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Tooth whitening was discovered about eighty years ago as a
side effect of a product that decreased inflammation and bleeding after
gum surgery. In 1989, the American Dental Association approved the first
whitening product for consumers. Today there are over 70 such products
available.
There are two major types of stain: intrinsic and extrinsic.
Intrinsic stains result from a change in the internal colour of the tooth
caused by agents such as fluorosis, the antibiotic tetracycline, or from
trauma to the tooth. Extrinsic stains result from repeated exposure to
substances such as coffee, tea, and cigarettes and affect only the surface
of the tooth. Our teeth also become more susceptible to staining as we age.
Whiteners contain carbamide, peroxide, carbapol, and water.
These ingredients release oxygen molecules to break up the chains of protein
that comprise tooth stains. As a result, light travels through the dispersed
protein links and makes the teeth look whiter.
Many over-the-counter products don't have enough water in
them, which leads to premature dehydration of the tooth and increased sensitivity.
Problems can also result when whitening does not take place under
dental supervision. For example, if you allow the whitening agent to sit on a
portion of the tooth called the dentin, containing 40,000 nerve endings per
cubic millimetre, the tooth will become more sensitive. In addition, if you
ingest the whitening gel, it can lead to digestive problems. If you taste
whitening agent flavouring, this is actually a warning that you are ingesting the product.
There are many advantages. For example, he or she will determine
the cause of the stain and select the safest treatment, bearing in mind any
cavities or other problems that could complicate the whitening process. Instead
of the one-size-fits-all approach of over-the-counter products, your dentist
will ensure that the whitening product is applied using a tray that is customized
for your teeth. This customized delivery prevents sensitivity as well as ingestion
of the chemicals in the whitening gel.
In addition, your dentist will choose the optimum length of time
for your treatment so you avoid over-whitening, which can change the composition
of the teeth and lead to their breakdown. Finally, certain parts of your teeth
may whiten more or less than you hoped — only your dentist can give you a
realistic idea of what to expect.
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