You Ask , They Answer
Q
: What is tooth whitening ?
A
: Whitening is a conservative , non-invasive approach to making teeth appear whiter , with a 90 percent success rate when performed by dentists .
Not all smiles respond equally well to whitening treatments , however . As the American Dental Association explains , yellow-hued teeth typically bleach well , but whitening products may not improve the appearance of teeth tinged with brown or grey tones . In addition , whitening chemicals cannot alter the colour of prosthetic crowns or composite fillings ; if these materials are visible , tooth-whitening procedures may cause them to stand out prominently from the natural teeth , creating an unpleasant appearance . Tooth stains resulting from drugs such tetracycline are also unresponsive to bleaching treatments .
Tooth-whitening procedures are reversible and not permanent , and multiple treatments may be required over the years to maintain a bright smile . Whitening treatments typically last between one and three years before teeth regain a darker , stained appearance . Smoking , drinking coffee and wine , and regular use of mouth rinse may start the decline as little as one month after treatment .
Although tooth-whitening treatments are generally safe , the procedure can result in several side effects , such as increased sensitivity for several days . You may also be at risk for sensitivity if you have gum recession , faulty dental restorations , or cracked teeth . In some cases , patients feel sharp , spontaneous pain in their front teeth shortly after a tooth-whitening session . Although uncomfortable symptoms typically subside within two days , issues like sensitivity can linger for a week . Dentists will apply paste over the teeth to reduce sensitivity .
Q
: Do toothpaste and over-the-counter whiteners work ?
A
: Whitening toothpaste works by removing surface stains during brushing and typically contains higher amounts of abrasives and detergents than standard toothpastes to remove tougher stains . Although they don ’ t contain bleach , some types contain low concentrations of carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide that help lighten tooth colour .
The British Dental Association says products that can be bought online or from shops often fail to declare the precise chemicals used , so it ’ s very difficult to assess their safety . Dentist can legally use six percent hydrogen peroxide in home kits that they provide . Cheap teeth-whitening kits from online retailers often claim not to contain hydrogen peroxide , but they may contain sodium perborate . This is banned for use in cosmetic products and is said to cause infertility and foetal abnormalities .
Q
: Why should I opt for professional whitening treatment when beauticians can offer a similar service ?
A
: Staff running tooth-whitening kiosks in shopping malls or beauty salons often have no healthcare training and no licence , yet they still dispense chemicals that could permanently affect the teeth and gums . They get around the law by asking the customer to place the whitening tray into their mouths , and so do not perform a dental procedure themselves . These technicians do not have the appropriate training nor can they follow up if there are problems after the procedure , such as sensitivity or damage to the gums .
Dr Caryn Fung
Dr Caryn Fung is an advanced aesthetic and cosmetic dentist at KL International Dental Centre .
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12 AUGUST 2021 GlobalHealthAsiaPacific . com