Surely, we all want to have healthy white teeth. Currently, the teeth whitening procedure can be performed at a dental room or you can use professional teeth whitening products at home. Very often the lack of information about teeth whitening or, on the contrary, an excess of diverse opinions alienate most of us from teeth whitening procedure and beautiful smile. Nevertheless, we all dream about having healthy white teeth. Let us review the most common myths and facts in this regard.

1. Myth. Teeth whitening abrades tooth enamel.

Whitening generally refers to an oxygen whitening type. It is the most careful and effective method. Active oxygen, which has a high whitening ability, decolorizes pigments affecting enamel color and splits soft plaque that occurs after meal. Enamel abrasion happens only in the event of mechanical whitening, for example when using cheap toothpastes containing low-quality abrasive.

2. Myth. Any teeth can be whitened.

Unfortunately, not all teeth can be whitened. It depends on dental health of each person. Pigment spots formed after taking antibiotics and a number of other drugs, fillings, the so-called “dead teeth” (teeth with a removed nerve) cannot be whitened. In such cases, the defect is corrected only by using veneers or similar structures.

3. Myth. It is impossible to whiten teeth with fillings

It is not true. Healthy teeth and teeth with fillings may and even should be whitened. Esthetic beauty of a smile gives confidence. The only thing worth remembering is that the fillings cannot be whitened. That is why it is you may need to update your fillings after the whitening by choosing the fillings matching the color of your teeth enamel.

4. Fact. You can whiten your teeth at home.

It is true. You can buy various whitening products in shops and pharmacies. The most effective products are home teeth whitening systems (whitening gel containing hydrogen peroxide active oxygen + whitening toothpaste) which contain the same components as professional systems used by dentists but at lower concentrations. The advantage of such teeth whitening systems is its prolonged and careful effect on the enamel, comfort of use and, of course, acceptable price. Certain systems contain potassium nitrate which eliminates teeth sensitivity along with whitening. To preserve the whitening effect, it is necessary to use whitening mouthwash and toothpaste , foam and remineralizing gel daily. The best thing is to choose products with clinically confirmed effectiveness.

5. Fact. There are contraindications for teeth whitening.

Of course, there are certain restrictions, such as age under 18 years, pregnancy and lactation, allergy to certain components, caries and severe dental decay, pigment spots acquired as a result of taking certain medicines. Please consult your dentist before whitening your teeth.

6. Myth. The teeth whitening effect remains forever.

It is not true. Daily meals leave dental plaque and eventually color the teeth yellowish. It happens even if you lead a healthy lifestyle; in fact it is not always possible to completely abandon coloring food, coffee, wines, juices, etc. The whitening effect can and should be maintained. A proper systematic dental care, balanced nutrition and minimizing the bad habits will help significantly extend the whiteness of your teeth.

7. Fact. Tooth enamel and dentine have porous structure.

During the whitening procedure enamel pores open, and active oxygen impenetrate the dentine through dentin tubules splitting pigment spots. After the procedure the dentin tubules remain open, thereby increasing the sensitivity of teeth to hot and cold and the enamel susceptibility to recoloring. To plug the tubules you need to use gels containing minerals similar to the structure of the enamel, such as hydroxyapatite, calcium, potassium, magnesium, etc.

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