Who do you turn to when the colour of your teeth just doesn't cut it?
Article Source: HealthSnare.com
There are plenty of teeth whitening products available on the market at the moment. But how do you know which of these products is really effective and are any of them going to work as well as professional treatments at a dentist?
Why whiten your teeth?
People may choose to whiten their teeth for many reasons; teeth can become stained by different types of food and drink, such as tea, coffee or red wine, smoking can turn teeth yellow or they just change colour as time goes on. There is a lot of pressure from magazines and the media for people to have perfect white teeth and a dazzling smile, which helps explain the popularity of these home whitening kits.
Whitening toothpastes
Toothpastes that claim to whiten your teeth are really only effective at removing staining, from food and drink. It is very unlikely that it will actually affect the colour of your teeth and make your smile brighter. If all you need is something to remove superficial staining, then buy a good brand with an accreditation from the British Dental Health Foundation.
Teeth whitening kits
The same goes for teeth whitening kits; any brand that has been satisfactorily tested for safety and effectiveness will have the same British Dental Health Foundation logo on the box. Never buy kits over the internet as they may contain abrasive ingredients that could actually damage your teeth. Starting a process like this is a big decision and if you are planning to do it, make sure you consult with your dentist first to check he has no concerns about you using these products.
It is unlikely that home kits will work as well as professional treatment as many kits sold in the UK don't contain enough of the actual whitening product to be properly effective. Go to the dentist surgery for treatment and you have a better chance of the process working effectively.
Candidate for teeth whitening
Unfortunately, the treatment is considered cosmetic and is not available on the NHS. You'll find the price may vary from practice to practice when going private so shop around for the best price and get an estimate in writing. Consult with the dentist first to see if you are a good case for teeth whitening, rather than spending money that you don't really need. The process involves the application of the whitening product, usually hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, onto the teeth, while the gums are protected with a rubber shield. The treatment will be started at the dentist, but you need to carry on the work, applying the product regularly over a period of up to four weeks. A quicker, but more expensive treatment, involves having a chemical painted onto your teeth which is then activated by having a laser shone on it. It is possible for a colour change to occur more quickly with this procedure.
The effects of both of these procedures are not permanent. Teeth will become stained by tea and coffee again over time. It is possible that you may experience side effects after the treatment, such as increased sensitivity, a sore throat or painful gums. Consult your dentist if any of these affect you.
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Jackie Boy
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Date: Sun, 7 Nov 2010 Time: 5:15 PM
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