Tooth whitening can be a very effective way of lightening the natural colour of your
teeth without removing any of the tooth surface or damaging it. Usually the original
shade of the tooth is whitened to a lighter colour, rather than being turned completely
white.
As we get older our teeth get darker. This is partly due to our getting older, but
it is also caused by the foods we eat and drink, and by other habits such as smoking.
Tea, coffee, blackcurrant juice, red wine and other foods that have strong colours
can have an effect on the overall colour of our teeth. Teeth may also darken as a
result of some antibiotics
Some people naturally have a more grey shade of teeth. Other people have white spots
on their teeth. This can be caused by early tooth decay, or illness when the tooth
was forming.
There are a number of reasons why you might get your teeth whitened. Everyone is
different; and just as our hair and skin colour vary, so do our teeth. Very few people
have brilliant-white teeth, and our teeth can also become more discoloured as we
get older.
Your teeth can also be stained on the surface by food and drinks such as tea, coffee,
red wine and blackcurrant. Smoking can also stain teeth.
‘Calculus' or tartar can also affect the colour of your teeth. Some people may have
staining under the surface, which can be caused by certain antibiotics or tiny cracks
in the teeth which take up stains
The ‘active ingredient’ in the whitening product is usually hydrogen peroxide or
carbamide peroxide. As the active ingredient is broken down, oxygen gets into the
enamel and dentine on the teeth and the tooth colour is made lighter.
Tooth whitening can only lighten your existing tooth colour. Also it only works on
natural teeth. It will not work on any types of ‘false' teeth such as dentures, crowns
and veneers.
If your dentures are stained or discoloured visit your dentist and ask for them to
be cleaned.