Teeth whitening can give you a feeling of confidence in your looks and help to improve your outlook on life. Many people believe that teeth whitening is only cosmetic, but it is less well-known that teeth whitening also has beneficial effects on your overall health.
Dr. Frank Roach, a dentist from Atlanta, explains how investing in your dental health and in your smile can make a difference in your overall health and happiness.
Better Appearance
There are two types of tooth discoloration: extrinsic and intrinsic. Extrinsic tooth discoloration happens when a person eats or drinks things that stain the teeth.
Teeth can also be stained by smoking or using tobacco in other forms. Whitening toothpaste may do some good, but frequently, better results can be achieved with professional bleaching.
The Process of Teeth Whitening
While there are over-the-counter solutions available, it is safer to visit your dentist for teeth whitening. The chemicals used are strong, and you may develop unwanted sensitivity if you do not use them properly. Having your teeth whitened professionally the first time will prevent you from wasting money on multiple rounds of over-the-counter whitening.
The process of teeth whitening has developed a great deal in recent years. Whitening is most effective on yellow stains, and it may not have the best results on brown or gray discoloration.
During your whitening appointment, the dentist will set you up with a lip retractor. This is a simple piece of equipment that will help you keep your lips away from your teeth during the treatment.
The dentist will cover the gums around your front teeth with gel and harden it with a strong light. This is called a gingival barrier, and it prevents your gums from the whitening chemicals. You may also receive a compound that will help prevent excessive tooth sensitivity.
To whiten your teeth, the dentist will apply a gel made of 15 to 35 percent hydrogen peroxide. Peroxide penetrates the porous outer layers of your teeth, breaking apart stains through a chemical reaction called oxidation. The application of the gel may be followed by a strong light that speeds the whitening process.
In most teeth whitening systems, the dentist will apply several rounds of the gel to your teeth, rinsing and repeating until he or she has achieved the desired appearance.
After Whitening
After you have had your teeth whitened by a professional like Frank Roach Dentist, you will be amazed by the beauty of your smile. Try to stay away from foods and drinks that could stain your teeth, or brush your teeth immediately after eating or drinking them. Coffee, tea, and red wine are three tooth-staining drinks.
Your dentist may also give you an at-home refresher kit with custom trays and a less concentrated whitening solution. This can help you keep your smile bright in between whitening treatments.
Deep Cleaning
Teeth whitening also benefits your oral health. Having your teeth professionally whitened can help to remove the built-up plaque and the germs on your teeth. This can help to diminish the risk of periodontal disease and tooth decay, leading to a healthier mouth.
Increased gum bacteria has also been linked to heart disease. Periodontal disease increases the amount of inflammation in the body. Acute inflammation involves a great many immune cells that attack bacteria and viruses. This is good in the short term, but when it becomes chronic, it is a major contributor to many health problems like atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries.
Teeth whitening, since it can help to combat early gum disease, can be an advantage when it comes to preventing inflammation in your body.
One surprising benefit of healthier gums is better mental acuity. In a recent study, researchers found that people with healthy gums have better mental capacity and are less prone to dementia.
Healthy Mouth, Healthy Body
When you have your teeth professionally whitened, you are making an investment both in your health and in your appearance. You will feel more confident about your smile, giving you a refreshed outlook on life.
This mood-boosting effect is just one of the benefits of whitening your teeth. The deep cleaning provided by teeth whitening will give your dental health a boost and help to prevent certain serious conditions like heart disease and dementia.
Dr. Frank Roach also wants to inform patients with large caps or crowns in the front of their mouths that teeth whitening may not be the right choice for them, since whitening will result in teeth that are different colors. Talk to your dentist about ways to brighten your smile with crowns.
When you take your oral health seriously, you will be happier and healthier. Teeth whitening can help to protect your health and increase your self-esteem.
