How to whiten teeth
How to whiten your teeth
Tooth whitening is a procedure where a chemical agent is used to whiten the outer layer of the tooth, known as the enamel. This process is effective in removing any stains or discolouration that teeth may have developed over time. Generally, yellow or stained teeth occur as a result of:
- The consumption of dark or heavily coloured foods
- Poor dental hygiene
- Regular use of tobacco
Hydrogen peroxide tooth whitening
The process of tooth whitening generally involves whitening agents such as hydrogen peroxide containing a concentration of 6% or less. This is the most effective process for improving the colour of your teeth. Tooth whitening is not a one-time procedure as it sometimes needs to be repeated from time to time for maintenance.
How much does tooth whitening cost?
The cost of tooth whitening is dependent on the type of treatment you receive and the number of treatments required. Furthermore, it must be mentioned that tooth whitening is not suitable for everyone. If your teeth and gums are not in a healthy condition before you receive whitening treatments, the procedure may cause more damage. It is recommended that an assessment is done by your dentist who will check for things like enamel thickness, receding gums, existing sensitivity, tooth decay and dental restorations. After an initial assessment has been conducted, you may be deemed suitable for tooth whitening treatments.
For most people, tooth whitening poses no serious risk, however, if whitening is applied incorrectly, or applied to unhealthy teeth, some side effects may result such as:
- Blistering
- Severe tooth sensitivity
- Irritated, damaged or inflamed gums
- Weakened enamel
This is why a thorough dental assessment is important before proceeding with tooth whitening.
How to whiten teeth at home
There are a number of ways to whiten your teeth which can be achieved both at home and in our practice. For the most effective form of whitening, Dr Freelander and Dr Tsang offer professional in-practice treatments which contain whitening agents in higher concentrations which can produce visibly whiter teeth in just one visit. At-home whitening treatments, on the other hand, can be purchased either over the counter or in the practice from your dentist.
How to naturally whiten teeth
There are a number of ways to cost-effectively whiten your smile, naturally. It’s quite simple really, just maintain good oral health. It’s that easy! For healthier and better-looking teeth, you should:
- Brush your teeth twice daily
- Floss your teeth daily
- Consume water throughout the day
- Visit your dentist regularly
- Consume a sensible diet
More importantly, to maintain a bright white smile naturally, you should look to avoiding:
- Coffee or tea
- Red wine
- Spicy foods such as curries and any heavily coloured foods
- Sports drinks and ‘energy drinks’
Furthermore, smoking cigarettes will also contribute to unsightly stains on teeth, which can be extremely difficult to remove.
Tooth whitening is not for everyone, so it is essential that you consult with your dentist before beginning your treatments.