A bright, white smile is one of the first things that people notice about each other. When people don’t feel confident about their smiles, they tend to do it less often. An attractive smile portrays confidence and approachability, and can make a huge difference in a person’s social life and even their career.
There are a number of factors that can cause teeth to become discolored, and many of them can be prevented to an extent. Over time, even healthy teeth will become less bright. Exposure to certain foods and beverages can stain teeth, and eventually they will become permanently discolored. Coffee and tea are probably the two biggest and most common culprits, but pretty much anything consumed that is dark in color, such as cola, red wine or grape juice, will stain the teeth over time. Cigarette smoking is another frequent cause of yellowing teeth.
There are daily measures that can be taken to prevent the discoloration of the teeth. Good oral hygiene is the first line of defense. Brushing in the morning, before bed, and after meals may seem rather obvious, but it is one way to prevent staining. Cutting down on beverages that can stain teeth is another tip; sipping those drinks with a straw to minimize contact with the teeth can help as well.
There are a variety of tooth whitening kits and treatments that can be found in local drugstores. These home treatments can provide varying results. It is advisable to consult a dentist before using these due to the fact that some of the ingredients can be harsh and cause tooth pain. Brushing teeth with a whitening toothpaste or plain baking soda can help remove some of the stains and prevent new discoloration, but for severely stained teeth, or more dramatic results, professional tooth whitening is the best option. When searching for tooth whitening in Visalia, for example, there are many options available.
In-office bleaching can be done in one or more office visits and has several advantages over home bleaching kits. The bleach gel that is used by professionals is thicker and less likely to seep into the porous enamel of the teeth, reducing the likelihood of pain and sensitivity. Professional whitening often makes use of intense lights in conjunction with the bleaching gel to intensify its effects.
After the procedure, it may be recommended to use home whitening kits or other whitening methods in addition to excellent oral hygiene to keep the results lasting as long as possible. Professional tooth whitening is not a permanent solution. The staining and discoloration process begins again immediately after tooth whitening is finished, so consistent upkeep of the teeth is necessary to keep the smile its best.
