6 Teeth Whitening Frequently Asked Questions

Very few people have perfectly white teeth and over time they can also become stained and discoloured. Just as our hair and skin vary in colour so do our teeth.

Teeth whitening could be the way to bring the sparkle back to your smile. Here are the answers to the most comm teeth whitening frequently asked questions to help you decide.

From the outset, it’s important to understand that teeth whitening will not make your teeth brilliantly white. The bleaching treatment will lift the existing colour of your teeth by several shades.

Teeth whitening is a dental procedure and as such should only be performed by a dentist or other dental regulated professional such as a dental nurse or dental hygienist.

Teeth whitening is sometimes offered as a service in beauty or hairdressing salons. Unless there is a dental professional present during the treatment, or carrying out the treatment, this service is illegal and you could be putting your oral health at risk The use of home whitening kits can also be risky.

Teeth are very prone to staining because their enamel covering is porous, which means that rich coloured food and drinks soak into your teeth. This can lead to your teeth looking like they have a yellow tinge instead of pearly white. So which food and drinks are the main culprits:

Curry
If you love an Indian curry, brush your teeth as soon as possible after you have eaten. The colourful spices in your food are a notorious tooth stainer.

Coffee
Black is the worst. Adding just a splash of milk can help to lessen the effects of staining.

Tea
Here the tannin is to blame for the staining. So avoid dark tea or alternatively opt for green or herbal teas.

Red Wine
Deep reds and purples paired up with tannin is probably one of the worst culprits for teeth staining. If you are a lover of a drop of red just make sure that you rinse you mouth out regularly.

Avoid these foods and drinks after your procedure so that the results last longer.

No they are not, let us explain:

Note that teeth whitening does not change the colour of any crowns, veneers or fillings that you might have, which may mean that a teeth whitening procedure wouldn’t be right for you.

Alternatively, if you are dead set on having your teeth whitened, there is the option of changing any fillings, crowns or veneers to match your new whiter shade.

Some dental health problems can prevent a teeth whitening procedure being carried out, such as gum disease, receding gums or tooth decay for example.

Another reason you may not be suitable for the procedure is if you suffer from sensitive teeth. Teeth whitening and sensitive teeth do not go together.

A consultation with you dentist will be able to confirm if you are suitable to undergo teeth whitening.

If you are lucky you will feel no pain or sensitivity at all. However, it is not unusual for some people to experience some sensitivity for up to 48 hours after their treatment. Because of this, it is advisable to avoid hot or cold food and drink for the 48 hours directly after your treatment.

The cost of a tooth whitening treatment will vary between dental practices. For example, City Bridge Dental, a dentist in Winchester, offers a free consultation and treatment fees from £280 up to £650. Make sure you talk through all your options with your dentist.

Have you recently undergone a teeth whitening procedure? Where you pleased with the experience and the results? Tell us about it in the comments.