What is the Myth regarding Teeth Whitening? Benefits and Precautions
We all dream about having whiter, natural, and healthy teeth. Your teeth enamel can get yellow, stained, and discolored after many years of consuming stain-causing foods and beverages. Dental trauma, poor dental hygiene, and smoking are other causes of teeth stains and discoloration.
Types of Teeth Discoloration
Usually, there are two major types of teeth discoloration, internal and external. Internal stains are caused by underlying dental conditions like tooth infection and damaged nerves. To address internal stains, the dentist has to treat the underlying condition. These stains can’t be addressed with teeth whitening. Dental veneers and crowns are ideal solutions for internal stains.
The external discoloration is caused by external factors such as poor dental hygiene, smoking, and high consumption of colored foods. Fortunately, external stains are easily removed with teeth whitening or bleaching. Even better, you can choose from professional whitening, home remedies, and over-the-counter whitening kits.
Facts and Myths about Teeth Whitening
When it comes to teeth bleaching, there is a lot of misinformation on the internet. Therefore, whatever whitening you choose, it’s crucial to get the facts ahead of time. This article highlights the benefits and precautions of teeth whitening.
Benefits of Teeth Whitening
1. A Brighter and youthful smile
Stained, yellow, or discolored teeth can make you feel self-conscious about your smile. Teeth whitening combats all the stains, giving you a natural, brighter, and youthful smile. If you go for in-house teeth whitening, the results are instant.
2. Long-lasting Results
After teeth whitening, you must practice good oral hygiene along with good lifestyle choices. Keep in mind that you can reverse your whitening results by factors such as poor dental hygiene, smoking, and high consumption of colored foods. Professional teeth whitening offers brighter and long-lasting results.
3. It’s safe and effective
When done correctly, teeth bleaching is safe. Since the dentist performs professional whitening, it’s the most effective and safest option. Poor over-the-counter bleaching kits can irritate the gums, cause sensitivity or enamel damage if done wrongly. If you experience any serious complications or side effects after teeth whitening, visit a dentist near you immediately. Call Carrollwood Dental Studio to speak with an emergency dentist in Carrollwood.
4. Improved Oral hygiene and health
After proper teeth whitening, you’re required to improve your oral hygiene practices to preserve your new smile for long. Regular dental cleanings are also essential to maintain whiter teeth. A good oral hygiene routine contributes to good oral and overall health.
5. Boosts your confidence and self-esteem
Everyone, especially teenagers and individuals in the corporate world, would appreciate a brighter smile. A whiter smile can significantly boost your self-esteem, allowing you to interact freely and comfortably with new people.
6. It’s Affordable
Fortunately, you can brighten your smile on a cost-friendly budget. Professional teeth whitening offers the best results, but it can be expensive to some people. If you can’t afford a whitening procedure from your dentist, you can consider cheaper options such as at-home or over-the-counter whitening kits.
7. It’s fast and straightforward
Whitening your smile is quick and straightforward. For professional teeth whitening, you only need 1-2 hours to achieve your dream smile. At-home whitening kits from your dentist or over-the-counter may take longer, say a few weeks to 3 months, or longer.
Precaution after teeth whitening
Now that you have your dream smile, a proper dental care routine is essential to maintain your results. Here are a few guidelines to keep in mind after teeth whitening:
1. Avoid stain-causing foods and beverages
Your new smile won’t last long if you continue staining habits such as consuming strongly colored foods and beverages such as:
- Tea and coffee
- Beer
- Red wine
- Sodas and fruits juices
- Dark-colored sauces and spices
- Red meat
- Citrus fruits and drinks such as apple cider vinegar
- Highly pigmented berries such as raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries
- Colored vegetables such as carrots and spinach
- Dark chocolate and milk
- Colored candy
If you must consume these foods and beverages, consider brushing or rinsing your mouth afterwards. You can also use a straw to drink highly pigmented drinks.
2. Avoid tobacco products
Tobacco products are the key factors behind teeth stains. Smoking and using tobacco products can re-stain your teeth. It’s therefore advisable to quit tobacco products to maintain your pearly whites.
3. Avoid Colored dental hygiene products
Following your teeth whitening, you must avoid colored dental products such as mouthwash or toothpaste. Blue, purple, orange, and red dental products can re-stain your teeth. Consider white or light-colored dental products.
Final Verdict
If you’re looking for the best results, professional teeth whitening is the ideal way to go. If you can’t afford it, you can ask for whitening kits from your dentist. For professional teeth whitening in Tampa, FL, contact Carrollwood Dental Studio to speak with our teeth whitening dentist in Tampa.