When a person of color visits the dentist, he or she may be curious about why certain parts of their mouth look darker than others. This is due to pigmentation in the gums or other parts of the mouth that can result from genetics, age, trauma, or even just foods and drinks like tea and wine. In the past, dentists would try to remove gum pigmentation by literally burning away an entire layer of gum tissue using lasers. Today’s professionals know better—they can get rid of pigmentation safely through tooth bleaching and laser therapy, both of which are great options depending on your particular circumstances.
Asian gingival Hyperpigmentation—A History:
It all started with bleaching! At least for people who lived a couple of hundred years ago. Back then, gum bleaching was a very common practice—but it had nothing to do with ethnic pigmentation; rather, gingival pigmentation was not always viewed as a symptom of poor dental hygiene or an indicator of oral diseases like cancer or trauma. Instead, dentists would sometimes advise patients to bleach their teeth, whether they suffered from gingival hyperpigmentation or not. By burning away an entire layer of tissue in order to lighten dark spots on one’s teeth, some people found success in covering up discoloration…and others were left with deep holes that were much harder to fix than any melanin-related issue had been before.
Today’s State-Of-The-Art Technologies Are So Much Better Than They Used To Be:
lasers can be used to target melanocytes in a more precise manner without having to burn away layers of gum tissue. Not only are lasers less painful, but they’re also more effective. How well do they work? Dentists often rely on laser therapy for treating some types of periodontal disease and removing oral bacteria because these lasers are known for their antibacterial properties. So now that you know all about ethnic pigmentation, why not learn about its removal as well? In addition to trying laser therapy or bleaching agents at home, you should also see your dentist regularly so he or she can perform routine gum checks. By catching any pigmented tissue early on, you’ll minimize tooth damage later on.
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How Can You Get Whiter Gums?
First, don’t try to pop them. Some people think they can get rid of stubborn white areas by using their dental floss, but it’s actually a bad idea — You might be helping yourself out with a bunch of bleeding gums, but it’s not going to improve anything else, Codd explains. The only safe way to get whiter gums is by seeing your dentist for either laser gum bleaching or professional bleaching trays that go over your teeth at home. As far as getting rid of dark spots on your tongue? There are no safe ways to do that at home; you should consult a doctor instead.
Top Tips For Whitening Teeth:
Using Melanin to Their Advantage Ethnic pigmentation is something many people of color have a problem with. It’s not just problematic to our self-esteem; it also affects how well we’re able to take care of our teeth. Teeth can often be stained by things like tea, coffee, or colas—but for ethnic folks, darker gums often turn into darker teeth because melanin levels in the skin tend to be higher than those found in Caucasian or Asian bodies. The good news is that these days dentists use laser bleaching techniques instead of painful boiling. The better news is that all you need to keep your teeth white are natural remedies, like licorice root!
Final Thoughts On Teeth Bleaching:
While it’s important to take proper care of your teeth, tooth bleaching is a very risky procedure that can result in permanent nerve damage if not done correctly. Always be sure to work with a dentist or dental specialist who is experienced in these types of procedures. If you need help finding one, contact us here at The Wielandy Center for Advanced Dentistry or give us a call directly at (513) 444-5010 today. Our team is here to serve you and we’re looking forward to hearing from you soon!