One of the most common replies people give when asked what they wish the most for their oral health is to have whiter teeth. Particularly, lovers of red wine, chocolate, and coffee may find it quite difficult to maintain a radiant white set of teeth daily. If allowed regularly, some habits and foods can stain the teeth. For instance, consuming darkly pigmented drinks and food, and smoking can cause this. Based on your genetics, how often you attend your dental appointments, as well as the routine of your oral hygiene, your teeth may take on a grey hue, brownish, or depressing yellow colour.
Do you want to restore your once youthful, healthy and white set of teeth? Then you should consider having a teeth whitening treatment.
Teeth Whitening Options
You can choose the intensity of your teeth whitening treatment from different levels, which differ in effectiveness and cost. They are:
- In-office bleaching: this often takes just a single visit, and it delivers the most dramatic outcomes.
- At-home treatments performed by a dentist; this tends to take several visits
- Over-the-counter whitening pastes and strips: this is typically more effective than toothpaste, although it does not possess the exact clinical capability of whitening as a professional procedure.
- Stain removal toothpaste: this is the cheapest option, and it delivers the least dramatic outcomes
How does teeth whitening treatment work?
It works by supplying bleach to the surface of the teeth, whether carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide). These agents target to break up stains into smaller bits, better exposing the true colour and radiance of your teeth.
How can I maintain my whiter teeth after treatment
The things you do immediately after your teeth whitening procedure will determine how long the outcomes will last. The first 24 hours after your treatment are incredibly essential. Here are some tips for post-procedure care, as well as the recommendations by our expert dentists:
- Avoid coloured mouthwashes and toothpaste, such as blue or red.
- Do not smoke, although restrictive use of e-cigarettes is allowed
- Stay away from foods that cause dark stains like chocolate, cured meats, soy sauce, and any type of fruit.
- Do not take drinks that cause dark stains like black tea, beer, dark sodas, fruit juice, red wine, and coffee.
These tips could be summarised as “if it can stain a white cloth, it would stain a white set of teeth”. Whatever you consume after your teeth whitening procedure should be light coloured, and of mild, non-acidic texture. Examples of foods under this category and would be perfect for the aftercare of teeth whitening treatment are:
- White cheese
- Whitefish
- Eggs
- White cream sauces
- Rice
- Pasta
- Milk
- Cauliflower
- Clear alcohol with soft mixers, like tonic and gin or vodka soda
- Clear coconut water
- White yogurt
- Peeled potatoes
- Tofu
- Skinless chicken breast
Again, it’s best to avoid any kind of teeth-staining foods for as long as possible, following the first 24 hours of your treatment. This has a significant effect on how long the outcomes of your procedure will last. If you neglect these tips and return straight to your teeth-staining habits, you will observe the whiteness of your teeth beginning to diminish after just about 3 months of teeth whitening. However, if you follow these tips, you can expect your teeth whitening to last for as long as one year or even more.
For ongoing care, you can practice these tips:
- Observe proper oral routine every day, including mouthwash, flossing, and brushing every morning and night.
- Immediately brush your teeth with white toothpaste or rinse with water after drinking or eating any teeth-staining food.
- If you drink plenty of dark beverages or smoke a lot, then you may want to schedule whitening touch-ups at an interval of 6 months or thereabouts for best results.
Does Teeth Whitening Cause Damage To The Teeth?
Professional whitening treatments do not cause damage to the enamel; therefore, you don’t need to be concerned about hurting your teeth by scheduling so many appointments. On the other hand, too much of at-home teeth whitening treatments may, however, have a harmful effect on your oral health, and after some time, it will become obvious that your white set of teeth are as a result of aesthetic enhancements. Keep in mind that if your teeth are dramatically white above natural degree, it can be awkward and unnerving to behold.
Indeed, a brighter smile is a big confidence boost for everyone. A dull, brownish or yellowish smile can make you look older than you really are.
In all, teeth whitening is affordable, comfortable, effective, quick, and safe. If you are not satisfied with your smile and want to boost your confidence by having a whiter and more radiant smile, visit here to book your appointment.
