Some see your smile as a glimpse into your soul. Having a bright, wide smile can set the tone in any social encounter. But maybe you feel your smile isn’t up to par, and you’re wondering about teeth whitening options. What are the best options, and how effective are they?
The past few years have seen a proliferation of teeth whitening options on the market, as well as more advanced professional options. These include everything from strips to gels to special kinds of toothpaste and beyond.
As dental professionals, we support anything that helps advance your dental care. But no over-the-counter product is a substitute for regular visits to your dentists for professional teeth cleanings and exams. Still, teeth whitening options can help. For dental treatment, contact Lovett Dental Sharpstown today at 281-975-5560
Why Do I Need Teeth Whitening?
Our teeth lose their white color primarily because of our habits. Teeth discoloration is mostly a function of poor dental hygiene coupled with diet and other teeth-unfriendly habits.
In fact, the list of factors in tooth discoloration is very long, and some are out of our control. Factors include:
- Diet – drinking coffee, tea, dark colas, red wines
- Smoking and other tobacco use
- Not brushing and flossing enough
- Certain diseases
- Some medications
- Age
- Genetics
No single one of these factors is the only culprit, and changing your habits may not help turn back the clock. Teeth whitening options can help, as can regular visits to your dentist for professional cleanings and other preventive care.
Teeth Whitening Options
According to a study by the American Dental Association, most people want to find a way to whiten their teeth. This desire has resulted in the development of several products available at stores that are now part of our teeth whitening options.
Teeth whitening options include toothpaste, gels, and whitening strips or trays that apply hydrogen peroxide to create a bleaching effect on the teeth. Newer approaches include whitening devices that involve the close-in application of an LED light to your teeth after applying a bleaching gel.
Certain teeth whitening options require a dentist’s supervision and can be applied either in the office or at home. These are similar in nature to the approaches used in over-the-counter drugs.
The best long-term preventive measure is regular professional teeth cleanings from a hygienist. These usually involve a special toothpaste and electric toothbrush that enables a deep cleaning, along with professional-grade flossing.
Are Teeth Whitening Options Safe?
The advent of over-the-counter whitening products has been an exciting addition to the marketplace. But you may wonder: are these teeth whitening options safe? According to the Cleveland Clinic, the answer right now is equivocal: We don’t really know.
Some limited studies suggest that peroxide strips could cause problems for the “dentin” layer of your teeth underneath the enamel. Other studies also suggest that the strips could leave your teeth feeling grittier or softer. But the evidence is still unclear.
Keep Your Teeth White with Lovett Dental Sharpstown
One of the best teeth whitening options is avoiding stains in the first place. Limit consumption of dark liquids and quit smoking, for instance. It’s never too late to earn back that shiny white smile. Your dental care team at Lovett Dental Sharpstown will work with you to provide the treatment you need to keep your teeth in top shape.
Our office, and the other offices in the Lovett Dental network, provide all-around dental services, ranging from cosmetic and pediatric to general dentistry. Visit us for teeth whitening options, teeth cleaning services, orthodontic dental braces, and dental bonding services. We’ll keep your smile looking like a million dollars. Call us at 281-975-5560 today for a consultation.