Whitening Your Teeth for a Brighter Smile

Written by DDS Miami

Teeth whitening is important for a bright and healthy smile. It is equally as important to ensure your dental office provide the right whitening depending on the quality of your teeth. Certain factors have to be evaluated when considering teeth whitening. For example, the color of your teeth, the reason why your teeth color has changed, and what type of teeth can be whitened. The American Association of Orthodontists also found that nearly 90% of patients requested tooth whitening. Why do so many patients request tooth whitening? Sharing a brighter, whiter, and healthier smile is one of the many reasons joy is promoted.

Understanding why our tooth color change is important in determining if whitening is for you.

According to the American Dental Association, food, drink, tobacco use, age, trauma, and medications are all reasons teeth change color. Certain drinks like coffee, sodas, and even tea can stain your teeth. Some medications also affect your teeth. For instance, certain antihistamines, antipsychotics and high blood pressure medications enable a side effect of tooth darkening. Other health related issues can cause tooth darkening like chemotherapy. An effective way to whiten your teeth is doing an in-office procedure known as chairside bleaching. A protective gel is applied to your gums and the dentist or dental hygienist begin to bleach your teeth. There are also other options like over-the-counter bleaching, stain removal toothpastes and many others. While you can do over-the-counter bleaching, it is still advised that you discuss the product and procedure with your dentist. Whitening and bleaching can be beneficial for your teeth when done with proper supervision and advice. Nonetheless, whitening and bleaching have a common side effect known as tooth sensitivity. Typically, the tooth sensitivity is only temporary, but the beautiful and bright smile is long-lasting.  

Created 06/18/2018