Teeth Whitening

Cosmetic dentistry has become more popular and an increasing number of people have become more interested in visiting the dentist to enquire about how they can enhance the appearance of their smile.

According to a current survey conducted by RealSelf, 40% of Britons desire to enhance their teeth via Invisalign, veneers, or whitening. In the light of this information, it is pertinent to expound that there still remain a lot of myths regarding tooth whitening.

In this post, we are delighted to distinguish fact from myth, as well as enlighten you more on teeth whitening.

10 interesting facts about teeth whitening

1. Do you know that you can maintain a white teeth by reducing the quantity of teeth staining food and drinks that you consume? Additionally, you can prevent staining and discolouration when you avoid smoking.
2. Over-the-counter teeth whitening products that you can purchase in the UK are legally required to contain just 0.1% hydrogen peroxide.
3. In the United Kingdom and European Union, only a dentist is legally allowed to perform tooth whitening. This means that having your teeth whitened in whitening kiosks, or by beauticians, is a legal offence. The effects include exposure to harmful chemicals that can result in long-term damage to the gums and teeth.
4. It is widely believed that whitening effects will last as long as 3 years. However, the factis that the result varies from individual to individual. For instance, when a person smokes or consumes strongly-coloured food or drinks, it is most likely that the whitening effects will last relatively shorter. Thus, it is still important to maintain good oral hygiene even after tooth whitening.
5. The most popular tooth whitening method is professional bleaching. It has the potential to brighten your teeth from their natural colour. Carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide are usually the 'active ingredient' in the gel. When the active ingredient gets broken down, oxygen makes its way into the teeth enamel, and the colour of the teeth becomes lighter.
6. Do you know that the genetic makeup and natural shade of a person's teeth, regardless of their stains, are set from birth? Therefore, all a whitening gel does is to get rid of all the stains that may have piled up over time.
7. The failure or negligence to remove plaque regularly by flossing and brushing, will cause it to harden and form calculus. Also known as tartar, calculus also affects the colouration of one's teeth.
8. In addition to the several factors that affect the whiteness of the teeth, smoking, as well as foods and drinks such as red wine, coffee, tea etc., can cause teeth discolouration over time. You should also know that genetics also plays a role in influencing teeth brightness.
9. Tooth whitening only lightens your existing tooth colour. It may not be able to remove deep stains.
10. Certain individuals experience staining below the surface. A primary cause of this is certain antibiotics or the presence of tiny cracks in the teeth which accumulate stains.

The best 3 teeth whitening tips

1. Never buy overseas teeth whitening products

Regardless of how tempting the prices might be, always resist the urge to buy tooth whitening products from overseas. This is because you can't be sure of the quality of the product ingredients, and this poses a risk to your safety. The most recommended way to ascertain that any tooth whitening product is safe is to first of all consult with your dentist.

2. Be in sync with your dentist

The most reliable source of information in terms of tooth whitening is your dentist. Asides from the obvious reasons being that they are licensed and highly-qualified to execute treatment plans, they are also well equipped to identify your specific dental needs. When you visit a dentist, you can be treated with 6% hydrogen peroxide (the primary bleaching ingredient that facilitates teeth whitening) - which is almost 6,000 times more effective than any tooth whitening product you can purchase over the counter. This is why tooth whitening by a dentist achieves the best teeth lightening results.

3. Don't be a lawbreaker

It is a legal offence to allow anyone other than a hygienist, dentist or other licensed dental professionals to carry out tooth whitening procedures. Any beautician that claims to be providing tooth whitening services is actually a law breaker. And you would also be breaking the law if you patronise such unlicensed people. The benefit of having your teeth whitened by a qualified dental expert is that you are guaranteed to get a proper quality service, carried out within the stipulated guidelines of the law.

When carried out devoid of due process, tooth whitening may have severe long-term consequences. It is therefore advisable that you have your professional teeth whitening done by qualified dental experts so as to avoid cases of permanent scarring, significant chemical burns, and in the worst event, affect eating ability and even breathing.

If you are residing or visiting in London, you can visit here for the best tooth whitening experience.