A great smile is the key to looking good and feeling confident. You might need some help getting to that place, especially if you’re shy about the shade of your teeth. If you consume specific foods and drinks or even take certain oral medications, these can cause stains on your formerly pearly whites. Genetics are also a factor in the natural colouring of your teeth and its enamel protection. As we age, our enamel thins and cracks, exposing the interior dent in of teeth, and this absorbs colour from the food and liquids passing through our mouths. The plaque and build-up on our teeth also captures stains. Thankfully, teeth whitening is available through your dentist as well as supplementary store-bought products. And, as with maximizing health in any area, prevention is key.
You’ll need to reduce the amount of stain-causing and tooth decaying foods and drinks you consume daily. This includes coffee, black tea, cola, fruit juices, and heavily dyed foods. Smoking and drinking alcohol can also cause degradation and discolouration, as can antibiotics. Get your teeth regularly cleaned by a dentist and dental hygienist. Brush your teeth at least twice a day, avoiding brushing too harshly. Over-brushing can actually contribute to the problem because you are wearing away enamel coating and encouraging gums to recede. It’s also helpful to drink plenty of water and to drink with and after meals to rinse food particles away. Avoid tooth whitening products that whiten using abrasives – this also harms enamel coating.
Dentists can professionally whiten your teeth using state-of-the-art and modern techniques. Bleaching is a common method and is suitable for many, but not all patients. Your gums will first be protected by a gel or shielding, then a whitening agent, like hydrogen peroxide, is applied to the teeth using a thin, specially designed tray to fit your unique mouth. Carbamide peroxide might also be used. Usually a few visits are required to fully complete the procedure over three weeks to a month. You may be completing some of the treatment at home with instructions. Some new treatments can be applied for several hours and can provide results in a week, but some patients do not want an intense treatment in one sitting.
Porcelain veneers are another option. At Hawthornevillagedental.ca the process involves correcting the appearance of stained teeth by applying a strong and thin layer of porcelain and bonding it to teeth. Veneers can also help with chipped, crooked, or large gaps between teeth. The results are natural-looking, clean, white, and shiny teeth that resist future damage and stains.
Store-bought products are another choice, but they can be expensive relative to their effectiveness. They can also be used in addition to a quality dental treatment, but it’s wise to ask the advice of your dentist or dental hygienist in case the combination is too intense. These can come in the form of strips or gels, with touch-up treatments for mistakes.
Keep in mind, our teeth are not meant to be pure white. In fact, a brilliant white would look strange and obviously fake. A dentist can provide the best quality treatment that suits your dental health situation, colouring, and they can work with your budget and health plan. And remember to practice stain prevention during your daily oral hygiene routine.
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