Caring for your teeth should be a top priority. You should strive to keep your teeth to prevent various infections and tooth disorders. Additionally, you also need to take care of them so that they can maintain their crispy, white, and natural look. If you have not been doing this, then there is still hope for you. Procedures such as tooth whitening work for many people who need to restore the natural look of their teeth. Simply, teeth whitening will remove the discolouration on your teeth and get you feeling confident about your teeth again. Read the following discussion to get a better understanding of tooth whitening:
The White on Your Teeth - Wrapping It All Up
The white colour on your teeth is something intrinsic that you probably do not know. The outermost layer of the teeth is the enamel. The white colouration on the enamel is a combination of two things. These are the dentin lying beneath the enamel, and the light rays reflected off the surface of the enamel. Genetic factors will affect certain aspects like the thickness of the enamel. The thicker it is, the harder it is for the white pigment on the dentin to show.
How Does Staining Occur
Several things encourage staining and loss of a pleasant white pigment on your teeth. First, teeth develop a thin layer referred to as a pellicle. The pellicle can pick up pigments and cause teeth to stain. Secondly, the enamel has small pores, capable of absorbing and retaining stains. Third, some of your habits can cause your teeth to lose their beautiful white pigment. These tendencies include the following:
- Frequent consumption of dark-coloured beverages such as red wine, coffee and tea
- Smoking cigarettes and the use of tobacco products
- Frequent consumption of sugary stuff. Sugar encourages the growth of plaque, a layer that forms over the enamel and distorts the white colouration.
Lastly, your teeth can also stain naturally as you grow old. The dentin gradually becomes darker as the years pass, leading to lower levels of the white pigment.
The Process of Whitening
Whitening your teeth is a simple process. Most dentists begin by taking a picture of your teeth so that they can keep an eye on the progress of the procedure as time goes. Thorough cleaning then follows to remove dirt, bacteria and unwanted layers on the enamel. The dentist will give you an appropriate whitening gel that you will use periodically for about two to three weeks. Alternatively, you can also use whitening strips stuck onto your teeth for a specified period.
