What Is Teeth Whitening?

Teeth whitening is a solution to certain aesthetic imperfections that individuals might find in the appearance of their teeth. This includes staining and discolouration, which can result in decreased self-confidence and self-esteem.

Factors That Influence The Appearance Of Our Teeth

Whilst good daily oral care is essential in keeping your smile healthy and happy, the appearance of your teeth can depend on a variety of things, such as:

Lifestyle

Our day-to-day habits have a significant influence on how our teeth look. By smoking, drinking a lot of tea, coffee, or wine, and having poor oral hygiene, our teeth can be subject to staining and discolouration.

Genetics

Our genetic makeup has a major influence on many aspects of how our teeth look, such as the colour, size, and shape of our teeth.

Diet

By leading a diet that is high in acidic foods and drinks, as well as sugar, tooth decay, discolouration and erosion can become more prevalent.

Age

With age, we can find that our teeth may appear more worn and yellowed. This comes down to the thinning of the enamel as well as any exposure to substances that can result in staining.

Medication

Discolouration of the teeth can be caused by a variety of medications that we might take. A common occurrence is found in certain antibiotics that are taken in childhood, which cause discolouration.

Dental treatments

Corrective or aesthetic dental treatments such as fillings, braces, and whitening can cause an altered appearance of the teeth, mostly positive when done correctly.

Trauma

Chipping or cracking, as well as other trauma caused to the teeth can also alter their appearance.

Why Opt For Teeth Whitening?

Teeth whitening can be a solution that many people opt to do for various reasons. Whether you are looking to improve the appearance of your teeth for aesthetic reasons, or you might have a big event such as your wedding coming up, teeth whitening is a great option to achieve your results.

Preventing Further Staining & Discolouration

Besides using corrective treatments to whiten your teeth, such as professional teeth whitening, here are a few ways to prevent further discolouration and staining over time. Alongside your twice-daily brushing and oral care, make sure you rinse your teeth with water after meals. This washes away things that can potentially stain your teeth.

Regarding other daily practices, you can take your oral health to new heights with oil pulling. Being a great natural way of ensuring plaque doesn’t build up, oil pulling daily can safeguard your overall oral health.

To get started, start by taking a neutral oil such as coconut oil and swish it around your mouth for a few minutes. To achieve the best results, make sure to pull and push the oil between the teeth as you do it. This can help the development of a yellow appearance to the teeth as oil pulling stops the buildup of plaque-causing bacteria.

The Do’s & Don’ts of Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening can significantly boost your confidence and appearance, but it’s essential to understand the do’s and dont’s of teeth whitening to ensure you get the best results. Practising good oral hygiene daily is critical in protecting your dental health; teeth whitening should complement this daily habit and not be a quick fix.

Make sure to consult with us, follow our guidelines, and maintain good oral hygiene to maintain a bright, healthy smile.

– What To Do

Consult with Your Dentist

It’s important to consult with your dentist prior to starting any teeth whitening treatment. By having a professional evaluate your teeth and recommend the best whitening method for your needs, you ensure you get the best results. This also ensures they address any concerns you have and can answer any questions you might have about the process.

Choose the Right Whitening Treatment

While there are different teeth whitening treatment options available, choosing one that is best for you is essential in being satisfied with your outcome. Your dentist will suggest which option is best-suited, safest and most effective for your teeth and gums. Their recommendation will be customised to you and the results you are after, taking into account your dental history and current condition.

Follow the Instructions

Whether you’re using an at-home whitening treatment or undergoing professional treatment in a chair, following the instructions carefully is essential. Overusing whitening products can damage your teeth and gums and may not provide the desired results.

Maintain Good Oral Hygiene

Good oral hygiene habits are essential for maintaining white teeth before, during, and after treatment. Make sure to brush your teeth at least twice a day with daily flossing, combined with regular dental check-ups and cleanings can also help keep your teeth healthy and white.

Go For Touch-Up Treatments

It must be known that teeth whitening treatments aren’t permanent, and touch-up treatments may be recommended to maintain the results achieved. Your dentist can recommend a touch-up schedule based on your whitening treatment and the current condition of your teeth.

– What Not To Do

Overusing Whitening Products

Overusing whitening products can lead to damaged and sensitised teeth and gums. Follow the instructions carefully and avoid using them more frequently than recommended.

Ignoring Any Tooth Sensitivity

Teeth sensitivity is a common side effect of teeth whitening; however, consult your dentist if it becomes unbearable or lasts longer than expected.

If you experience sensitivity, it is recommended that you stop undergoing treatment at your dentist’s discretion. They may recommend a different product or a desensitising treatment to curb the effects experienced.

Ignoring Discomfort or Pain

If you experience discomfort or pain during whitening, stop the treatment and consult your dentist for solutions. This could indicate a more severe issue, such as a cavity or gum disease.

Whitening Unhealthy Teeth

Teeth whitening is not a substitute for dental treatment. If you have cavities, gum disease, or other dental problems, these issues should be addressed before teeth whitening. Whitening unhealthy teeth can cause further damage and pain, which should be avoided at all costs.

Neglecting the Importance of Diet

The foods and drinks you consume can affect the colour of your teeth. Avoid or limit consumption of stain-causing foods and beverages, such as coffee, tea, red wines, and cold drinks. Additionally, brush your teeth or rinse your mouth with water after consuming these items to reduce staining.

Treatment Options

There are two packages for teeth whitening that patients can choose from. In both cases, patients come in for a check-up & cleaning and then proceed with treatment.

The main options are either treatments that occur in-office, performed by your dentist while you’re in the chair. Alternatively, we offer take-home whitening kits that you can do yourself. There are a variety of over-the-counter (OTC) teeth whitening products that use peroxide as the bleaching agent. These are considered take-home options available as teeth whitening, which you can do from the comfort of your own home. While readily available, we recommend enquiring directly with your dentist to ensure the safest and most effective results.

In-office whitening treatments include an application of hydrogen peroxide gel to the teeth; this is then treated with an LED/UV light and left on for a given amount of time. The take-home kits are based on the same concept but in weaker concentrations out of safety. This ensures a lower occurrence of sensitivity, but the results might be achieved in a longer time.

It must be noted, with each teeth whitening option available, there will be a tradeoff between money, time and an optimal result which will all vary.

Your Friendly Dentist

Dr Adél Rossouw specialises in teeth whitening and provides outstanding results for every patient that walks through the door. With the variety of teeth whitening options available, we are guaranteed to find one that is best suited to you and your needs. Get those pearly whites shinier and whiter than ever before. For more information, explore our website or alternatively contact us to book your appointment.