Gum brightening, also known as tooth bleaching and gum bleaching, was an alternative to tooth whitening in the past. To do so, dentists would literally burn away an entire layer of the gum tissue in the hopes of getting rid of the melanocytes (which produce….) However, recently dentists have found that this can severely damage the gums and may even cause them to fall off completely! Fortunately, there are other methods of tooth bleaching now that don’t involve burning the tissue off…
Introduction:
Dentistry has come a long way since the days of gum bleaching. Gum brightening is the current treatment of choice for those who have dark gums and want to get rid of their unwanted pigmentation. The treatment is quick, easy, and doesn’t involve any pain or downtime. The first step in getting your teeth whitened is always an initial consultation with your dentist. They will first use a dental camera to see what’s going on inside your mouth before discussing the best course of action for you personally. Your dentist will then recommend either laser gum surgery or a chemical whitener that can be applied at home.
Why Do We Get Gingival Hyperpigmentation?
It’s all about melanocytes. These cells are present in the skin, hair, and nails, and they produce pigment (called melanin) which is what gives these tissues their color. When people have a lot of these cells in their gums, teeth, or nails, it can lead to dark pigmentation. This might happen when someone has a condition like vitiligo or if they have certain types of cancer. The most common cause of gum hyperpigmentation though is age. As we get older, our body produces less collagen in the gum tissue which gives it elasticity and leads to pockets around the teeth where food and bacteria can accumulate more easily.
Ways To Prevent It From Happening:
1. Keep your teeth clean! Brush at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss regularly. Not only will this keep the bacteria under control, it will also improve your gum health by removing any plaque that could cause inflammation and lead to gum bleaching. 2. Avoid tobacco products as much as possible, because nicotine is what causes melanocytes in the gums to produce more pigment than normal. 3. Schedule regular dental visits at least once per year with a dentist who specializes in gum care so they can make sure your gums are healthy, which can help prevent gum bleaching from happening in the first place!
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What Are The Treatments Available?
The treatments available for gum brightening are varied and depend on the level of your gum pigmentation. White strips and bleaching products are designed for occasional use, while laser treatment is best for serious cases. Laser therapy uses concentrated light from a low-powered laser to burn away the melanocytes in your gums, making them less visible and less permanent. The downside is that it can be quite painful, but it’s only a few minutes of discomfort. There are also mild chemical peels that can help fade the appearance of your discoloration by removing layers from the surface of your gum tissue.
Is Bleaching Actually Effective?
Bleaching might not be the best way of getting rid of the pigmentation in your gums. It can cause a lot of pain and discomfort for you, and it’s also a very expensive process. There’s no guarantee that bleaching will work either! You might end up spending all this money on something that doesn’t work at all. Bleaching can also cause sensitivity and gum recession. If you’re looking for an alternative, I would recommend laser therapy instead. Laser therapy is more effective, less painful, and won’t cause gum recession like bleaching does.
Conclusion:
So how does it work? The process is actually quite simple. It’s a same-day treatment with no downtime, and there are no known side effects or risks associated with the procedure. The dentist will use a laser that emits light in order to remove the melanocytes in the gum tissue. These cells produce a substance called melanin, which is what causes your teeth and gums to have pigmentation; this pigment then diffuses into the saliva, which means that every time you eat or drink something, your teeth become stained with brown marks. So what you’re doing is removing the pigment from these cells so that they can’t produce any more of it. Once your body replaces these cells naturally, over time your teeth will be permanently lighter!
