Do you know if it’s safe to whiten your teeth? Everyone strives for good oral health and a brighter smile, but it’s important to only use safe and effective methods to get there. Teeth become unhealthy and discolored for a variety of reasons.
Many stores and pharmacies now carry a wide array of teeth whitening products. You should educate yourself on the side effects of each and consider some of this key information regarding your smile.
What Makes it Safe to Whiten Your Teeth?
The Causes of Discoloration
The first step in understanding the tooth whitening process is to understand what causes discoloration in the first place. Teeth can become discolored via external exposure to substances or via internal issues from the body or inside the tooth.
External
The most common form of tooth discoloration comes from the former. Many popular foods and drinks, especially red wine, coffee, tea, and anything with food dye, can cause stains on the teeth. Individuals who smoke cigarettes or use tobacco are also especially prone to gum disease and tooth decay and discoloration.
Internal
Discoloration of your smile can occur from a variety of internal factors such as genetics. Some individuals naturally possess denser enamel which leads to a fuller-looking, brighter smile. Other factors such as infection, age, or disease can also lead to a grey or dark color shift.
What Methods are Safe for Teeth Whitening
If you express concern about the color of your teeth, you always want to talk to your dentist. This is primarily because they will be able to identify if your teeth are experiencing any signs of disease or further problems.
Get a Professional Dental Cleaning
Your dentist can perform a professional tooth whitening service in office. Dental experts typically use carbamide peroxide to create a chemical reaction in the discolored areas. The products dentists use are more abundant than over-the-counter products and last longer. A whitening session in office doesn’t take long and is an outpatient procedure.
Use Recommended Products at Home
Dentists can also recommend safe to use products for regular use at home. Industry-approved products typically bear the logo of the American Dental Association (ADA). These include products such as whitening toothpastes that include small amounts of baking soda. Whitening stripes utilize hydrogen peroxide in small doses throughout the day.
These store-bought products use lower quantities of bleaching agents than used in a professional cleaning. While these products won’t damage the structure of your teeth, they can increase tooth sensitivity. Sensitive teeth can be mildly uncomfortable when consuming products with sharp temperatures.
Lastly, prevention is the best way to handle stains. Regular brushing and flossing removes harmful particles that can lead to stains or decay before they can take action. Additionally, reduce the amount of food or drink you consume that can harm teeth.
Stuart Curry Dentistry Makes It Safe to Whiten Your Teeth
At Stuart Curry Dentistry, you have options when it comes to whitening your teeth. We actually supply whitening solutions for you to use at home with take-home trays. They are custom fitted to your mouth and contain a bleach gel that will whiten your smile by the second or third use. We also do in-office whitening in a few quick 15-minute sessions.
For assistance with your teeth-whitening needs, and regular dental cleanings to make sure it stays that way, come to Stuart Curry Dentistry. If you have any questions or concerns about what the doctor can do for you, call (205)-972-3731 today.
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