This is a piece written by the lovely Ruby Daub.
Discoloured teeth can be caused by a number of reasons, but it’s mostly down to our diets and lifestyle choices. The likes of red wine, coffee and smoking can all contribute to staining our teeth. Bad oral hygiene may also add to discolouration. If you want to make sure your teeth remain a sparkling shade of white, it’s important to make sure you are following your dentist’s advice when it comes to looking after your gums and teeth.
However, there has been a huge surge in people indulging in teeth whitening treatments, in an attempt to gain that perfect Hollywood smile and boost their confidence. Bad teeth can be a cause for low self-esteem and can make you incredibly self-conscious, so achieving perfectly white teeth is a desirable task.
To ensure you choose the right type of teeth whitening and the process is done both safely and correctly, here is a short guide covering the different types of teeth whitening options available.
At-Home Teeth Whitening
Since teeth whitening has become so popular, there are more over-the-counter whitening options available than ever before. Some treatments come in the form of whitening strips, gels, toothpaste, or LED whitening kits. It’s important to note that the bleaching gel used in some of these options is not nearly as strong as the gel a dentist would use and the bleaching trays will be a one-size-fits-all.
Some kits require you to keep them in for hours, while others require them to be worn overnight. These options can often be advertised as a quick solution for quite cheap prices, meaning they probably won’t get the job done properly. There is also the risk that buying treatments on the internet may not be safe for your teeth, so be aware of the products you are using.
Another option for at home whitening is the natural use of baking soda and lemon juice. This involves brushing your teeth with baking soda and a touch of lemon juice, as it creates a natural teeth whitener that can whiten your teeth ever so slightly over time. However, the solution could damage your enamel as it’s both abrasive and acidic so again, be wary and do your homework.
At The Dentist
A qualified dentist is able to offer you teeth whitening options that are much safer and effective. Typically, teeth whitening at the dentist can come in two forms. Firstly, they could provide you with a professional home whitening kit, in which the mould will be tailored to your teeth, rather than the “one-size fits all” moulds that come with online purchases. This means you can wear the trays at night and whiten your smile gradually, without needing to take time off work to visit the dentist for the procedure.
The second option is in-house treatments which are scientifically advanced and carried out typically within an hour or two at your local dentist. It will be both safe and effective, providing you with lasting results in a matter of weeks, which makes it the ideal treatment for someone with not much time and searching for quick results.
The main advantage of going to a professional for your teeth whitening is that dentists can help you if you’re suffering from any further issues. The whitening process will also be tailored to your teeth which will increase your chances of the treatment being effective and safe.
Whatever treatment you decide on, teeth whitening is there to help enhance your smile and boost your confidence.
