Teeth whitening has become a significant part of people’s oral health and routine. Analysts believe that teeth whitening has become a $3.8 billion dollar industry. The major reason for this growth is that whitening products and services have become cheaper over the years and accessible to more people. Gone are the days of needing to visit the dentist multiple times and paying for multiple treatments. With streamlined in-office treatments such as Lumibrite teeth whitening, take home kits and the wide range of whitening products in stores, everyone has access to teeth whitening.
Unfortunately, this doesn’t mean that all teeth whitening is created equal. Getting teeth whitening that is safe, effective, and long lasting is still best achieved with your dentist and their team. Consulting with your dentist who knows your oral health and history is the best way to discover which method will work for you. This is because some methods are ineffective in general while others are tailored to specific needs and circumstances.
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
There is a difference between the discoloration of your teeth and the buildup of germs and gunk on them. Brushing and flossing can clean the plaque off your teeth but does not necessarily whiten them. This can only be achieved with a bleaching agent like hydrogen peroxide. The problem is that this chemical can be dangerous for your oral health in high quantities. Therefore, over the counter products like gels and toothpastes have a very small concentration of hydrogen peroxide and are not very effective.
The kits and in-office treatments from your dentist have much higher concentrations and must be administered safely. This is why you can’t get these treatments from a regular store. An in-office treatment, such as Lumibrite teeth whitening, administered by your dentist is the safest course of action but can be pricey. Your dentist will offer take home kits with high concentrations as well and teach you how to administer them safely.
How Often Should I Whiten My Teeth?
As we mentioned before, repeatedly using these chemicals in high concentrations can damage your gums and surrounding tissue. While a professional application or a take-home kit molded to your teeth can reduce the risk, it is still possible to damage your gums with too much use.
Therefore, it is recommended that you don’t get teeth whitening more than every 4-6 months. The better alternative is to learn how to prevent staining and discoloration in the first place.
How Do I Prevent Stained Teeth?
While teeth yellow and become discolored over time for everybody, some people are more at risk than others. Your teeth are more likely to become yellow or brown if you engage in the following:
- Drink excessive amounts of coffee
- Smoke cigarettes
- Drink red wine excessively
- Chew tobacco
If you want a brighter, whiter smile and want your teeth to shine, schedule an appointment today at Hassey Do Duy Dental Associates. Our experienced team can provide in-office treatments, take home kits and help you keep your teeth clean and bright.
