Bleach Teeth

There are a lot of methods used today to bleach teeth. The term “bleach teeth” mainly comes from the process of whitening the teeth, similar to whitening our laundry using bleach. No, you cannot gargle with bleach to get whiter teeth. Primarily, the oxidizing agents used to bleach teeth include hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. Other things, such as baking soda, can be used. Sometimes an ultraviolet light or laser is used to speed up the bleaching process.

The whitening process can involve something as simple as chewing specially formulated gum to having a bleaching solution injected into a hole drilled a tooth to bleach teeth from the inside out (called internal bleaching). The most popular ways to bleach teeth, whether they are professional, take home, or over-the-counter, involve a try or strip that will hold the bleaching agent onto the surface of the tooth for a prescribed time so that the oxidation process can begin. Some methods work essentially the same way, but involve a more temporary contact between the teeth and the bleaching solution. For example, some over-the-counter methods to bleach teeth come with a special brush. You will use this to apply the solution directly to your teeth.

So, what is the best way to bleach teeth? They all have good points and bad points. Going to a professional is the safest way to insure that your whitening is done appropriately and safely. There are some risks involved in any form of teeth whitening treatment, so seeking the care of a professional will offer you a level of security…which you will also pay for. It is more economical to purchase an at-home system from your dentist and apply the whitening agent(s) yourself. But, this may lead to questions and lack of confidence. Are you sure you are doing the procedure correctly? Is this a normal feeling or is something wrong? Finally, you can always buy an over-the-counter way to bleach teeth. This could be the aforementioned gum, a special toothpaste, or even whitening strips or trays similar to those issued by the professionals. Most of the time, these systems offer a much lower concentration of the active ingredient for the sake of safety. However, they also cost less and allow you the flexibility of timing and the comfort of your own home. There is no prescription to have filled or trip to make.

Regardless of the method you like to bleach teeth, it is important to know the risks and it is a good idea to visit your dentist for a regular check-up before engaging in any sort of teeth whitening program. Many things, including cavities, sensitive gums and mouth sores can make the decision to bleach teeth a painful one. Some people find they have allergic reactions to the bleaching agents. Even if there are no painful side effects, it is also important to note that this is not a procedure for everyone. People with tetracycline staining often do not respond well (or at all) to any method used to bleach teeth. Similarly, teeth whitening is not intended for use on synthetic teeth and generally will not improve the color or crowns or dentures of any sort.