Answers About Bleaching
Achieving The Brightest, Whitest Smile

WHAT IS BLEACHING?
Bleaching is simply a method of lightening teeth. It involves the application of a bleaching agent which whitens the enamel on the surface of your teeth.

WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM BLEACHING?
If you are not pleased with the color of your teeth, then you may be a candidate for bleaching. It is only natural to want brighter teeth! Your smile is the most important aspect in presenting yourself and appearance to others. Modern advanced methods of lightening teeth are the product of many years of research and careful considerations of safety, and the most effective means of treating discolored teeth.

DOES BLEACHING WORK WITHOUT HURTING MY TEETH?
If performed properly under the supervision of a dental professional, research has shown that bleaching works without lasting damage to underlying dental tissues.

WHAT CAUSES TOOTH DISCOLORATION?
Tooth color is largely a matter of inherited tendencies. Some of us are born with the tendency for lighter (or darker) teeth. Similarly, some people's teeth respond better to bleaching than others do. In addition to heredity, the color of your teeth depends on the number and location of caries, how the teeth have been restored, how well teeth have been cared for, and other lifestyle factors. The causes of tooth discoloration can be classified in two major categories: EXTERNAL CAUSES and INTERNAL CAUSES.

EXTERNAL CAUSES
External causes include the use of any substance that can stain tooth enamel, such as all types of tobacco products (cigarettes, cigars, pipes, chewing tobacco, and snuff). Coffee and tea are also major causes of tooth discoloration. Patients who are candidates for bleaching have to realize that the end result of bleaching will not last if the teeth are continually exposed to these substances.

INTERNAL CAUSES
Internal causes include problems originating within the body:

• Tetracycline Discoloration
  We have known for some time that the use of the powerful antibiotic tetracycline for young children can cause permanent staining of the teeth.
• Fluorosis Staining
  Fluorosis staining is the result of ingesting large amounts of fluoride during the development of the teeth. Staining from excessive fluoride is permanent.
• Discoloration From Dental Disease
  A tooth may become greatly discolored as a result of disease or death of the nerve of the tooth. This can be caused by trauma or infection. Such discoloration is permanent but may respond well to bleaching.
• Discoloration can be caused by the natural aging process
  The natural process of aging may produce discoloration. Stains accumulate simply because the teeth have been around longer and have been exposed to a variety of stains for a long period of time. This factor is complicated by the fact that the tiny fractures and chips that are more common with age tend to collect stain more readily than younger teeth. Bleaching can be extremely helpful in treating the discoloration that ordinarily occurs with aging.

HOW DOES IT WORK?
Bleaching works because the the enamel surface of the teeth are porous. The porous nature of the enamel allows the bleaching solution to penetrate the tooth surface where the bleaching reaction occurs.

PROS AND CONS OF BLEACHING
There are distinct advantages and disadvantages of bleaching. Bleaching is a safe, effective procedure for some types of discoloration. It is usually painless for adults, requiring no anesthesia. Since bleaching requires no removal of natural tooth tissue it is considered a conservative method of lightening teeth. Bleaching can be time-consuming and require many hours to complete. It is not always possible to achieve the exact color that a patient desires. Special attention to the patients esthetic concerns is paramount for success. Bleaching alone may not achieve the desired result.
Periodontal Disease

About 75 percent of all adults have some form of periodontal disease. This problem starts with plaque, the sticky substance on your teeth. Plaque is made up of food residue, saliva, and bacteria. If you don't remove this sticky film by brushing and flossing, it can harden into a material called tartar. Tartar can't be removed by brushing and flossing. Bacteria thrive in this environment, and the bone and other tissues that support the teeth eventually loosen up.

Battling periodontal disease involves more than just brushing and flossing. It also means regular dental cleanings and checkups. In addition, you need to be on the lookout for warning signs of periodontal disease.

Be aware of and swelling, tenderness, or inflammation of the gums. Bleeding of the gums during brushing or at other times is another sign. Continual bad breath and pus between the teeth or on the gums are also warnings. In more advanced cases, there may be gaps between the teeth and gums, loose teeth, and the teeth may even change position. Left untreated, periodontal disease can result in tooth loss. It has also been linked to more serious illnesses, such as diabetes and stroke. Don't ignore the warning signs of periodontal disease. If you experience them, contact us. We can help you battle this disease to prevent tooth loss and keep your teeth healthy for a lifetime.

 
Tips for Teens

Busy teens often feel they don't have time to practice good home care, but it's essential at this time of life. Many teens think of themselves as being fully grown, but the fact is that they are still growing, and good nutrition and care of their teeth are important.

Let's begin with food intake. Many teens eat on the run or have a tendency to snack. That's fine as long as they're snacking on healthy food. Fresh fruits and vegetables make for terrific snack foods, so having them readily available can be a key to helping your teen get the nutrition he or she needs.

Whether adolescents should eat three square meals a day or five or six smaller, healthier meals is debatable. However, the more often one eats, the more often he or she should brush in order to prevent bacterial activity, which is at its height about 20 minutes after a meal.

Good home care is something that should be taught to young children, but it's never too late to learn how to care for your teeth properly. Brushing after each meal and flossing daily are essential to having a healthy mouth. A toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss fit easily into a purse or backpack. Encourage your teen to keep up good home care, even when he or she is not at home.

Another tip involves regular dental checkup. Every six months is usually recommended but some teens need more professional attention than that. A large percentage of the teen population show signs of periodontal disease, so don't skip dental appointments during these formative years.