Teeth whitening is a procedure to make the colour of the teeth appear whiter. This process does not harm the enamel or any other tooth structures when performed by a professional dentist. It can be done either by removing the stains or by use of chemicals that can lighten the tooth colour.

The factors that can cause discolouration of teeth include:
old age
smoking
presence of tartar
food and beverages that can lead to staining such as tea, blackcurrant, coffee, and red wine
antibiotics
little cracks in the teeth that can take up stains

Bleaching is one of the most frequently used methods for teeth whitening. Hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide is the active ingredient in many teeth whitening products. These bleaching materials react with the compounds in the tooth stain and oxidise it to lighten the tooth colour.

The effects of teeth whitening procedure are expected to last at least for three years, although this can vary from person to person. For example, drinking coffee or red wine and smoking can raise the chances of staining, and this can decrease the duration of the effect of the procedure.

The side-effects associated with teeth whitening are usually temporary and go away within a few days after this procedure. Do consult your dentist if it continues to exist. Some of the side-effects of teeth whitening are:
teeth sensitivity to cold during or after treatment
white patches in the gums
irritated gums
sore throat

Teeth whitening is a procedure to make the colour of the teeth appear whiter. This process does not harm the enamel or any other tooth structures when performed by a professional dentist. It can be done either by removing the stains or by use of chemicals that can lighten the tooth colour.

The factors that can cause discolouration of teeth include:
old age
smoking
presence of tartar
food and beverages that can lead to staining such as tea, blackcurrant, coffee, and red wine
antibiotics
little cracks in the teeth that can take up stains

Bleaching is one of the most frequently used methods for teeth whitening. Hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide is the active ingredient in many teeth whitening products. These bleaching materials react with the compounds in the tooth stain and oxidise it to lighten the tooth colour.

The effects of teeth whitening procedure are expected to last at least for three years, although this can vary from person to person. For example, drinking coffee or red wine and smoking can raise the chances of staining, and this can decrease the duration of the effect of the procedure.

The side-effects associated with teeth whitening are usually temporary and go away within a few days after this procedure. Do consult your dentist if it continues to exist. Some of the side-effects of teeth whitening are:
teeth sensitivity to cold during or after treatment
white patches in the gums
irritated gums
sore throat