Are you considering whitening your teeth? You might have come across many teeth whitening options. But how can you be sure they're effective — or safe? Our Delta dentist shares some tips to remember if you'd like to safely whiten your teeth.
How can I whiten my teeth safely?
At our dental office in Delta, patients are sometimes curious about how they can effectively and safely whiten their teeth. While we may feel more confident with a brighter, whiter smile after teeth whitening treatments, not every option out there is safe. Today, our dentists recommend ways to complete this task safely — and offer some advice on how to maintain your white smile.
Ask your dentist about teeth whitening options for you
As we age, our teeth will likely naturally lose whiteness for many reasons. Based on the current shade of your teeth, the reasons your teeth have darkened in colour and your specific needs, your dentist can conduct a tooth colour analysis, then recommend options you might consider for safely whitening your smile. Remember that existing restorations will not change colour, since whitening only works on natural tooth enamel.
Our dentists at Ladner Village Dental offer at-home teeth whitening treatments that can be used to effectively whiten your teeth. You'll see us for two appointments. At your first appointment, the dentist will create impressions of your teeth so a custom whitening tray can be made. When you receive your tray, whitening gel and instructions during the second appointment, you'll be asked to try on the trays to ensure they fit properly and so any required adjustments can be made.
You'll place the whitening solution in each tray and wear either twice a day for 30 minutes or overnight for a couple of weeks, depending on the desired level of whitening and degree of staining on existing teeth.
Avoid adverse side effects by working with your dentist
It's important to consult your dentist before, during and after whitening your teeth, since everyone's teeth respond differently to the teeth whitening process. This can help reduce the risk of side effects.
Gum irritation and tooth sensitivity are normal during the period in which you are whitening your teeth, but should subside shortly after you've stopped bleaching. If irritation and/or sensitivity persist, consult your dentist.
Avoid acidic, dark-coloured drinks and foods
You'll want to keep your grin looking as white as possible long after you've invested in whitening your smile. We recommend people who have whitened their teeth regrain from drinking beverages such as coffee or pop immediately after whitening. Sports drinks, wine, tomato juice and tea are also common culprits that can cause your new colour to prematurely darken.
Use teeth whitening toothpaste and mouthwashes to keep your smile bright
You may want to consider mouthwashes and over-the-counter toothpastes to keep your smile white. Add these to your daily routine maintenance to remove stains from your teeth. Brush twice daily for two minutes each time.
Dedicate time to periodic touchups
Depending on the nature of your daily oral hygiene routine, effects from at-home teeth whitening treatments may last one year or even longer. Discolouration can slowly accumulate but will not return to its original pre-treatment shade. Make time for touchups when required.
Researching how you can safely whiten your teeth? Contact our Delta dentist today to schedule a consultation.