About Teeth Bleaching

Many are obsessed with beauty today, and one area that is becoming increasingly important on the beauty scene is the mouth. Teeth bleaching products are flying off of the shelves as image conscious people are trying to attain a truly dazzling smile. Are these products safe and effective, however? Is there any danger to using them regularly?

History

Teeth whitening products entered the dental scene with the invention of the first toothpastes. Romans used human urine to make a paste to clean the teeth, and the ammonia in the urine whiten the teeth. In early American history, barbers would whiten teeth by filing them down and then dab them with nitric acid to destroy the enamel. The teeth bleaching systems we know of today were introduced in the 1980s. The first bleaching systems used bleaching lights, whereas today's bleaching systems lighten the color of the teeth by placing chemicals directly on the surface of the teeth.

Function

Today's teeth bleaching systems usually use either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide in a gel form. The gel is applied to the teeth, where the active ingredient breaks down into radical hydroxyl ions and water. The radical hydroxyl ions are able to penetrate the tooth enamel and attach to stain particles inside the tooth. Once attached, the ions break apart the stains, giving teeth a whiter appearance.

Types

Today there are many teeth bleaching options available. Over the counter products include tooth whitening strips and gels that you paint onto your teeth. These have a low dose of the basic peroxide gel and lighten teeth up to two shades. The most effective products are those you get from your dentist. These come in either in-office or at-home versions. An in-office teeth bleaching system starts with peroxide agents applied directly to your teeth. Your dentist then activates those agents with a light source, such as a laser. At-home professional whitening products require you to put a peroxide gel into a fitted mouth tray and wear it overnight.

Effects

If you have terribly stained teeth and are looking for dazzling pearly whites, you are going to be disappointed. There are limits as to the amount of whitening that any teeth bleaching system can provide. Over the counter models only lighten teeth one to two shades. Professional bleaching methods may be able to lighten teeth further, but you may not achieve the level of whiteness that you want. Also, teeth bleaching systems do not work on artificial teeth or fillings.

Considerations

Teeth bleaching is generally considered a safe practice, but you may experience some discomfort around your teeth and gums just after having the procedure done. Some patients who have professional teeth whitening done experience "zingers," which are short but intense periods of pain in the teeth. Research indicates that there is no permanent damage done to your teeth, including the enamel, with proper use of teeth bleaching systems.

Warning

These products are safe to use as long as you follow dosing instructions and do not exceed the recommended number of uses. Researchers are still not sure about how dangerous the chemicals in the teeth bleaching systems are with extended use. Proper use is two weeks with an over the counter system or one session with the dentist's method, and these can be done just one or two times a year. Overusing these products can cause intense pain in the teeth and gums.