Teeth Whitening in Harrisdale

Biological factors

Your DNA has a huge influence on tooth colour. The outer layer of your teeth may be darker or thinner depending on your genes. 

Age

Our teeth, like every other part of our body, deteriorate with age. The surface enamel of the teeth discolours with age.

Smoking and tobacco products

When used on a regular basis, tobacco products can discolour teeth. The dentist recommends quitting smoking for a number of reasons, including the side effects it can have on your teeth and gums, as well as your overall health.

Fluoride 

Excessive exposure to fluoride may contribute to discoloration of the teeth over time.

Amalgam fillings

Silver fillings discolour the teeth and cause black stains. Amalgam fillings are a combination of metals, but over time they can turn into sulphides. The sulphide reacts with the tooth enamel, resulting in a grey-black colour.

Foods and beverages

There are certain drinks that can leave surface stains, including coffee, red wine, dark teas, and soda. Some foods that can cause tooth discolouration are dark-coloured fruits and vegetables, like stewed fruits, blackberries, and other foods that have dark pigmentation. 

Medication

Medications tend to cause stains on your teeth because the chemicals accumulate over time, and brushing and flossing are not sufficient to remove them. These include tetracycline, antihistamines, antipsychotics, and antihypertensive medications.

The use of tetracycline during pregnancy

Children born to mothers who used tetracycline antibiotics during pregnancy are more likely to have discoloured teeth.

Dental health concerns:

Those who have gum disease, tooth decay, or teeth with damaged enamel should avoid tooth whitening treatments. Cavities must be treated before undergoing any whitening procedure. Bleaching treatments penetrate any existing damage as well as the inner areas of the teeth, causing tooth sensitivity.

Pregnant women age restriction:

Tooth bleaching is not recommended for children under the age of 16. It’s because the tooth pulp, or nerve centre, has grown significantly by this age. Under these conditions, it is advised to avoid teeth whitening because it may irritate or make your teeth sensitive. Teeth whitening is also not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Sensitive teeth and allergic reaction: 

People with sensitive teeth and gums, receding gums, or damaged restorations should consult the dentist before using a tooth-whitening solution. Anyone who is allergic to peroxide (the whitening ingredient) should avoid using a teeth-whitening product.

Dental restorations:

Dental restorations such as fillings or other materials made of composite resin materials do not whiten. As a result, using a whitening solution on teeth with restorations leads to uneven whitening, making natural teeth without restorations look lighter than those with restorations. 

Tooth with dark stains:

Bonding, veneers, or crowns may be necessary to whiten a tooth with dark stains. Consult with your dentist to determine the best solution for you.

Unrealistic expectations:

Those who want their teeth to be a bright white colour may be dissatisfied with the results.Smokers should be informed that their effectiveness will be restricted until they stop smoking completely, especially throughout the whitening process. A good starting point is to choose a shade that is somewhat whiter than the whites of your eyes.

For the first 48 hours after a whitening treatment, you should avoid eating or drinking anything that might stain your teeth. There is usually time to go back to your regular healthier diet, but it’s best not to have any staining foods during this period! 

When you have a teeth whitening process, your teeth become highly porous to stain particles. To prevent re-staining, avoid eating acidic or dark-coloured foods and drinks for 48 hours. Have a “white diet,” which involves eating white or light-colored foods and drinks.

Here are some examples of food that you can enjoy following a teeth whitening treatment: 

• Fruits and vegetables. Light-coloured fruits and vegetables must be included.
• Bread, grains, and pasta. We suggest most grains be included in your white diet. However, be careful of bread and pasta containing molasses or colour additives, which are commonly used to make bread and pasta appear darker.
• Chicken, fish, and tofu. When serving your light-colored protein, stick to white sauces and avoid any colourful sauces or seasonings.

• Cheese and yogurt. Avoid artificially coloured cheese or sweetened yoghurt. Instead, opt for white cheese and plain yoghurt.

You may have temporary tooth sensitivity for 1-2 days after your teeth whitening treatment is completed. The temporary tooth sensitivity you feel after your teeth whitening treatment is due to hydrogen peroxide, which works as an active ingredient in the process. Avoid hot or cold foods for 1-2 days until it wears off.

It is normal for your gums to sting or appear discoloured right after treatment, but there is no reason to be concerned. The soreness will subside within 1-2 days following your teeth whitening procedure, and you will be entirely recovered.

To maximise the effect of the dental treatment, you must pay close attention to your oral care routine and diet after the whitening procedure.

We recommend using a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste for sensitive teeth. Remember that some toothpaste and mouthwash contain artificial colouring that may affect whitening.