Teeth Whitening

Everyone wants white teeth. As a Dental Hygienist, I know that people are looking at my teeth all day long. They make a judgement about how well I will take care of their teeth by how well I take care of my own. White teeth are a status symbol of someone who has it together. What does your teeth say about you?

Sometimes, no matter what we try, we can’t keep our teeth completely white and stain-free. This is partially due to genetics, some lack of dental hygiene (ie brushing, flossing, etc) and what we eat and drink. We all eat lots of processed foods containing starches and sugars, and drink coffee, teas, and sodas that leave behind stains on our teeth. Over time, these stains become worked into the enamel, so even consistent brushing won’t do the trick. This is where teeth whitening products can help. Teeth whitening is a process that removes stains and restores you smile.

Teeth whitening can be done in several ways. Teeth whitening strips can be used to gently cleanse or abrade away the layers of plaque and tartar. Plaque buildup on your teeth will make them harder and harder to clean. The process of teeth whitening helps to dissolve these impurities and other accumulations on your teeth. Strips are only one way of doing it.

Sometimes it takes more than an ordinary teeth whitening process to cleanse your teeth – sometimes it take rather strong chemicals, in this case a form of bleach. The bleaching process creates a chemical reaction with the plaque and tartar, thus loosening the bond between the buildup and your teeth. Bleach can, if overused, begin to eat away tooth enamel. The substance that coats your teeth and attempts to keep plaque and bacteria from getting inside the tooth is called your tooth enamel. Always use any bleaching product according to the directions the manufacturer has supplied, and let your local dental know what products you are using.

The best method of teeth whitening is prevention. Make sure not to drink to much coffee, tea, or sweet drink. It’s all right to have these on occasion, but many people overdo consumption of these items. This causes harmful plaque and tartar buildup on the surface of your teeth. Excess plaque and tartar will result in tooth decay and gum disease if left untreated. Use a straw whenever you can. Using a straw will help the liquid move past your teeth without coating them.

Not only are white teeth a sign of good looks, they’re much healthier than stained or yellowed teeth. Removing tartar, plaque and the associated stains will give you a healthier mouth. Tooth whitening is a good alternative when stains crop up despite consistent oral hygiene. Caring for your teeth is always easier than repairing or restoring your teeth. There are many teeth whitening services and products available over the Internet provided you know where to search for them and are ready to regularly use them. You can check out my site AskTheDentalHygienist for more information.

Melissa is a Registered Dental Hygienist that has been practicing for more than 12 years in the same dental office. You can find more information about your dental health by visiting her site www.AskTheDentalHygienist.com.