Answers to questions about teeth whitening

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was written by MSc Dang Tien Dat - Doctor of Odonto-Stomatology - Department of Medical Examination and Internal Medicine - Vinmec Ha Long International Hospital

Due to daily habits such as drinking tea, coffee, smoking... or some dental diseases such as tartar, tooth decay... causing teeth to become dull over time. And teeth whitening is the "savior" to help you quickly regain whiter teeth, a radiant smile. However, many people wonder if this method will damage tooth enamel?

1. The main causes of tooth discoloration

Yellow, dull teeth can originate from many causes. But one thing is for sure, it will make you lose confidence and hesitate to communicate. Here are the main causes of discolored teeth.
Discoloration on tooth surface (exogenous staining)
Consumption of colored foods and drinks Smoking tobacco Poor oral hygiene Mouthwash Deep staining of tooth structure (endogenous tarnish)
Age Due to genetics Excess infection with antibiotic Tetracycline Fluoride Poor oral hygiene is the cause of yellow teeth.
To overcome this situation, there are many cosmetic dental methods. In the case of only exogenous tarnish, you can clean it with bleaching methods. As for the endogenous tarnish that cannot be saved by conventional teeth cleaning methods, it is necessary to resort to the technology of porcelain crowns, porcelain veneers.

2. Teeth whitening methods

Teeth whitening is the process of making teeth whiter and brighter. By using chemicals or by combining chemicals with light energy, by oxidation reactions that cut the double bonds of colored organic matter in teeth. Since then, the white teeth have turned brighter than the original teeth.
Currently, there are 2 most popular methods of whitening teeth with trays at home and teeth whitening with whitening lights at the clinic.
2.1 Teeth whitening with troughs at home This is an economical and convenient cosmetic solution because it can be done at home. With this method, the dentist will take impressions of your teeth and make a tray that fits your teeth. Trays are made of clear plastic, which holds the bleach in place and prevents saliva from entering. The trough is used with a low concentration of bleach, so it is less sensitive.
Choosing this teeth whitening method, you are proactive in terms of time, easy to manipulate and still ensure a quick whitening effect.

2.2 Teeth whitening with a whitening light is considered the most modern teeth whitening technology. With the use of blue light, it will trigger a reaction that cuts the color bonds in enamel and dentin. Helps whiten teeth without changing enamel and dentin structure, does not harm tooth enamel. It only takes about 1 hour to make.
The disadvantage of this method is that it requires a skilled doctor. If not easily lead to irritation of the lips, gums or increased sensitivity.

3. Does teeth whitening damage enamel?

Teeth whitening is researched as safe for oral health and is popular with many people. Does not damage enamel or change tooth structure if done correctly. To ensure safety and achieve optimal results, you should find a reputable dentist. Because here you will be using genuine bleach, modern bleaching light system, skilled dentist.
In case of home bleaching with troughs, it should also be prescribed and supervised by a doctor. Avoid using external drugs of unknown origin with arbitrary concentrations, which can spread to the gums, leading to serious oral diseases.
Results vary from person to person, depending on the cause and initial contamination. The whiteness may decrease over time but still whiter than the original tooth color.
Customers can refer to:
Teeth whitening does not damage tooth enamel at all.

4. Notes when whitening teeth

Before whitening, it is necessary to clean tartar, definitively treat tooth decay, gingivitis, periodontitis, restore worn tooth necks, prevent sensitivity if teeth are too sensitive.
In case of severely stained teeth, you can combine both methods of bleaching at the clinic and wearing a tray at home to achieve the desired effect.
After bleaching for 2 weeks, you should abstain from colored foods and drinks, avoid drinking water that is too hot or too cold, take good care of your teeth to help limit re-coloring.
Currently, due to the fact that teeth whitening is carried out rampantly at many facilities with inadequate equipment, doctors do not give clear advice or some people buy bleach at home, leading to the situation of burning gums, inflammation of the pulp. Therefore, it is necessary to find reliable dentists to bring optimal and safe results.

5. How to maintain a hygienic and clean toothbrush

5.1 Clean the toothbrush after use After brushing your teeth, you should practice cleaning your toothbrush immediately with clean water, to remove food particles and remaining toothpaste. on the brush.
Do not store the brush right after brushing, because that way you are inadvertently saving bacteria and dirt on your brush and the next time you brush your teeth, it may be absorbed into the body.
5.2 Place the brush vertically, not horizontally The toothbrush should be placed vertically, not horizontally, because standing upright, the new brush head will quickly drain the water, clean and dry, placed horizontally the brush is often damp. , creating a favorable environment for bacteria to grow.
Each person's toothbrush should not be in too close contact with each other, each brush should keep a certain distance so that they can easily dry and bacteria have no chance to move from brush to brush other, endangering people's health.
5.3 Do not store in a closed, humid place Avoid storing toothbrushes in sealed containers or bags or in humid places because these places are easier for bacteria and germs to penetrate and grow than stored in well-ventilated places.

6. What kind of toothbrush should I use?

Most dental professionals agree that a toothbrush with soft bristles is the best choice for removing plaque and food debris from your teeth. Small-head toothbrushes are also popular, as they can reach all areas of the oral cavity, including the hard-to-reach teeth in the back.
For handle styles (such as brushes with non-slip grooves or flexible necks), brush head shapes (tapered or rectangular) and bristles (such as wavy, flat or trimmed arch) varies, choose whichever brush is most comfortable for the user. The best toothbrush is one that fits into the oral cavity and allows easy access to all teeth.
Electric toothbrushes can provide better oral hygiene, especially for those who have difficulty brushing with a regular toothbrush or who have limited manual ability.

7. Replace toothbrush after 3 to 4 months of use

After a period of 3-4 months of use, the bristles on most toothbrushes show signs of lint, wear, and the cleaning effect is no longer as effective as it was at the beginning. Then you should buy another brush to replace it.
Note that the 3 - 4 month timeline is only relative, because each person has a different usage, the level of abrasion of the brush will also be different, some people need to replace it after this time but Some people still use it well, don't need to change it.
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