We can help you find the best option for keeping your teeth their whitest!
A healthy, white smile shows the world you’re confident and self-assured. But, everyday living can cause our teeth to discolor and look dingy or yellow. Teeth can become less than gleaming white due to culprits such as coffee, tea, tobacco, blueberries, and even certain medications such as antibiotics. A popular way to keep your pearly whites gleaming is by using whitening toothpaste every day.
Common Teeth-whitening Ingredients
So what are those magical ingredients that can turn stained or darkened teeth into bright pearly whites? Modified silica abrasives or enzymes are used to help whiten teeth by physically removing surface stains. Specifically, baking soda and peroxide are common whitening agents that many brands of toothpaste contain.
Enamel Erosion Concerns
There is, however, a darker side to using a whitening toothpaste on a regular basis. Because many popular kinds of whitening toothpaste contain abrasives, you can experience enamel erosion. Why? Because abrasives can strip away tooth enamel causing thinning or erosion in the process. If enamel erodes, you may experience both teeth sensitivity and darkening of the teeth due to dentin showing through the thinned enamel. It’s important to note that not everyone will experience sensitivity.
You also might be tempted to brush your teeth too frequently with whitening toothpaste. To avoid enamel erosion problems, don’t brush your teeth too hard or for too long. Brushing for two minutes twice a day, along with flossing, can help keep your teeth healthy.
Professional Whitening
Peroxide is the active ingredient found in teeth whiteners. The main difference between over-the-counter whitening kits and whiteners used in dental practice is the concentration of the peroxide. Whiteners used in a professional setting can contain up to 25% more peroxide than an over-the-counter whitening kit. A special light is also used to accelerate the whitening process.
Give us a call to discuss a safe and effective way for you to get a beautiful, gleaming smile.