Teeth Whitening
Sunday, September 14th, 2008 Subscribe To Our Feed
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. We all eat lots of processed foods containing starches and sugars, and drink coffee, teas, and sodas that leave behind 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 can help. 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. Many of my patients have seen results from consistent use of whitening strips that assist in removing stains caused by plaque and tartar buildup. Plaque will build up over time on your teeth, making 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. Be careful not to overuse bleach; it can begin to attack your tooth enamel. Tooth enamel is the substance that coats your teeth and attempts to keep plaque and bacteria from making their way inside the tooth 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.
Prevention is the best method of teeth whitening. 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 to builup on 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 an excellent choice when stains crop up despite the best dental hygiene efforts. Caring for you teeth is always cheaper than repairing your teeth. There are many teeth whitening services and systems available, but all require consistent, regular use. Please visit my site AskTheDentalHygienist or talk to your dentist for more information.
Melissa has been a Registered Dental Hygienist for 12 years. You can find more information about your dental health by visiting her site www.AskTheDentalHygienist.com.
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