Until recently it had been possible to whiten teeth only with the help of dentist. This association has clearly entrenched in our minds, and because of lack of time, money, our fear of dentists and many other reasons we have increasingly started to abandon this procedure. Fortunately, we now have the opportunity to buy teeth whitening products at shops or pharmacies and achieve the desired effect (on the Vitt scale) at home.

Let's look at the most common types of whitening:

1) Mechanical whitening is a traditional use of whitening toothpastes with above-average abrasivity and toothbrushes with stiff bristles. The advantage of this type of whitening is that its excellent polishing effect is evident after the first use. Modern whitening toothpastes contain a high-tech component (silica) which carefully affects surface plaque without damaging the enamel. Thanks to this method, you cab whiten teeth by 1 – 2 shades. To keep the effect it is necessary to repeat the procedure every day.

2) Enzymatic whitening occurs due to the splitting of the plaque from within by enzymes synthesized from natural fruit. The most commonly used enzymes are bromelain (synthesized from pineapple) and papain (synthesized from papaya fruits). The enzymes affect only the plaque by splitting it on the surface without affecting the enamel. Generally, enzymatic toothpastes, whitening foams have reduced abrasivity. Using them can whiten your teeth by 1 shade. Their effect is careful and prolonged.

3) Oxygen whitening is primarily used by dentists and in home teeth whitening systems. The maximum effect is achieved by using the compounds, which whitening effect is based on the effect of active oxygen which has a high whitening ability and decolorizes pigments affecting the enamel color. The undoubted advantage of high-quality whitening gel are its components, such as potassium nitrate, fluoride, xylitol, which protect and strengthen the enamel to the maximum.

It is important to know that whitening is the impact on the enamel, therefore using any of the abovementioned whitening products may result in occurrence of tooth sensitivity. Remineralization (saturation of enamel with mineral components which leads to restoration of its structure) is the most important stage of teeth whitening course. It is necessary to use remineralizing gel containing calcium, magnesium, phosphates after each procedure to strengthen the enamel and restore mineral balance.

Please consult your dentist when choosing oral hygiene and teeth whitening products.