How And Why Do Teeth Discolour? 28 June 20232 August 2022As our teeth start to stain and discolour, we can become very self conscious. Read this post to understand the causes and what you could do to prevent it worsening.Intrinsic StainingIntrinsic staining is discolouration that is incorporated into a tooth, either whilst it is developing or after it has erupted. The success of tooth whitening depends largely on the type of staining.FluorosisSome of the main causes of intrinsic staining are excessive fluoride intake over the period that the tooth develops. The resulting fluorosis presents itself as either white and chalky enamel or brown staining. Bleaching can be used in most cases to reduce the contrast of the enamel and improve the appearance.AntibioticsAnother major cause of intrinsic staining is the use of certain antibiotics, including tetracycline and minocycline. These cause a blue-grey banding on the teeth. The severity of staining will depend on the type and the duration of use. Prolonged whitening is usually required in these cases.TraumaThe most common cause of intrinsic staining is trauma which can make the tooth turn black. This type of staining responds well to prolonged whitening.Family HistoryOther common causes of intrinsic staining are hereditary. Imperfections in the formation of the enamel or dentine can cause discolouration. Diseases like amelogenesis and dentinogenesis are examples of hereditary diseases that cause intrinsic staining.AgeAge also causes intrinsic discolouration due to the change in the physical composition of the teeth. Overtime, layers of enamel are lost, exposing the darker underlying dentine.Extrinsic StainingExtrinsic staining is far more common. It only affects the surface of the teeth. It is mostly caused by the interaction of food and drink pigments with plaque that covers the enamel. This can easily be removed by dental polishing. When this type of staining moves past the cracks in the teeth, it can’t be removed by tooth-brushing. In this case, whitening is required.If you are interested in whitening please click here for more information or call us on 01723 670500.
Tooth Whitening And The Law The European Directive 21 June 20232 August 2022The laws on tooth whitening changed on 31 October 2012. The legislation in regards to tooth whitening by the European Union shows a clear difference between the products that can be legally used for tooth whitening by dental professionals, and products that can be used by non-dental professionals.The change follows a move in 2013 to revoke and replace the Cosmetic Products Regulations 2012, with the Cosmetic Products Enforcement Regulations 2013, commonly known as the EU Cosmetics Regulation.For Each Cycle Of Use, First Use By A Dental PractitionerThere is a possibility that a patient that has not had the appropriate instruction on how to use their home kit could be at risk of swallowing excess whitening gel. The requirement that the first use of each cycle is done by a dentist, or under their supervision, will help to prevent this. This also means that whitening kits can’t be sold to patients at reception or through the post.Hygienists And TherapistsThe General Dental Council’s Scope Of Practice sets out the roles that each dental professional can carry out. It sets out that hygienists and therapists can provide tooth whitening under the prescription of a dentist, if they are trained and competent.It is advisable that the dentist is on the premises when the first use of of the product is provided to the patient.Patients Under 18The Regulations and EU Directive state that the product must not be used on patients under 18. This can create an ethical dilemma for dentists who may want to act in the best interest of their patients but are prohibited from doing so by the Regulations.Breach Of The RegulationsThe maximum penalty for breaching the Regulations is a sentence of imprisonment not exceeding 6 months.
Want to know about tooth whitening… 12 September 20205 April 2022Tooth whitening is all over social media at the moment. As your new dentist in Scarbrough, we felt it would be a good idea to provide a few tips on whitening, and what to look out for.What is tooth whitening?Boutique WhiteningTooth whitening can be a very effective way of lightening the natural colour of your teeth without removing any of the tooth surface. It cannot make a complete colour change, but it may lighten the existing shade.Why would I need my teeth whitened?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 by tiny cracks in the teeth which take up stains.What does tooth whitening involve?Professional bleaching is the most usual method of tooth whitening. We will be able to tell you if you are suitable for the treatment, and will supervise it if you are. Firstly, we will take an impression of your mouth in order to create specially made trays which fit your mouth exactly. We will then place the whitening gel inside these trays and insert them into your mouth. The ‘active ingredient’ in the product is usually hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. As the active ingredient is broken down, oxygen gets into the enamel on the teeth and the tooth colour is made lighter.How long does this take?The total treatment can usually be done within two to four weeks. First, you will need two or three visits with us. We will need to make a mouthguard and will take impressions for this at the first appointment. Once your dental team has started the treatment, you will need to continue the treatment at home. This means regularly applying the whitening product over two to four weeks, for 30 minutes to overnight wear, depending on the the product used. Boutique whitening is a premium product, is one of the best available.How much does tooth whitening cost?We provide Boutique whitening from just £280 per month.How long will my teeth stay whiter?The effects of whitening are thought to last up to three years. However, this will vary from person to person. The effect is less likely to last as long if you smoke, or eat or drink products that can stain your teeth.What are the side effects?Some people may find that their teeth become sensitive to cold during or after the treatment. Others may have discomfort in the gums, a sore throat or white patches on the gum line. These symptoms are usually temporary and should disappear within a few days of the treatment finishing.If any of these side effects continue you should let us know.What about home whitening kits?There are many home whitening kits available, including paint-on whiteners and strips. How effective these aredepends on the amount of whitening agent they contain.Home kits are cheaper but they are not always assessed for safety and tend to be more acidic. So there is a chance that these products could damage your teeth and gums. Because tooth whitening is a complicated procedure we advise that you always talk to your dentist before starting the treatment.Regulations covering home kits vary from country to country. Kits sold in Europe cannot legally contain more than 0.1% peroxide and this is too little to be effective. In other countries where stronger peroxide is allowed, home whitening is more common. But you need to be careful as some kits sold over the internet may contain mild acids and abrasives.Really these can be unsafe, it’s best to get a professional opinion first.How safe are beauty kiosks and beauticians? In Europe and in some other countries whitening can only legally be carried out by a dentist. So tooth whitening bybeauticians and in whitening kiosks is illegal. In Europe, it is illegal to supply bleaching material containing more than 0.1% peroxide (or the equivalent in carbamide peroxide) to anyone other than a dentist, or direct to the public.These regulations are to protect the public. They make sure that anyone carrying out whitening is properly trained and has the right skills and knowledge to carry out the procedure without risking permanent damage to the teeth or gums.What about whitening toothpastes?There are several whitening toothpastes on the market. Although they do not affect the natural colour of your teeth, they may be effective at removing staining. Therefore, they may improve the overall appearance of your teeth. Whitening toothpastes may also help the effect to last, once your teeth have been professionally whitened.We recommend curaporx whitening, it’s the only one that really works well!bCan a single tooth which has been root filled be whitened?Yes. Sometimes dead teeth go discoloured after a root filling. If the tooth has been root treated, the canal (which contained the nerve) may be reopened. The whitening product is applied from the inside to whiten the tooth.When might tooth whitening not work?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.If your dentures are stained or discoloured tell us, we can arranged for them to be cleaned.How can I look after my teeth once they have been whitened?You can help to keep your teeth white by cutting down on the amount of food and drinks you have that can stain teeth. Don’t forget, stopping smoking can also help prevent discolouration and staining.We recommend the following tips to take care of your teeth:Brush your teeth last thing at night and at least one other time during the day, with a fluoride toothpaste.Cut down on how often you have sugary foods and drinks.Visit your dental team regularly, as often as they recommend.Call us now, as a new dentist in Scarborough, we love talking about teeth. We use Boutique whitening too, so we can give you a personal opinion too!