Being confident about your smile has the potential to impact your life in dramatic ways. When you are less self-conscious about your teeth, you are likely to smile and engage with people in conversation more freely. A common dental worry many people experience is the yellowing or staining of teeth. Consider a few key facts that may help you whiten your smile and prevent further staining.
Professional Teeth Whitening
Many professionally trained dentists offer teeth whitening Park Slope as one of their routine services. This means that you can schedule a whitening appointment just as you would a regular cleaning. The process can take over an hour, but many recipients are pleased with the results.
Dentists often begin by documenting the color of your teeth before treatment. After thoroughly cleaning your teeth, the dentist will then apply a mixture containing peroxide to the visible side of your teeth. Importantly, the chemicals used to whiten teeth can be harmful to the soft tissues in your mouth, so the dentist must take steps to protect your gums and lips. Bear in mind that dental insurance does not normally cover teeth whitening.
Avoiding Stains
To minimize the amount of stains absorbed by your teeth, you may wish to limit your intake of certain foods and beverages. Foods that can cause staining include beets, tomato sauce, berries, and curry. Likewise, beverages such as red wine, cranberry juice, and cola can darken your teeth. Because many people enjoy these snacks and drinks, you may wish to rinse your mouth with water after consuming them, rather than eliminating these items from your diet completely. Additionally, some people find it helpful to drink dark beverages through a straw to reduce their contact with the teeth.
Day-to-Day Whitening Tips
In addition to seeking professional teeth whitening treatments, there may be a few things you can do at home to help get rid of stains. For one, it’s important to regularly brush your teeth. Try brushing in the morning and evening with a whitening toothpaste. Additionally, chewing gum can be useful because it prevents your mouth from becoming too dry. There are also some foods that may help keep your teeth white and clean, such as carrots and apples.
By modifying a few daily habits and reaching out to your local dentist, you may be able to change the shade of your teeth significantly. With whiter teeth, you may find yourself smiling more than ever before.