitening procedure.

* Bonding - This is done during an office visit when a resin molding is placed onto the teeth to reshape them and change their color.

* Porcelain veneers - This would take two visits to the office where shell-like bondings are placed on the teeth to reshape and to whiten them.

Now, even if you are already familiar with the causes of teeth discoloration and the different teeth bleaching procedures, it is still important to consult your oral health care professional before deciding on what options to take to whiten your teeth.

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