Tooth bleaching, also known as tooth whitening, is a common procedure in general dentistry but most especially in the field of cosmetic dentistry. Many people consider white teeth to be an attractive feature of a smile. A child's deciduous teeth are generally whiter than the adult teeth that follow. As a person ages the adult teeth often become darker due to changes in the mineral structure of the tooth, as the enamel becomes less porous. Teeth can also become stained by bacterial pigments, foodstuffs and tobacco.
The procedure to bleach teeth uses oxidizing agents to lighten the shade of the tooth. The effects of bleaching can last for several months, but may be shortened by cigarette smoking, and tea and coffee consumption. |
Tooth whitening
