5 Essential Teeth Whitening Tips

Dentist Blog

Many people long for a whiter smile but sabotage their own efforts by doing things that cause stains to build up on their teeth and not taking the actions that can remove stains. The following tips can help you to make your teeth whiter and keep them that way.

1. Have Your Teeth Professionally Whitened

The most effective way to get rid of dental stains is professional teeth whitening. This dentist-delivered treatment is safe and produces noticeable results. Before whitening your teeth, the dentist will check that the treatment is suitable for you. Most people can safely have their teeth whitened by a dentist, but a few first need treatment for thin enamel. Professional teeth whitening is painless, non-invasive and gives you an instantly whiter smile.

2. Use Whitening Toothpaste

After your professional whitening treatment, stains can quickly return. The best way to extend the effects of the whitening treatment is to use a good whitening toothpaste every day. Look for one that contains ingredients to break down the compounds that cause stains, such as tannins. You need to use whitening treatment for it to be effective at keeping stains at bay.

3. Stop Smoking

Smoking is one of the most significant causes of dental staining. Chemicals in the smoke react with tooth enamel to produce yellowish stains, which can look very unattractive. In addition, smoking also contributes to gum disease, which can negatively affect the appearance and health of your gums. If you want to keep your smile beautiful, then giving up smoking is perhaps the best thing you can do.

4. Control Consumption of Stain-Causing Foods and Drinks

Diet is another major cause of dental staining. One option is to cut the foods responsible for most dental stains out of your diet. These foods can include coffee, red wine, licorice, dark berries and tea. Another option is to continue to eat the foods but limit the damage they can cause. For liquids, you can use a straw to limit the contact of the fluid with your teeth. You can also rinse your mouth with water after you consume stain-causing drinks and foods to reduce their staining ability.

5. Maintain Good Dental Hygiene

Some stains develop as the result of a buildup of plaque. You can limit plaque buildup by brushing and flossing your teeth every day. Be sure to take time over cleaning your teeth and ensure you thoroughly clean all parts of your mouth.

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18 January 2022

Dental Care and Seniors: Helping to Maintain Your Smile

As you age, it can become harder to take care of your teeth. Motor challenges can make it hard to floss, while memory issues may make it easy to overlook brushing. Whether you are a senior looking for solutions to some of the common dental problems or a senior with specific questions about cavities or oral surgery, you have come to the right place. In this blog, I am going to touch on a range of topics related to seniors and oral health. This is the type of resource I wish my mum would have had access to in her senior years, and I hope you enjoy having access to it during yours. I appreciate you reading my posts.