Dental Care

Teeth Whitening

Everyone wants white teeth. As a Dental Hygienist, I know that people are looking at my teeth all day long. They make a judgement about how well I will take care of their teeth by how well I take care of my own. White teeth are a status symbol of someone who has it together. What does your teeth say about you?

Sometimes, no matter what we try, we can’t keep our teeth completely white and stain-free. This is partially due to genetics, some lack of dental hygiene (ie brushing, flossing, etc) and what we eat and drink. Coffee, tea, sodas, and processed foods containing starches and sugars all tend to leave stains on our teeth. Over time, these stains become worked into the enamel, so even consistent brushing won’t do the trick. This is where teeth whitening products come in. Teeth whitening is a process that removes unsightly stains and buildup from you teeth, making them look like new.

Teeth whitening can be done in several ways. First, there are teeth whitening strips, which you place on your teeth in order to cleanse or abrade away layers of plaque and tartar. Plaque buildup on your teeth will make them harder and harder to clean. The whitening process can assist in dissolving accumulations on the surface of your teeth. Strips are only one way of doing it.

When ordinary teeth whitening products won’t work, it can take a stronger form of chemical bleach to work effectively. The bleaching process creates a chemical reaction with the plaque and tartar, thus loosening the bond between the buildup and your teeth. Bleach can, if overused, begin to eat away tooth enamel. The tooth enamel coats your teeth and works as a barrier to plaque and bacteria from attacking the tooth structure itself. Always use any bleaching product according to the directions the manufacturer has supplied, and let your local dental know what products you are using.

The best method of teeth whitening is prevention. Make sure not to drink to much coffee, tea, or sweet drink. It’s all right to have these on occasion, but many people overdo consumption of these items. This causes harmful plaque and tartar buildup on the surface of your teeth. If left untreated, excess plaque can result in tooth decay and gum disease. When you drink a liquid than can stain your teeth, use a straw. Using a straw will help the liquid move past your teeth without coating them.

Not only are white teeth a sign of good looks, they’re much healthier than stained or yellowed teeth. Removing tartar, plaque and the associated stains will give you a healthier mouth. Tooth whitening is a good alternative when stains crop up despite consistent oral hygiene. Caring for your teeth is always easier than repairing or restoring your teeth. For any tooth whitening system to work, you have to use is consistently in cooperation with proper brushing and regular trips to your dentist. Please visit my site AskTheDentalHygienist or talk to your dentist for more information.

Melissa is a Registered Dental Hygienist that has been practicing for more than 12 years in the same dental office. You can find more information about your dental health by visiting her site www.AskTheDentalHygienist.com.