Is teeth shining process harmful for teeth?

Teeth whitening is a common cosmetic dental procedure to enhance the whiteness of the tooth.

It is a process where dental cleaning is done to remove the stain and discoloration of the teeth. Most dentists prefer teeth whitening process and suggest the patients have it done. It makes the teeth shine and also gives a great new look.

However, this is not a permanent thing and needs to be repeated to maintain the teeth's whiteness.

There are various reasons that make the teeth get yellowish or pale. Some reasons are:

OLD AGE -  It is very common in old age to have pale teeth color, as the aging affects a lot in discolouration of the tooth. Ageing makes the layer of enamel thinner and thus makes teeth less bright. With age, the enamel can be rough and thus become pale.

USE OF TOBACCO - People who use tobacco get stained and dark teeth as tobacco harms the enamel and is even very dangerous for gums. 

CONSUMPTION OF SUGAR ORIENTED DRINKS OR BEVERAGES LIKE TEA AND COFFEE - The junk beverages and regular consumption of tea and dark coffee also make the teeth go dark and pale as the colour of the drinks is strong and stains teeth. 

IMPROPER DENTAL CARE - Taking care of teeth and gums is the best way to avoid the stains and dark coloured teeth. Poor care of oral health makes teeth go pale. 

For all such problems, the teeth whitening method is the best solution. It not only clears teeth but also gives the person a whole new look with a great smile. White teeth always make a good impression as compared to a person having yellow or pale teeth.

There are basically two types of teeth whitening processes:

VITAL TEETH WHITENING PROCESS: This process, in done to the tooth with nerves which are live. In this process, first the gum is covered and a gel containing Hydrogen Peroxide is applied to the teeth surface directly. Just after the gel is applied a special laser is introduced to the gel which makes the whitening process faster. This process can take many visits to the dentist depending on the condition of the stain. There are various teeth whitening toothpaste available in the market for normal cases.

NON-VITAL WHITENING PROCESS: This process is applied to the tooth that does not have its nerve live like in the condition of a Root Canal. In this case, the stain is caused from the inside of the tooth and thus cannot be treated with the outer layer. So the dentist may add the whiting agent inside the teeth and allow it to stay like that for several days until the desired whiteness has appeared. They cover the teeth with an outer filling. This process generally takes one time visit, but may require further sessions if the result desired is not achieved. 

Other types of teeth whitening processes are:

HOME WHITENING PROCESS: This process is done by consulting the dentist under his/her supervision at home. This process is convenient and time-saving. During this process, the dentist prepares a dental mould of the teeth and instructs the patient to carry on the whitening procedure.

LASER TREATMENT: This is done in the dentist's clinic under his/her supervision by using the rays of laser light. However, it is quicker and much more expensive than any other forms of whitening process and is done very carefully and protection is given to the gums and the lips. 

Some merits of the processes are:

NEW LOOK: Teeth whitening can give an individual a whole new look and can enhance the whole appearance of the facial structure.

BOOSTS CONFIDENCE: With a whiter and brighter teeth the confidence of talking to people around is boosted as compared to a person having darker teeth. 

There are also some demerits of the process which are:

MAKES THE TEETH MORE OPEN SENSITIVITY: The process includes thinning of the layer of natural enamel and in doing so increases the rate of sensitization.

NOT A PERMANENT PROCESS: This is not a permanent process and needs to be followed up every six month period.

NOT SO COST EFFECTIVE: Some teeth whitening sessions can cost a lot which doesn't make it not a regular process to be done.

As per the researchers, the process of teeth whitening does not have any severe side effects as the whole process is limited to the oral area. The chemicals that are used are not very harsh and cannot cause any side effects to the mouth. But being an artificial approach and a cosmetic process, the treatment is restricted during pregnancy. Pregnant women should not go through this during their period.

There are simple remedies to keep one's teeth white in the long run:

USE OF WHITENING TOOTHPASTE: The regular habit of brushing twice with a whitening paste can reduce the stains.

CUT OFF THE USE OF TOBACCO: Tobacco is not only harmful to the teeth, but also for the whole body. Therefore, the best way to keep the body and teeth fit is to cut the tobacco consumption.

AVOID GRINDING YOUR TEETH: Teeth grinding process can cause damage to teeth and can make spots on them. So better to avoid them.

USE OF STRAW WHILE DRINKING BEVERAGES: Use of straw makes teeth less exposed to the drink and thus avoids discoloring of teeth, although not completely, but to some extent.

These healthy habits can make one's teeth shine and appear white in the long run. The process of teeth whitening is not harmful, but an excess of anything is bad. Therefore, it is better to avoid the stains at first place than to get the teeth whitened.