Brushing your teeth every day helps keep your teeth white and bright. But even so, most people are still not satisfied with their smile. The ADA (American Dental Association) discovered that 90% of the people want to improve the color of their teeth. Do you want to whiten your teeth? Here are the most common asked questions about teeth whitening process.

Why teeth change their color

Over time teeth lose their color for multiple reasons, such as:

• Foods and drinks. Coffee, red wine, and tea are some of the primary culprits. They all have intense color pigments (chromogens) that attach and enter in the enamel cracks.

• Tobacco use. There are two chemicals (tar and nicotine) which are found in tobacco and can discolor your teeth. Nicotine is colorless until it combines with oxygen, turning yellow, and tar is naturally dark.

• Age. The enamel is white, but the dentin (which is the interior) is yellow. Over time, the enamel gets thinner and thinner due to acids and brushing, making dentin more visible.

• Trauma. Darkened teeth can be the result of particular medication, such as antihistamines, and antipsychotics, antibiotics, and many others. Chemotherapy to the head and neck can also make your teeth lose their color.

How does it work?

Teeth whitening is a necessary process. The whitening products used in the dental office contains bleaches (carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide), which break the surface stains into smaller pieces, making your teeth whiter.

Is the procedure useful for all types of teeth?

The teeth whitening procedure is safe for all kinds of natural teeth, but not for all types of discolorations. For example, if your teeth are yellow, the bleach will make them whiter, but if your teeth are gray, the bleach might not work at all. In addition to this, tooth whining does not work on the synthetic materials present in your mouths, such as caps, crowns, fillings, and veneers.

What whitening options do you have?

Before undergoing any teeth whitening procedure, you should get consulted by a dental specialist to resolve any cavities or tooth decay. If you undergo the whitening process and have an open cavity, the bleach will hurt your teeth and nerve, and cause you a lot of pain. There are three types of whitening options you have

• Whitening toothpaste, which has mild abrasives that scrub the surface of your teeth. Be careful to look for the ADA Seal of Approval on the label of your toothbrush.

• In-office bleaching, which is done with the help of a dentist. This whitening option uses high concentrations of bleach that will break apart the surface stains from your teeth.

• At-home bleaching, which can be purchased over-the-counter. The whitening gel contains small amounts of bleach and will stick to your teeth with the help of a tray.

Tooth whitening side-effects?

In some cases, people may suffer minor tooth sensitivity after the teeth whitening procedure. If you feel any pain and discomfort after the bleaching, you should contact your dentist and ask them what type of toothpaste you should use to relieve you of this sensitivity. Teeth sensitivity is temporary and goes away after 5-7 days.

For more information about tooth decay, you should contact your dentist.