Teeth Whitening Faro, Algarve

Tooth whitening, also known as dental bleaching, is a clinical procedure used to whiten teeth that are yellowed, darkened or stained due to bacteria or pigments from natural or artificial foods.

Regardless of the technique used, the result of treatment is whiter teeth. Results may vary from person to person, depending on a range of factors to be discussed during the consultation.

There is no average duration for the results of whitening treatments, as several factors, such as diet, local microbiota and the structural characteristics of the teeth, affect the rate at which teeth become yellow and darker.

Although an annual touch-up is possible, it is usually not necessary at intervals of less than 3 years.

Below are some habits you should avoid if you wish to prolong the effects of your tooth whitening treatment:

• Frequently consuming drinks such as coffee, tea and red wine, due to the pigments present in these beverages.
• Smoking, due to carbon monoxide and other chemicals present in tobacco.
• Consuming foods containing artificial or natural colourings, such as red berries or soft drinks.
• Some medications can also darken teeth, including certain antibiotics, blood pressure medication and some medicines used to treat skin conditions.
• Excessive use of abrasive dental products, such as toothpaste or mouthwash.

Although tooth whitening is a widely used technique, not everyone can undergo it. Therefore, it is necessary to consult a professional who will assess each individual case.

Contraindications for tooth whitening include:

• Pregnant and breastfeeding women;
• People with enamel formation problems, such as white spots;
• Patients with bleeding gums;
• People with tooth sensitivity or gum irritation;
• Patients who have recently undergone chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy;
• People with many dental restorations;
• Patients with composite restorations, dental veneers or porcelain crowns, as these materials do not change colour and may have a different shade after whitening, potentially requiring replacement;
• People under 18 years of age.

Temporary sensitivity to cold and gum bleeding are temporary complications that may occur during the application period of the whitening agents.

To achieve a good result and maintain it after whitening, some basic care is required:

• Diet: avoid highly acidic foods, coloured foods or drinks containing colourings, as well as acidic juices and soft drinks.
• Oral hygiene: follow your dentist’s instructions regarding oral hygiene and wait 30 minutes before brushing your teeth after consuming acidic or coloured foods.
• Changing habits: stop habits that can harm the appearance of your teeth, such as smoking and frequently consuming strongly coloured foods, coffee and black tea.

No. Some homemade remedies, such as lemon, baking soda and orange peel, may remove stains from teeth, but they also wear down the enamel and are expressly contraindicated.

Therefore, it is important to follow only the recommendations of a specialist. Only this professional can advise whether tooth whitening is necessary, which type is most suitable and what degree of whitening can be achieved.

It is also important to note that most whitening toothpastes available for sale are abrasive and may irreversibly damage tooth enamel.

With age, teeth darken because the enamel wears away, making dentine — the tissue underneath that determines tooth colour — more visible.

Dentine becomes denser over time, which makes teeth appear darker.