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3 Ways to Whiten Your Teeth

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Even if their teeth are healthy, many people still wish for more attractive teeth. They may consider cosmetic dental procedures but may believe that the treatments are too invasive. Yet, some popular cosmetic procedures, such as teeth whitening applications, are noninvasive and often quick.

There are multiple ways to whiten your teeth. Here are a few of them.  

Professional Dental Whitening  

Your dentist can whiten your teeth in a dental office. They apply a whitening product that chemically bleaches food-based stains from the enamel surface. As you eat or drink, your teeth are exposed to the pigments and colorants in the ingested items. These pigments deposit in the pores of your tooth enamel. Chemical teeth whiteners use peroxide-based chemicals to bleach the pigment-based stains from the tooth material.

After the dentist applies the whitening product, they allow it to sit on the teeth for the designated time. They may also expose the coated teeth to ultraviolet light that intensifies the bleaching properties of the product. As a result, the teeth may become several shades whiter during a single treatment. Nevertheless, the dentist may suggest a few additional treatments to ensure that the maximum whiteness is obtained.

Over-the-Counter Whitening Products

Products that whiten the teeth can also be purchased over-the-counter. These products are generally not as strong or fast-acting s professional products, but they can improve the color of the teeth. Like professional products, over-the-counter dental bleaching products usually contain peroxide. They often come in kits that include the whitening agent, an applicator, and detailed instructions, In some cases, a small light is also included. It is important to follow the instructions in the whitening kit precisely. The abuse of dental whitening products may result in chronic dental sensitivity.

Whitening Gum

Chewing whitening gum immediately following meals and snacks can help prevent the long-term deposit of food-based colorants on the teeth. After eating, simply chew the gum. The substance, which contains titanium dioxide, sodium bicarbonate, or other gently abrasive ingredients, polishes the pigments from the teeth before the colorants settle deep within the enamel's pores. Although the gum does not whiten stains that have already settled in the dental pores, it can remove recent stains. It can also mechanically pull substances that may make the teeth appear dirty or darker from the dental surfaces.

To learn more about teeth whitening, contact the office of a cosmetic dentist to schedule an appointment.


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