Teeth Whitening Paint: Is It Actually Effective?
Don’t we all envy that friend of ours who has a set of flawless pearly white teeth? That bright smile sure looks good in photos. This cosmetic mentality is one of the major reasons why most Americans visit a dental professional or use products such as Crest 3D white toothpaste, AuraGlow Teeth Whitening Pen, LumiBrite Take Home Whitening Gel, GLO Brilliant Personal Teeth Whitening Device, and many other at-home whitening products just to remove surface stains and achieve their desires.
This article aims to show you the right way to go about whitening your teeth, provide cost-effective whitening products, correct any myths or preconceived notions you may have about teeth whitening, and ultimately improve your oral health.
What Should Your Teeth Look Like?
Color is not the major thing that indicates healthy teeth, but that’s not to say that white teeth aren’t enviable. However, the natural teeth are usually tinged with yellow or gray color depending on a number of factors. Strongly colored substances like food and drinks can stain the teeth. Cigarettes can also stain them. Proper oral hygiene will reveal their true color. Some people have their canines and premolars a shade of yellow darker than their incisors. Yet enamel is white. Children generally have whiter teeth compared to adults. This is because as you age, your transparent enamel wears out and, as a result, it reveals the naturally yellow tinted color of the dentine.
What Is Tooth Paint?
Just like standard paint, tooth paint is a cosmetic product that coats the teeth and covers any stain or discoloration. It does not penetrate the tooth enamel because of how hard the enamel actually is. However, the effect does not last for a long time. Getting your teeth painted costs an average of $600, which is relatively expensive compared to other procedures. Tooth paint can come in different forms. For example, gels, pens, and so on.
How Effective Is Teeth Whitening Paint?
There are many reasons why the teeth whitening paint is actually not effective:
- It does not infiltrate the enamel. The enamel is hard and thick. This means that in the actual sense, the teeth whitening paint doesn’t remove the stains or discoloration. It merely covers them up and doesn’t whiten the teeth in the real sense of the word.
- It does not last for long. Time is a function of effectiveness.Therefore, if the benefits of an expensive procedure do not last for a substantial amount of time, then is it really worth it?
- It is contraindicated for special groups of people like pregnant women. This is just precautionary.
- The paint may not stick properly to the enamel.
- It is time intensive. You may have to sacrifice several minutes of your time often to get the desired results.
- It is difficult to apply to the back of the teeth.
- Irritation of the gum or mouth may occur. We are all different. What works for one person may not work for the other person. Some people may develop sensitivity and reactions to some of the ingredients in the tooth whitening paint. It contains peroxide compounds just like bleaching products. You are advised to discontinue immediately should you notice your teeth becoming sensitive.
The above reasons are just some of the cons of tooth painting, but whatever your reason is for wanting to paint your teeth, it is of utmost importance if it will:
- Improve your self-esteem and make you feel confident.
- It also has the advantage of being easy to use, and since the paint coats your teeth, it protects it from staining and acid decay from foods and drinks. This is definitely something to smile about.
- It whitens individual teeth. As mentioned, not all teeth have the exact same shades. Incisors generally are a shade lighter than other teeth.
- No bleaching trays or plastic strips are needed. Trays are difficult to hold in place, and they trigger a lot of saliva, too.
Is Tooth Paint Really Bad for My Health?
So far, there has been no scientific evidence to support the claims that tooth painting damages the dental structures. As long as the brand of your tooth paint contains no toxic or harmful substances, then there is no reason why it should be bad for your health.
When Regular Cleaning Seems Inadequate
You may have done all you can to prevent the yellow colored teeth you have. You may have tried every natural means or home remedy procedures that you know. However, if it does not improve, then there is no reason why you cannot have paint whitening as part of your daily routine. Patients may come in confused as to the right treatment to undergo. It is very important to remove any plaque or bacteria biofilm that may have been built up over the course of the day. Prevention of common dental diseases like periodontitis and gingivitis is more important.
Oral Health
The importance of having a disease-free mouth should not be overlooked. Brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss regularly and watch what you eat. Visit the dentist regularly, and use high-quality toothbrushes, pastes, mouthwash, and so on to clean your teeth. Also, the tongue should not be left out of the whole picture. Regardless of your choice, oral disease prevention should always be your top priority.
Our teeth are extremely important, and whether you are seeking cosmetic or medical procedures, adequate attention and care should be directed toward getting optimal results. A good professional clean or tooth paint every now and then is not so bad. Scaling and polishing should also be done at least twice a year to eliminate tartar, debris, bacteria, and any residue of the paint that may have been overlooked.
The option of using a tooth whitening paint kit solely rests on you. Having properly weighed the pros and cons, you can now easily determine the best course of action that you want to take. The article is intended to facilitate the knowledge and understanding of the effectiveness of teeth whitening paint. It is not to replace the position of your dentist or your primary health care provider. Always contact your dentist before you make your commitment.
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