Teeth Whitening in Fresno, CA

Professional teeth whitening from a dentist like Dr. Bauer will never damage your teeth. However, it is possible for some unsafe over-the-counter whitening kits to cause tooth damage. 

This usually happens because the level of peroxide (whitener) is too high. Excessive peroxide exposure can permanently weaken and damage your teeth, which is why we always recommend seeing a professional, rather than using at-home over-the-counter whitening kits

Broadly speaking, there are two types of teeth whitening products that work. Abrasives and peroxides.

Abrasive whitening toothpaste uses baking soda or a similar material that’s gritty, but softer than your enamel. This means it can gently rub away plaque and surface stains, whitening your teeth. Using ADA-approved abrasive toothpaste can help you keep your smile bright.

Some toothpaste and mouthwash also contain a small amount of peroxides like hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. These are the same chemicals used in professional whitening treatments. The concentration is very low compared to professional whiteners, so you won’t get the same results simply by rinsing and brushing with these products. However, they can help fight back against stain buildup, and keep your smile bright for a longer period of time.

Dentists are not entirely sure. However, the leading theory has to do with “dentinal microtubules.” These are thin, hollow structures in your enamel that reach all the way into your dental nerve.

The theory is that, since teeth whitening products weaken enamel slightly, this exposes the dentinal microtubules to heat, cold, and pressure. In turn, this causes sensitivity. Then, as your enamel recovers after teeth whitening, these microtubules seal up again, which eliminates tooth sensitivity. 

This is why it’s important to keep brushing with fluoride toothpaste during and after your treatment. Fluoride helps strengthen your enamel faster and can minimize sensitivity during the teeth whitening process.

Teeth whitening has little to no effect on cosmetic dental procedures. This is because hydrogen peroxide, the teeth whitening agent, only works on enamel on the tooth’s surface. This explains why dentists recommend whitening your teeth first before any cosmetic work. That way, the dentist can match the cosmetic teeth with the shade of your teeth. It also avoids the embarrassing scenario where your cosmetic work sticks out compared to your much whiter teeth.

The answer to this question depends on a few different factors. Firstly, the type of teeth whitening treatment you choose will affect how long the results last. For example, in-office whitening treatments typically provide more dramatic and longer-lasting results than at-home treatments like whitening toothpaste or strips. Generally, you can expect the results of an in-office treatment to last anywhere from six months to two years, while the results of at-home treatments may only last a few months.

Another factor to consider is your lifestyle habits. Certain habits like smoking or drinking coffee, tea, or red wine can cause your teeth to stain more quickly, which can shorten the lifespan of your teeth whitening results. Conversely, if you take good care of your teeth and avoid staining foods and beverages, you may be able to prolong the effects of your teeth whitening treatment.

It’s normal for your teeth to turn yellow when you get older. This yellowing is because of continual enamel wear, which exposes the yellow dentin underneath. However, for some people, the teeth may adopt a grayish shade that easily stains. Nicotine from smoking cigarettes can also give your teeth a yellow tinge or leave brown stains. 

That’s not all, heavily pigmented foods like blackberries, blueberries, and tomato sauces can also cause teeth yellowing. The same goes for pigmented drinks like coffee, red wine, and most carbonated drinks. If your teeth still turn yellow despite avoiding these drinks, it’s probably because of fluorosis, which occurs when you expose your teeth to too much fluoride from toothpaste or drinking water.

Schedule a tooth whitening appointment with us if you notice excessive yellowing or visible stains on your teeth. However, only patients free from cavities can qualify for teeth whitening. That’s because the whitening agent can cause severe irritation, pain, and inflammation in patients with cavities. It could also worsen gum disease symptoms and cause bleeding gums and inflammation.

Fortunately, the dentists at Bauer Dental Co. can address your cavities and gum disease symptoms before whitening your teeth. That way, you can have strong, healthy teeth and a beautiful bright smile to cap it all off. However, if you already have fillings and dental restorations, the dentist might suggest getting new ones since restorations are immune to whitening.