Dental Destination
Dental bleaching, also known as tooth whitening, is a common procedure in general dentistry. As a person ages the adult teeth often become darker due to changes in the mineral structure of the tooth, as the enamel becomes less porous. Teeth can also become stained by bacterial pigments, foodstuffs and tobacco. whitening is done with bleaching gel such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide which is applied to the teeth using thin guard trays to lighten the shade of the tooth. Regular dental check-ups, proper brushing and flossing techniques, and avoiding or minimizing habits that contribute to staining can help prolong the effects of tooth whitening and promote overall oral health. The effects of bleaching can last for several months but may vary depending on the lifestyle of the patient. Factors which will decrease whitening include smoking and the ingestion of dark colored liquids like coffee, tea and red wine.