The Truth About Teeth Whitening

Everyone wants a bright white smile these days, but with so many options available it's hard for consumers know what treatment method will garner the best results for their teeth and overall dental health.

Teeth naturally yellow with age as tooth enamel wears down due to chewing, acid, brushing and overall use. As the teeth wear down the enamel becomes more transparent and allows the yellow color of dentin, the tooth's core material, to become more visible.

The FDA allows the term "bleaching" to be used only when teeth can be whitened beyond their natural tone. This can be done strictly with actual bleaching products like hydrogen or carbamide peroxide. "Whitening" is technically restoring the tooth's surface color by removing debris; this means any product that cleans can be considered a whitener.

The most effective way to whiten your teeth is a professional bleaching from your dentist. The bleach used in professional whitening treatments is stronger than anything you can buy over the counter and only dentists can apply it safely. Whitening strips, toothpastes and rinses will work on most patients over time but they don't produce the same quick results.

A side effect to teeth whitening in certain patients is increased sensitivity which is usually temporary. The reason this occurs is bleaching dries out the pores of your teeth and the nerve is more easily exposed to stimuli. Patients can counteract this with a sensitive formula toothpaste. Patients with tooth-colored fillings should be reminded that their fillings will not whiten with bleach and they need to be replaced to match the rest of the whitened smile.