Summary:
Your healthy whites are more than a physical attribute! A majority of individuals are convinced that a dazzling smile with picture-perfect teeth is a social asset.
Sadly, however, 25% of Americans have a flawed smile with off-white or yellow-colored teeth.
But does that mean you should stop smiling altogether?
No! This is where teeth whitening steps into the picture. It has become massively popular over the last few years due to its popularity and effectiveness.
In this blog, we take a closer look at:
- Teeth Whitening – An Insight into the Procedure
- The Best Ways to Get Your Dazzling Whites!
- 5 Secrets to A Beautiful Smile
Continue reading as we unlock the secrets to dental whitening teeth in the following sections of the blog.
Teeth Whitening – An Insight into the Procedure
Teeth whitening methods include the use of a variety of techniques and products to remove stains and discoloration from the teeth. They often come in DIY kits or can be done by expert dentists in Tupelo, MS.
The Types of Whitening Options
Before we learn more about teeth whitening, it’s important to understand two different types of whitening options:
- Extrinsic whitening: It aids in stain removal by employing mild abrasives to remove spots from the outer surfaces of teeth. It displays the color beneath the enamel but does not modify the color of the teeth.
- Intrinsic whitening: Intrinsic lightening is a procedure that employs a bleaching substance (carbamide peroxide) to lighten the color of your enamel.
The Best Ways to Get Your Dazzling Whites!
Apply Whitening Strips
Whitening strips are little pieces of flexible plastic that have been treated with lightening gel.
To utilize these products, you need to place the bottom and top strip over the teeth and leave it for 5-30 minutes. Most Whitestrips are designed to be used over many weeks. However, certain Whitestrips may whiten teeth at home in only one day.
Because peroxide and the adhesives in most white strips might harm or irritate the delicate gum tissue, the strips should be trimmed down before usage.
Note: Some “natural” whitening strips do not include bleaching chemicals and instead employ alternative lightening agents to eliminate stains. These additional agents do not bleach teeth naturally.
Get a Custom Whitening Gel Tray
Custom whitening gel trays are the best, longest-lasting, and most sustainable option to whiten your teeth. Your dentist creates and custom-fits these whitening gel trays based on unique imprints of your teeth.
You may maintain your tray as long as your teeth remain in the same position. You will buy a lightening gel to use at home (it keeps in the refrigerator) whenever you wish to whiten your teeth.
To use a custom whitening gel tray:
- Take the gel out of the refrigerator.
- Fill the tray halfway with peroxide gel.
- Place the tray gently over your teeth, being sure to enable the fit to shield your gums from the gel.
- Set the tray aside for 1-3 hours. It should not be left on overnight as this may cause tooth sensitivity.
When not in use, keep the tray in water with baking soda, just like you would a night guard, retainer, or any other dental appliance for safe teeth whitening.
Use Baking Soda Toothpaste
Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) works well as a home treatment for yellowing teeth.
According to studies, toothpaste containing baking soda erases stains from yellowing teeth more successfully than other pastes. The higher the baking soda content, the better the effects.
While you may hunt for toothpaste that contains baking soda, the simplest method to do so is to make your own:
- Combine two tablespoons of water and one teaspoon of baking soda.
- Dip your brush into the solution.
- Brush your teeth as you normally would.
Note: Don’t use baking soda solution too often for your teeth whitening safety.
Try Oil Pulling
Although oil pulling can remove surface stains from teeth, it is not a very effective teeth whitener. It will, however, balance the oral flora and alleviate inflammation associated with bleeding gums/gingivitis.
Coconut oil attaches to microorganisms on the teeth, removing certain surface stains. However, oil pulling will not “whiten” your teeth any more than swishing your mouth with water will.
However, because oil pulling is generally beneficial to oral hygiene, you can do it more often.
5 Secrets to A Beautiful Smile
While they’re at it, a majority of individuals have the same question: Does teeth whitening work?
The answer is yes if you care for it enough. Here’s an overview of five secrets to a beautiful smile:
1. Drink smart to avoid stains on your teeth
Coffee, red wine, and tea, among many cocktails and sodas, discolor your teeth.
But did you know that liquids from pomegranate, blueberry, and blackberry may also leave unattractive markings on your skin? This is also true when using these darker berries in smoothies.
Drinking using a straw prevents discoloration and tooth damage from fruit juices and soda. Additionally, it would help if you also rinse your lips with water after a few sips to keep coffee stains from affecting your teeth bleaching.
2. Choose the right toothpaste to whiten and protect
Brushing your teeth with the correct toothpaste is the best way to whiten them at home. Doing it twice a day helps remove plaque and minimize the effects of enamel-eroding acids.
Brushing after a meal can also help remove stains. However, don’t brush immediately after a meal as it may wipe away acids from food and drink, weakening your dental enamel.
3. Use floss and mouthwash for hard-to-reach spots
Mouthwashes are not only useful for freshening your breath; they are also a vital element of your dental care regimen and may help whiten your teeth. After brushing, rinse with mouthwash to protect against germs and acids that might cause yellow teeth.
Flossing can also help whiten your teeth and keep your gums healthy. Have you ever noticed that black stains are accumulating between your teeth? Flossing regularly will help break down plaque and whiten problem spots that can make your smile appear dull and gloomy.
4. Smile, don’t smoke!
Once you’ve whitened your teeth, the key is to maintain them looking their best. This includes giving up – or at least reducing – any bad behaviors that may cause stains on your teeth. Yes, we’re referring to those vexing cigarettes and cigars.
Toss out bad habits like smoking and chewing tobacco. Tobacco not only stains your teeth; it may also create major difficulties with your dental health and overall health.
E-cigarettes, which do not contain tar or smoke, should not discolor your teeth. However, nicotine is still present, which may impair your capacity to create saliva. This can result in plaque accumulation and poor breath.
5. Eat a balanced diet
Even if they taste wonderful, eating too many sweet foods might be hazardous for your teeth. Avoiding junk food and focusing on a balanced diet rich in veggies will be considerably better for you and your teeth in the long term.
However, be wary of the quantity of sugar in various fruits and liquids; if you don’t keep a regular dental care regimen, they can potentially cause cavities. “Everything in moderation” is the essential phrase.
Takeaway
- Teeth lightening procedures involve a number of techniques and products that are used to eliminate stains and discoloration from the teeth.
- Tobacco not only stains your teeth, but it can also cause serious problems with your dental health and overall health.
- In the long run, avoiding junk food and focusing on a balanced diet rich in vegetables will be far healthier for you and your teeth.
- Still thinking of the perfect smile? Come, and make the most of your pearly whites with our effective whitening services at Main Street Family Dentistry today!