There could be many reasons as to why you want brighter, whiter teeth. A big event or a boost in your confidence, it doesn’t matter, as long as you’re using the safest option for your teeth. As with any treatment, side effects are a possibility. Which is why we’re here to tell you all about teeth whitening treatments.
Teeth Discoloration
Exterior Factors
Certain foods, drinks and habits can stain your teeth to varying degrees. Frequently drinking coffee, red wine, eating foods with dyes and consuming tobacco will lead to some level of teeth staining on the outer layers. Treatment usually consists of using whitening toothpaste or home remedy surface brighteners we’ll get to later.
Interior Factors
Teeth staining from within can be caused by certain medications, illness, tooth infection and trauma or, most commonly, ageing. To get rid of these, you’ll need a stronger treatment that can penetrate the tooth on a deeper level. Whitening strips or professional teeth bleaching are the top choices for combating this type of staining.
Teeth Whitening Options and The Risks
Natural Remedies
The internet is filled with several ways to use natural or less harsh ingredients to whiten your teeth. If you’d like to go this route, then it may take some trial and error to determine what does and doesn’t work for you. Popular methods include mixing hydrogen peroxide and baking soda to create a paste to bleach your teeth, brushing with activated charcoal for a few minutes or using citrus fruit peels and juices to get the job done. But beware, as using acidic products on your teeth frequently will damage your tooth’s enamel and cause sensitivity to hot or cold foods.
Whitening Toothpaste and Strips
Over-the-counter teeth whitening products are popular for tackling both interior and exterior staining. As mentioned before, toothpaste is best for short-term whitening results, while a 20 to 30-minute whitening strip applied to the teeth will go deeper into the tooth to whiten for longer-lasting results. Again, with frequent use, you’ll likely experience tooth sensitivity as well as destroy the outer enamel of your teeth. This can’t be reformed, meaning your teeth will be permanently weakened and vulnerable to oral health issues. If the whitening product happens to sit on your gums during the process, you may experience gum irritation. This should disappear after your treatment is done but if not, contact your dentist.
Professional Whitening
Your safest option for getting whiter teeth is to have your dental professional perform the treatment. Those at Slipacoff Dental Centre, for instance, use safe teeth whitening technology to you a brighter smile. Using UV lighting and zoom whitening services, these Sarnia dentists will also provide you with an at-home teeth whitening kit for guaranteed lighter results.
At Slipacoff Dental, we believe you deserve the best dental care and we’re here to do just that! Located in Sarnia, Ontario, our dental services include preventative, restorative and cosmetic care as well as wisdom tooth removal, teeth whitening, gum disease treatment and more. We’ve provided over thirty years of dedicated dental service with trusted professionals. With a relaxing environment filled with cutting-edge tools and technology, call or go online to schedule an appointment today.