Dental Cleaning or Teeth Whitening: Which One Do You Actually Need?
You look in the mirror, see that your teeth are not as white as you would like and think that you need whitening. But is it really a case of whitening or could a cleaning do just as well? Dental cleaning and professional whitening treat different issues and knowing the difference can help prevent getting the wrong treatment.
Cleaning Focuses on Plaque and Tartar
A professional cleaning removes plaque and tartar from the teeth. Plaque is the soft, sticky film of bacteria that builds up on the teeth. Tartar is plaque that hardens on the teeth. A professional cleaning also removes a surprising amount of staining.
Whitening Focuses on Colour
Whitening works in a different way. It uses a bleaching agent to remove color from the teeth. It does not remove plaque and tartar, only color within the limits of the tooth’s natural color.
It is important to make the distinction between the two types of staining that affect teeth. One is staining on the teeth, often caused by food or tobacco. The other type of staining is the color of the tooth itself, the inner layer. These are two different types of staining that require different treatments.
Staining on the teeth can often be removed with cleaning. The removal of the color of the tooth itself requires some form of whitening. The distinction is useful because it can help determine whether a cleaning or whitening is the more appropriate procedure.
Causes of Staining on the Surface of the Teeth
- Tea, coffee or dark drinks
- Foods with particularly strong color
- Tobacco, where applicable
- Plaque and tartar buildup that appears discoloured
Causes of Inner Staining That Affect the Natural Colour of the Teeth
- Genetics
- Medication taken during tooth development
- Certain illnesses or medical conditions
- An injury or dental work to a tooth
Restorations Such as Fillings, Crowns, etc., Do Not Respond to Whitening
It is important to remember that many restorations or dental work such as fillings, crowns, veneers, etc., do not respond to whitening. If there are such visible dental work on the teeth, getting professional whitening could lead to uneven coloring that makes the restoration stand out. The dentist will take this into account when considering the recommendation.
Sensitivity During Whitening is Possible
A common side effect of professional whitening is temporary sensitivity to hot or cold drinks or food. It is more common among people with sensitive teeth, exposed roots or untreated cavities. This is yet another reason why a dentist should examine the teeth prior to any whitening procedure.
The Dentist Will Examine the Teeth First
A dentist will want to ensure that there are no cavities or other issues that need to be addressed first prior to any whitening. Likewise, an examination will help them determine the most probable cause of the staining so that they can determine whether whitening would be suitable. For instance, there would be no point in trying to whiten a tooth with an untreated cavity since the discoloration would be uneven and the cavity itself has to be treated.
Which One Do You Need: Cleaning, Whitening, Both or Nothing?
In case of rough teeth, discolored plaque or tartar or bleeding gums cleaning is a must.
In case of generally healthy teeth that need brightening a professional whitening treatment is in order.
Many people benefit from both cleaning and whitening. Some people benefit from neither. It is entirely possible for teeth to be healthy but still discoloured, and a whitening treatment is necessary in these cases too. However, a generally healthy smile is more likely to stay healthy rather than one with untreated cavities or plaque buildup.
A Brighter Smile Does Not Always Equal a Healthier Smile
It is important to distinguish between the two procedures, but it is also important to remember that a whiter smile is not necessarily healthier than a naturally discoloured one. Just as healthy teeth can be discoloured, unhealthy teeth can remain naturally white. Both are valid concerns and both should be taken care of.
A Gentle Introduction to the Possibility of Either Cleaning, Whitening or Both
If you are trying to decide whether cleaning, whitening or both is right for you, this is the type of question that a dental examination can answer. The experienced team at Mumtaj dental care can help determine what your teeth may need and recommend Teeth Whitening as a suitable option, if applicable.
