Tooth Discoloration
Dental problems are one of the fastest-growing issues worldwide. According to a recent study, 10 out of 100 people suffer from tooth discoloration. Discoloring of teeth is believed to occur when you notice a perceptible stain or darkening in your teeth. It may be more evident in a tooth or affect the whole teeth making them appear pale, lined or spotted on the surface.
Types of tooth discoloration
Tooth discoloration can be categorized into two basic types:
Intrinsic or internal discoloration
This kind of tooth discoloration refers to changes in the color of the teeth that occur from within the tooth structure itself. Taking place inside the tooth, this type of discoloration causes an external pale appearance. The reason behind it can be aging, tooth injuries, some health conditions, certain medications, developmental disorders or excessive fluoride exposure during tooth development. Intrinsic discoloration affects the internal structure of the tooth and needs comprehensive dental interventions, such as bonding, veneers, or internal bleaching.
Extrinsic or external discoloration
Extrinsic discoloration is staining or discoloration on the outer surface of the teeth. Factors causing this discoloration can be the consumption of dark-colored foods and beverages (like coffee, tea, or red wine), smoking or tobacco use, poor oral hygiene and certain medications. It severely affects the tooth enamel and can be effectively treated with appropriate dental care and lifestyle modifications like regular dental cleanings, at-home teeth bleaching kits and improved oral hygiene habits.
Before opting for a home teeth whitening kit, it is essential to understand the type of discoloration and the underlying causes.
Understanding Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is a procedure performed by a dental hygiene expert to lighten the color of your teeth and remove stains. However, these days, you can easily find at-home teeth bleaching kits using which you can do it yourself at home.
Tooth whitening solutions contain peroxide-based bleaching agents that are applied to the teeth. These bleaching agents are effective on teeth but may not leave any results on porcelain crowns or tooth-colored composite bondings. With teeth whitening done by a professional, you can achieve faster results as the bleaching solution is usually much stronger than that in at-home kits. It might take 30 to 60 minutes for the procedure. The cost varies depending on the severity of the issue and the sittings required.
On the other hand, teeth whitening at home can be done by various methods. You may try a teeth whitening kit with UV light, teeth whitening strips and gels which can be directly applied to the teeth with a brush or a thin strip. These peroxide-based tooth bleaching products need to be used regularly for a few days usually once or twice a day to achieve the desired results. Results may last for four or more months. These products are available at affordable prices. When you have no time to visit a dentist or have mild tooth discoloration, you can try these products at the convenience of your home and get results after a few days of regular use.
More about home teeth bleaching kits
Home teeth bleaching kits with UV are easily available at pharmacies and online stores. These kits typically consist of a whitening gel or solution. This gel can be easily applied to the teeth using a custom-fit mouth tray that comes along with a UV light device. A small amount of the whitening gel is applied to the trays, which are then inserted into the mouth and activated with the UV light. The UV light accelerates the whitening process by breaking down stains and discoloration on the teeth's surface.
How it works
Most pure white teeth whitening kits include a number of components:
- A rechargeable UV whitening device
- A whitening gel
- A syringe for the whitening gel
- A gel for after-use
- User manual
- A shade card
- A pouch to hold all of these components
The whitening gel is a clinically proven formula developed using dental grade ingredients. It is composed of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), which is released in the form of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. Carbamide peroxide releases hydrogen peroxide when it comes in contact with water. Chromogens are composed of metal compounds that are responsible for tooth staining.
With the help of the syringe provided in the pack, a thin layer of this gel can be easily applied over the whitening device. Afterward, the whitening device is worn over the teeth like veneers and switched on to activate the UV light beam. This accelerates the whitening process. While wearing this device, the wearer is free to do anything, even take a nap. After the recommended time, the device is taken off and the gel for after-use is applied over the teeth. In a few minutes, you can rinse it off and you are ready for the day. All of the constituents can be easily carried in a kit.
Advantages of using home teeth bleaching kits
Teeth whitening kits for home use are designed for the convenience of the users. These are small and compact kits which are easy to carry. The UV light enhances the performance of the whitening gel, helping to achieve faster and more noticeable results. The UV light used in these kits is typically LED-based and emits a safe wavelength of light that is suitable for dental use.
As you bring home a teeth whitening kit with UV light, it is essential to go through the instructions provided with the kit carefully before your first attempt. You can consult with a dentist if you have any concerns or questions.
While there are various other products that can be used for home-based teeth whitening such as toothpastes, mouthwash liquids and whitening strips, a teeth whitening kit with UV light is believed to produce much better, faster and long-lasting results. For low to mild tooth discoloration, these can produce lasting results. These are convenient to use and results can be seen in 5 to 7 days of use.
Keeping your teeth white naturally
While teeth whitening products are effective, nothing can beat the natural shine of your teeth. To keep your teeth’s natural shine and color intact, it is essential to adopt good oral hygiene practices and make lifestyle choices that promote dental health.
Here are some tips to help maintain healthy white teeth naturally:
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day. Floss daily to remove plaque and prevent the build-up of stains. Use a fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently clean your teeth and gums.
- Reduce your intake of drinks like coffee, tea, red wine and dark-colored fruits like berries as these can stain your teeth.
- Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables and dairy products. These not only strengthen your teeth but also help clean your teeth naturally.
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Water helps rinse away food particles and neutralize acids that can weaken tooth enamel and cause staining.
- Avoid smoking or chewing tobacco as these can stain your teeth and increase the risk of gum disease and oral cancer.
By incorporating these habits into your daily routine, you can help keep your teeth white naturally and maintain a healthy, bright smile for years to come.
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1 comment
Thanks! Helps a lot!