Whitening Your Teeth in Time for the Holidays

You may be thinking that it is already too late to whiten teeth in time for the holiday season. It’s not. Today’s dental technology has shortened dental cleaning time. However, you may need to arrange for teeth whitening early enough before the holiday rush hits.

The holiday season involves lots of fun, food, and drinks. And, of course, there are lots of photo sessions. But, is your smile camera-ready? If you are self-conscious about your stained teeth, have them transformed into pearly whites in time before the season begins.

But before deciding on the best way to whiten your teeth, it is important to understand discoloration. The following are the main types.

Intrinsic Discoloration

Here, it is the inner structure of the tooth that gets tainted. This can occur because of many reasons. Use of tetracycline antibiotics in early childhood, excessive exposure to fluoride at a young age, and dentinogenesis imperfecta are potential causes.

Extrinsic Discoloration

This is the most common type of discoloration, and it happens when the enamel is stained by drinks and foods. Beverages and sugary foods such as soda, coffee, and some snacks as well as certain fruits such as cherries and blueberries can cause extrinsic discoloration. Smoking can also stain your enamel.

Age-related discoloration

With age, the outermost layer gets thinner making the natural yellowing dentin to be more visible.

While discoloration can be solved with proper teeth whitening solutions, intrinsic stains tend to take a longer time to disappear. Here are tips to help you whiten your teeth to make this holiday season a memorable one.

Professional teeth whitening

If you are looking for an effective and fast way to reinvigorate your smile, consider scheduling an appointment with a dentist. Advancement in cosmetic dentistry has made it possible to have your teeth brighten in less than an hour. Modern technology has also led to a significant reduction in the cost of treatment. Today, it is not hard to find a low-cost dentist in Scottsdale. That is why professional dental whitening has become one of the most popular cosmetic procedures. Teeth whitening has several benefits which include:

• It is safe and quick. You can see the results in just one appointment.
• Tooth and gum sensitivity, which were initially associated with in-office dental cleaning, are now more controllable.
• It can be combined with other cosmetic dentistry procedures for a better outcome.
• It can help you deal with serious tooth problems such as gum disease and tooth decay. If such issues are noticed, the dentist will address them before they become severe.
• Another indirect benefit is that if you have other dental concerns that may affect your smile such as mild misalignment or chipped teeth, the doctor will review the best option to address them.

Of course, you will need to book an appointment early enough with a dentist to prevent disappointment. The doctor will help you explore whitening treatment options. On top of this, they will perform a dental review to check for potential problems such as gum disease, decay, and cracks. If the conditions exist, the doctor may delay the procedure because such conditions can cause irritation during the teeth brightening process. If it is established that you are a good candidate for the procedure, they will do a prophylactic cleaning to remove food particles and plaque before the whitening treatment.

Typically, teeth whitening is a low-risk and painless procedure. In fact, patients can watch TV as the treatment continues. The treatment is best for people with mild-to-moderate discoloration.

How to Keep Your Teeth White

Teeth brightening can only last for so long, so you will still need to maintain your routine dental care to sustain the results. After you have had your teeth professionally cleaned, it is important to refrain from habits that can cause staining. Here are some tips to help you maintain white and bright teeth after whitening.

• Brush teeth more often

Brush your teeth after every meal. The food particles that remain in your mouth can trigger the dental plaque to release harmful acids that cause stains and erode the enamel.

• Chew gum

Chewing gum, especially after meals, can help to get rid of food remnants and plaque that may taint your teeth. Apart from removing stain causes agents, chewing gum will also give you fresher breath.

• Floss regularly

Besides brushing your teeth every day, regular flossing can help to curb stains caused by foods. Flossing will control the growth of tartar. If you allow tartar to build up, drinks and food you consume will attach itself to the tartar, thus causing tooth discoloration.

• Use whitening toothpaste

Whitening toothpaste has essential whitening agents that help to keep away minor stains and complement the professional cleaning. However, you should be wary of over-the-counter whitening products. While these products may remove mild stains, they are usually counter-productive. Most of these whiteners contain harsh substances that can erode the enamel, which can encourage more staining.

• Avoid staining food

Coffee, soda, and wines are some of the common drinks in our everyday lives. Unfortunately, these foods can cause teeth staining. Instead of having a beverage or a sugary snack, opt for sugar-free snacking such as nuts, apples, or carrots. If you cannot avoid the drinks, at least use a straw or clean your mouth immediately you finish the drink.

Whitening teeth goes beyond looks

While the primary reason for brightening your teeth may be to improve your appearance, it is also essential for your overall wellness. Whitening is a great way to boost your self-confidence, especially if stained teeth have caused you esteem issues.

You can get your confidence back this holiday season. Contact a dentist in Scottsdale and let them restore your smile. It is important to complement teeth brightening with proper oral care. The fact that you are on holiday doesn’t mean that your oral routine should take a break!

Trinity Dental Care is located in Scottsdale, AZ & are here for all your dental needs. With a focus on family & cosmetic dentistry, we are happy to help you achieve a beautiful smile in our comfortable, safe & friendly environment.