How to Get Whiter Teeth- The 3 Things You Need to Know

How to Get Whiter Teeth- The 3 Things You Need to Know

August 1, 2021

Everyone desires a bright smile, but because of discoloration, achieving this can be hard. Discolored teeth can give the impression that you have poor dental health. Fortunately, there are several ways you can brighten up your teeth. However, among all those options, working with a cosmetic dentist in Redding, CA, is the best option.

But, before you can start the teeth whitening process, it is important to know what causes the teeth to discolor and which is the best way to remove the stains.

  1. Know the Cause of Tooth Discoloration?

Teeth discoloration occurs when stains form on the teeth and they can develop internally or externally. Several factors can cause the teeth to discolor and they include:

  • Age. The enamel tends to thin as we age and this exposes the dentin, which is brown or yellow.
  • Medications and treatments
  • Lifestyle habits like smoking and alcohol
  • Overconsumption of staining foods like coffee, tea, soy, and wine
  1. Are You Eligible for The Teeth Whitening Process?

While the teeth whitening procedure is effective in removing stains, it is not recommended for everyone. You may not be a candidate for teeth whitening in Redding if you have any of the following:

  • Pregnant women. Although the American Dental Association states that most dental procedures are safe during pregnancy, they advise waiting until after pregnancy to have cosmetic procedures like teeth whitening.
  • Chronic sensitivity. Tooth sensitivity is a common side effect of teeth whitening and if you already have one, it may not be advisable to get the teeth whitened.
  • Dental restorations. Restorations like veneers, crowns, and bridges cannot be whitened after they are fixed. The dentist will whiten your teeth before fixing the restoration to ensure they match your teeth. However, if they do get discolored, you may need a replacement.
  1. Discover the Teeth Whitening Options

Teeth whitening products come in different versions, but they are all grouped into two categories; at-home bleaching kits and the in-office whitening treatment.

  • At-home products 

These bleaching products are available in the form of toothpaste, gels, pens, and powders. The products are affordable and readily available as they can be found at your local drug store. Using these cosmetic whitening products is convenient because you do the whitening at home when brushing or flossing.

The products, however, contain low levels of the bleaching agent and therefore may not be effective in whitening the teeth. Some products also can damage the teeth and cause gum bruising.

  • D.I.Y Home Teeth Whitening Remedies

The use of these home remedies has been on the rise, but their effectiveness is still in question. Baking soda is believed to remove mild stains, but it has an abrasive nature that wears down the enamel.

It is not recommended you use these products because they are less effective, and may damage the teeth. Also avoid the use of banana peels, strawberries, and lemon to whiten your teeth.

  • In-office whitening treatment

Professional teeth bleaching is done at the dental office. Yes, the products used often contain higher amounts of the whitening agent, but the dentist will take the necessary precautions to protect the gums.

The whitening process lasts for about 45 minutes and is done in three 15-minute sessions. Our dentist in 96001 will apply a protective gel on the gums to shield against bruising. Next, he applies the bleaching agent to the teeth, leaves it for 15 minutes, and then rinse it off. Laser light may be used to break down the agent and hasten the whitening process.

There are also take-home whitening kits designed by a dentist and are customized to fit your teeth. Consult our dentist in Redding for more information about the kits.

Is Teeth Whitening Safe?

Professional teeth whitening is safe because the dentist often will protect the teeth and gums. However, you can expect to experience tooth sensitivity a couple of hours to days after treatment The sensitivity is transient and you don’t need medication, but you may use a tooth-sensitive toothpaste to ease the discomfort.

Schedule an Appointment

Visit Riverbend Family Dental Care for more information about teeth whitening and what you can expect.

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