A white smile is a healthy smile, right? That is the assumption. But teeth are susceptible to staining over time. Everyday things such as coffee, red wine, sugar, and tea are all known to cause brown stains in your mouth even if you keep your mouth clean. So when the damage is done, what are the steps you can take to whiten it?
Speak to Your Dentist
Firstly, it is important to establish whether your teeth are strong enough to withstand whitening. If they have weakened enamel, then it may cause pain and not be worth the outcome. Similarly, if you have had dental work such as crowns or implants, they will not whiten and might stand out. It is also not advised to do such procedures while pregnant.
Decide What Is Right for You
There is a multitude of ways you can whiten your teeth at home and it is important to figure out your preferred method. The easiest is toothpaste or mouthwash. It can be incorporated into your established daily routine and will increase whiteness over time. Second, and also very convenient is whitening strips. They are easily accessible in-store and if you suffer from light staining then results can be seen in only a few days. They’re low-maintenance and can be used by anyone.
Another popular option is bleaching trays. They are custom-fitted to your mouth to ensure the bleach is evenly spread and has the maximum effect. They’re also a good choice to get maximum whiteness in a short amount of time. Finally, the last and newest option is laser bleaching. While it isn’t suitable for all candidates, the results are immediate and effective however it can be pricy.
Tips for Aftercare
Once the whitening is done, how you treat your teeth for the next 24 hours is very important. What you eat and drink directly afterward can undo all your hard work. Be sure to stay away from coffee, tea, dark foods like red meat, soy sauce, chocolate and things like that. Also steer clear of cigarettes, colored toothpaste, and all fruit.
How Long Will It Last?
Depending on your teeth and the process used, the effects will last from between six months and two years. If your teeth are not as white as desired, be sure to leave a gap in-between treatments so as not to cause damage. It can also be an expensive process, so be sure to pick the right method for you that will have the longest results.