Looking for a whiter, brighter smile? 525 Dental can help you!

 

Why are my teeth discolouring?

Age, genetics, diet, smoking and certain types of foods or beverages can discolour teeth. Over time enamel takes a hit becoming more transparent and allowing the yellow/brown dentin to shine through.  Although we don’t have the magic to reverse aging or change our genes, there are products and ways to whiten teeth.

 

Which products are best for my teeth?

There are 2 types of stains: intrinsic and extrinsic. Intrinsic staining is deep discolouration within a tooth. This can happen with poor oral hygiene, ingestion of too much fluoride and in some cases antibiotics taken at a young age during adult tooth formation. Intrinsic stain is difficult to lighten but you can see results.

Extrinsic staining is surface stain caused by diet, tobacco use, etc. Extrinsic is easier to whiten, however, if this stain is left too long on your enamel it can turn into intrinsic staining.

Whitening gels (whitening strips/office fabricated trays/professional in-office whitening) contain peroxide agents that cause an oxidation chemical reaction inside the tooth. This reaction removes surface and internal staining. In-office trays can whiten your teeth by 3-7 shades and has a longer lasting effect.

Whitening toothpastes contain abrasive particles that remove extrinsic stain. This method is not recommended for daily use but can be introduced in your oral hygiene regime a few times a week. On average, toothpastes can lighten your teeth 1-3 shades. Ask your dental professional which toothpastes have the least abrasive particles and are safest for your teeth.

 

Is whitening safe for my teeth?

Yes. Whitening your teeth is safe when done correctly. It is not recommended to whiten on a daily basis for a long period of time. Toothpastes can cause tissue irritation and the peroxide gels can thin enamel if used on a consistent basis.

The main side effect of tooth whitening is sensitivity. Using a sensitivity tooth paste can help alleviate the pain. Whitening is not recommended for everyone but the staff at 525 Dental can assess your teeth to see if you are a good candidate.

Call 525 Dental to book your next appointment!