One of the most recent surveys revealed that about 80 percent of American adults want brighter teeth. Women lead with a staggering 85 percent. Six out of every ten women interviewed during the survey believe that whiter teeth would boost their self-confidence. The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry recently reported that Americans spent a whopping $1.4 billion to purchase over-the-counter teeth whitening kits in 2018.
While a sparkling smile seems like a good idea, how safe is teeth whitening? Do we have teeth whitening options that are safer than others? Let’s break it down.
Teeth Whitening Process
During teeth whitening, a dentist uses chemicals to remove stains and discoloration on the teeth enamel. Professional teeth whitening in Palm Coast aims at removing both intrinsic and extrinsic stains. Extrinsic stains usually form on the outside of the tooth while intrinsic discolorations are caused by trauma or color pigments that find their way into the inner tooth.
Extrinsic stains are caused by many factors, including lifestyle habits such as drinking coffee, smoking, and consuming pigmented foods such as red wine and berries. Poor oral hygiene is another major factor that contributes to the development of stains on the surface of the tooth.
Is Teeth Whitening Safe?
Teeth whitening treatments are very safe when performed by a licensed dentist. Professionals who perform teeth whitening in Palm Coast provide a thorough examination of your teeth before recommending the appropriate teeth whitening treatment for your case. Depending on the state of your teeth, a dentist can either recommend an in-office treatment or at-home teeth whitening treatments.
