The pressure for people to always look their best has spawned a continuing boom in beauty aids and appearance enhancers, for both men and women. There is nothing wrong with this, but in some cases, it pays to be aware of the possible negative side effects before starting on anything. Teeth whitening is today a major segment of the dental care industry. Those who want to have bright white teeth have 2 options available to them - either go to a dentist to have the whitening done professionally or use one of the many over-the-counter whitening products available. If you are considering DIY teeth whitening, here is what you need to know.

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Also Read: What Happens During a Dental Exam?

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WHY TEETH BECOME STAINED?

We are born with nice white teeth. Over time, they become dark and stained for various reasons. Among the most common are:

• Drinking coffee, tea and other liquids that stain the teeth
• Smoking or chewing tobacco
• Eating certain foods
• Various medications can have a teeth discoloration side effect
• Aging
• Improper dental hygiene

HOW ARE TEETH WHITENED?

Teeth are whitened by using bleaching agents that produce oxygen molecules that enter the teeth' enamel to break up the stains and discolorations. The 2 main bleaching agents are:

• Hydrogen Peroxide: This is the strongest bleaching agent so it provides faster results but the downside is that it can lead to increased teeth sensitivity.
• Carbamide Peroxide: This is a milder form of hydrogen peroxide so it takes longer to work but it is less likely to make the teeth sensitive.

POSSIBLE SIDE-EFFECTS OF AT-HOME TREATMENT

• Teeth can become sensitive to hot, cold, acidic and sugary foods and liquids, making it painful to consume them.
• If the bleaching agents come into contact with the gums, they can cause severe gum irritation, leaving gums swollen, sore and red. This risk is even higher for those who may be suffering from any form of gum disease. The bleaching agents may also cause burns and blisters to form on the gums.
• Teeth whitening agents can cause allergic reactions including, but not limited to, swelling of the tongue, lips and even the whole face. Breathing problems are rare but they do happen.
• If the bleaching agents are accidentally swallowed, an upset stomach could result.
• In some cases, the bleaching agents can make the teeth feel rough to touch.

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Also Read: Your Mouth, Your Smile, And Your Health

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The choice to go in to have your teeth whitened by a dentist or do it yourself is yours. However, whatever course of action you choose, it is a good idea to consult a dentist first. She will check to ensure that there are no potential problems that could come from the process. If you prefer to go the home treatment route, she will be able to offer you an at-home treatment system that will be customized to suit you. That means that it will be effective, and safe and you will be able to control how white your teeth become.

Go ahead with teeth whitening. Just visit your dentist first to be sure that you are going about it the right and safe way.

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