If you are interested in getting whiter teeth, there may be other options than dental bleaching. One such option, a pre-brush whitener, works to help restore a tooth's natural surface color by removing dirt and debris left behind by foods, drinks, other factors that lessen the brightness of your teeth.
Tooth Discoloration
The two types of discoloration that may occur to your teeth are intrinsic and extrinsic. Intrinsic stains are stains of interior of the tooth and the result of trauma, aging or exposure to certain minerals during tooth formation. Extrinsic stains are stains on the surface of the tooth and are caused by dark-colored beverages, foods, tobacco and everyday wear on a tooth. Extrinsic stains are the primary benefactors of pre-brush whiteners, although some at-home bleaching kits can help to reduce intrinsic staining.
Function
All at-home tooth whitening products including, strips, paste and pre-brush rinses contain peroxide to help dissolve the stains on your teeth. Debra Glassman, DDS, explains that the surface of a tooth is made up of thousands of dentinal tubules, hollow structures that are extremely porous, and absorb pigments from foods and drinks. The peroxide in your pre-brush whitener works by bubbling into those tubules and lightening those pigments.
Time Frame
Some brands such as Listerine suggest using their product twice daily before brushing. You are supposed to swish the pre-brush whitening rinse around for 60 seconds before disposing of the product in the sink, and flossing and brushing in your normal fashion. Do not be alarmed if the pre-brush whitener does not provide immediate results; manufacturers suggest you will most commonly see results within two weeks of using the product.
Benefits
Some of the pre-brush rinses attempt to provide multiple benefits to the user. These benefits may be the addition of chemicals meant to deter further staining, fight plaque build up, control tartar or kill germs. These pre-brush rinses may help allow a user to obtain better overall dental health. Dentists have noted that pre-brush whiteners have the ability to lighten teeth from two to nine shades. The length of the results is related to how you maintain the results, whether that be brushing more or avoiding stain causing food and drinks.
Warning
You should be aware of certain risk associated with the use of pre-brush rinses. These risk involve tooth sensitivity, gum irritation, and multi-colored teeth or the brightening of natural teeth while the shade of tooth restorations may not change. If you encounter any pain while using a pre-brush rinse discontinue use, and contact your dental provider.
