Join us (and the nation) in celebrating National Teeth Whitening Day on the 17th of June! We’re tempted to celebrate this innovative dental treatment for the entire month because when it comes to boosting your smile, one of the quickest and easiest ways to accomplish this is through teeth whitening! And while there are a lot of over-the-counter teeth whitening options out there, we are solid proponents of professional teeth whitening for those who love having whiter, brighter teeth. This is mainly because of the effectiveness and safety of the product being used.
Why Whiten Your Teeth?
You might consider whitening your pearly whites for a variety of reasons:
-Attending a wedding, honeymoon or graduation
-Going on a summer vacation
-Wanting to boost your self-confidence and dating life
-Having professional portraits done
-Having a job interview coming up and want to make the best first impression
-Wanting to put your best face forward at your work every day
Tooth Staining Culprits
Maybe your pearly whites are less than stellar because it’s been a while since you’ve gotten your teeth cleaned, or maybe it’s from your daily coffee, tea or wine habit. These beverages can refresh our mood, help us relax or keep us powering through a busy day, but they can also take a toll on your teeth’s appearance. While tooth enamel is strong and protects your dentin and tooth chambers below it, it is also porous, making it vulnerable to tooth staining agents like chromogens.
These pigment-creating substances are found in red wine along with staining tannins in red wine, coffee and tea. Chromogens are highly pigmented compounds that cling to tooth enamel when they mix with similar stain-causing agents like tannins. Tannins in black tea stain teeth even more than coffee does, and to a lesser extent, white, green and herbal teas. But even your favorite soda, sports drink and alcohol are highly acidic, eroding tooth enamel and leading to discoloration in your teeth. The same goes for the tooth staining foods you love, like marinara sauce, balsamic vinegar, berries, curry and citrus.
Your teeth can also stain because of frequent tobacco use whether it’s cigarettes, pipes, cigars or chewing tobacco. Or maybe you took antibiotics like tetracycline that discolored your teeth with unsightly gray or brown stains. There’s also wear and tear on tooth enamel from brushing harshly over the years. Tip: Brush gently using a soft-bristled toothbrush. Your teeth and gums will thank you!
Cosmetic Dentistry – Teeth Whitening
So what can a person do without giving up their favorite foods and beverages? Professional teeth whitening can quickly and effectively get rid of unsightly tooth stains and discoloration. It safely bleaches teeth by targeting the enamel and the softer dentin layer underneath it. The results are often immediate and dramatic, making your smile look brighter and better than ever.
One of the first things teeth whitening can do is make you feel better about showing off your smile. You’ll feel like smiling more as whiter-looking teeth make your self-confidence skyrocket! And the more you smile around others the greater your success. Teeth whitening even boosts your mental health as smiling releases your brain’s endorphins. Teeth whitening makes you want to smile more so you’ll likely feel more incentivized to brush and floss daily.
Celebrate Teeth Whitening Day
Now that you know how great your smile can look with professional teeth whitening, you’ll want to keep them nice after you do. This means getting rid of your worn-out toothbrush (once the bristles fray, it’s time to replace it). Limit the foods and drinks that stain your teeth and be sure to keep all routine dental checkups and exams! If you’re inspired to brighten your smile with professional teeth whitening, give us a call to schedule an appointment with our dental team!