Anorexia, tanorexia and now bleachorexia? With the recent increase in patients requesting teeth-whitening services, dentists warn to bleach with caution.
Teeth whitening in the U.S. has increased more than 300 percent since 1996, due in part to the availability of over-the-counter teeth whitening systems offered at every drug store and Wal-Mart across the country, according to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.
Several options for teeth whitening are available for home use including over-the-counter kits, such as Crest Whitestrips and teeth-whitening toothpaste. Dentists provide safe and effective options, such as custom fit trays with bleaching liquid and in-office bleaching, said Toni Mulford, a Logan dental assistant.
But over bleaching can cause serious problems with your teeth and gums.
Some people can really hurt themselves
I've seen it happen. If the bleach gets on your gum tissue it can burn it so try to keep it off the tissue of your mouth Mulford said.
White spots can appear on your teeth and sensitivity can increase. Many of these things are reversible, but you have to give them time to heal, Mulford said.
I used a take-home kit and I overused it
and I had problems with extreme hot and cold for about two years. I now use Crest Whitestrips and whitening toothpaste. I like having white teeth; it makes them look healthier
said Caroline Flynn, an Ohio University freshman.
Most dentists recommend using teeth whiteners for the two weeks required by many of the over-the-counter kits and then allowing four to six months before repeating the regimen, according to the American Dental Association.
That allows the enamel as well as the gum tissue to replenish itself, reducing sensitivity and white spots, according to the association.
In 2004, Americans spent about $2 billion on teeth whitening products and about $280 million on home kits, according to the American Dental Association.
I don't whiten my teeth. I guess I have better things to spend my money on. If you just brush your teeth
I think you should be fine
graduate student Tanny Phillips said.
But you don't have to spend money to keep your teeth white; simply changing some of your habits can improve the appearance of your teeth.
Brushing and flossing are the most important things. Also stay away from coffee
dark cola and tobacco
Mulford said.
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