Are you worried that your pearly whites have lost a bit of their sparkle to dingy yellow stains? Your concern is perfectly normal.
Our eating habits and older age can cause tooth discoloration, even for those who take special care of their teeth. But for most of us, we want to keep that white color we had when we were children.
Over 70% of Americans consider white teeth a vital key to success. It’s a lot easier to face the world with a good-looking smile. With such importance placed on having a great smile, many people whiten their teeth, hoping to revitalize their smile.
Teeth whitening is a safe and effective procedure, especially when supervised by a dentist. It’s a process that lightens teeth and helps remove stains and discoloration. The only side effects that arise come as a result of excessive whitening.
Let’s walk you through a few helpful tips for safe teeth-whitening.
Get a Thorough Cleaning
A basic rule of thumb when getting whiter teeth safely is to visit your dentist for intense and thorough cleaning. A comprehensive dental cleaning process can remove surface stains and make your teeth whiter.
By polishing your teeth, your dentist will smoothen the enamel of your teeth, making it hard for them to pick up stains. Additionally, any whitening treatments will be more effective when done after cleaning. This is because smooth teeth free of any stains are more receptive to whitening gels.
Consider OTC Teeth Whitening Remedies
Over-the-counter products such as whitening strips (which you can find in a local supermarket) are a great teeth whitening alternative. They are available in varying concentrations and come with a list of instructions on how they should be used.
Teeth-whitening strips are effective, but you should be wary about overusing them. Excessive use can cause the firmness of your teeth to reduce as well as surface changes on your teeth. As such, try to adhere to the manufacturer’s recommended frequency.
Practice Your Whitening Routine at Night
Regardless of the treatment method, your teeth are more susceptible to re-staining. Any whitening process will leave the pores in your teeth a little more open and can allow stains in with ease.
For this reason, try and use your teeth whitening gel at night before you sleep. This reduces the chance of staining and will give your teeth ample time to re-hydrate, resulting in a healthier, safer, and more effective whitening process.
Make Your Smile Your Most Iconic Accessory
Proper dental hygiene can have a positive impact on how confident you feel about yourself and, by extension, how others think about you too.
But everyone’s teeth respond differently to teeth whitening, and going over the top can cause gum irritation and tooth sensitivity. If you experience these symptoms, consult your dentist as soon as you can so they can recommend the best treatment plan.
