Posted: August 31, 2023
A white smile is incredibly desirable. Products line the shelves, from toothpaste to chewing gums, that all claim to get your teeth whiter faster. But do they work? And more importantly, are they all safe? If you want to brighten your smile by whitening your teeth, here are some must-dos and definitely don’ts.
Do: Maintain an Oral Health Routine
Make sure you are flossing once a day and brushing your teeth twice a day to keep harmful bacteria at bay. Not only does this help keep your mouth clean and free of disease, but flossing and brushing can help protect the enamel of your teeth. The enamel gives our teeth their white color.
Don’t: Consume Teeth-Staining Foods and Beverages
If you want to have the whitest smile possible, foods with tannins, such as wine and chocolate, can lead to teeth discoloration. Avoid drinking a lot of coffee and tea as well. Not only do those drinks have stain-producing tannins, but they also are acidic. Acidity can wear down your enamel, diminishing the brightness of your smile.
You can, of course, enjoy your morning cup of joe or afternoon brew. Just be sure to sip through a metal or glass straw!
Do: Look For Whitening Treatments With ADA Seal
The American Dentistry Association has approved many whitening treatments available to consumers. These products that the ADA believes are safe and effective can be found on shelves with their seal.
Don’t: Just Use At-Home Whitening Treatments
At-home whitening treatments, even the ones approved by the ADA, are at much lower concentrations than those found at the dentist. There are numerous benefits to getting your teeth whitened at the dentist.
Whiter Teeth
Because of the higher concentrations available only at the dentist’s, teeth whitening gels and solutions work much better than at-home options.
Faster Results
For the same reasons that you would see a whiter smile than at home, at the dentist’s your teeth will be noticeably whiter after just one visit. In fact, they may be whiter than if you had been doing at-home treatments for weeks.
Longer Lasting Results
Due to ingredients and technique, teeth whitening at the dentist’s allows for greater penetration. At-home treatments sometimes rely on abrasive treatments that just rub or brush your teeth. At the dentist’s, whitening treatments chemically whiten the teeth, allowing for much longer-lasting results.
Low Risk Of Gum Sensitivity
One of the side effects of at-home whitening treatments is gum sensitivity because of poor administration of whitening treatment solutions. When the solution makes contact with your gums, though harmless, it can result in uncomfortable gum sensitivity.
At the dentist’s office, you’re in capable hands. Dr. Greenhalgh can provide custom teeth whitening trays designed to fit your mouth and eliminate gum irritation.
Explore Teeth Whitening in Lakewood, CO
Dr. Scott Greenhalgh and our team have devoted themselves to offering you premium dental care. With a variety of tools and techniques at his disposal, Dr. Greenhalgh is sure to have you leaving with a whiter, brighter smile. If you’re interested in teeth whitening, call at 303-988-9060 to schedule an appointment.
