How to Make Teeth Whitening Work for You?
The tooth has an inner layer—dentin that gives the teeth its color. However, due to certain factors, it can darken and change the shade of your teeth.
Let’s face it, almost everyone has suffered from teeth discoloration at one point whether it’s due to diet, smoking, chewing tobacco or even age. While discoloration is sometimes inevitable, there are ways that your teeth can stay white and professional teeth whitening is one of them. Here are a few tips to make the treatment work:
1. Know If You Are Eligible for Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening can be used by people with healthy gums and teeth and those with unrestored teeth.
Pregnancy, gum disease, worn out teeth, cavities, allergies, dental restorations like crowns, and tooth sensitivity are all factors that prevent you from teeth whitening. If you have any of these, it is important to consult our dentist before you decide to get teeth whitening.
2. Choose The Right Teeth Whitening Treatment
A variety of teeth whitening products are available and it can be tempting to choose over-the-counter treatments. Although they are readily available, products are not as effective.
Our dentist in Baltimore recommends the in-office teeth whitening procedure to most of our patients because it delivers the best results in the shortest time.
Yes, both over-the-counter whitening products and in-office whitening solutions contain hydrogen peroxide. Moreover, the professional products contain the whitening agent on a higher level, but they don’t damage your gums as it is perceived. During your teeth whitening procedure, the dentist will apply a protective gel on your gums to protect them from damage.
Furthermore, they can decide on the dosage of the whitening solution.
At-home whitening products may not give the same results. Plus, they can cause gum irritation as well as tooth sensitivity.
3. Watch What You Eat
Teeth whitening is effective, but it’s not permanent. As our dentist in Baltimore, MD would advise, watch what you eat and drink, especially coffee, tea, and wine. Avoid over consumption of these drinks because they will cause your teeth to stain again.
The results of over-the-counter products can last from four to six months, while the professional whitening can last for about one year. You can, however, maintain the results with regular teeth whitening.
Pay Attention to Your Dental Hygiene
Although diet and age are the primary culprits, not cleaning your teeth effectively can also affect the shade of your teeth. Tooth decay, caused by poor dental health, causes the teeth to darken. So, brush, floss, and use antiseptic mouth wash to keep your teeth clean and free of cavities.
4. Manage Your Teeth Sensitivity
Teeth hypersensitivity is a common problem of teeth whitening. After the procedure, expect to have tooth sensitivity for about 48 hours. Some over-the-counter products can cause tooth sensitivity for more than two days.
To prevent or reduce the severity of the sensitivity you can use a tooth-sensitive toothpaste a week before your procedure. Keep in mind the toothpaste will not prevent sensitivity, but will certainly reduce the discomfort.
Continue using the tooth-sensitive toothpaste or gel specifically designed for teeth sensitivity until the discomfort clears. Plus, be gentle when brushing and use a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Teeth Whitening in Baltimore
When you come for your teeth whitening, our dentist will first clean your teeth to eliminate plaques and food particles that may prevent teeth whitening. A protective solution is placed over your gums to ensure the whitening agent doesn’t affect the soft tissues.
Next, the dentist will apply the hydrogen peroxide solution and a special appliance is used to keep your mouth open. Using ultraviolet light, the dentist will break the hydrogen peroxide and remove stains. The process may be repeated several times depending on the severity of the discoloration.
Teeth discoloration will not last forever, that is why we recommend you get your teeth professionally whitened often to maintain a bright smile. When you are ready to create a bright smile, come to our dental clinic for assistance.