Have your teeth become discolored and lost some of their sparkle? Do you cover your mouth when you talk or avoid being in pictures because your teeth are yellow or stained? If this sounds like you, there is something you can do about it; professional teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic option that can whiten and brighten your teeth in as little as one office visit.
Although teeth whitening is one of the fastest, easiest ways to enhance your smile’s appearance, it’s crucial to understand how it works and how to keep your teeth looking their best after treatment. This complete guide to teeth whitening explains the dos and don’ts of brightening your smile and how Dental Co. of Knoxville can help you achieve the look you’ve always wanted.
Understanding the Basics of Teeth Whitening
The enamel on your teeth is porous, so your teeth can become stained when you eat and drink. These stains become more pronounced until they affect your smile’s appearance. Our dental office uses the Zoom in-office teeth whitening procedure to whiten your teeth in less than an hour. Here’s how it works:
- Once we have cleaned your teeth and checked for tooth decay or other dental issues, we will apply hydrogen peroxide gel to them.
- When this highly concentrated gel comes into contact with our special chairside light, oxygen is released into your teeth. This oxygenation breaks up the stains and gets rid of discoloration.
- Depending on your whitening goals, we will repeat this process two or three times.
- The final step involves rinsing the whitening agent from your teeth and ensuring you are satisfied with the results.
Dos for Effective Teeth Whitening
To achieve the best whitening results, there are certain things you can do, including the following:
Practice good oral hygiene—Before your whitening treatment, make sure you have established a good brushing and flossing routine. Maintaining a healthy mouth is critical to successful teeth whitening.
Schedule a dental cleaning—It’s essential to have your teeth professionally cleaned before whitening your teeth. Removing any plaque or tartar will improve your results and give you a better chance of achieving your smile goals.
Schedule a dental check-up—After cleaning, your dentist can assess your oral health and determine if you are a candidate for teeth whitening. As a rule, if your teeth and gums are healthy, you can safely whiten your teeth.
Desensitize your teeth—Some people experience sensitivity due to their teeth whitening procedure, so you can reduce your chances of this issue by using a desensitizing toothpaste before your appointment. The ingredients in these particular types of toothpaste can block the pain signals and alleviate your discomfort.
Use a shade guide—Your dentist will use a shade guide to help you determine the amount of whitening that gives you the most natural-looking smile. A shade guide will also allow you to see the results after your whitening treatment.
Trust your Knoxville dentist—Instead of relying on unreliable over-the-counter products, you should trust the team of dental professionals at Dental Co. of Knoxville. We can safely and effectively improve your smile and maintain your oral health.
Don’ts to Avoid Common Mistakes
There are several common mistakes related to teeth whitening; be sure to avoid the following:
Trusting over-the-counter products—If you use over-the-counter whitening products, you could damage your tooth enamel and gum tissue, so it’s best to trust your dentist with your teeth whitening needs.
Ignoring health conditions—If you are pregnant or have extremely sensitive teeth, talk to your dentist about whether teeth whitening is a good option.
Using products not intended for your teeth—Don’t try to whiten your teeth with bleach, hydrogen peroxide, or other products not intended for your teeth. This can damage your teeth and gums.
Eating certain foods or drinking certain beverages—After your teeth whitening procedure, avoid foods and beverages that can stain your teeth or irritate your gums. For at least 24 hours, don’t eat foods containing much sugar, pigmentation, or acid. This includes ice cream, cake, ketchup, chocolate, fruit juice, and soda.
Neglecting good oral hygiene practices—Taking care of your teeth and gums before and after teeth whitening is essential to your results. Make sure to brush your teeth twice a day and floss your teeth each day to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Also, visit your dentist every six months for an exam and cleaning.
Lifestyle Factors Influencing Teeth Whitening
Tooth discoloration can happen for several reasons; some of the causes are avoidable, while others can’t be controlled:
- Dark foods and beverages—Coffee, tea, wine, berries, and dark sauces can discolor teeth.
- Tobacco—If you smoke or use tobacco, you are more likely to need teeth whitening.
- Oral hygiene—Brushing and flossing can remove plaque, keeping your teeth whiter.
- Genetics—Some people are more genetically prone to discolored teeth.
- Trauma—If you injure a tooth, it can become darkened or discolored.
- Aging—As you age, your tooth enamel thins, making your teeth look more yellow.
- Certain medications—Some medications can result in discolored teeth.
Long-Term Maintenance for Lasting Results
Keeping your smile as bright and white as possible after teeth whitening is essential. Follow these steps to help:
- Brush and floss your teeth every day.
- Avoid sugary and acidic foods that can erode your tooth enamel.
- Avoid foods and drinks that can stain your teeth.
- Follow your dentist’s instructions about maintaining your new smile.
Interested in Teeth Whitening in Knoxville, TN?
If you are looking for a dentist in Knoxville, TN, Dental Co. of Knoxville will happily assist you! Our dental team can help you achieve your smile goals with professional teeth whitening services and other cosmetic offerings. When you are ready to love your smile, contact our dental office at (865) 722-0239 for more information or to schedule an appointment.
We look forward to hearing from you.