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Teeth whitening has become a fairly common procedure in the last couple of years. Many people seek all sorts of ways to achieve the “perfect white smile”, sometimes even resorting to unsafe procedures. The market is saturated with teeth whitening products and devices. Everywhere from T.V. to social media, we are exposed to images of people with that ideal white smile. This is considered a current beauty standard. In this article, you will find accurate information about teeth whitening and its safety.

Why do teeth get stained?

The reason why you might be interested in teeth whitening in Edmonton is that your teeth have become stained. This happens for many different reasons, from your oral hygiene habits to what you eat. Some types of foods and drinks are known to leave stains on teeth. This is the case of red wine, tea, coffee, tomato-based sauces, juices, among others. These stains only affect the outer layer of your teeth, which is called enamel. Other stains are caused by trauma to the teeth and when they appear the entire tooth suffers discolouration.

Types of teeth whitening

Perhaps you decided to seek teeth whitening near you. Surely, many different choices have caught your attention, from at-home treatments to sophisticated procedures at a dentist office near you. You should keep in mind that any type of teeth whitening you can perform yourself at home, won’t be as powerful and effective as professional treatment from a dentist, so if you are looking for dramatic results then going to a dental clinic in Edmonton is always a better and safer choice.

How does teeth whitening work?

If you decide to obtain this procedure at your dentist’s office, a solution with a chemical called hydrogen or carbamide peroxide will be placed on your teeth. This interacts with the outer layer of your teeth, the enamel and introduces oxygen molecules to the discoloured molecules. This results in your teeth becoming two to eight shades lighter. A protective gel will be placed on your gums to avoid any harm. Some dentists also use other tools such as UV and LED light to boost the whitening capacity of the solution.

What can you expect after teeth whitening?

It is normal to experience some teeth sensitivity after getting this procedure. This is the result of your teeth becoming dehydrated from the hydrogen peroxide. The pores on your teeth are opened and exposed. This sensitivity will continue until the teeth become rehydrated by your saliva. It goes back to normal after 2 to 3 days. If your gums are exposed to the solution, a mild chemical burn may occur. However, as explained before, your dentist will place a protective gel to avoid this.

Also, after getting your teeth whitened it is important to follow your dentist’s recommendations for the results to last. You will have to avoid any foods or drinks that could stain your teeth, such as the ones previously mentioned. It is advisable to avoid smoking. Also, you should maintain great oral hygiene habits. Brush your teeth twice a day, floss daily, and use an antibacterial mouthwash once a day. This will prevent tartar and plaque buildup and stains.

Are there any dangers to teeth whitening?

Like with many things, moderation is key. If you undergo many teeth whitening sessions, your enamel will start to get eroded and the inner tissues of your teeth will become exposed. This results in sensitivity and ironically, discolouration. Thus, if you wish to whiten your teeth it is advisable to visit a dentist in Edmonton who is experienced and trained in providing whitening services.