Teeth whitening is a popular dental procedure that helps in removing stains and discoloration from the surface of teeth. It’s a simple yet effective way to enhance your smile and boost your confidence. But before diving into the methods of teeth whitening near you, it’s essential to understand why our teeth lose their brightness in the first place.
Over time, our teeth can become stained due to various factors such as:
- Some foods and drinks like coffee, tea, red wine, and berries have colours that can stain teeth.
- Smoking or chewing tobacco can make teeth yellow or brown.
- Not brushing and flossing well enough can let plaque and tartar build up, which can make teeth look dull.
- As we get older, the outer layer of enamel on our teeth wears away, showing the yellowish layer underneath.
Understanding these factors can help us choose the best whitening method suited to our needs.
Different Whitening Methods
There are several ways to whiten your teeth, ranging from over-the-counter products to professional treatments offered by dentists. Here’s a breakdown of the most common methods:
Over the Counter Options
- Whitening toothpaste: Search for toothpaste that has ingredients like hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. These toothpaste can help make your teeth whiter over time by removing stains from the surface when you use them regularly.
- Whitening strips: Whitening strips you can buy without a prescription have a special gel with peroxide. You put them on your teeth directly. If you use them regularly, they can make your teeth whiter in a few weeks.
- Whitening pens: Whitening pens are easy and handy. They have a gel with peroxide that you put on your teeth directly to make them whiter, focusing on certain spots.
- Whitening gels and trays: Whitening gels are placed on your teeth using trays that are made to fit your mouth, which your dentist gives you. You wear these trays for a certain time, usually a few hours each day or while you sleep, until your teeth look how you want them to. This way helps you have more say in how white your teeth get and can work better than whitening stuff you buy without a prescription.
In-Office Whitening
- In-office teeth whitening: When a dentist whitens your teeth professionally, they use stronger whitening materials. You can see the difference after just one visit after getting Zoom teeth whitening, which is great if you want quick results.
- Take-home whitening kits: Dentists can provide custom-fitted trays along with professional-grade whitening gel for at-home use. These kits offer convenience and flexibility while still delivering effective results.
Natural Remedies for Teeth Whitening
- Baking soda and lemon juice: Create a paste by mixing baking soda with lemon juice and brush your teeth with it. The abrasive nature of baking soda combined with the acidic properties of lemon juice can help remove surface stains.
- Strawberries and baking soda: Mash strawberries with baking soda to create a natural teeth-whitening paste. Strawberries contain malic acid, which can help remove stains while baking soda acts as a mild abrasive.
- Oil pulling: Swishing coconut oil or sesame oil in your mouth for 15-20 minutes daily can help remove bacteria and surface stains, leading to whiter teeth over time.
Choosing the Right Option for You
When deciding on the best whitening method, it’s essential to consider factors such as the severity of discoloration, your budget, and your desired level of convenience. Consulting with a teeth whitening dentist is crucial to ensure you choose a safe and effective treatment that meets your needs.
Tips To Avoid Tooth Discoloration and Maintain Whitening Results
- Brush your teeth two times every day with toothpaste that has fluoride, and use floss once a day to clean between your teeth and remove plaque.
- Consume staining foods/beverages like coffee, tea, red wine, and berries in moderation, rinse your mouth afterward, and use a straw.
- Quit smoking to prevent tooth discoloration and improve oral health.
- Visit the dentist regularly for cleanings and check-ups to remove surface stains and plaque.
- Use whitening toothpaste cautiously, as some can be abrasive and cause enamel erosion if overused.
- Eat crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples, carrots, and celery to naturally scrub away stains.
- Consider touch-up treatments from your dentist after professional whitening to maintain results.
- Protect teeth from grinding with a mouthguard and use fluoride mouthwash to strengthen enamel and prevent decay.
By incorporating these tips into your oral care routine, you can help prevent tooth discoloration and maintain a bright, healthy smile.
In conclusion, whether you opt for professional treatments or at-home remedies, remember that whitening takes time and consistency. Follow the instructions provided with your chosen whitening method and be patient as you work towards achieving your desired results.
A Brighter, Whiter Smile Is Within Reach.
If you’re considering teeth whitening or any other dental procedure, visit Marigold Dental Clinic for expert care and personalized treatment. Our experienced team of dentist in Pitt Meadows offers a range of services to help you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile.
Schedule your whitening appointment today.