Teeth Whitening –Three Simple Ways You Remove Stains on Your Teeth and Brighten Your Smile
In the US alone, half of the population has discolored teeth. This is a result of the acidic foods and drinks, coffee, tea, wine, and other staining foods. The good news is that these stains can be removed with professional tooth whitening in Encinitas.
What Causes the Teeth to Discolor?
Teeth discoloration is a common problem that affects people of all ages. One cause of teeth discoloration is eating acidic foods such as oranges, lemons, lemonade, and tomatoes without brushing your teeth afterward. Food high in acidity, like citrus fruits, weakens the enamel and colors your teeth with yellow or brown stains.
Age, certain medications, and smoking are all causes of discoloration.
What is Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic procedure that lightens the color of teeth to make them look more attractive.
Some manufacturers offer toothpaste with whitening agents to help users get the results they want without spending a lot of time at the dentist’s office.
Whitening your teeth is not just about looks – it also has a functional purpose. When you start using toothpaste with whitening agents, you’ll notice your gums are not bleeding after brushing anymore and are less sore and swollen than before you started using it!
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that you see your dentist before undergoing whitening treatments. They will take a look at your teeth and give you advice on how to get the best results possible.
Ways You Can Whiten Your Teeth
There are several ways you can whiten your teeth, from toothpaste to whitening trays. However, it is important to consult a dentist near you before you whiten your teeth.
1. Cosmetic Whitening Products
The products are available at your local drug store and come in various versions like bleaching creams and toothpaste. They work by lightening the color of the enamel so that it removes stains and dullness.
Over-the-counter whitening products provide a quick and inexpensive way to remove discoloration from your teeth. The downside is that they may cause gum bruising and lead to gum disease.
2. At-Home Professional Teeth Whitening Kits
Teeth whitening at home can be an arduous task. Not to mention expensive! But with the introduction of professional teeth whitening kits, consumers have a more affordable and convenient option for looking their best.
At-home professional teeth whitening kits are a great way to get professional results without having to make a trip to the dentist’s office. They are designed by the dentist and customized to your dental needs.
Teeth whitening kits are easy to use with proven results that last up to 3 – 6 months, depending on your dental habits. All you need is to put on the trays for a couple of minutes.
3. Professional teeth whitening
Professional teeth whitening is a type of cosmetic dental procedure that whitens the teeth and removes stains. It can help improve the natural appearance of your smile.
The professional teeth-whitening procedure typically involves applying the bleaching agent on your teeth for a 15-minute or longer session in a dentist’s office. The teeth whitening procedure can last anywhere between 45 and 60 minutes, depending on the severity of the discoloration.
Can You Use D.I.Y Remedies?
The two common d.i.y whitening products are baking soda and activated charcoal, believed to whiten the teeth.
Baking soda is a less abrasive method, but it is said to remove stains temporarily. Activated charcoal can whiten the teeth and remove plaque from the tooth surface by attaching itself to them. Additionally, activated charcoal can also help get rid of bad breath and bad taste from the mouth.
Activated charcoal has a dark black exterior which allows it to absorb any stains on teeth, giving a better chance for them to look whiter when compared with other materials. However, it does not offer long-term whitening results.
Which is the Most Recommended Teeth Whitening Option?
Professional in-office teeth whitening is the most recommended because it is safe. The dentist will apply a protective cream on the gums to shield them from bruising.
Schedule an Appointment
Visit Steve Horne, DDS, for more information about teeth whitening and what you can expect during and after the procedure.