Chances are, you’ve examined your teeth in the mirror and noticed a slight yellow color. You’ve brushed and brushed and used every commercial whitening product imaginable, but the stains aren’t budging. It’s possible that this has made you self-conscious about your smile. Don’t worry! There’s still hope for your precious pearly whites.
What Causes Teeth Stains?
Everyone wants a bright white smile, as it can boost your confidence when your teeth look and feel good. However, many factors can dull the brightness of your smile and leave you feeling embarrassed.
Your teeth will naturally lose color as you age; it’s simply part of the aging process. Certain beverages like coffee, tea, red wine can cause stains. Vibrantly pigmented foods such as blueberries, pomegranates, cherries, and even some types of deeply colored sauces like tomato sauce and curry can also lead to an unwanted residue left behind on your teeth. Those who use tobacco products such as cigarettes and chewing tobacco and those with poor dental hygiene are also at a high risk of developing discolored teeth. Particular medical treatments, medications, and diseases can also result in staining.
Thankfully, there are a variety of professional teeth whitening procedures at your disposal. These treatments are designed to lighten your teeth quickly and efficiently by breaking down the stains into small fragments so they become less visible. Here at Taylorview Dental, we use a long-lasting, refrigerated peroxide bleach whitening gel. We offer multiple options for teeth whitening treatments, depending on our patients’ preferences, including:
This treatment applies the bleaching ingredient to your teeth using strips, trays, or molds. You simply put the whitening substance into your container tool of choice and leave it on for anywhere between thirty minutes to a couple of hours (depending on the instructions).
Did you know you can also use UV rays to whiten your teeth? In this process, the product is placed onto your teeth. Then, your dental specialist will shine a special LED light over them to speed up your results. Although it’s not the most recommended option, as too much UV exposure can cause damage to your teeth (similar to a sunburn), it can still be an effective whitening agent.
You may have wondered: is teeth whitening safe or not? Teeth whitening is generally considered a safe treatment. However, it’s important to note that overusing teeth whitening products can increase tooth and gum sensitivity over time. It’s also critical to follow the instructions from your dentist or on the product package, as these are in place to prevent damage. Overall, it’s always best to play it safe and leave your teeth whitening needs to the professionals.
Before you give up on your dreams of ever having beautiful white teeth again, know that there are plenty of ways to whiten them. Now that you know the answer to the question: is teeth whitening safe or not? You can start making that dream a reality. However, you still have to be cautious, as you don’t want to cause any damage during whitening. If you happen to take matters into your own hands, here are a few safety tips to consider:
