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A beautiful smile is something that everyone desires. And, for a great smile, your teeth need to look shiny and healthy. Discolouration of teeth is quite common, and there can be many reasons behind it, such as drinking coffee, smoking, or age. But, the good news is that it can be fixed! Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic dental procedure that effectively removes stains and helps you achieve a brighter smile. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the reasons why you should consider teeth whitening.
Boosts Confidence
Having stained or discoloured teeth can damage your confidence. It can make you hesitant in public, and you may avoid smiling altogether. With teeth whitening, you can easily restore your teeth’s natural colour, which can make you feel more confident and outgoing. A confident smile can make a big difference in your personal and professional life.
Improves Appearance
Teeth whitening can improve your overall appearance. Our teeth tend to darken as we age, which can make us look older than we really are. Whitening teeth can decrease the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, thereby giving a more youthful appearance.
Removes Stains
Stains can occur on our teeth from a variety of reasons- consuming tea, coffee, or wine, smoking, medications and some foods. While brushing and flossing help maintain overall oral hygiene, it might not be enough to remove these stains. Teeth whitening can help remove these unpleasant stains and leave you with a sparkling set of teeth.
Cost-Effective Solution
Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic dental procedure that does not burn a hole in your pocket. It’s a cost-effective solution to enhance your smile appearance without undergoing any major dental procedures. While other solutions may include extensive dental work, teeth whitening is a much simpler and less expensive alternative.
Quick & Painless Procedure
Teeth whitening is a non-invasive, quick and painless procedure that can be performed in a single dental visit. In just one session, you can achieve a significantly brighter and whiter smile.
How Does It Work?
During the teeth whitening procedure, a special gel is applied to the teeth that contains an active ingredient called hydrogen peroxide. This ingredient helps break down stains and removes discolouration by oxidising the molecules. The dentist will use a special light or laser to activate the gel, which helps accelerate the process of whitening. As this process works, it leaves behind a brighter smile that you have always desired.
For your convenience, you can even choose a take-home kit which allows you to perform the whitening procedure in the comfort of your own home at your own pace. With the help of a professional dentist, you can achieve a beautiful and brighter smile in no time!
Maintaining Your Teeth Whitening Treatment
Maintaining the results of a teeth whitening treatment is essential to keep your smile looking bright and beautiful. Whether you’ve undergone professional teeth whitening at a dental office or used at-home whitening products, here are some essential tips to help you maintain your white teeth and prevent staining:
Practice Good Oral Hygiene:
The foundation of maintaining white teeth is maintaining good oral hygiene. This includes:
- Regular Brushing: Brush your teeth at least twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste. Use a soft-bristle toothbrush and be gentle to avoid damaging your enamel.
- Floss Daily: Flossing helps remove plaque and food particles between your teeth that can lead to staining and decay.
- Use Mouthwash: Rinse with an antimicrobial mouthwash to kill bacteria and freshen your breath.
Avoid Stain-Causing Foods & Beverages:
Certain foods and drinks are known to cause teeth staining. To maintain your whitened smile, reduce or eliminate consumption of:
- Coffee: Coffee is notorious for staining teeth due to its dark colour and acidity.
- Tea: Black and herbal teas can also lead to stains.
- Red Wine: Red wine contains pigments called chromogens that can adhere to your teeth.
- Sodas: Dark-coloured sodas, as well as colas, are acidic and can stain teeth.
- Berries: Blueberries, blackberries, and other dark-coloured fruits can contribute to staining.
Limit Tobacco Use:
Smoking or using tobacco products can quickly stain teeth. Quitting or reducing tobacco use not only benefits your oral health but also helps maintain your teeth whitening results.
Drink Water After Eating & Drinking:
Water helps rinse away food particles and neutralize acids that can cause staining. After consuming stain-causing foods or drinks, swish water in your mouth or simply take a drink to help reduce the chances of staining.
Use a Straw:
When enjoying beverages that can stain your teeth, consider using a straw. This helps direct the liquid past your front teeth and minimizes contact with the enamel.
Chew Sugarless Gum:
Chewing sugarless gum can stimulate saliva production, which helps cleanse your mouth and neutralize acids. Look for gum that contains xylitol, a sugar substitute known to benefit oral health.
Consume Dairy Products:
Dairy products like cheese, yogurt, and milk contain calcium and phosphates that can help strengthen and remineralize tooth enamel. This can protect your teeth from stains and decay.
Maintain Regular Dental Check-Ups:
Regular visits to your dentist are crucial to monitor your oral health and maintain your teeth whitening results. Your dentist can provide professional cleanings to remove surface stains and offer guidance on keeping your smile bright.
Consider Touch-Up Treatments:
Over time, teeth may naturally darken, and stains can reappear. Depending on the type of whitening treatment you’ve undergone, your dentist may recommend occasional touch-up treatments to maintain your desired shade of white.
Teeth whitening is a simple and effective way to restore the natural colour of your teeth and improve your overall appearance. Its benefits extend beyond aesthetics, as it also improves self-esteem and confidence. If you’re considering the procedure, make sure to consult with your dentist first to determine the best treatment for you and follow post-treatment instructions. At Dental at Lake Haven, we offer professional teeth whitening services to brighten your smile and improve your oral health. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!
