Americans love a white smile, and, increasingly, we're using teeth whitening treatments to get one. Teeth whitening treatments are now the number one requested cosmetic dental procedure, having increased more than 300% since 1996-that's incredible!
At-home teeth whitening treatments have become increasingly popular as well. An array of over-the-counter tooth bleaching kits can be found in most any drugstore, discount store, or even grocery store.
But there's such a thing as too much of a good thing. While most would stop short of calling it an addiction, dentists say some people do overdo it in the quest for the perfect smile.
It's another way that competition has found its way into society-we have to keep up with the teeth of those around us! Some people look like they just glow in the dark.
There are two main types of home teeth-whitening products: whitening strips, and tray-based systems. Most are meant to be used over a two- to four-week period.
And how long does the whitening effect last? After completing the initial teeth whitening treatment, whether in a dentist's office or using an at-home product, a once-a-month touch-up is probably sufficient.
People who smoke and drink dark liquids such as tea and coffee might need an update every two weeks. Your own pearly whites are the best way to tell whether you're overusing teeth whitening products.
Signs that you may be over whitening your teeth are an excessive sensitivity of the teeth, especially to cold items, and redness, irritation, and bleeding in the gums. Another sign is if your teeth may start to appear translucent or blotchy.
Keep in mind that sensitivity alone doesn't necessarily mean you're overdoing it. About a third of users experience some sensitivity, which goes away in a day or so.
After you wear products such as Crest Whitestrips for the recommended half-hour time period, virtually all the peroxide is gone from the strip. A professional dentist who has done more than one hundred studies on Whitestrips, points out that there has been no evidence of any large-scale abuse or negative effects from people doing at-home teeth whitening.
If you're considering using a tooth whitening product containing bleaches, the American Dental Association recommends that you see your dentist first. Experts say it's important to talk with a dentist about the reason for any tooth discoloration, whether you're a good candidate for bleaching (which depends in part on your dental health), and how quickly your teeth will change.
It's also important to have realistic expectations. Some people get these glow-in-the-dark teeth because their teeth will go that far.
But some people's teeth won't go that far. You have to expect that you won't necessarily turn out like Julia Roberts, because you don't necessarily have the teeth for it.
And how white is white enough? The general guideline is that your teeth are white when they're the color of the whites of your eyes.
If they get a lot whiter than that, your teeth stand out like the teeth in a Cheshire cat. Because the peroxide in teeth whiteners adds a "sparkle" to teeth immediately after the treatment, it is recommended that people wait two weeks until after they've finished the teeth whitening process to see how effective it really was.
It is recommended that you use desensitizing toothpaste before and after using teeth whitening products. Get your teeth cleaned before starting teeth whitening.
Don't use teeth whitening products when pregnant. Since they haven't been tested on pregnant women, the danger level is uncertain.
Don't use tooth bleaching products if you have crowns, veneers, or bridges. These restorations do not lighten, so you could end up with unevenly colored teeth.
A few groups, like people who used tetracycline as young children, may need more teeth whitening than normal, such as six months of continuous daily use. Carefully follow the directions and recommendations on any teeth whitening products you use.
To help your newly white teeth stay that way longer, avoid stain-causing food and drinks. Also, follow good oral hygiene practices.
If you experience tooth sensitivity after whitening treatments, stop, and wait for the sensitivity to disappear. You can then resume the teeth whitening, but for less time or with a lower-strength product.
Author Resource:-
Ronald Pedactor is a former dental assistant and has authored hundreds of articles relating to oral health. He worked for a cosmetic dentist in South Carolina before becoming a guest dental lecturer for the past 15 years.
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