It’s no wonder that the teeth and smile are the first things that people see when they look at you. Healthy teeth do not only improve your appearance but also your overall health. Because of this, you may wonder about teeth whitening techniques. What are they? Can they remove stains and discolorations? Are home whitening treatments available and are they safe? Can your teeth be damaged by these types of procedures and can they lead to sensitivity from hot and cold foods or drinks?
In this blog post, we will make the whole process easier for you and we will discuss some of the main factors that can make your teeth look healthier and whiter. It will be easier for you to choose the finest teeth-whitening choice if you know why your teeth could be discolored, how teeth-whitening procedures work, and the risks associated with teeth-whitening procedures.
How Do Teeth Lose Their Whiteness?
Teeth discoloration can occur for a variety of reasons. Some causes include drug side effects, heredity, tooth damage and trauma, and medical treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation. However, the majority of tooth discoloration results from extended contact with staining substances such as tobacco, soda, tea, and coffee.
Furthermore, the outer layer of enamel on our teeth starts to erode as we get older. Teeth get thinner as a result of enamel erosion. Teeth become more transparent as a result, giving the appearance of being grayer.
Also, as we age, tooth dentin tends to develop and this is the hard tissue underlying tooth enamel. The pulp tissue in the middle of each tooth decreases as it expands. Teeth become more transparent as a result of this process, giving them a more yellow appearance.
Best Ways To Whiten Your Teeth
Switch To An Electric Toothbrush
Electric toothbrushes are much more than just an affordable tool you can add to your daily routine. While it doesnt hold the same power as regular cleanings, it will be much more helpful than your regular brushes and it will reduce the chance of further dental problems developing. However, we understand that some people are hesitant when it comes to buying an electric toothbrush due to their price. Furthermore, we will explain why purchasing one is totally worth it:
It Cleans What You Cannot
People’s overconfidence in their abilities to take care of their teeth is one of the main reasons they are reluctant to transition to an electric toothbrush. The truth is that an electric toothbrush can get a more professional clean than even the best non-electric toothbrush. It is also only a fraction of the effort required to brush with a standard brush, and it may reach parts of the mouth that traditional brushing cannot. This is especially true for children who use electric toothbrushes, as they don’t have the ability to use their hands to brush well until they are between the ages of seven and eight.
The Cost Is Not Dramatically Different From A Regular Brush
One of the main reasons people aren’t switching to electric brushes is cost. You will find that there is a significant price difference between a high-end normal toothbrush and an electric toothbrush. But when you find yourself in the same toothbrush aisle once a month, or more, to replace your trusty old toothbrush, you’ll discover that the well-known electric brush was not as pricey as you thought it was. The truth is that new brush heads no longer have to break the budget, and inexpensive electric toothbrushes are easily accessible.
Furthermore, because the electric vibration of the toothbrush reduces the force needed to break up food particles and plaque on teeth, electric toothbrush heads last longer and require less maintenance than conventional toothbrush heads.
Reduction Of Tooth Decay
Preventing dental decay is crucial for cutting down on oral disease-related expenses and dentist visits. To get the best possible dental health, the American Dental Association suggests brushing twice a day for two minutes. To make sure customers brush for the whole two minutes, the majority of electric brushes come with a timer.
Nevertheless, given that the typical individual only brushes for 30 seconds, is rather helpful. The risk of cavities may be decreased by simply brushing correctly, and utilizing an electric toothbrush at home makes it possible to eliminate plaque that causes cavities fully and effectively.
Beyond only making temporary improvements to your daily oral routine, using an electric toothbrush has several other advantages. While tooth decay may not be the first concern for many consumers, buying an electric toothbrush can help prevent tooth decay in the long run—especially in light of our previous discussion of the investment’s worth. Reducing dental decay, to put it simply retains more teeth in the mouths of electric toothbrush users and reduces the amount of problems they may face later in life.
Improved Gum Health
Additionally, electric toothbrushes strengthen gum health. In addition to helping to reach difficult spots near the gums, using an electric toothbrush also takes care of the gums without causing too much discomfort.
Apply Whitening Strips
Teeth may play a significant role in how someone views themselves. Teeth naturally become yellow as we age, but there are ways to slow down this process. One of these methods is the use of whitening strips, which are available over the counter and can be used to help whiten teeth and remove stains.
How To Use It?
Most people usually apply the strips straight to their teeth. However, the manufacturers may advise against brushing right before using the strips. After that, the patient will keep the strips on their teeth for the suggested amount of time. While this could differ for each product, it’s generally recommended to leave the strips on for thirty minutes or more.
The recommended frequency that whitening strips should be used might also be suggested by the company that makes them. In general, whitening strips should be applied twice a day for two weeks to offer the best results.
These instructions, however, could change based on the product. As a result, a person must stick to the instructions on the box and never wear the strips for longer than what the company recommends.
Brush Twice A Day
Because toothpaste is only effective when used, be sure to brush your teeth on a frequent basis. A regular dental routine involves brushing twice a day for two minutes at a time. In addition to using your whitening toothpaste, brushing gets rid of germs and plaque that might further erode your enamel.
It is advised that you use a toothbrush with soft bristles rather than rough ones. It has been shown that using a soft toothbrush lowers the risk of gingival recession, which can result in irreversible damage. Additionally, soft bristles are kind to the enamel, reducing the risk of enamel erosion.
Don’t Skip Dental Checkups
It is a known fact that going to the dentist for regular checkups is the best way to improve and keep your teeth healthy. A dentist is capable of recognizing problems earlier and doing the best to prevent them from getting worse.
Why Receive Professional Cleaning?
Plaque normally accumulates on your teeth when you eat and use them. You will inevitably overlook some of the plaque that has formed on your teeth even if brushing with whitening toothpaste and a gentle electric toothbrush may remove the majority of it. In order to reach the areas you miss and in order to safely use stronger hygiene equipment, routine expert cleanings are necessary.
Frequent dental checkups are also essential for misalignment correction and early risk detection. When a dentist employs preventative dentistry approaches, X-rays are usually used to identify early warning indicators of different oral disorders and treat them before they become dangerous. These methods also lessen your risk of developing serious diseases like diabetes and cancer that are not related to dental health.
Prevent Teeth Stains Caused By Food
Teeth stains may result from acidic meals or strongly colored beverages. Limit your consumption of these meals and beverages and rinse your mouth with water afterward to prevent dental discoloration. Next, clean your teeth 45 minutes after giving yourself a water rinse.
Some of the foods and drinks that can discolor your teeth are:
- Red wine
- Pomegranates
- Regular and diet soda
- Black tea
- Berries (blackberries, blueberries, etc.)
- Curry
- Marinara sauce
- Turmeric
- Balsamic vinegar
Quit Smoking & Tobacco Use
We are learning more and more about the harm that tobacco smoking does to the body as research on the topic develops. Using tobacco will definitely prevent you from getting better teeth. Tobacco not only colors your teeth black but also damages them and makes most whitening procedures ineffective.
Although the effects of smoking on the lungs are frequently emphasized, using tobacco products has just as negative effects on the tongue. It is a known fact that cigarettes will wear down your teeth much faster because they contain some tiny particles that are abrasive. Additionally, smoking can make your teeth break down and weaken the enamel.
Get A Professional Tooth Whitening Treatment
When it comes to brightening your smile, professional teeth whitening is frequently a reliable, secure, and efficient option. However, there are many factors to take into account, such as price, lifestyle choices, and whether getting a thorough in-office treatment or a personalized take-home tray is a better option. Hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide are the two major chemicals used in tooth whitening procedures. The oxygen molecules in these whitening chemicals weaken the stains on your teeth at the molecular level, in contrast to whitening toothpaste which employs an abrasive component to mechanically remove stains at the surface.
A kind of peroxide is also used in several over-the-counter (OTC) whitening pens, kits, and strips. The chemical concentration distinguishes them from in-office tooth whitening procedures. Because the dentist can isolate the teeth, a very high percentage of hydrogen peroxide is employed at the dental office. In order to protect the patient’s gums from being burned by peroxide, the dentist isolates them using a specific rubber dam.
Professional teeth whitening procedures come in a range, much as at-home whitening kits. however your teeth can be brighter more quickly, but at a higher expense, with in-office professional whitening.
What To Expect At An In-Office Teeth Whitening Appointment
Usually, in-office teeth whitening requires the following steps:
- Your dentist will assess the current shade of your teeth using a tooth shade chart. You’ll talk about the potential shade difference in your smile following teeth whitening.
- After that, your dentist will polish your teeth and remove any leftover plaque using a sandpaper tool.
- Your dentist will use instruments to hold your mouth open so the whitening chemical doesn’t come into contact with any of the fleshy areas of your mouth, such as your tongue, cheeks, or gums. There is a barrier put in place at the gum line.
- After applying the whitening solution, your dentist may keep it on for up to an hour. If light activation is a component of your therapy, this is also the time that your dentist will employ it.
- Your dentist will reapply the whitening chemical if further coats are needed for that particular brand.
- Your mouth is washed when the whitening procedure is finished. Fluoride treatments from your dentist might help lessen any possible sensitivity.
- Your dentist and you talk about whether your teeth have turned the right shade as well as the lifestyle changes you need to make over the course of the following day or so to allow the whitening chemical to take effect. These include abstaining from red wine and coffee, as well as meals that are highly colored. Your teeth are dehydrated just after teeth whitening, which increases their susceptibility to food and beverage stains.
Your teeth could look a little darker a few days after whitening, even if you follow your dentist’s advice and avoid bright meals, coffee, and wine. Don’t give up though. Teeth whitening causes dehydration, which is why they seem instantly brighter after the process. whether your teeth are still not the color you want after a week, ask your dentist whether there’s any chance they may be lighter with at-home treatments or further in-office appointments.
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