University of Nigeria Dental Students Association ( UNDESA) awards the Chief Medical Director of ESUT Teaching Hospital, Parklane (Prof.Bethrand Ngwu) for his support towards the association on the occasion of annual health week of UNDESA.
University of Nigeria Dental Students Association ( UNDESA) went further to lecture us on Teeth Whitening
Whitening is a safe process that is effective for most patients. Multiple whitening options are available, including over the counter products such as Crest Whitestrips, as well as dentist-supervised methods such as in-office treatments or at-home treatments involving trays with a peroxide gel.
Laser whitening is a teeth whitening technique in which gums are covered with a rubber dam and a bleaching chemical is applied to the teeth. A beam of argon laser, which is intended to accelerate the process of bleaching, is then projected upon the teeth. This laser activates the bleaching chemical and lightens the teeth colour. Laser whitening is said to be six times more effective in teeth whitening compared to other procedures.
Toothpastes
Whitening toothpaste differs from regular toothpaste in that they contain higher amounts of abrasives and detergents to be more effective at removing tougher stains Some whitening toothpaste contain low concentrations of carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide which help lighten tooth colour however they do not contain bleach With continuity of use over time, tooth colour can lighten by one or two shades.
Baking soda
Baking soda is a safe, low abrasive, and effective stain removal and tooth whitening toothpaste. Tooth whitening toothpaste that has excessive abrasivity is harmful to dental tissue, therefore baking soda is a desirable alternative. To date, clinical studies on baking soda report that there have been no reported adverse effects. It also contains acid-buffering components that make baking soda biologically antibacterial at high concentrations and capable of preventing the growth of Streptococcus mutants. Baking soda might be useful for caries-prone patients as well as those who wish to have whiter teeth
Indications
Tooth whitening may be undertaken for a variety of reasons, but whitening may also be recommended to some individuals by dental professionals.
- Intrinsic tooth staining
- Aesthetics
- Dental fluorosis
- Endodontic treatment (internal bleaching)
- Tetracycline staining
