Teeth whitening is a popular procedure to provide whiter teeth associated with health and confidence. However, it is not a newly discovered procedure and has been around for centuries.
This blog explores lesser-known and interesting teeth-whitening facts that will impress you and help you make factually correct decisions about enhancing your smile.
The History of Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is not a modern practice but an ancient one. Its roots have been found in Ancient Egypt, where people used a mixture of pumice stone grounds and vinegar to achieve white teeth. In Ancient Rome, the Romans used urine as a bleaching agent due to its ammonia content.
In the 17th century, barbers filed teeth and used a mild bleaching agent to whiten them. However, this caused severe enamel damage, which caused sensitivity.
After centuries of intense practice, the 20th century witnessed the development of modern teeth whitening, which uses medical-grade ingredients and safety measures for optimal results.
How Teeth Whitening Works
Peroxide-based bleaching agents, such as hydrogen and carbamide peroxide, are used in teeth whitening procedures. These bleaching agents penetrate the enamel and remove the molecules causing tooth discoloration. These molecules, called chromogens, settle under the enamel to cause stains on the teeth. Bleach oxidizes these molecules, removing their color and making them look brighter.
Not All Stains Are the Same
The types of stains on your teeth are not all the same. Two types of stains affect the teeth: extrinsic and intrinsic. Extrinsic stains are stains on the external surface of the teeth, mostly caused by foods and drinks, and can be treated using most whitening treatments. Intrinsic stains occur within the teeth and are often caused by aging, medicines, and extreme fluoride exposure. These stains need higher-level treatments such as high-concentration bleaching agents or alternative procedures like bonding or veneers.
Knowing the type of stain on your teeth can help determine what treatment you require and what to expect during the treatment.
The Role of Genetics in Tooth Color
Genetics plays an important role in determining your natural tooth color, which affects your response to teeth whitening treatments. Genetics also impact the type of your enamel. If your enamel is thick, you are more likely to have whiter-looking teeth, whereas thinner enamel can appear yellowish. Understanding your genetics is important to understanding the intensity of treatment you might need and what results to expect.
Teeth Whitening Myths Debunked
Many myths are associated with teeth whitening, which stops many people from getting their teeth polished professionally. One of them is that teeth whitening damages teeth enamel. The truth is that if teeth whitening is done correctly, it does not hurt the enamel due to modernisation of practices.
Another myth is that teeth whitening is a permanent procedure. However, teeth whitening results do fade over time, mostly due to food and beverages.
Also, it is said that teeth whitening provides a bright, white shade, whereas the results of tooth whitening depend on your natural tooth color. Debunking these myths can help you gain a clearer idea of teeth whitening and make informed decisions.
Natural vs. Professional Whitening: What You Should Know
People have considered natural teeth-whitening methods such as baking soda, oil pulling, and activated charcoal. While they are less effective than professional whitening, they still offer some benefits.
Home remedies are a great, natural way to remove surface stains and get white teeth, but the abrasiveness often causes enamel wear and sensitivity.
On the other hand, professional treatments use controlled methods to break down stains and polish teeth without hurting enamel. If you need whiter teeth with significant results, professional cleaning is a better option as it provides better results safely.
The Impact of Diet on Whitening Results
The food and drinks you consume deeply impact your teeth color. Coffee, wine, berries, and similar items have natural colors that are often caught in the teeth's enamel, causing staining and discoloration. If you consume such foods after teeth whitening, your teeth are more likely to be stained. This is because your enamel is more susceptible to these chromogens due to the bleaching agents.
To avoid staining teeth after teeth whitening or, in general, avoid such foods and instead consume dairy and celery to promote clean, bright teeth.
The Longevity of Teeth Whitening Results
The longevity of teeth whitening depends on factors such as lifestyle habits, oral hygiene, and diet. Normally, teeth whitening results can last from 6 months to a year, which may differ from person to person. Good oral hygiene is also required to maintain teeth whitening results. Thus, the results must be kept after the procedure to prevent reversal.
Conclusion
Many things about teeth whitening need to be discovered and correctly conceptualized. These interesting facts about teeth whitening are facts about the scientifically and factually proven procedure, defying myths surrounding it. It is important to consider these facts before opting for teeth whitening procedures and following the recommendations after whitening to get the best possible results.
At Ace Dental Implant Clinic, we make Teeth Whitening in Mulund East easier, so book an appointment now.