subject: Leave Teeth Whitening To The Professionals [print this page] People keen on teeth whitening should leave the procedure in the hands of professional dentists.
The Daily Mail recently reported that teeth whitening procedures are best done in a dentist's surgery because some do-it-yourself home kits have been found to actually erode tooth enamel.
Such harmful kits have been discovered to include illegally high levels of hydrogen peroxide and other acids which can dissolve teeth and result in the need for cosmetic dentistry services.
The British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry has said that some ineffective home teeth whitening kits have ill-fitting moulds that allow bleaching properties to spill out and damage gums.
Dentist Dr Keith Cohen said that if people want to improve their smile with teeth whitening then they should choose an accredited dentist because they will have the expertise to successfully perform the procedure.
He told the health section of the Daily Mail: "If you want to whiten your teeth, get a dentist to do it, as they will use a made-to-measure tray around the teeth that will reduce the risk of leakage."
An approved dentist will take a mould of a person's teeth and create a customised tray which holds a mild solution that sits only against the teeth and avoids contact with the gums.
People who take part in this popular method of professional at-home tooth whitening will be required to wear the custom tray for approximately an hour every day for a week or two.
Meanwhile, drinkers concerned that regularly consuming red wine will result in permanently stained teeth have been warned that white wine can be just as damaging to a smile.
Scientific research revealed that white wine is more likely to rot teeth compared to red wine because it is more acidic and it the drink has a greater chance of staining teeth than hot beverages such as tea.
Dr Paul Ashley, of the Eastman Dental Institute, University College Hospitals, told the Daily Mail: "White wine is definitely more erosive than red."
Drinkers are advised to enjoy their favourite tipple during a meal as this will decrease the possibility of tooth damage because the food will absorb some of the harmful acids found in alcohol.
Furthermore, eating a piece of cheese immediately after drinking wine will help neutralise acid as will swilling your mouth with water straight after consuming alcohol.
The Academy of General Dentistry has warned pregnant women that poor oral health can harm a baby's wellbeing.
