Teeth Whitening: Dos and Don’ts of Brightening Your Smile

In today’s world, you see teeth whitening products and promotions all over commercials and on social media, but how do you know which products work and how to start a regimen?

When it comes to teeth whitening, all these different methods and treatments can be overwhelming, but we have some tips and tricks that will help you freshen up your smile while still maintaining a healthy mouth.

First, let’s look at why you may need to consider a whitening routine.

What Causes Teeth to Change Color

Many factors play into teeth losing their shine. Here are a few of the most common reasons:

• Food and Drink. Coffee, wines, and sugary drinks full of dye can cause the staining of your tooth enamel. Additionally, sticky sweets and excessive alcohol consumption can lead to tooth decay.
• Tobacco. Tar and nicotine are found in tobacco and both contribute to stains on teeth. Not only can tobacco disrupt your smile, but it can also lead to oral cancer and gum disease.
• Trauma. Sometimes we experience unexpected injuries to our mouth, which in turn can cause changes to the color of our teeth. It’s critical to protect yourself against dental injuries when possible and to contact a dentist if you need immediate assistance.
• Medications. Various medications have different impacts on the mouth, and some may result in staining or teeth changing color. It is important to inform your dentist of all medications that you are taking.
• Aging. It should come as no surprise your teeth begin to lose their luster as you get older. When this happens, your protective enamel coating may get thinner, thus exposing more of the yellow dentin underneath.

Now that you know some of the factors that play into teeth losing their shine, here are a few teeth whitening Dos and Don’ts:

Do

• Talk to your dentist before starting any teeth whitening treatments. It’s important for them to know the state of your oral health before you set out to make cosmetic changes.
• Consult with your oral health provider about in-house options such as chairside bleaching, which is done during an appointment, or at-home options using custom bleaching trays.
• Research the best products for your goals. It should come as no surprise that some teeth whitening items won’t get the job done and others can even harm your oral health. When in doubt, ask your dentist for advice.
• Know your benefits and coverage ahead of time. Cosmetic procedures aren’t always covered and may not be paid for through services like Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Maintain your regular oral health routine. Remember to brush for at least 2 minutes twice a day and make sure you are flossing properly.
• Visit your dentist regularly so they can verify that your teeth and mouth are as healthy as can be.

Don’t

• As stated earlier, don’t start any teeth whitening treatments without consulting your dentist. They can tell you if you have any contraindications to starting a whitening regimen, such as allergies or sensitivities, age-related issues, oral health complications or diseases, cavities, and more.
• If you’re pregnant or nursing, teeth whitening should wait until after these.
• Looking for a cheaper at-home alternative to bleach trays? Don’t just pick something off the shelf. Many products are sold online and in grocery stores, but that doesn’t mean that these over-the-counter products are safe or effective. Look for American Dental Association approved items here first.
• Don’t assume teeth whitening will work evenly on all your teeth. For example, whitening doesn’t work on caps, veneers, crowns, or fillings. Teeth whitening also may not work if your teeth are excessively discolored or have suffered trauma.
• Don’t forget that teeth whitening can lead to or even heighten tooth sensitivity. If this happens to you, make sure to discuss with your dentist how to balance or remedy your sensitivity.

Want to take your teeth to the next level? Consider these natural methods for complimenting your efforts:

Natural Whitening Methods

• Brushing and flossing. You already brush twice a day and floss regularly. Now step up your toothpaste game with one that contains baking soda. It can help eliminate bacteria and scrub away any superficial stains on your teeth. Just be sure to check for ADA approval.
• Oil pulling.Swishing coconut oil around your mouth and through your teeth for 15 -20 minutes each day hasn’t been proven to whiten your teeth, but it can help remove bacteria and plaque from your mouth, thus eliminating the potential for cavities.
• Prevention. Limiting certain foods, drinks, and tobacco products can play a significant role in maintaining a healthy smile.

As you can see, there are various factors to consider when it comes to teeth whitening, but the best method to keeping your smile bright revolves around being consistent with your diet and your oral health care routine. Maintaining a healthy mouth requires constant care through brushing, flossing, and visiting the dentist for checkups and cleanings at least once a year.