A beautiful smile is one of the first things people notice when they meet a person. Many people believe it’s important to enhance their smile in any way possible, especially when it comes to staining from tea, wine, and smoking.
Taking care of your teeth now ensures they’ll stick around for many years to come. Unfortunately, some of the whitening treatments commonly suggested today aren’t as safe as you’ve been told.
Check out these ten facts and learn more about what to avoid, your options for healthy teeth whitening, and the best way to keep your smile bright and white.
Although whitening toothpaste sounds like a quick and easy idea, don’t count on long-term results. That’s because when you whiten with toothpaste, it only stays on for a matter of minutes.
Research shows that whitening toothpaste works best at getting rid of surface stains. If you don’t have much build-up, that’s great, but look for a method that offers comprehensive whitening rather than simply scratching the surface.
Using charcoal is popular among folks who try to live a natural and healthy life with little added chemicals. They believe that real teeth whitening can be accomplished by brushing activated charcoal on and scrubbing for a few minutes.
The problem with this method is that activated charcoal is abrasive on teeth. If used on a consistent basis it damages enamel, which gives teeth their white look.
If you’re a rough brusher when using charcoal, these mistakes lead to further problems. Play it safe and go gentle on your teeth and gums.
You’ve heard that fruits like lemons and strawberries help your teeth whiten naturally. You enjoy having these anyway so figure out why not make it part of your routine.
The problem with this is the acidic nature of these fruits means you expose your teeth to damage when the fruit gets applied directly to each tooth. Just eat them as you normally would, and you’ll preserve your smile.
Oil-pulling is a popular method that many believe whitens teeth and helps in promoting gum health. While using this oil in food and in some beauty routines is fine, save your money when it comes to using it in your mouth.
Oil-pulling hasn’t been proven to whiten teeth in any studies. Some folks find when they do use it, they end up pulling out a filling or creating additional dental damage they didn’t have before.
Talk with your dentist before you try this at-home treatment so you can continue to preserve your smile.
Many people get teeth whitening procedures done and expect them to last forever. While teeth whitening gives your smile an improvement, it’s not a use-once-and-done solution.
Just like anything else in life, it’s important to maintain your smile once it’s treated. Avoid products, food and drinks that stain teeth, have regular dental visits, and talk with your dentist about how often to whiten.
Most people whiten several times in their lives and chances are you’ll do the same if you want a bright smile.
In some cases, you and your dentist find that veneers or implants are the best way to manage your smile. Perhaps you lost a tooth in an accident, or you’d like cosmetic work that improves your appearance.
You cannot whiten veneers or implants, since these are fake teeth, and won’t respond to treatment the way your natural teeth do. Before getting this type of work done, speak with your dentist about whitening first.
You’ll have the satisfaction of knowing your teeth get white before treatment and blend with any other cosmetic work you’re getting done.
Some children get prone to teeth that stain naturally or experience an illness that causes their teeth to appear yellow. This is unfortunate, but hold off on whitening treatments until you and your dentist confirm you’ve found the right solution.
That’s because some whitening treatments harm growing teeth, and cause further damage to your child’s adult teeth. This means they’ll need work earlier in their life, and can experience tooth loss as a young adult.
Hold off on any treatments until you speak with a dentist skilled in pediatric dentistry.
With all the at-home whitening kits on the market, many people think they know all about teeth when it comes to making them look white and beautiful. While these work for light staining, don’t expect them to give you the same solutions a professional treatment would.
By visiting your dentist, you’ll get a treatment designed for your specific needs that does more than lift surface stains. This is the best way to ensure your smile looks great, and you’re not whitening more frequently than needed.
When you have your dentist help you whiten your teeth you’ll save money. Your dentist creates a custom whitening tray made just for your mouth.
Combined with a solution that addresses the specific yellowing and discolouration you’re facing, you’ll have a healthy white smile. Your dentist gives you specific directions to ensure you don’t leave the trays in for too long, allowing you to whiten your teeth safely.
By having your teeth whitened, you’ll develop confidence with your smile. You won’t mind flashing your pearly whites for the camera and know no matter what type of lighting you’re in, your teeth look great.
Healthy teeth whitening seems overwhelming, but you’ll find a customized procedure that works for you when you speak to your dentist. With a bright smile, you’ll feel like a new person.
If you’re looking for a dentist to help you with teeth whitening or other cosmetic procedures, we’re here for you. Contact us today, and take the first step to a healthy, new you.
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