Cleaning or whitening?

The products of whitening teeth sold in trade would erode the dental enamel, according to a study of american dental institute. They speak however about erosion in the order of the nanometre. That because natural tooth whitening is the best teeth whitening method.

Study concerned five products blanchissants of bandages or of frost applied with the aid of gutters. Fifty samples of teeth were treated during a period from ten days to three weeks, according to the used product. Study showed that all bleaching products reduced the enamel of teeth from 1,2 to 2 nanometres. On the other hand, the teeth which did not accept whitening treatment had earned 0,4 nanometre of enamel during the same period.

«There is no cause for becoming alarmed, asserts the Dr Serge Langlois, president of the Association of the dental surgeons of the Quebec. A loss of enamel of this microscopic order is not harmful and attains in no way hardness or resistance of teeth.» Besides, the enamel of teeth regenerates naturally in some weeks or some months, he adds.

Study also showed that, according to the type of treatment, teeth lost from 6 % to 19 % of their elasticity. Although they are rigid, teeth have some elasticity to resist shocks. The loss of enamel and of elasticity of teeth was the same, it doesn’t much matter the concentration of the agent of laundering. The tested products contained or 9 %, 10 % or 14 % of peroxide of hydrogen or 22 % of peroxide of carbamide.

Less white teeth?
The impairment of the colour of teeth can be caused by dental decay, ageing, consumption of some food and drinks, tobacco addiction or catch of medicaments.

What best: cleaning or laundering?
The dentist Claire Deschamps, who performs treatments of laundering for more than 20 years, warns the public against infatuation for these products sold in chemist’s shop. «Stains on teeth caused by food as the coffee, or the tobacco can sometimes disappear easily with a good cleaning, she explains. A tooth shade of which is more made darker can however require a laundering with the aid of a more concentrated product which will act on the pigment of the tooth.»

The Order of the dentists of the Quebec and the Canadian dental Association recommend to consult a dentist before undertaking a treatment of laundering of teeth. «Blockings, presence of decays, displayed roots or gums in bad state can reduce the effectiveness of a treatment of laundering or procreate unpleasant side effects, as hypersensitivity of teeth», definite Claire Deschamps.

The Canadian dental Association mentions on its Internet site that the long-term effects of treatments blanchissants, that they are made at a dentist’s or at home, «are still unknown and have to make the research object, especially as the results of treatments are not permanent and what many people end up suffering periodical treatments of laundering».