Dr. Apsey of Warren, Michigan Talks About At Home Whitening Products
What Can Cause Tooth Discoloration?
Dr. Apsey of Warren, Michigan explains the many factors that can cause your teeth to become discolored or “yellow”. Some things such as smoking, drinking wine or coffee, or simply not brushing your teeth regularly, will cause you to notice a discoloration in your teeth. Your teeth may also become discolored with age.
How Over-the-Counter Teeth Whitening Products Work
Some of the whitening products available at your local drug store are in the form of strips that are made for easy placement on your teeth and worn for a short period of time. These strips are usually made of plastic and coated with a hydrogen peroxide substance, which, most of the time is a low concentration. These strips help tackle surface stains caused by drinking wine or coffee. The other type of treatment available is a gel, which usually comes in the form of a pen to be painted on the surface of your teeth, though it is not very effective. Though you may see a difference within a few weeks of using these products, the effect may not be what you are after. Whitening products are more likely to cause gum irritation or tooth discomfort if you have any oral disease such as gum disease or tooth decay. Dr. Apsey of Warren, Michigan suggests consulting your dentist or using a dentist approved whitening treatment that will last a lot longer and be more effective.
Why over-the-counter teeth whitening products may not be right for you
Dr. Apsey suggests to consult your dentist before starting any treatments. If you do not have a healthy mouth (gums, teeth, etc.) whitening treatments from a drug store will not be effective. If you suffer from inflamed gums, Dr. Apsey of Warren, Michigan suggests you consult your dentist before moving forward with any whitening treatment as these products can cause more irritation and inflammation to your gums. Another risk of using these products is tooth discomfort so it is important to make sure you are an eligible candidate for this type of whitening treatment. If you suffer from tooth decay, it is best to stay away form these types of whitening treatments as they may increase your risk of tooth discomfort. If you are looking for a long-lasting, white smile, you will, most likely, not find the answer in the dental section of a drug store. Dr. Apsey says that not all discoloration of the teeth can be treated with OTC products and may require professional assistance. Many of the products available to consumers are expensive and short lived. These products contain a very low concentration of whitening agents compared to the professional tooth whitening products that your dentist will provide.
Dr. Apsey’s Suggestions for keeping a healthy, whiter smile:
• Avoid red wine or coffee
• Cut back/quit smoking
• Brush your teeth and floss regularly