Thursday, November 02, 2006

Tooth whitening - professional teeth bleaching & home kits - BUPA UK

Tooth whitening - professional teeth bleaching & home kits - BUPA UK: "Tooth whitening
Tooth colour varies from person to person - just like skin and hair colour. There are a number of ways that teeth can be made to look whiter. This factsheet describes bleaching methods that can be used to lighten the natural shade of your teeth.
Why do teeth get discoloured?
There are many reasons why teeth can become discoloured. Simple things like drinking tea, coffee, red wine or other food and drink with strong colourings can cause it. Smoking is another major cause, which can result in a yellowed appearance to the teeth.
As people grow older their teeth can become darker naturally. Tooth decay, fillings and tartar build-up can also all contribute to discolouration.
Teeth have nerves and blood vessels inside them. If these nerves and blood vessels are damaged (this can happen because of decay, or if the teeth are knocked) the tooth may get darker.
Some types of staining can be caused by diseases or medicines. For example, if a type of antibiotic called tetracycline is given to children whose teeth are still developing, their adult teeth may form with a yellow or greenish tinge.
There are many simple ways to improve the appearance of discoloured teeth. Visit your dentist or hygienist to have your teeth scaled and polished on a regular basis. This involves removing any tartar that has built up. Your dentist or hygienist will also give you advice about preventing tooth decay.
Regular toothbrushing, stopping smoking and cutting down on strongly coloured food and drink will help stop stains returning.
Whitening toothpastes are slightly abrasive, which may help to remove surface staining. However, they do not alter the natural shade of your teeth.1
Your dentist can also give you advice about replacing your metal fillings and crowns "

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