Teeth Whitening

Whitening toothpastes contain ingredients that help remove surface stains only. Unlike tooth-whitening bleaches, whitening toothpastes do not affect stains below the tooth's surface. For that reason, toothpastes do not get teeth as white as... Full Answer

OTC tooth whiteners do not always work as well as professional whitening procedures you can get from your dentist. This is because they use lower concentrations of peroxide to remove stains from teeth. On the other hand, many times an OTC tooth... Full Answer

Tooth whitening is a process that makes discolored teeth whiter. There are several ways to whiten your smile. You should discuss your tooth whitening options with your dentist. He or she can tell you whether whitening procedures would be most effective... Full Answer

Because tooth whitening products use hydrogen peroxide, they can cause some irritation and sensitivity to temperature in your teeth and gums. During the laser procedure in the dentist's office, sometimes shooting pains may occur, or a gradual warmth... Full Answer

Tooth whitening is not recommended for children until their adult teeth are fully developed. At about the age of 14, the pulp in a child’s permanent teeth has finally developed, making them less sensitive. In some situations, teeth whitening may be... Full Answer

Yes, you should have a dental exam prior to bleaching your teeth. An exam allows the dentist to determine the health of your teeth, and to identify possible treatable causes of the discoloration. This can help you keep your teeth white longer if you can... Full Answer

The ADA advises patients to first consult with their dentist to determine the most appropriate treatment for whitening. A thorough oral examination by a dentist is essential to determine if bleaching is an appropriate course of treatment. This is... Full Answer

Tooth bleaching is one option for whitening your smile. You should discuss your tooth bleaching options with your dentist. He or she can tell you whether the whitening procedure will be effective for you. If you are a candidate for tooth bleaching, some... Full Answer

Taking good care of your teeth, including regular visits to your dentist, is the first step to delaying the need for tooth whitening treatments. Brushing your teeth to remove food and beverage residue that may lead to stains is also important. Drinking... Full Answer

Rather than heading to the local cosmetic counter or shopping mall in search of tooth whiteners, start with a dental checkup. Your dentist can evaluate, diagnose and treat any pressing oral health conditions and advise you about different options... Full Answer