Celebrate Your Thanksgiving: How to Whitened Your Teeth

Thanksgiving is a special occasion for all homes. The celebration of the coming together of family and friends is one that deserves to be planned carefully. As some prepare the best outfits for the day, others worry about what they will wear. However, the best kind of gift you can give yourself on such a day is to brighten your smile.

A bright smile is warm and inviting. It expressed love even without words being spoken. In that case, for this Thanksgiving, make a call to your dentist and schedule for professional teeth whitening.

What is Teeth Whitening?

Teeth whitening is a procedure in cosmetic dentistry that involves brightening the color of teeth. The treatment is done to correct teeth discoloration, whether severe or not. It involves bleaching the teeth to improve their appearance and glare.

Common Reasons for Stained Teeth

Teeth staining is the underlying reason to whiten teeth. There are different situations and stimuli that can change the color of teeth, including the following:

• Enamel thinning – the external tooth structure comprises of the enamel and dentin. Ideally, the enamel is whiter than the dentin. When the enamel starts thinning, your teeth may start looking dull because of the color of dentin. Some people have naturally thin enamel. However, in most cases, thinning comes with age. Another reason can be gum disease that causes loss of bone as well as enamel.
• Food stains – foods and drinks are the most common reason why teeth stain. Foods with dark pigmentations can be stubborn to remove on teeth. Such foods include tomatoes, wines, coffees, teas, and sodas. If you cannot avoid such foods, consider brushing your teeth every time you take them.
• Smoking – tobacco has a significant effect on the color of teeth
• Hard water – hard water leaves a pigmentation of teeth that can cause staining.
• Poor oral hygiene – if you are not intentional about keeping your teeth clean, then you should not be shocked when they turn yellow with time.
• Medication – some medication can be so strong as to discolor teeth

How to Get Your Teeth Whitened

There are various options you can bank on to whiten your teeth. Some of the options include lifestyle changes, while others involve medical intervention. Teeth whitening can be done at home, or in a dental clinic.

Teeth whitening in a dental clinic

The process of teeth whitening in a clinic starts with cleaning your teeth. A dental hygienist or dentist will clean your teeth to ensure they are free from plaque, tartar, food residues, and any bacteria. The dentist will then apply a special substance to protect your gums.

Afterward, the dentist will apply a tooth whitening gel that is rich in hydrogen peroxide. Once the gel is applied, laser light is passed across your teeth. The light activates the gel to start working. It will also speed up the bleaching process more than an ordinary toothpaste can achieve in a day.

Depending on the severity of the discoloration, the dentist might recommend home treatment. Home treatment can involve the following:

Mouthpiece – a customized mouthpiece that fits your teeth is made to help reinforce the treatment. This is usually as a follow up to the whitening treatment in the clinic. The mouthpiece fits perfectly on your teeth. Its purpose is to ensure that the whitening agent applied remains in contact with your teeth while at home.

Home whitening gel – once you talk to your dentist, you can get the home whitening gel to help whiten your teeth at home. The gel is used every day for a span of one or two weeks to achieve the desired results.

Teeth whitening at home

• Brushing with baking soda – baking soda is great when it comes to getting rid of the stain on surfaces. Using a toothbrush, gently brush off the stains from your teeth with baking soda. It will also help fight bacteria that might contribute to teeth staining.
• Hydrogen peroxide – hydrogen peroxide is a mild bleach that can quickly brighten your smile. You can use hydrogen peroxide with water to brush your teeth. Otherwise, you can mix it with baking soda for better results. Remember that hydrogen peroxide can make your teeth sensitive. Therefore, do not consider using it long-term.
• Dietary changes – reducing the intake of acidic foods and beverages rich in tannins. Examples include citrus, soda, tea, coffee, and wine.
• Quit smoking – smoking is not good for your lungs, and neither is it good for your teeth.