3 tips to have fantastically white teeth

Extrinsic stains are superficial stains found on the surface of the tooth caused by dental plaque, tars (in tobacco), tannins, coloured foods and frequent use of certain mouthwashes.

Below is a list of tips to maintain white teeth.

1. What to avoid
Common foods and beverages that stain teeth include:

• Coffee
• Red wine
• Curries
• Herbal and black tea can cause staining.

Smoking cigarettes also causes unsightly stains on teeth, which can be extremely difficult to remove.

2. Whitening the natural way
There are a couple of easy and cost effective ways to keep your teeth looking whiter and brighter naturally.

For better looking teeth, you should:

• Brush your teeth twice a day
• Floss your teeth daily (preferably at night, and always before brushing)
• Drink water throughout the day
• Consume a nutritious diet
• Visit your dentist regularly for a professional clean – prevention intervention!
• Most superficial stains on the tooth’s surface can be removed by a professional scale and clean from one of our dentists or hygienists.

3. Ask your dentist the following questions
Should I be whitening my teeth?

Not everyone’s teeth are suitable for whitening. If your teeth and gums are not in a healthy condition it is advisable to be cautious.

How do I find out if my teeth are suitable for whitening?

The safest way to work out if your teeth are suitable for whitening is to see one of our practitioners first. At SHDC, we will make an accurate assessment of your teeth and gums.

How is that assessment made?

We will check for things like enamel thickness, receding gums, existing sensitivity, existing tooth decay, existing restorations (eg. fillings, crowns and veneers) and any other oral diseases or conditions.

We will also assess the cause of discolouration, (e.g. diet, ageing etc.) and whether it is on the surface or inside the teeth.

Are there any dangers to consider?

For most people, teeth whitening poses no risk if done correctly. However, some patients can experience problems such as:

Irritated gums
Short term tooth sensitivity
If you have crowns, veneers or fillings on your front teeth, these will not change colour.

Your question checklist for teeth whitening:

Are my teeth suitable for whitening?
Should a professional scale and clean by your dentist or hygienist be done prior to whitening?
Should I consider in-office or at-home whitening?
What are the realistic results I can expect and why?
Tooth Whitening at Sydney Holistic Dental Centre
There are 2 options for whitening at Sydney Holistic Dental Centre.

1. In-office whitening
Takes 90 minutes to carry out and our procedure involves:

taking an upper and lower impression
carefully cleaning your teeth
placing a protective barrier over the gums
placing the whitening gel
repeating the procedure 2-3 times
Before you leave you will be issued with the touch up kit to be used in the 2-10 days following treatment.

2. Home Whitening
Usually takes minimum 7-10 days, but latest research suggests 2-3 weeks may give even better longer lasting results.

The procedure involves wearing upper and lower whitening trays containing the whitening gel for 60 minutes (NB: trays only used for 30 minutes if sensitivity is a problem) each day. This is gentler than the in-office whitening method, but requires you to be committed to using the trays as instructed.

Following some simple post-whitening instructions will help you maintain your white smile.

Call us if you have any questions about tooth whitening on 9221 5800 or make a web enquiry.

No related posts.