Learn All About Teeth Whitening

What Causes Tooth Stains?

• Smoking or using tobacco products
• Certain antibiotics
• High fever as a child
• Certain medications and medical conditions
• Ingesting too much fluoride as a child
• Certain foods and beverages such as coffee, tea and red wine
• Build-up of plaque and tartar on the teeth surfaces

How Does Whitening Work? 

There are two types of tooth staining, extrinsic (on the outer layer of the teeth) and intrinsic (on the inside of the teeth.) Extrinsic staining can be cleaned off at your regular dental appointments and sometimes with a toothbrush and slightly abrasive toothpaste. Intrinsic staining requires the help of whitening products to remove. Whitening products all contain a whitening agent, such as carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide, which can travel through the microscopic channels in the enamel of the teeth to brighten the internal shade. 

Types of Whitening Products 

There are several options for whitening treatment. Whitening can be completed in a dental office at a more potent concentration, such as 15-35% hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, using a high-intensity light to speed up the whitening gel’s action. There are also whitening trays, both professionally made and over the counter, which can be used at home that contains a slightly lower concentration of the whitening agent, such as 10-20%. Talk with your dentist about which option will work best for you.  

Important Info 

• Make sure to use sensitivity toothpaste for at least two weeks before and two weeks after a teeth whitening procedure 
• Do not over whiten your teeth, or you could cause tooth sensitivity, follow the instructions for use 
• Teeth whitening isn’t recommended for those with cavities, gum disease, tooth abrasion or outstanding restorative treatment 
• Whitening treatment should be reserved for after braces or aligner treatment, as the brackets and attachments create uneven results 

If you are interested in whitening treatment, we encourage you to contact us today to schedule an appointment to discuss which treatment option will work best for your individual needs.