Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Guidelines for Those Wanting Whiter Teeth

By Emily Snell


Everyone loves a bright smile, and when you're proud of your smile, it can light up a room. But if you're someone who is dissatisfied with the color of your teeth, don't let that prevent you from showing off your smile.

If you're considering whitening your teeth, the first step is to talk with your dentist. Not all types of discolored teeth can be improved with whitening methods. Teeth that are yellow may respond well to whitening treatments. But a more brownish-colored smile may not whiten as easily, and teeth that are gray may not whiten at all. Whitening results may be affected by treatment time and frequency, concentration of the active agent, the patient's age, and the type of stain. Discuss your options with your dentist.

Typically, there are three methods for whitening, if you and your dentist determine it is a good procedure for you to do. While most at-home, in-office, and dentist-prescribed whitening methods do seem effective, the American Dental Association does have concerns about their long-term health influences. The ADA reports that the best choice is to seek advice from your dentist first. This consultation with a professional will, ideally, bring to light any potential problems, such as previously undiagnosed oral health issues. Again, following a meeting with your dentist, if you decide to whiten your teeth, these are the common options you'll be presented with.

If, after talking with your dentist, you learn that whitening is something you'd like to pursue, there are a few different methods from which you can choose.

Whitening toothpastes that are approved by the ADA employ special ingredients that may boost the power of your toothpaste to remove stains. Keep in mind, though, these products don't truly change the color of your teeth the same way that bleach can because they only deal with surface stains.

At-home bleaching: Bleaching the enamel of your teeth at home may offer good results, but it also comes with some risks. This method may lead to gum irritation or sensitive teeth, but it also effectively bleaches the enamel of your teeth-usually through gels applied in a mouth guard. Weigh the costs and benefits before you attempt this procedure.

In-office bleaching: If you prefer to have professional help with whitening your teeth, in-office bleaching might be a good choice for you. This procedure usually can be completed in one dental visit. First, your dentist will use a rubber shield or a protective gel to keep your gums safe. Then the dentist will apply a bleaching agent to your teeth and may use a light or laser to enhance the work of the whitening agent.

Whitening your teeth is not the same as brushing, and whitening methods should not be used to replace brushing your teeth daily. Most dental whitening products do not contain fluoride, which is important for preventing tooth decay, so you need to use fluoride toothpaste twice each day to be sure your teeth are in healthy condition.




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