Unfortunately, very few of us have Hollywood smiles with glistening pearly whites. The problem is that a lifetime of eating and drinking, certain lifestyle habits, and the ageing process itself can stain our teeth. However, to keep teeth a natural-looking colour and improve their appearance, there are plenty of things that can be done to prevent or reduce teeth staining.
Why Do Our Teeth Change Colour?
When it comes to things that can cause our teeth to change colour, the list is somewhat endless. Drinks such as coffee, tea, juice and fizzy drinks are prime culprits. Highly pigmented foods such as curry, tomatoes, beetroot and soy sauce can leave their mark too. Sometimes the things we use to heal ourselves, such as antibiotics and other medications are at fault. If there is plaque and tartar on our teeth, stains can latch on and worsen the problem. Then there is ageing to consider. As we get older, the enamel on our teeth erodes, exposing the less dense dentin below. This layer of our teeth absorbs food colour more easily.
However, while there are many causes of tooth staining, there are also lots we can do about it. Firstly, it’s important to remember that the natural colour of our teeth is actually a light yellow. The infamous Hollywood smile may well be too bright for Bexley suburbs. However, to get a natural-looking colour, washing, cleaning and covering up teeth staining is all possible.
Things You Can Do to Help
Before searching for cheap dental whitening solutions in Sydney, it’s worthwhile considering what you can do yourself to make a difference.
- Brush regularly – we should all brush our teeth at least twice a day, but bruising after meals too can really help to rescue teeth staining.
- Rinse often – if you don’t have a toothbrush to hand, then try rinsing the food from your mouth with water after you’ve eaten.
- Use a whitening toothpaste – these toothpastes include ingredients to remove surface stains, make sure they are approved by your dentist though.
- Use tooth whitening strips – these are safe and effective when used correctly, ask your dentist for advice
However, while brushing and rinsing will keep some teeth staining at bay and whitening toothpastes, gels and strips might deliver some cumulative results, if you want to lighten your teeth by several shades, you may well need to turn to a professional.
The Benefits of Dentist Whitening
There is certainly no shortage of tooth whitening treatments available on the shelves at supermarkets and chemists. As so many people seek a sparkling smile, at-home whitening kits have become commonplace. However, while at-home whitening may seem convenient, it won’t necessarily offer the same benefits as in chair-whitening:
- Strength – non-professional whitening options aren’t as strong as those used by dentists. With in-chair whitening, the formula used can be stronger, more precise and customised especially for you.
- Convenience – while at home treatment may seem simple, it’s worth considering how many treatments will actually give the desired results. In-chair whitening, on the other hand, can take as little as half an hour.
- Cost – while low-cost options are most certainly available, the cost should be weighed against the results. Treatment may need to be repeated regularly, which can cancel out any initial savings.
- Safety – all products must be approved to be sold, but this doesn’t account for sensitivity levels. A dentist can adjust the whitening formula especially for you to account for your individual needs.
- Longevity – teeth whitening strips and at-home bleach kits may last a few weeks or up to 9 months, respectively. However, with in-chair whitening, your smile can stay as bright for up to three years.
How Will You Regain Your Sparkle?
If you want to brighten your smile, searching for dentist teeth whitening near me and consulting with a professional Bexley dentist should be your first step. By booking a whitening consultation, a dentist can evaluate your oral health, the extent of staining and discuss your expectations for treatment. That doesn’t mean you’re committed to treatment, you can even get advice about over-the-counter products, but at least you have all the right information so you can choose the best solution for you.
