“Whitening” your teeth is not as simple as it sounds. It’s a complex process that involves a lot more than just choosing the right toothpaste or flossing with the right technique. To get the best results from whitening your teeth, you need to know how to go about doing it correctly and safely.
Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental procedure that uses a bleaching agent to remove stains from the surface of your teeth. It’s not the same as teeth cleaning, which is completed in the dentist’s chair. Teeth whitening should be performed by a dental professional who uses a high-intensity chemical to “whiten” your tooth color. Most Dental Clinics will only offer take-home whitening procedures as these tend to cause lesser sensitivity to the teeth, compared with in-chair options. Once you have begun the whitening process, it can take up to three months before you see any noticeable results depending on how long you have had stains on your enamel prior to treatment; however, there are no guarantees that the results will last forever! If you are looking for a quick fix to brighten your smile, teeth whitening may be for you. If you’re interested in learning more about this cosmetic dental procedure, talk with your dentist about whether it’s right for you.
Here is a list of things to do prior to whitening your teeth:
- Visit your dentist for a check and clean
- Ensure you have no cavities, as the whitening gels can affect pain associated with these.
- Ensure your oral hygiene is up to scratch – Brushing two times a day and flossing once a day minimum.
Here is a list of things to avoid following whitening your teeth:
- Tomato or curry-based meals.
- Red Wine.
- Smoking
- Coffee and teas.
- Avoid colored dental hygiene products eg. Blue/Green Mouthwash.
If you’re looking to whiten your teeth, there is no better time than the holidays. But do it right and be consistent with your plan.
- Make sure that you are not allergic to any of the ingredients in the product.
- Don’t use over-the-counter products or strips as these can cause damage to your teeth.
- Go see a dentist regularly so that they can check on how well you’re doing with home care and make any necessary adjustments based on what’s happening with your smile.
