Is Teeth Whitener for You?

Who doesn't want a Hollywood smile? People have gone to great lengths to ensure their pearly whites stay that way. Some celebrity smiles are even worth millions of dollars. How do many celebrities make certain the paparazzi take nice, clean, mug shots? Tooth whitener is often the answer to that question. It can certainly work wonders. There is no denying that it has done the job for many, but what are the risks involved?

Generally the adult tooth is not so white as the teeth we grow at an early age. Unfortunately, this is often the effect time and nature will take on our teeth. Even non-smokers will not always have perfect teeth. Tooth enamel is 96% mineral. It's no surprise then that these minerals decide the color of our teeth. As we age, tooth enamel becomes less porous, and the color of our teeth begins to darken.

Tooth whitener may be an answer to yellow stained teeth, but again, there are risks.

Fortunately there are a couple primary methods to choose from. Unfortunately both ways have drawbacks. The first method is the fastest, and potentially the riskiest. Concerted hydrogen peroxide is used in bleaching teeth. This chemical is harmful to the gums, so a protective layer must be painted on them to prevent burns.

As I stated, there is an alternative to the painting. Hydrogen peroxide is still applied, but it does not yield results in as timely a fashion. Using a strip or mouth guard to hold the bleaching substance close to the teeth will prevent chemical burns. To show results the mouth guard, or strip, may sometimes have to remain on your teeth for two weeks. Your mouth can become irritated if your mouthpiece fails to fit in a satisfactory manner.

Those were the individual risks exclusive to each method. However there are risks to bleaching, in general, that both methods share. Most people may not be aware that over bleaching is a threat. The process can also backfire, and actually cause teeth to darken. In some cases allergic reactions occur.

Keep in mind also that bleaching does not reverse, or reduce tooth decay. Those suffering from tooth decay or infection may want to think twice about bleaching. It would be in everyone's best interest to consult a dentist before using either procedure. Everyone wants a winning smile, but this may not be the answer for some. It would be better to live with our natural smile, than to invite unnecessary hardship.