White is a symbol of perfection and clarity, the same thing goes for white teeth … projecting a perfect smile and clear oral health. Having white teeth boosts one’s confidence that’s why many people seek treatments to achieve perfect white teeth. Modern dentistry has offered teeth whitening for their clients to obtain dazzling white smiles.
As our teeth get stained and discoloured due to eating, drinking, using tobacco, and ageing, teeth whitening becomes an available treatment to provide the solution to this teeth issue. There are actually various approaches to this type of treatment which you can avail of: whitening toothpaste or mouthwash, over-the-counter strips, trays or pens, take-home kits from your dentist, and in-office professional whitening. Their prices, strength, and longevity differ from one another and you can choose which one fits your requirements.
How long teeth whitening lasts will all depend on the type of method you use and your habits afterward.
Whitening Toothpaste or Mouthwash
Effects are minimal since it does not actually bleach the teeth, only mild abrasives or chemical is present in the product. You only get subtle results from continuous use, once you stop using it, stains will become very visible again.
Over-the-Counter Whitening Products
These are affordable products, easy to purchase from stores or online, and easy to use. They are usually composed of trays, strips, pens, and LED light kits. Your white teeth will last for a few weeks to three months because they have lower concentrations of whitening agents than professional ones. Its effectivity is shortened especially without touch-ups or good oral hygiene.
Take-Home Whitening Kits from Dentists
The results may not be visible immediately as in-office whitening, but with regular use and good habits, your white teeth may last around six to twelve months or longer. Take-home whitening kits have custom trays and professional-grade whitening gel which are convenient and safer than those products bought from stores. They are also longer-lasting than over-the-counter ones.
In-Office Professional Whitening
The fastest and most effective method is in-office professional whitening because dentists use high-concentration bleaching agents. These bleaching chemicals of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide can produce immediate results with several shades whiter in one session. The bleaching agents may also be activated by light or lasers to last one to three years.
After whitening, your teeth are still susceptible to staining because of pigments coming from what you eat or drink. In addition, smoking or chewing tobacco and poor oral hygiene can also be responsible for teeth discoloration. Ageing also naturally uncovers the yellowish dentin underneath the enamel while certain medications can also lead to tooth staining. Because of these reasons, one must adopt effective dental tips to help maintain white teeth.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene
Toothbrushing two times a day, flossing daily, and using antibacterial mouthwash are good practices. Added to this is the use of whitening toothpaste a few times a week, not daily if it’s abrasive.
Avoid Stain-Causing Foods and Drinks
Limit your red wine, coloured sodas, tea, and coffee intake; you may also use a straw to avoid these liquids contact with teeth. The best thing to do is rinse your mouth with water or brush your teeth after drinking or eating stain-causing products.
Quit Smoking
If you want to preserve your white teeth, avoid smoking, this will also help you achieve overall oral health.
Regular Dental Check-Ups and Cleanings
Ideally, every six months you have to visit the dentist not only for check-ups but also for cleaning to remove surface stains and tartar.
Touch-Up Treatments
To maintain the results of your whitening method, schedule a yearly booster for in-office procedures, once a month use of take-home kits, and periodically touch-up for strips and pens but avoid overuse that may irritate gums.
Drink Plenty of Water
Drinking water is your way of rinsing your mouth from food particles while keeping it hydrated and clean at the same time.
Eat Crunchy Fruits and Vegetables
Carrots, celery, and apples are natural stain removers as they scrub the surface of your teeth so make it a habit to eat them.
Well, teeth whitening results are not permanent but your post-whitening care can contribute a lot to its longevity.
If teeth whitening doesn’t work due to internal staining or medications, don’t worry, there are other cosmetic options available – veneers, dental bonding, or crowns.
Final Thoughts
Teeth whitening does not last forever, but giving your teeth this treatment will enhance your smile. Being mindful of your diet, avoiding staining substances, and practicing oral hygiene can actually extend the whitening results and of course, can improve your overall dental health.White is a symbol of perfection and clarity, the same thing goes for white teeth … projecting a perfect smile and clear oral health. Having white teeth boosts one’s confidence that’s why many people seek treatments to achieve perfect white teeth. Modern dentistry has offered teeth whitening for their clients to obtain dazzling white smiles.
As our teeth get stained and discoloured due to eating, drinking, using tobacco, and ageing, teeth whitening becomes an available treatment to provide the solution to this teeth issue. There are actually various approaches to this type of treatment which you can avail of: whitening toothpaste or mouthwash, over-the-counter strips, trays or pens, take-home kits from your dentist, and in-office professional whitening. Their prices, strength, and longevity differ from one another and you can choose which one fits your requirements.
How long teeth whitening lasts will all depend on the type of method you use and your habits afterward.
Whitening Toothpaste or Mouthwash
Effects are minimal since it does not actually bleach the teeth, only mild abrasives or chemical is present in the product. You only get subtle results from continuous use, once you stop using it, stains will become very visible again.
Over-the-Counter Whitening Products
These are affordable products, easy to purchase from stores or online, and easy to use. They are usually composed of trays, strips, pens, and LED light kits. Your white teeth will last for a few weeks to three months because they have lower concentrations of whitening agents than professional ones. Its effectivity is shortened especially without touch-ups or good oral hygiene.
Take-Home Whitening Kits from Dentists
The results may not be visible immediately as in-office whitening, but with regular use and good habits, your white teeth may last around six to twelve months or longer. Take-home whitening kits have custom trays and professional-grade whitening gel which are convenient and safer than those products bought from stores. They are also longer-lasting than over-the-counter ones.
In-Office Professional Whitening
The fastest and most effective method is in-office professional whitening because dentists use high-concentration bleaching agents. These bleaching chemicals of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide can produce immediate results with several shades whiter in one session. The bleaching agents may also be activated by light or lasers to last one to three years.
After whitening, your teeth are still susceptible to staining because of pigments coming from what you eat or drink. In addition, smoking or chewing tobacco and poor oral hygiene can also be responsible for teeth discoloration. Ageing also naturally uncovers the yellowish dentin underneath the enamel while certain medications can also lead to tooth staining. Because of these reasons, one must adopt effective dental tips to help maintain white teeth.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene
Toothbrushing two times a day, flossing daily, and using antibacterial mouthwash are good practices. Added to this is the use of whitening toothpaste a few times a week, not daily if it’s abrasive.
Avoid Stain-Causing Foods and Drinks
Limit your red wine, coloured sodas, tea, and coffee intake; you may also use a straw to avoid these liquids contact with teeth. The best thing to do is rinse your mouth with water or brush your teeth after drinking or eating stain-causing products.
Quit Smoking
If you want to preserve your white teeth, avoid smoking, this will also help you achieve overall oral health.
Regular Dental Check-Ups and Cleanings
Ideally, every six months you have to visit the dentist not only for check-ups but also for cleaning to remove surface stains and tartar.
Touch-Up Treatments
To maintain the results of your whitening method, schedule a yearly booster for in-office procedures, once a month use of take-home kits, and periodically touch-up for strips and pens but avoid overuse that may irritate gums.
Drink Plenty of Water
Drinking water is your way of rinsing your mouth from food particles while keeping it hydrated and clean at the same time.
Eat Crunchy Fruits and Vegetables
Carrots, celery, and apples are natural stain removers as they scrub the surface of your teeth so make it a habit to eat them.
Well, teeth whitening results are not permanent but your post-whitening care can contribute a lot to its longevity.
If teeth whitening doesn’t work due to internal staining or medications, don’t worry, there are other cosmetic options available – veneers, dental bonding, or crowns.
Final Thoughts
Teeth whitening does not last forever, but giving your teeth this treatment will enhance your smile. Being mindful of your diet, avoiding staining substances, and practicing oral hygiene can actually extend the whitening results and of course, can improve your overall dental health.
Photo Credit: DepositPhotos.com
