Are you looking to achieve a brighter smile without sacrificing your oral health? You are not the only one. 67% of American adults have used some form of teeth whitening product or service in their lifetime…
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Keep on reading and I will show you step-by-step how to keep your mouth healthy while whitening teeth.
Table of Contents
Understanding The Whitening & Health Connection
Professional vs At-Home Whitening Options
Protecting Your Enamel During Treatment
The Right Way To Maintain Results
Understanding The Whitening & Health Connection
Teeth whitening isn't only about looks…
You have to know the "why" behind the process to protect your dental health. Whitening products contain hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, and these agents help reduce stains by breaking them into smaller pieces.
Easy so far?
The problem is that hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide also make the enamel more porous. This is the reason why some people suffer from teeth sensitivity following their whitening process.
But as always, there is a bright side. Dental care services for professional whitening ensure that your teeth are in good health even while you are whitening them. For instance, if you are going for professional whitening, working with an experienced dentist in Leichhardt ensures that you receive proper guidance regarding which methods are the safest for your case.
A simple way of putting it is…
Your teeth are a sponge. When you use whitening products, they create micro-channels for the bleach to pass through and lighten your teeth. The only problem with these channels is that they cause your teeth to become sensitive to hot or cold temperatures.
This is another reason why you should know how the treatment works before getting it done.
Professional vs At-Home Whitening Options
Whitening your teeth comes with several options…
So how do you know which of these treatments is best for you? Let me take you through them first.
Professional In-Office Whitening
This is the fastest method of teeth whitening in terms of results. A dentist or dental hygienist applies a stronger bleach to your teeth and might use special lights or lasers to increase the potency.
In return, you will get
Results in just one visit
The treatment is done by a professional
Gums will be protected during the treatment
Can lighten teeth by up to 10 shades
In fact, 90% of professional teeth whitening treatments are successful at achieving their goals.
At-Home Professional Kits
You can receive custom-fitted trays and professional strength whitening gel from your dentist for you to take and apply the treatment at home.
This will give you the opportunity to have:
Professional results over 2-4 weeks
Custom trays for a good fit
Lowers concentration for a slower whitening process
Gives you more control over the process
Over-The-Counter Products
This can be any whitening strips, toothpaste or pens that you can easily purchase at any pharmacy or supermarket. They contain very low concentrations of bleach or hydrogen peroxide.
The truth is…
Whitening products can be as affordable and as convenient as OTC strips. The only problem is that there is very low concentration and they take a very long time. Another thing that you should know is that you might not use these correctly without the presence of a professional.
Protecting Your Enamel During Treatment
If you were to ask me the number one mistake people make when it comes to whitening their teeth, I would tell you that they overdo it.
Your enamel is the outer surface of your teeth and its major function is to protect your teeth from wear and tear. When you overuse whitening products or use them in a wrong way, you might damage the enamel and as you know…
Enamel does not grow back. So how then do you protect your enamel during whitening? There are a few rules you should follow.
Use fluoride products on a daily basis. Fluoride is meant to protect your teeth from developing cavities. When you brush with fluoride toothpaste twice daily you are helping your teeth to become more resistant to decay.
Avoid overuse of whitening products. The instructions that come with whitening products are there for a reason. If they ask you to apply the product twice a day for two weeks, applying it three times a day in a bid to make it faster is not a good idea. It will damage your teeth.
Give your teeth a rest. Teeth need time to rest after whitening. Most dental professionals recommend a waiting period of at least 3-6 months before another whitening session.
Drink more water. Water helps the body to remineralize teeth naturally.
You should also know that…
Foods rich in calcium and phosphate can help to strengthen the enamel. I am talking about dairy products, leafy greens and fish.
The Right Way To Maintain Results
You now know how to get white teeth…
But it's another ball game when it comes to keeping them white. After spending so much money and time getting white teeth, you want the results to last. Here are some of the things you should do to make sure that you maintain the results.
Avoid foods and drinks that stain. Coffee, tea, red wine and dark sodas are among the worst offenders. If you have to drink or consume these, try to use a straw and rinse your mouth with water immediately after.
Brush your teeth after every meal. But wait for at least 30 minutes after the meal to brush. This will prevent stains from settling.
Consider using whitening toothpaste. It can help to maintain your results by reducing surface stains. However, you should not use it more than recommended.
Schedule professional cleanings every six months. Professional cleanings are meant to remove plaque as well as surface stains that regular brushing cannot remove.
Smart Whitening Means Healthy Whitening
Look, we all want white teeth, I understand. I want them too. I have a client's only want them for a short period. We want them, but not at the expense of our dental health.
The trick is to know the balance between getting the whiter teeth you want and also taking good care of them so that they stay in a good state. I will show you how it can be done with simple steps below.
Consult with a dental professional before you start whitening. This will give you a great start and also help you to avoid making mistakes. Remember to only work with a licensed dental professional who has a proven track record of success.
Choose methods and products that are not only proven to work but are also safe.
Follow all the instructions given for your teeth whitening products. Do not do more than is advised.
You also have to protect the enamel on your teeth by using fluoride and maintaining good oral hygiene.
The above steps will help you maintain the results.
Whitening your teeth does not have to mean destroying them in the process. Professional dental care services and the right advice on how to take care of your mouth are all you need to keep your teeth healthy while enjoying the whiter teeth you want.
Final Thoughts
Achieving white teeth while also keeping your mouth healthy is not rocket science.
It all comes down to knowing how things work and making the right decisions. Professional dental care services have been there to provide expert advice and help people to whiten their teeth without damaging them.
You do not have to rush into things. Take your time and do the research. This includes consulting a dental professional to know the best options for you.
Your smile is too important to lose.
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