As with other parts of our body, the passing of the years is also reflected in our teeth and the acquisition of certain habits or certain specific circumstances throughout our lives leaves its mark on them. Even so, most people do not resign to this, but instead, try to find ways to improve their smile. Most people always want to have a smile that is as perfect and white as possible. A well-cared-for mouth will always make us feel better about ourselves, eliminating those complexes that make us cover it with our hand on so many occasions or avoid offering others a wide smile that they deserve. This prompts many people to consider the option of receiving a dental whitening treatment and, during this period of reflection, it is common for them to ask themselves if it is a safe procedure and if their teeth will not suffer any damage due to it. However, before considering the procedure, there are some questions that must be answered.
Why Do Teeth Darken and Stain?
As any Gainesville dentist may tell you, the darkening and staining of teeth can have various origins. In a natural way, these are yellowing as a result of the wear and tear of the enamel, and that the dentin acquires more orange tones. However, throughout our lives, many of us carry out actions and bad habits that contribute to losing the original white of our teeth. Certain eating habits, such as the daily and frequent consumption of coffee can be a cause. Consuming certain fruits such as pomegranates or blueberries, tea, red wine or cola drinks can permeate the surface of the teeth, which due to their porous texture is more prone to the pigments of these foods stain it. Acidic foods and drinks accelerate the wear of tooth enamel. Smoking, always detrimental to general and oral health, also contributes to the loss of whiteness of your teeth.
The intake of some medications, such as tetracycline or doxycycline antibiotics in dental development phases, as well as chlorhexidine mouthwashes in adults, can cause stains to appear on the teeth. Too much fluoride (fluorosis) can also lead to discoloration of the teeth. Special mention should be made of the necrosis of the dental pulp, which normally appears as a result of trauma to the tooth and ends up blackening it from the inside.
Types of Teeth Whitening
When it comes to whitening teeth, certain whitening techniques can be carried out on the external face of the tooth or on the internal area of the tooth, the latter being made after performing a root canal. The external teeth whitening that is usually done in dental clinics is based on the use of splints on which a small amount of whitening gel is applied. This treatment will require the full collaboration of the patient, who must follow exactly the instructions.
In cases where this type of treatment is not sufficient, whitening treatment will be applied consisting of irradiating the teeth using a cold LED lamp, a process called photoactivation whitening. Internal tooth whitening is also carried out within the dental clinic. This type of whitening is very common in cases of pulp necrosis, as well as in situations in which the tooth has suffered severe infection, usually after the necessary endodontic treatment has been performed.
Conclusion
If you are considering teeth whitening, it is best to go to a Gainesville dentist that has experience in improving your smile and takes pleasure in doing so. The best thing to do is to call and make an appointment and do not be afraid to ask questions when necessary.