Stained teeth are easy to get, unfortunately. We all have our vices, and whether yours is coffee, cigarettes or red wine, it can have an effect on the brightness of your teeth. Even if you live a healthy lifestyle, you could run into problems. Acids found in fruits can weaken the enamel of your teeth, which can cause staining, as well as structural damage.
It’s no surprise then that teeth whitening treatments have taken off. Whether it is laser surgery or just DIY treatments with household ingredients, many people are prepared to go that extra step to make their pearlies whiter. After all, even the nicest dress in your wardrobe can be ruined with unhealthy-looking teeth! But are these treatments safe?
I’ve had a look around the web for the key information you need to know. And this is what I have found…
[Flickr]
What Whitens Teeth?
Forget all you have heard about strawberries and baking soda whitening your teeth. The only substances that really work are hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide. These are the active ingredients in the over-the-counter home teeth whitening kits you can buy.
Are They Safe?
You need to be careful because using too much of either of these ingredients can end up going wrong. It can cause the stripping of enamel which will darken your teeth over time. Every manufacturer adds varying levels of these ingredients into their products, and it can be difficult to work out which one is best for you.
Talk To Your Dentist
It seems a very simple point to make, but speaking to your dentist before undergoing any treatment is a must. You need a professional opinion and advice if you don’t want to end up on one of those medical disaster shows. White teeth doesn’t necessarily mean healthy teeth. A good example of this is the stereotypical attitude that some Americans have about British teeth. But the truth is that while the average Brit might have a darker shade of gnasher, they are more healthy than those across the pond.
Professional Whitening
Professional whitening takes place under the supervision of an expert. It is more expensive than home kit treatment but is usually far more effective. To get your teeth whitened, you would need to visit a cosmetic dental clinic like the ones offering teeth whitening in leesburg or in your vicinity. These cosmetic dental treatments take place over a period of around three-to-four weeks and after an initial procedure, you will take home a mouthguard which you wear for up to an hour each day.
Laser Treatments
Laser treatments are still a new method of teeth whitening, and although expensive, they are becoming cheaper by the year. Bleaching agents are placed onto your teeth and then blasted by the laser, which activates the bleach and speeds up the whole process. Laser teeth whitening is expensive, but many experts say that it is the most effective method.
Whitening Toothpaste
You may have seen plenty of tooth whitening pastes on the shelves of your local supermarket. These can be effective in surface stain removal, and they will make your teeth look nicer. However, they don’t give the deep stain removal offered by bleaching, so don’t expect amazing results from them!
Do you have any tips for keeping your teeth whiter than snow? Let me know in the comments section below!