Tooth whitening is one of the cheapest, safest and most effective cosmetic dental procedures. It can brighten up your smile and personality by making your teeth, which have become yellow over the years, pearly white. Generally, people in our country get their teeth cleaned (Scaling) and whitened (Teeth Whitening) done on social occasions, birthdays and weddings to make them whiter and more attractive. In foreign countries, due to the party culture, there is a trend of "weekend whitening". My dentist friends practicing in metro cities like Mumbai, Bangalore, Delhi have also experienced a similar trend.

What is the difference between dental scaling and whitening? Does regular teeth cleaning make them whiter?

Teeth cleaning and whitening treatments are completely different. Dental scaling is done to remove extrinsic stains and tartar from the teeth. This protects you from tooth decay and gum disease. While whitening is a part of cosmetic treatment that helps lighten intrinsic stains on the outer covering of the teeth - the enamel - due to yellowing, smoking, and fluorosis.

How do teeth become whiter with tooth whitening treatment?

Most whitening products contain a specific combination of bleaches such as carbamide or hydrogen peroxide. Such a mixture breaks down the stain particles on the teeth through an oxidation process, leaving behind a white color. That is why it is also known as “dental bleaching”. Usually, this treatment can be done in a dental clinic or at home with a “home whitening kit” and it takes about an hour. Some toothpastes are also available in the market for this. Usually, the best results of whitening treatments done in a clinic are seen after a week and can last for about 6-8 months.

Can whitening be done on people of all ages?

Whitening can be done on any teenager or adult with healthy teeth. If you want to make your smile attractive on an occasional basis, whitening is the best way for you. But its effect lasts only for 6-8 months. To keep your teeth white and attractive permanently, your dentist may also give you the option of porcelain veneers or metal-free crowns. All these cosmetic dental treatments are just a part of "smile designing". It is very important to seek the help of a dentist to know which option will be best for you.

Is it safe to whiten teeth with a teeth whitening procedure?

Yes, if your teeth and gums are healthy, you can definitely whiten them. But if you have tooth decay or your gums have become weak due to pyorrhea, then in such cases, using whitening ingredients can cause severe teeth sensitivity or burning. That is why I would recommend you to get a complete oral screening before undergoing any kind of cosmetic treatment. As per the advice of experts, pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid whitening treatments for a while. So far, no negative results have been proven, but, the precautions taken will prove to be better than correcting the mistake.