Teeth Whitening Tips For Brighter Smiles
White teeth produce an image of health, vitality, and cleanliness. Some teeth whitening tips below may help you obtain or retain the white smile you want!
Why do teeth become discoloured?
Over the span of a lifetime, teeth may become discoloured from a variety of products or health habits such as:
- Smoking
- Drinking coffee and tea
- Poor dental hygiene
- Disease
- Diet
- Age
- Certain medications
Age is a normal process and as we age, so do our teeth. Just like wrinkles form and hair turns gray, teeth begin to yellow. Drinking coffee and tea create stains on the outer enamel of the teeth, which may appear as yellowish. Some medications such as some antibiotics cause a yellowing of the teeth with prolonged use. Poor diet and lacking hygiene also create a less that sparkly smile.
There are two main methods of teeth whitening- Intrinsic and Extrinsic whitening. Intrinsic whitening whitens the inner part of the tooth, while extrinsic whitening removes yellowing from the outside of the tooth.
Intrinsic whitening products include bleaching and whitening gel. Extrinsic whitening products brighten the outside enamel or covering of the tooth.
While aging cannot be prevented, maintaining white teeth may be perceived as a sign of health, wellness and vitality. In recent years teeth whitening has become a multi-million-dollar business and extremely popular. Who doesn’t want to have an attractive healthy-looking smile? While some methods of teeth whitening can be costly, not all of them will pinch your pocket book.
Many products are now sold over the counter in most grocery or drug stores. Gel toothpastes, whitening strips, and other products fill the shelves in any dental section. But not all of these products produce the affects you desire, along with a safe manner of use. Always follow package instructions when using teeth whitening products.
So how do I know which product is the best?
Selecting the most expensive over the counter product does not guarantee the best product for your individual use. As with any other health care product, every person is different, and may react differently to the same item. Prior to any at home whitening product usage, research options and other products or methods. Selecting the right one for you is key, while making a poor choice can be costly.
Many home remedies are circulating in ads, newspapers, and the internet. While some may be beneficial and be the right product for your desired outcome, some may not be. While they are economical, it is best practice to ask your dentist which products are safe for you.
Whitening teeth should be like the icing on the cake. First a healthy set of teeth and gums will lay the foundation for success and complete the picture you desire with a beautiful white smile.
With multiple options and the stigma associated with yellowed teeth, each individual must ensure that the product they are using will produce the result expected.
Consult with your dental professional for the most accurate source of information. Avoid hype or scams that may harm your teeth. Research products and cost so that you spend your money wisely.