Teeth Whitening Facts - the Basics

So you want a brighter smile do you? Well, at least you were born in the right century that's for sure! If you were unlucky enough to be born two thousand years ago during the reign of Roman emperor Caesar Augustus and wanted to brighten your smile, your friendly local Roman Cosmetic Dentist would be prescribing urine to brush your teeth with. That's right urine.

Don't ask me why, but it has something to do with ammonia molecules breaking down tooth stains. OK let's fast forward to the 21st century and be thankful.

Obtaining a brighter smile in the twenty first century is fast becoming a Dental art form. All kinds of products, both for the over-the-counter and in-office teeth whitening markets abound. Knowing a few basic facts about your teeth before plunking down up to $1,000 for the latest procedure is well worth your time and will help you achieve a whiter smile.

Know Thy Teeth and Thyself

You may think you know your teeth but alas only your Dentist knows for sure. Keeping your teeth nice and bright for the rest of your life requires that you understand the current condition of your teeth. A visit to your Dentist will let you know whether applying the latest products will have the desired effect.

Your Dentist will be able to look at the current staining on your teeth and let you know how effective the procedure will be. Yellowish stained teeth respond well to the whitening solution used in teeth whitening but brownish-colored teeth do not respond as well. Teeth with a grayish-hue or purplish-stain may not whiten at all.

If you have cavities they need to be filled before you start any treatment. That's because the whitening gel used can pass through the decayed areas and reach the inner parts of the tooth causing tooth sensitivity. If you have receding gums that is a problem. Whitening does not work on the exposed roots, caused by receding gums, which do not have an enamel layer.

Tooth-colored fillings and resin composites used in crowns, veneers, bonding and bridges do not whiten. This is important because using a lightening agent on teeth that both do and do not have restorations will result in uneven shading. If you have had any prior tooth restoration mentioned above your Dentist will help you develop the best strategy suited to your teeth.

Do you have sensitive teeth or gums? If you don't know, it is better to find out before applying the peroxide solution used to bleach your teeth. While the peroxide will not cause permanent tooth sensitivity it can be quite uncomfortable for some people. Also you want to make sure you are not allergic to the peroxide solution.

If you are under 16 years of age or pregnant wait awhile for your bright new smile. The tooth nerve is enlarged before the age of 16 and could cause sensitivity. Teeth whitening is not recommended for pregnant or lactating women.

Lastly, it is important to have realistic expectations. If you expect your teeth to light up a dark room you are setting your self up for a disappointment. Smokers need to be aware that smoking can inhibit their results, especially during the bleaching process.

These are just a few facts about your teeth you should be aware of before deciding what type of product best suits you or whether you should even have your teeth whitened.