Category: Teeth Whitening

Tooth Whitening – Take the Natural Path or Seek Professional Procedures

Your smile is what makes you stand out. It also is considered a sign that you are happy, healthy, and confident when you meet others. Your teeth play a major role in that, for as long as they shine like white light, your smile will be adored and appreciated by all. However, if your teeth don’t appear that white anymore, you need to seek appropriate treatment for it.

Several factors can cause your teeth to lose their color, including what you eat or drink, or how old you are. But thanks to advancements in dental sciences, you can reverse it all and get your pearly whites back in no time! You can get tooth whitening done in two ways – by using all-natural products, or by consulting a dentist. The question is, which path would be the right choice for you?

Tooth Whitening through Natural Ways

What makes natural tooth whitening methods highly favored is that they are made using materials that are all-natural, easily available, and non-chemical in nature. Moreover, these products are very affordable and are ultra-easy to use. Your dentist could recommend one for you too if you ask them about it.

Being made of natural ingredients like charcoal, baking soda, apple cider vinegar, and even bananas and strawberries, natural tooth whitening products bear rare, minimal side effects. However, they could prove to be ineffective and time-consuming for many, mostly due to the amount of discoloration they are supposed to work on. Even then, these are a lifesaver for those who want to make their teeth stronger and better in the most natural way.

Professional Tooth Whitening Procedures

These procedures are performed by seasoned experts under the supervision of senior dentists. These treatments involve the use of both take-home kits as well as procedures that have to be done at the clinic. These methods involve the use of much stronger whitening agents like carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide, which assure faster and more visible results.

It must be noted that the whitening agents used by dentists are strong chemicals and have to be used with utmost precision. Any less amount, and they won’t do the job. Any extra amount could harm your teeth and gums. Having a dentist work on your teeth also allows you to have any other dental problems resolved as well without needing extra visits. Your dentist can customize your treatment plan based on your preferences, and is certain to deliver over and above your expectations.

At the same time, you must know that teeth whitening procedures can cost a lot of money. You may have to undergo multiple sittings depending on how discolored your teeth are and what led to discoloration in the first place. If you have sensitivity issues, you must inform your dentist about the same, which may also affect the approach they would take for the procedure. Your dentist will suggest a few products you must regularly use to keep your teeth shining white forever.

Which Method is Best for You

Like everything else, both methods have their share of pros and cons. Working with a dentist is certain to deliver exceptional results, but it can hurt your pocket a lot. Natural methods work for most too, but they take a long time and aren’t certain to deliver results for everyone. You can always take the middle road and work with your dentist while also making use of natural products. Your dentist will also be more than happy to make certain recommendations that will allow you to get the desired results without harming your teeth or budget.

Discuss this in detail with your dentist today and get started on the path to teeth whitening and impressing everyone around with your unmatched smile.

Teeth Whitening for Sensitive Teeth – What You Must Know

A smile can change the aura around you in a split second. But what would you do if your teeth aren’t that white? Worse, what would you do about it if you have sensitive teeth? If you didn’t have the latter, you could have gone for teeth whitening. But could you still do that? Why or why not?

The problem with having sensitive teeth is, you cannot enjoy most things, regardless of whether they are served hot or cold. Either would cause immense pain throughout your teeth and jaw, and could last for a while depending on how severe the sensitivity is. But, that is not the end of the road for you. If you understand how it works, you can actually do anything you like without worrying about that painful sensation at all.

What’s Tooth Sensitivity, Actually

Your teeth have protective layers, which are commonly known as cementum or enamel. When these layers are worn down, another layer, called the dentin, is exposed. This layer has connections with the nerves under the teeth. When exposed to anything that is too hot or too cold than what your teeth can take, you would feel pain throughout them. This weardown may happen due to having foods or beverages that are acidic in nature, brushing too hard, or even grinding your teeth.

Teeth Whitening Products You Can Choose

If you have sensitivity issues, you certainly can’t go for all teeth whitening products. Yet there are a few that you can go for, such as:

Whitening Strips/Gels with Low-Concentration: These are specifically manufactured for those with sensitive teeth. The low concentration refers to low density of bleaching agents that can otherwise cause immense irritation.

Whitening Toothpaste: These toothpaste generally come with potassium nitrate/stannous fluoride as their ingredients which are known to desensitize teeth and reduce any pain due to eating or drinking afterwards.

Professional Whitening Treatments: Your dentist can also carry out a range of procedures that can help desensitize the pain and reduce the discomfort. They may carry out these procedures before as well as after the teeth whitening procedures, depending on the level of sensitivity.

Preparing Your Teeth for Whitening

· You must first ensure that your teeth do not have any problems, including cavities or gum diseases. If there is some, work with your dentist to build up some resistance first.

· Once that is done, you will be ready to start the procedure. Follow everything your dentist tells you to do, including time taken for a certain action, how to follow it up, and how frequently to repeat the same.

· Do not use a hard brush while your treatment is going on. Go for a soft-bristled brush instead.

· Rinse your mouth with lukewarm water, which will help lessen any pain you experience during the procedure.

The results will certainly start showing up, and would definitely be exactly how you imagined them. There will be a few more things you will need to do, though.

Follow Up Precautions

· While your dentist will do everything that is needed to keep you aware of everything and advise certain precautions, it wouldn’t hurt to know about a few of them beforehand. These include:

· Keep using a toothpaste that helps desensitize the pain for a while, or until your dentist says otherwise.

· Maintain a good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing daily. You can also use a fluoride mouthwash if you want, though despite being helpful, that will not be mandatory.

· Go for regular dental check-ups, which will help your dentist keep the progress in check at all times.

Get in touch with your dentist today to get started!

Why and How Professional Teeth Whitening Products are Better than Everything Else

If there is anything that can do wonders for everyone around, it’s the smile. And not just any smile. It’s the smile followed by a set of shiny pearly white teeth. You could look around for anyone who has those perfect teeth, for their smile would look in a league of its own.

Many people today want to have such perfect teeth, which is why there are professional teeth whitening products that do an excellent job at delivering true to their promise. However, there are also other DIY remedies which while may promise similar results at a lower price, most of them would fall flat when it’s time to rise to the task.

Why is that, because there are many reasons, such as:

The Results are Most Evident: If there is anything that anyone can easily trust, it’s the results. Professional teeth whitening treatments are conducted by highly qualified dentists in a conducive environment. These professionals make use of high-concentration bleaching products that are mostly not available anywhere else. It is because these products are customized based on the requirement will the sole intent to deliver as promised.

Other over-the-counter products may be good too, but they wouldn’t have this customized advantage, which is why they can never deliver results that good.

Custom Treatment Plans: Take it for granted that no two people will approach a dentist with the same set of teeth. They would have different requirements, so their treatments also have to be conducted as such. Dentists too determine how severe the stains are, how sensitive your mouth and teeth are, and where your oral health stands. They take all these factors into consideration while laying out the perfect treatment plan. A standard teeth whitening ready-to-use product can’t match that even closely.

More Assurance of Safety and Comfort: When it comes to teeth, safety is one of the top priorities for dentists. They want to make sure that whatever they do with your teeth is completely safe and already tested in a safe environment. Moreover, the procedure itself is strictly carried out under close supervision and with utmost precision. This secures you from experiencing any side effects like gum irritation, sensitivity, excess blood flow, and so on.

Regular products may miss this oversight and so cannot be considered safe for use, at least not under the supervision of a top dentist.

Long-Lasting Results: Professional teeth whitening procedures are certain to deliver results in a very short span of time. The results so obtained are also long-lasting due to the use of powerful agents and technology involved. Follow-up care may be needed, but that will only ensure that the procedure is completed just as it was always supposed to be. Over-the-counter products, despite all their assurances, would never give such promising results.

Overall Oral Health Protection: By getting your teeth whitening done by a professional dentist, you will further get the protection of someone who understands the pros and cons related to the procedures involved. Under their guidance, you can keep track of your progress and can see the results you always desired. With that, your dentist can also keep a tab on your oral

health and advice if you need to get anything else done as well, totally at your discretion. This way, you are always in control and know it all before it’s done.

Your dentist will always have your best interests in mind. They will let you know the estimated timeline, the limitations, and what you can and should not expect from the procedure beforehand. This way, you can always make a well-informed decision. To know more about teeth whitening, its uses and procedures, and more, get in touch with your nearest dentist today!

Foods that Help Retain Naturally White Teeth

The kind of food you eat can have a lot more impact on your teeth than you know. So, if you are eating healthy food, your teeth will continue to stay strong and healthy. There are a few of those food types that do an additional job of promoting teeth whitening naturally. These food types are easily available and are great to have as well. You might already be having them too! But it will do you a lot of good if you can identify them and ensure that they are incorporated into what you eat on a daily basis.  

Foods That Matter the Most 

Fruits: There are different fruits that do their bit towards keeping your teeth white in their own ways. Strawberries, for instance, have malic acid, an enzyme that can remove any stains accumulated on the surface of your teeth. These also have vitamin C which helps with reducing gum inflammation or other gum problems. Then there are apples that boost saliva production, which naturally cleanses all sides of your mouth and keeps plaque formation in check. You can also relish the amazing pineapple, for besides its sweet taste, it also has an enzyme named bromelain that breaks down protein and helps in keeping teeth free from any stains. Your gums and teeth also stay healthy when you enjoy the flavors of a pineapple. 

Dairy Products: Dairy products such as cheese, yogurt, or even milk are known to be rich in calcium and phosphorus, which can make your tooth enamel stronger and well-protected from any cavity or decay. Cheese also has a protein named casein that fortifies teeth’s surface, thereby securing them from cavities. You could have a piece of it every time you have a meal, for cheese further neutralizes acid formation within the mouth, which in turn, saves your teeth from getting stained. 

Vegetables: Crunchy vegetables such as carrots and celery have high water content in addition to fibrous texture. When you chew these, you boost saliva production inside your mouth, which washes away any stuck food debris and bacteria from around your mouth. Your oral health also gets a major boost when you eat these. You can also go for broccoli, which helps in polishing the teeth, as well as reducing surface stains and plaque formation. Broccoli is known to have high iron content, which forms a sort of protection above your teeth, thereby securing them from erosion caused by acidic foods. 

Seeds and Nuts: Sesame seeds, walnuts, and almonds form another class of foods that help scrub the teeth surface and clean any stains that may have formed there. These foods have high calcium content, which helps keep the enamel strong. You can go for a variety of nuts and seeds in your diet that can keep both your teeth and your overall health in good shape. 

Leafy Greens: In addition to conventional veggies, there are leafy green veggies as well that can do wonders for your teeth. These include lettuce, spinach, and kale, which have high fiber content and help produce more of saliva, thanks to the amount of chewing needed. These foods further have folic acid that helps keep your gums and teeth healthy and shiny. 

Water: If there is one thing you can never go wrong with, it’s water. One of the most natural and purest forms of elements that it is, water helps rinse your mouth, cleanses the stains, and promotes overall health in more ways than you can imagine. Besides, it also does a great deal for your overall health, which again converts to better health of your teeth.  

Your dentist can also help you with a diet chart that can cover everything you can eat throughout the day for teeth whitening, and vary on different days based on your liking. Get in touch with them today to learn more. 

How long after teeth whitening can I drink coffee?

Ah, coffee – the beloved morning (and afternoon, and sometimes evening) beverage that jumpstarts our day. But what happens when you’ve just had your teeth professionally whitened, and that cup of joe is calling your name? Fear not, coffee lovers! Here’s the scoop on how long you should wait before indulging:

The Waiting Game:

The answer depends on the type of whitening treatment you had:

  • In-office whitening: After a one-time in-office treatment, dentists typically recommend waiting 24-48 hours before enjoying coffee again. This allows the whitening agent to fully settle and your teeth to remineralize, making them less susceptible to staining.

  • At-home whitening: Since this process usually lasts 1-2 weeks, it’s best to avoid coffee altogether during that period. The constant exposure to bleaching agents and coffee’s staining pigments can hinder your whitening progress.

Why the Wait?

After whitening, your teeth are in a vulnerable state. Their pores are slightly more open, making them susceptible to staining from pigmented drinks like coffee. Additionally, the whitening process can temporarily increase tooth sensitivity, which coffee’s acidity can exacerbate.

Learn more: Can I Get My Teeth Whitened With Braces?

Enjoying Coffee After the Wait:

Once the waiting period is over, here are some tips to minimize staining and maintain your bright smile:

  • Drink coffee with a straw: This helps bypass your teeth and minimize contact with the staining pigments.
  • Rinse your mouth with water after drinking: This helps wash away any lingering coffee residue.
  • Brush your teeth with a whitening toothpaste: This can help remove surface stains and maintain your whitening results.
  • Consider iced coffee: The colder temperature can help reduce staining compared to hot coffee.
  • Limit your coffee intake: Remember, moderation is key! The less coffee you drink, the less likely you are to experience staining.

Bonus Tip: Talk to your dentist! They can provide personalized advice based on your specific treatment and sensitivity levels.

Remember: Maintaining a healthy oral hygiene routine, including regular brushing and flossing, is crucial for keeping your teeth white and healthy, regardless of your coffee habits. So, enjoy your coffee responsibly, and keep smiling bright!

If you are looking for a Weymouth dentist near you, please visit Comfort Dental Weymouth, 47 Washington St, Weymouth, MA 02188, (781) 337-3300.

Can I Get My Teeth Whitened With Braces?

Many people with braces desire a brighter smile, raising the question: can teeth be whitened while wearing them? The answer is yes, but with some limitations and considerations.

Why Teeth Whitening with Braces Can Be Challenging:

  • Brackets and wires can block the whitening agent: These orthodontic components can obstruct the whitening agent from reaching all tooth surfaces, leading to uneven results.
  • Braces can trap whitening products: Food particles and plaque can accumulate around braces, creating a favorable environment for bacteria and potentially staining teeth.
  • Whitening products can irritate gums: Brackets and wires can already cause some gum irritation, and excessive whitening products can exacerbate that discomfort.

Options for Teeth Whitening with Braces:

  • In-office whitening: In-office whitening treatments utilize concentrated whitening agents under a professional’s supervision. This can be a good option for individuals with braces, as the dentist can ensure the product is applied evenly and safely.
  • Tray-based whitening: Custom-made trays filled with whitening gel are worn for a set amount of time each day. This method may take longer to achieve noticeable results, but it allows for greater control over the application around braces.
  • Whitening strips: Whitening strips are readily available, however, they are not recommended for individuals with braces as they cannot effectively reach all surfaces. Additionally, the strips may adhere to the brackets and wires, causing discomfort and potential damage.

Learn more: How long after teeth whitening can I drink coffee?

Considerations Before Whitening with Braces:

  • Consult your dentist: Discuss your teeth whitening desires with your dentist. They can assess your individual situation and recommend the safest and most effective whitening method based on your teeth and braces.
  • Start whitening after initial alignment: Avoid whitening in the early stages of orthodontic treatment when teeth are undergoing significant movement. Wait until the initial alignment phase is complete for optimal results.
  • Maintain good oral hygiene: Brushing and flossing regularly is crucial to remove food debris and plaque that can trap whitening products and contribute to staining.
  • Monitor your gums: Be mindful of any gum irritation during the whitening process. If you experience discomfort, discontinue use and consult your dentist.
  • Be patient: Remember, achieving noticeable results may take longer with braces due to the limited access to all tooth surfaces. Follow the recommended treatment plan and be patient for a brighter smile.

Conclusion:

While whitening teeth with braces requires certain precautions and considerations, it is certainly possible. Consulting your dentist, choosing the appropriate method, and practicing good oral hygiene are key to achieving a safe and successful whitening experience. Remember, patience and proper care are essential for enjoying a brighter smile once your braces come off.

If you are looking for a Weymouth dentist near you, please visit Comfort Dental Weymouth, 47 Washington St, Weymouth, MA 02188, (781) 337-3300.