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Your teeth will inevitably pick up stains from coffee, berries, pasta sauces, and other foods and drinks. Brushing isn’t always enough to remove them, which is why many dentists offer teeth whitening services. There’s an ongoing debate about its safety. Below, you’ll find the truth, as well as what to expect from treatment.

Your Guide to Teeth Whitening

How Does It Work?

Your enamel—the protective layer on each tooth—is porous. When juices from berries, tannins from wine and tea, and other substances sink in, they cause stains. A dentist will offer several teeth whitening treatments to resolve them.

Bleaching procedures use a bleaching agent that changes the color of your tooth to remove surface and deep stains. Your dentist may administer the agent with a custom mouth-tray or use a light-activated bleaching service.

 

Is It Safe?

The American Dental Association teeth whiteningasserts that teeth whitening is perfectly safe for patients, so long as their dentist approves. Factors that may affect candidacy include age, existing oral health issues like gum disease or oral cancer, and tooth sensitivity. 

At-home treatments use one-size-fits-all trays, and while FDA-approved, don’t provide optimal teeth whitening results. The bleaching agent may spill from the tray and cause gum irritation or temporary sensitivity. They also won’t offer even whitening, and results can take several weeks. It’s rare that these side effects last. Still, you should always leave whitening and other cosmetic services to the professionals.

 

If you want to explore teeth whitening further, contact Forum Dental, Schaible Dental Group. This St. Peters, MO, dental practice offers a variety of services, including laser surgery, and will work closely to fulfill all your oral health needs. Explore all their dental care treatments on their website and call (636) 279-1633 to schedule teeth cleaning at their clinic.

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