06 Apr Tips for Whitening Your Teeth (And How Your Dentist Can Help!)
When it comes to your teeth, everyone strives to have a pearly white smile that makes a lasting impression on anyone you meet. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. There are a number of factors that can cause our teeth to become dull and lose their bright, white sparkle. Some of these include foods and drinks that can stain the enamel, such as coffee and red wine, but plaque buildup can also cause discoloration. There are a number of different reasons why someone might want to whiten their teeth and the great news is that there are lots of great teeth whitening products and procedures available.
We’ve broken down some tips and tricks for whitening your teeth and how your dentist can help you throughout the process!
Prevent Stains Before They Happen
One of the easiest ways that you can combat tooth discoloration is by simply preventing stains before they happen. Certain foods and beverages, such as coffee, red wine, and dark berries are prone to staining teeth. You don’t have to avoid them completely but limiting how often you eat or drink these items can help keep your teeth bright and white.
Another easy way to prevent staining is to limit your sugar intake. A diet that is high in sugar supports the growth of a specific type of bacteria that causes both plaque and gingivitis. Avoiding sugar and ensuring that you brush your teeth right away after eating sugary foods will help avoid any discoloration. Making sure you have enough calcium in your diet is also a great way to combat staining, as calcium-rich foods, such as broccoli, milk and cheese can help protect your teeth from enamel erosion, which can help keep them bright and white.
Whiten Your Teeth at Home
If you’re looking for a tooth whitening treatment that you can do from the comfort of your own home, the great news is that there are many different products and treatments available. Most teeth whitening products use one of two chemicals, either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, which act as the active whitening agent. At-home teeth whitening treatments are relatively affordable, making them an easy option for many people. There are a number of different at-home treatments available, including:
- Teeth Whitening Kits
- Teeth Whitening Strips
- Teeth Whitening Pens
- Teeth Whitening Toothpaste
An over-the-counter kit usually contains a tray, similar to a mouthguard, which is filled with a gel or paste peroxide solution. The tray sits on your teeth from a few minutes to a few hours a day, for up to a month until you’ve reached your ideal shade. Whitening strips are exactly what they sound like – plastic strips that contain a gel on one side that you apply to your teeth. Teeth whitening pens, while not super effective for overall whitening, are great for on-the-go touchups or maintenance. Whitening toothpaste is also popular and are an easy way to add an element of whitening into your everyday routine.
Visit Your Dentist
For a faster and more dramatic result, visiting your dentist can help you access a few more whitening options. Many dentists offer at-home whitening trays that contain a range of different peroxide concentrations that will gradually bleach your teeth. One of the benefits of going to your dentist to get an at-home whitening kit is that your dentist will make a tray that is customized to your teeth, which will help minimize the amount of peroxide that comes into contact with your gums. This will ensure that your teeth are getting the whitening treatment and will prevent any irritation from the solution.
It’s important to remember that everyone’s teeth are going to respond differently to treatment, so talking to your dentist is a great way to determine what treatment option is going to be best for you. You should also never discount the importance of regular brushing and flossing, which can also help keep your smile bright and white!
Whatever your teeth whitening needs may be, there are lots of great options available to choose from, whether you are looking for something you can do from the comfort of your own home or you’re looking to visit your dentist.