Recognize white teeth

Teeth whitening is a procedure to brighten teeth by removing stains on the tooth surface.

Tooth discoloration is usually caused by drinks that leave stains, such as coffee, tea or wine. In addition, smoking, excessive use of fluoride, certain drugs such as tetracycline, dental injury due to collisions, or thinning of tooth enamel due to aging can cause discoloration of teeth. .

 

Indications of teeth whitening

Anyone who has yellow spots on their teeth can start whitening their teeth, especially patients who have healthy teeth and gums and do not have holes.
 

Teeth whitening warning
Certain conditions that cause teeth whitening procedures should not be performed, including:

• Age. Patients under the age of 16 are not recommended for teeth whitening because, until that age, tooth nerves continue to develop. Teeth whitening will make teeth more sensitive.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding. Pregnant women and nursing mothers do not have to undergo whitening procedures.
• Sensitive teeth. Patients with sensitive teeth or gums should consult a doctor before preparing teeth whitening.
• Allergies People who are allergic to peroxides are not advised to experience teeth whitening.
• Tooth and gum problems. Teeth whitening is not recommended for patients with cavities. Bleaching in the cavity can make the gums sensitive. Patients must improve their cavities before undergoing teeth whitening.
• Tooth restoration. Denture crowns or dental veneers cannot change color with teeth whitening, which can cause teeth to change color. It is recommended to whiten teeth 2 weeks before restoration, so that artificial teeth can be adjusted to the color of teeth whitened.

Before whitening teeth
There is no specific preparation before the teeth whitening procedure. Only the patient's teeth will be photographed for comparison before and after teeth whitening.
 

Procedure for whitening teeth

Teeth whitening procedures are usually performed by dentists at the following stages:

• The dentist will polish the surface of the teeth with pumice to remove plaque.
• The lips, gums, tongue and the inside of the cheeks will be protected with gauze, rubber and retractors (opening the oral cavity), so they are not exposed to bleach.
• Bleach is applied to the tooth surface. Bleach used can be based on hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide.
• The doctor will irradiate the teeth with ultraviolet light for 30 to 60 minutes to facilitate the whitening process.
• After that, the teeth will be cleaned with bleach and all protection will be removed.
• The doctor will also use fluoride on the teeth to reduce sensitivity.
• If you are not satisfied with the results, the patient can create a program to repeat the teeth whitening process.

After teeth whitening surgery

The effect of teeth whitening is not permanent. Here's what you can do to keep your teeth glowing:

• Avoid foods or drinks that can stain your teeth, such as coffee, tea, tomato sauce, juice, wine or candy.
• If you eat this food or drink, brush your teeth immediately.
• Quit smoking.
• Brush your teeth twice a day and use dental floss to remove food scraps.
• Use toothpaste that contains bleach once or twice a week and regular toothpaste to brush your teeth every day.
• Perform a dental check every 6 months. Examination should be carried out more systematically on smokers.

Side effects of teeth whitening

Teeth whitening can increase sensitivity and mild irritation to the soft tissues of the mouth, especially gums. However, this condition is only temporary and will disappear 1 to 3 days after teeth whitening. You can use potassium toothpaste (potassium nitrate) to reduce sensitivity to teeth and gums.

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