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New Brunswick Dental Society FAQs

Can I make my teeth whiter?

In the past few years a number of over the counter teeth whitening products have come out on the market. As these gels or pastes contain peroxide to bleach the teeth, concerns have been raised about the side affects from these products when used without the supervision of a dentist. In some cases home use without the supervision of a dentist may result in yeast growing in the mouth or damage to the nerves inside each tooth as well as the soft tissues including the gums and palate. The first step is to identify why the teeth are discoloured. Ask your dentist. Once the cause is determined he or she can set up a whitening treatment. A bleaching method may be selected as the best option. Lasers, in combination with special chemical agents are another emerging whitening option however there is scientific concern as to the result of this procedure. If your teeth have been discoloured from smoking, drinking coffee or tea or ageing and you are interested in whitening your teeth be sure to ask your dentist.