Dental staining occurs as a result of many different reasons; drinking excess coffee, tea or red wine and smoking are the most common causes. This is because such elements contain chromogens, which are highly pigmented molecules that can attach to the enamel and cause staining, also known as extrinsic stains. Extrinsic stains can be removed with a good dental hygiene routine or a scale-and-polish with your hygienist. You may wish to get a dental whitening toothpaste that usually consists of mild abrasives that scrub the enamel and remove stains from the teeth.
If you have poor oral hygiene or avoid dental checkups for long periods, then the stains could become stubborn. To address stubborn stains, you will need to speak to your dentist in London. Your dentist in London will be able to offer you dental whitening. Dental whitening can be performed using hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide. Carbamide peroxide becomes hydrogen peroxide when applied to the surface of your teeth and works in the same way as a bleaching agent. Hydrogen peroxide is a strong oxidising bleaching agent that can break up stain molecules into smaller, less pigmented ones. It is an effective way of removing extrinsic stains from the teeth.
Dental whitening at the dentist or home?
Dental whitening can be carried out by your dentist or in the comfort of your own home using safe concentrations of hydrogen and carbon peroxide. At the dental practice, your dentist will use a higher concentration of bleaching agents as they are applied to your teeth for a short time. However, at-home treatment kits contain lower concentrations of the bleaching agent and can be used overnight so that they work whilst you sleep. Both treatments are safe and effective for dental whitening. Your dentist will provide you with a custom tray for you to apply the dental whitening gel, and this will fit in your mouth accurately for comfort and excellent aesthetic results.
Over-the-counter dental whitening
Over-the-counter dental whitening kits come with a standard tray, which will not fit your teeth accurately; therefore, they are not very effective. You may also be able to purchase dental whitening strips over the counter, but again, they may not be effective either. If you purchase dental whitening products without your dentist’s advice, then you may experience sensitivity and even damage the enamel of your teeth or irritate your gum. It is important to speak to your dentist to make sure that dental whitening is suitable for you.
Dental whitening is suitable for patients of all ages; however, it is important to remember that the treatment will not work on intrinsic stains. Intrinsic stains affect the dentin of your teeth; the dentin becomes naturally darker with age, and other factors such as tooth decay, certain illnesses or medications or injury to the mouth can stain the dentin and affect the colour of the entire tooth. If you are affected by intrinsic stains, then you need to speak to your dentist and find out about composite bonding or veneers to whiten your teeth. Your dentist will be able to help you decide on the right option.
