Teeth whitening is a minimally invasive procedure that does not have strict candidacy requirements. That said whitening isn’t right for everyone. Poor dental hygiene can inhibit whitening treatment. If you suffer from gum disease or tooth decay, you will first need to undergo corrective treatment before teeth whitening can be considered. Application of bleaching agents to unhealthy teeth could result in extreme pain. If you have deep tooth staining (intrinsic staining) affecting the underlying dentin layers, you may not be able to achieve the results you’re looking for with bleaching. Whitening cannot correct all discoloration issues (such as those associated with tetracycline). In such cases, additional smile makeover treatments such as veneers will likely be needed.
Teeth whitening is a commonly performed cosmetic dentistry treatment that involves applications of a bleaching agent to whiten the teeth. Also commonly called tooth bleaching, the treatment specifically targets tooth discoloration by removing staining and reversing the effects of routine wear.
Although the best whitening results are most often achieved when performed by a dentist, there are a wide range of do-it-yourself teeth whitening options available (dentist prescribed and over the counter). Basic over-the-counter whitening options have the lowest concentration of peroxide, limiting their whitening strength.
The treatment procedure varies depending on the specific whitening option you select. In-office whitening generally takes one hour or less, during which a bleaching gel is applied to the surface of the teeth for one or more periods of 15 to 30 minutes. A high-intensity light may be used to help speed up the process. Patients will see whitened results immediately after treatment.
Although results are immediate, teeth whitening is not a permanent solution to discoloration. Dentists often prescribe take-home trays designed to maximize the effect and prolong results. In addition, certain foods and drinks should be avoided!
If you do decide to have your teeth whitened, it’s important that you do everything you can to maximize the longevity of your results. One thing you can do is avoid the following five dark-coloured foods and beverages, to prevent tooth staining.
COFFEE Are you a slave to your morning cup of java? You’re not alone. Unfortunately, coffee is one of the most common causes of tooth staining and may even be the reason you need to get your teeth whitened in the first place. At the very least, dentists recommend waiting 48 hours after whitening before consuming dark foods or liquids. If you simply can’t resist, use a straw.
WINE For some people, a glass of red wine at the end of the day is just as important as a cup of coffee at the start of the day. Aside from the purported health benefits of a daily glass of red, it’s simply a nice way to relax after a long day at work. However, like coffee, red wine is a leading cause of tooth staining. Best to avoid that glass of red for as long as possible after whitening to preserve the effects.
CHOCOLATE Studies have found that dark chocolate is a potent antioxidant with a variety of health benefits, including lowering blood pressure and helping stave off heart disease. That said, it can still ruin a newly whitened smile. You don’t need to cut dark chocolate out of your diet completely after teeth whitening. Just make sure to avoid it for the first week.
SAUCES Foods that have dark sauces should be avoided in the short term after teeth whitening. Tomato sauces, stews, Soy and marinades all can cause significant staining. Check with your dentist for any dietary advice for the days after treatment.
CITRUS FRUIT There are also food types that should be avoided after teeth whitening to prevent sensitivity and pain. The bleaching agents used in whitening treatments weaken tooth enamel in the short term. Oranges, lemons, limes, pickles, soft drinks, etc. can increase the acidity of your saliva which in turn can harm your teeth.
