As a rule, the reasons for the discoloration of the teeth are:
- surface staining (pigmentation, caused by the use of tea, coffee, smoking, dental deposits);
- age changes;
- color change as a result of dentine staining from the pulp chamber side.
In these cases, the enamel is subject to bleaching. Bleaching is much less effective in cases of congenital malformations of hard tissues of the teeth (hypoplasia, fluorosis, "tetracycline" teeth) and high transparency of the tooth. Filling and restoration materials (seals, plastics, ceramics, etc.) can not be whitened. Bleaching enamel can be carried out both in dental offices (professional hygiene), and at home. Professional whitening is most effective. The procedures are performed by a specialist: they include the removal of pigment deposits, dental deposits and bleaching with the use of acids and peroxide compounds (hydrogen peroxide, carbamide peroxide in the form of gels). In the oral cavity hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide decompose with the release of oxygen, which oxidizes organic substances on the surface of the tooth enamel, providing the effect of bleaching. In addition, oxygen prevents the reproduction of anaerobic microflora of plaque, thereby contributing to the elimination of halitosis. When carrying out procedures for teeth whitening, remineralizing therapy or fluorine lacquer can also be used. To enhance the whitening effect, light and laser radiation can be used.
The effective action of the means for whitening the teeth at home is based on the removal of surface pigment raids. To this end, in the composition of bleaching agents, therapeutic and prophylactic substances are introduced:
- helping to reduce the formation of plaque on the surface of the teeth (triclosan, chlorhexidine, hexitidine, etc.) (anti-plaque effect);
- slowing down the process of mineralization of plaque, that is, turning it into tartar (zinc citrate, pyrophosphates, etc.);
- abrasive with improved cleaning properties (sodium bicarbonate in tooth powders and toothpastes on a calcium basis). When silicon abrasives are used in controlled abrasive pastes with enhanced cleaning ability, the RDA index can be as high as 75 - (for daily use) and 200 - (for use one - twice a month);
- enzymes that dissolve the protein component of plaque (papain). Systems for home tooth whitening, for example, a set of toothpaste and a bleaching gel containing carbamide peroxide, are also available. Flexible polymer plates with hydrogen peroxide bleaching gel applied on them are applied, which are applied to the teeth twice a day for 30 minutes, etc.
Purpose - cleaning the surface of removable dentures. Dentures are made of polymer materials. Their surface has a microporous structure formed as a result of the presence of zones of unpolymerized monomer. After placing the prosthesis in the oral cavity, its surface is covered with a pellicle - a microfilm formed from glycoproteins of saliva. On the microporous surface of the prosthesis microorganisms are fixed and microbial plaques and mineralized deposits can be formed as well as on the surface of the teeth. An external manifestation of this is a violation of the aesthetic appearance of dentures: mineralized deposits are stained with coffee, tea, tobacco, etc. In addition, the microflora developing on prostheses can cause bad breath, cause irritation and inflammation of the oral mucosa, and also adversely affect the health of patients as a result of inhalation and ingestion. In connection with the foregoing, the care of removable dentures is an effective and necessary component of oral hygiene.
The most effective methods of cleaning dentures:
- mechanical cleaning;
- chemical cleaning;
combined method.
Mechanical cleaning of dentures is made with special bilateral toothbrushes, unilateral brushes and water. Distinctive features of bilateral brushes are: the presence of bristles of different lengths on both sides of the toothbrush, a larger brush size and significantly greater stiffness of the bristles compared to brushes intended for cleaning teeth. The working part of a longer brush with a zigzag brush field is intended for processing the outer surface of the prosthesis, a small rounded part of the brush - for cleaning the inner surface of the prosthesis adjacent to the mucosa of the oral cavity. One-sided brushes and brushes, designed for mechanical cleaning of dentures, differ from toothbrushes and brushes with increased stiffness and larger dimensions.
Chemical cleaning of dentures consists in soaking them in solutions of various composition containing antimicrobial components, detergents (surface-active substances), complexing agents, dyes and flavoring agents. As antibacterial agents, sodium hypochlorite, acetic acid, oxidizers (perborate), etc. can be used. Complexing agents (trilon B) are designed to remove mineralized deposits on prostheses. Detergents improve the clearance of the prosthesis surface. Silicone polymers can be introduced into the composition of means for chemical cleaning of prostheses in order to form a thin film on the surface of the prosthesis, which prevents the adsorption of microorganisms. Means for chemical cleaning of dentures are available in the form of effervescent tablets (the tablet dissolves in water with the release of bubbles of carbon dioxide or oxygen) or liquid. The denture is soaked in the solution for 10-20 minutes. The agent for chemical cleaning of a denture is generally recommended by the dentist, taking into account the properties of the prosthesis material and the individual sensitivity of the oral mucosa to the ingredients of the preparation. Now we know what are the most effective methods of teeth whitening.