Have your pearly whites lost their luster over the years? You’re not alone. Tooth discoloration is a common concern. It’s easy to feel embarrassed by brown or yellow teeth. Not to mention, your smile can look years older than your real age. To turn back the clock, there are many DIY whitening methods, but do they actually work? Here are 4 tips for teeth whitening in Waterford that can give you the results you want without harming your smile.
Combating Tooth Discoloration
Tooth discoloration can be caused by various factors, like genetics, poor oral hygiene habits, and certain lifestyle choices, such as smoking. The foods and drinks you choose can also affect the color of your teeth. Consuming those that are acidic or dark in color can stain your smile.
You might have tried a few over-the-counter products to reverse stains, but you were likely left disappointed with the results. They don’t contain highly concentrated whitening agents, so they offer minimal improvement. Instead, you can brighten your smile by:
1. Practicing Good Oral Hygiene
Your oral hygiene routine removes food particles and plaque that can lead to discoloration. Brush your teeth for at least two minutes in the morning and at night. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and nonabrasive toothpaste to avoid damaging your enamel, which can make your teeth look darker. Don’t forget to floss between each tooth daily. Besides caring for your smile at home, visit your dentist every 6 months for a cleaning and checkup.
2. Avoiding Stain-Causing Foods and Drinks
Darkly pigmented foods and drinks can seep into the pores of your enamel. Your cosmetic dentist in Waterford recommends limiting your consumption of dark foods and drinks, like coffee, berries, and tea. If you can’t resist them, rinse your mouth with water afterward.
3. Skipping OTC Whitening Treatments
Although OTC whitening treatments are considered safe, using them if you have untreated dental issues can lead to big complications down the road. Using the products more than recommended can also damage your enamel. It’s best to skip the risk and leave the teeth whitening to the professionals.
4. Visiting Your Cosmetic Dentist
Your cosmetic dentist can reveal a brighter smile using a personalized treatment plan. They use a highly concentrated whitening agent that deeply penetrates the enamel to resolve stains. Your teeth can become as much as 8 shades brighter after just one treatment. You’ll enjoy lasting results with the right aftercare, like maintaining your oral hygiene.
Invest in a Bright Smile
Don’t hide your smile any longer. With a few simple changes at home and a professional treatment, you can achieve beautiful teeth that you’ll be proud to show off.
About Dr. Dinesh Patel
Dr. Patel earned his dental degree from the State University at Buffalo and completed his residency in general dentistry. He provides family-friendly care using the latest treatments and techniques to help each patient achieve their best smile. If you’re interested in teeth whitening, contact our office today to schedule your consultation for cosmetic dentistry.