What causes staining on your teeth and how does bleach work?

There are various actions and habits in your day-to-day life that can impact the way your teeth look. Over time, they can reduce the whiteness of your teeth and cause unsightly stains to form, something that might be making you feel self-conscious. If this is a problem for you then teeth whitening using bleach might be an option. Teeth whitening is a very successful procedure when carried out by dentists, and it can make a big difference to the way your teeth look and how you feel about your appearance. Before you decide to go ahead with a treatment though it’s important that you understand what is causing the staining to occur, what you can do to reduce it, and how teeth whitening works. This will allow you to make an informed decision about your treatment.

Types of staining

There are two different types of staining:

1. Extrinsic staining

This is a superficial surface stain which is easily removed by simple cleaning by a hygienist. The hygienist can use specialist equipment to remove this type of staining gently and effortlessly. Check out our latest equipment and learn more about the process when you visit a dental hygienist for a thorough clean.

2. Intrinsic staining

This is staining that has built up in the internal portion of the tooth. Chromogenic particles transfer from the food and drink we consume and get trapped inside the teeth. These particles are very small and they diffuse through the enamel into the inside bit of the tooth, which is called the dentine. The dentine is porous, so it absorbs these small particles. As the particles accumulate they get bigger and become trapped in the structure of the teeth. The only way to remove this is by using dental bleach.

What is staining caused by?

• Tea, coffee and red wine
• Smoking
• Corsodyl mouthwash
• Some antibiotics
• Some medication
• Turmeric
• Dental decay
• Trauma

Is there anything that can be done to help with staining?

If you are concerned about the staining on your teeth and you would like to remove it, then it is possible to have your teeth whitened. This is a process that will reduce staining and help you get your smile back. Your dentist can discuss the individual results you can expect when you undergo a teeth whitening treatment using bleach.

So how does the bleach work?

The simplest explanation is that the bleach diffuses through the tooth, reaching the dentine. This is where it breaks the large stain particles down into smaller particles, allowing it to pass through the teeth.

Are the results permanent? How long do they last?

Results from professional teeth whitening can last up to two years, but this all depends on your daily habits. If you smoke or drink coffee, tea, or red wine on a regular basis your teeth will become discoloured more quickly. It is easy to keep your smile looking its best with top-up treatments performed either in our office or at home every 6-12 months.

How much does teeth whitening cost?

At Gentle Dental Care, it costs £350 for at-home bleaching and £595 for power bleaching. Our prices include a brief examination to ensure your mouth is healthy enough for bleaching.

Which teeth whitening option should you go for?

If you want your teeth a little bit whiter but don’t want the results to be too dramatic, you will be able to enjoy excellent benefits from the at-home bleaching treatment. If you want your teeth to be that little bit whiter or you have a special event coming up soon, such as your wedding, then go for the power bleaching.

What is teeth whitening like?

We have a whole page dedicated to teeth whitening and what you can expect. Find out more.

Got a question about stained teeth and teeth bleaching? Call us today on 020 8655 1118 for a free telephone consultation. We will ask you about your medical history to ensure that you are suitable for treatment and will be happy to schedule a consultation if you would like to go ahead.