White teeth are associated with health, youth, beauty, and status among cultures around the world, and almost everyone would like their smile to be at least a little brighter. Thankfully, there are effective ways to whiten your smile at home and at your dentist’s office. Here’s a brief guide to how you can safely achieve a brighter grin that you’ll be eager to show off.
Which Teeth Whitening Methods Are Risky?
All teeth whitening methods are not created equal, and some can pose serious risks for your oral health. Many influencers on social media are peddling “do-it-yourself” whitening tricks such as using lemon juice, charcoal, or other harsh agents to lift stains. While these methods may remove discoloration, they do so by destroying healthy enamel, which increases the risk of dental injuries and oral infections.
While you can find many purported whitening products at stores and pharmacies, these methods can be risky since they use one-size-fits-all dental trays without the oversight of a dental professional. Some patients experience uneven whitening results due to their trays not covering their teeth or gum injuries due to exposure to harsh whitening agents. Some may find that these products deliver only lackluster results at best even after several months of use.
How Can I Make My Smile Whiter at Home?
Luckily, there are a few simple things you can do at home to reduce yellowing and prevent stains. These include:
- Practicing excellent oral hygiene by brushing, flossing, and using antibacterial mouthwash every day.
- Drinking plenty of white dairy products or other items rich in calcium, vitamin D, and phosphorus.
- Avoiding stain-causing items such as coffee, tea, red wine, chocolate, berries, colas, and dark sauces.
How Can My Dentist Help?
Your dentist will be happy to polish your teeth and remove minor stains during your routine dental appointments. However, they can address severe or stubborn stains and discoloration with a customized teeth whitening treatment, which can come in one of two forms:
- A take-home kit: This kit will include a set of customized dental trays and a tube of professional-grade whitening gel. You’ll only need to apply the gel to the trays and wear them as instructed for about an hour daily for two weeks to achieve amazing results.
- An in-office procedure: Your dentist can brighten your teeth in about an hour at their office.
Professional teeth whitening can brighten your smile by up to eight shades in a brief timeframe. Scheduling a consultation with your dentist can help you find out if this treatment can be a great fit for you.
About the Practice
Rancho Park Dental Group offers the finest oral health services available in Los Angeles. Led by Drs. Nicole Sassounian and Albert Silvera, the staff treats each patient with the utmost courtesy and sincere compassion while maintaining a clean and welcoming environment. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, emergency, and cosmetic dentistry such as teeth whitening. To schedule your cosmetic dental consultation, contact the practice on the web or dial (310) 575-0886.