Which Toothpaste Should You Use After Teeth Whitening Treatment?
Every year, tens of thousands of Australians opt for teeth whitening procedures
, designed to give them a brighter smile. The effects of teeth whitening dont last forever, however, some behaviours should be avoided to make it last longer. Teeth are particularly susceptible to staining in those first few days after the teeth whitening procedure, when the enamel is most porous.
Whitening toothpaste can help newly whitened teeth from turning yellow again. Dentifrices designed for people with sensitive teeth may also be indicated, since porous enamel leads to sensitive teeth.
Be wary of using toothpastes that contain abrasives. Abrasives can wear away the outer layer of tooth enamel, allowing the darker dentin layer to show through.
Before Whitening
The Australian Dental Association recommends that all patients who want to whiten their teeth have a thorough dental check-up beforehand. Whitening agents such as hydrogen peroxide can irritate gums, exacerbating gingivitis or periodontal disease.
Some people are not suitable candidates for teeth whitening. These include:
Children under 16
Pregnant or lactating women
Individuals with receding gums
Individuals with gum disease or worn enamel. These individuals may become candidates for teeth whitening once their dental issues are resolved.
Individuals who have had dental restoration work using resin composite materials. Resins will not whiten with teeth whitening procedures. This could lead to an unattractive mottling of the teeth.
Individuals who are allergic to peroxide products
Teeth Whitening Procedures
There are many different ways to whiten your teeth, from laser procedures done in your dentists office to over the counter (OTC) treatments that you do at home. You should always speak with your dentist before you start a teeth whitening regimen because every method carries some risks.
Commercial teeth whitening products: There are a variety of different commercial teeth whitening products that you can try without a dentists prescription.
OTC Whitening products for everyday use: Consumers can buy whitening toothpastes, whitening chewing gums and even battery operated whitening toothbrushes. These products contain mild abrasives to remove plaque, food particles and superficial stains.
OTC Whitening products for one time use: Whitening products such as stick-on strips and paint-on products use low concentrations of hydrogen peroxide. These products can lighten teeth up to two shades. However, hydrogen peroxide can irritate the gums, and is a carcinogen at high concentrations.
Professional whitening in the dentists office: These are the most effective and expensive whitening procedures. These procedures can lighten teeth up to five shades.
Teeth whitening products containing hydrogen peroxide are applied to the teeth, either directly or in application trays. Application trays are loosely fitting oral molds, used to ensure full exposure to the whitening agent. When trays are used, they typically stay in place for 15 to 20 minutes. Halogen lights and lasers are often used once the teeth have been exposed to whitening agents to accelerate the bleaching.
Professional whitening at home: Dentists also prescribe peroxide gels for home use. Most frequently, trays are used with these gels. These trays are used to remove stains that require long-term treatment.
Safety Requirements for Teeth Whitening Products
In the spring of 2012, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission ruled that teeth whitening kits with hydrogen peroxide concentrations greater than 6%, or carbamide peroxide concentrations greater than 18%, could no longer be sold directly to consumers.
Such kits can continue to be purchased by dental professionals, so long as the professionals themselves directly supervise their use with patients.
What Toothpastes Are Best After Whitening Treatments?
The peroxides used in whitening products make dental enamel more porous, increasing the sensitivity of the teeth. In many cases, this is a long-term effect. Up to 80% of all patients whove undergone teeth whitening procedures report some degree of sensitivity afterwards. In these cases, brushing with toothpaste for sensitive teeth is a good idea.
Tooth whitening toothpastes will help the results of teeth whitening procedures last longer. Focus on products that clean, and try to stay away from products that polish. Dental abrasives can wear down enamel.
by: Ted Brumby
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