What Should I Know About Whitening My Teeth?

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What Should I Know About Whitening My Teeth?

Updated 12/17/2020

Teeth whitening is a hot topic in the dentist’s office and online. Pictures of models and entertainers make it appear that bright white smiles are totally expected. However, the internet is flooded with ads for the best new whitening products. It’s easy to be confused about whether white teeth are natural, achieved through drugstore products, or enhanced through cosmetic dentistry.

Why Have My Teeth Changed Color?

If your teeth have lost their sparkle, or maybe you weren’t born with a shockingly white smile, you’re not alone. Here’s what happens:

Food and Drink

What you eat and drink stains your teeth. Especially the things you would expect to cause discoloration like coffee, tea, berries, and tomatoes.

Tobacco

The pores of your teeth absorb nicotine and tar causing yellow and brown stains on the teeth. This means that even if you vape, you’re still at risk for discoloration.

Age

With time, the enamel of our teeth erodes and exposes the dentin which is a yellowish color.

Medication

Prescribed and over-the-counter medications can cause our teeth to lose their shine. These include antihistamines, antipsychotics, and blood pressure medications.

How Do I Get My Teeth White Again?

Brushing, flossing, drinking lots of water, and eating well are the cornerstones of having a healthy smile. There are even good foods to eat to promote a whiter smile naturally.

Use Whitening Toothpastes

Whitening kinds of toothpaste use polishers, abrasives, and bleaching agents to brighten teeth. Though they take time to work, in most cases, there is a payoff. This is the most economical way to a whiter smile, but the results aren’t necessarily dramatic.

Put On Some Whitening Strips

With the help of peroxide, whitening strips can be a quick fix if you have an important event like a wedding, interview, or first date. The chemicals on the strips help remove the stains on your teeth. A problem with strips is that they 1) can slip, 2) are one dimensional and can leave an uneven finish on the tooth.

Try A Whitening Gel Tray

More effective than the whitening strips you see, gel trays cover the entire surface of your teeth and stay in place, usually overnight.

See Your Dentist

If you want professional bleaching, see a professional. The options, procedures, and pricing depend on who you see, but the result will be superior to a store-bought smile.

At Asheville Dental, we offer several methods to whiten your smile, including take-home tray systems and the ZOOM! in-office system. ZOOM! can whiten your entire smile in one visit.

Contact us today for a whitening evaluation. We understand the power and confidence that comes from a bright and brilliant smile!

You can follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more tips on your dental health.

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