Want to flaunt your smile? This treatment could help

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Want to flaunt your smile? This treatment could help

The beauty ritual of teeth whitening is topping the popularity charts, writes Injeel Moti

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Published: Thu 15 Nov 2018, 11:00 PM

Last updated: Fri 16 Nov 2018, 1:00 AM

When it comes to getting a dazzling smile, teeth whitening is a must. The current rise and rise of teeth whitening procedures - both DIY and otherwise - is testament to that. Before you walk down the 'pearly whites' route though, there are a couple of things to keep in mind.
How does teeth whitening work?
Our teeth are normally pale grey or yellow, not bright white. These shades slowly deepen over time as our enamel thins, revealing the less-white layer of dentin beneath. Plus, the things we eat and drink everyday - like coffee, grape juice and even soy sauce - can leave stains behind. Whiteners use bleaching chemicals to get down into the tooth enamel and set off a chemical reaction (specifically, an oxidation reaction) that breaks apart the staining compounds.
Most teeth whiteners use one of two chemical agents: carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide (the same stuff that will bleach your hair). When used in the mouth, carbamide peroxide breaks down into hydrogen peroxide and urea, with hydrogen peroxide being the active whitening ingredient.
What are the options?
There are numerous options available when it comes to whitening teeth - from bleaching kits and toothpastes, to in-chair treatments and holistic remedies. However, it is important to remember that before trying anything, patients should ensure that the treatment they're considering is safe, approved and conducted correctly in a clinical environment.
Is teeth whitening suitable for all?
For a vast majority of people, whitening can work really well and the results will show significant improvement. However, there are some instances where patients aren't suitable for treatment. Teeth whitening can then lead to temporary sensitivity to temperature, pressure and touch. Also, those with dental restorations, such as crowns or bridges, porcelain veneers, cosmetic bonding or tooth-coloured fillings, will find that the bleaching agents won't work on all their teeth.
How long does whitening last?
Whatever whitening system you settle for, keep in mind the effects won't last forever. It's only a matter of time - whether months or weeks - before your teeth will be ready for a touch-up. The duration depends on the type of treatment you opt for: simply improving your brushing technique or getting a professional cleaning (the general recommendation is every six months) will leave you with noticeably whiter teeth.
Home remedies
There are other ways you can get pearly whites in the comfort of your home. Try out homemade whitening formulas with lemon juice, baking soda or crushed strawberries. To keep your teeth white without paying for it, brush soon after consuming stain culprits like coffee, tea or blueberry pie. Try adding dairy or soy milk to your tea or coffee instead of taking it black. And if you smoke, now is a good time to quit: stains caused by cigarettes are almost impossible to remove.
wknd@khaleejtimes.com
 


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