Health Leader, Tooth Bleaching: Is it for you?

Tooth Bleaching — Is it for you?

Generally, bleaching is successful in at least 90% of patients, though it may not be an option for everyone.

Consider tooth bleaching if your teeth are darkened from age, coffee, tea, red wine or smoking. Teeth darkened with shades of yellow, brown or orange respond better to lightening. Gray stains caused by fluorosis, smoking or tetracycline can be lightened, but the results are not as dramatic. If you have sensitive teeth, gum disease, or teeth with worn enamel, your dentist may discourage bleaching.

How long does it last?

Bleaching should last 1 to 5 years, depending on your personal habits such as smoking and drinking coffee and tea.

At some point you may want a touch-up.

How does it work?

The active ingredient in most of the whitening agents is 10% carbamide peroxide.

When water comes in contact with it, the release of hydrogen peroxide lightens the teeth.

Is it safe? Are there any side effects?

Studies have proven bleaching to be safe and effective.

Some patients may experience slight gum irritation or tooth sensitivity, which ends when the treatment does.

What are the realistic expectations?

Typically, there is a two-shade improvement as seen on a dentist's shade guide. The success rate depends on the type of stain involved and your compliance. Bleaching can only provide a shift in color from gray to a lighter shade of gray. Bleaching does not lighten artificial materials such as resins, silicates or porcelains.

Reprinted with permission from the Academy of General Dentistry

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Health Tip:

Packing Bag Lunches Safely

If you pack lunches for your child to take to school, be careful that you do not accidentally expose them to foodborne illness.

Bagged lunches, especially those containing perishable foods, need to be packed and handled properly in order to keep the food safe. In general, perishable foods should not be left at room temperature for more than two hours. If left out too long, the temperature of the food can enter the danger zone where bacteria grow most rapidly, which is between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit.

Below are some tips to help families pack bagged lunches safely:

Pack foods that are nonperishable and won't require refrigeration.
If you do pack perishable foods such as luncheon meats or prepackaged cheese and crackers, include a frozen gel pack or a frozen juice carton with the food in an insulated lunch bag or box.
Pack only the amount of perishable food that your child can eat at lunch.
Preparing lunches the night before and storing them in the refrigerator until you pack your child's lunchbox in the morning can help keep food cold longer the next day.
Don't reuse packaging materials such as paper or plastic bags, aluminum foil, etc. as they can contaminate other foods and cause foodborne illness. Have your child discard all used food packaging and paper bags after lunch.

Before eating lunch or snacks at school, make sure your child washes his or her hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. If your child's school does not have a handwashing program in place, encourage them to adopt a such a program, as handwashing is one of the best ways kids and parents can protect health and stop the spread of germs.