Nearly 45% of Americans agree that the smile is the piece de resistance of a new face, no matter the age of the person. Over a third of them say they find a flawed smile less attractive and less confident. And a whopping 62% of them would spend big money on treatments to maintain good quality teeth! But a perfect smile needn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg. You can obtain whiter teeth at home with these teeth whitening products.
LED Blue Light Treatment
A feasible remedy, especially if your teeth are tobacco-stained, is the LED blue light treatment. You will need to coat your teeth with a bleaching gel, which, when exposed to the blue light, lifts the stains off your teeth. This treatment takes about a week to show the best results. Consult your dentist to recommend a suitable grade of treatment depending on your need.
Activated Charcoal
Charcoal is an excellent adsorbent and a mild abrasive. It is especially suited for treating surface-level stains – such as caffeine or wine stains. Use teeth whitening kits for an immediate, short-term solution. Alternatively, use charcoal-infused toothpaste regularly for consistent brightness. Ask your dentist about which specific product suits your needs the most.
Whitening Toothpaste
Whitening toothpaste that contains calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate can be ideal for treating plaque formation. Excess plaque leaves your teeth looking yellow, or even a ghastly black if the tooth decays. Consult your dentist and look for ones with low levels (no more than 6% in any product) of hydrogen peroxide for the whitening effect. You can even avail vegan and sugar-free options.
Teeth Whitening strips
Whitening strips can help you if you have white spots on your teeth from excess fluoride. While reducing your fluoride exposure is a long-term solution, whitening strips can give you relief as quickly as after the first use. Do ask your dentist for the best treatment for you, depending on whether you have mild or severe fluorosis.
Toothbrushes and mouthwash
The toothbrush you use also contributes to how well stains are lifted off your teeth. Specially formulated toothbrushes reach into minute recesses to prevent any plaque build-up. Use mouthwashes for an even more thorough cleanse.
You may now be wondering if a product that whitens your teeth can be safe to use. Most products from reputed manufacturers are safe for use. But follow these guidelines to make sure you are buying a product that is safe for you:
- As a precaution, look for approvals from the Dentists Association on all products.
- Ensure that the active whitening ingredients – hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide are no more than 6% and 18%, respectively.
- Follow instructions on the label diligently. If misused, they may damage your teeth and gums.
- Do a test run. Discontinue usage if your teeth feel very sensitive afterward.
- Consult your dentist, especially if you are pregnant or lactating.
Finally, is tooth discoloration a health concern? Mild cases of tooth discoloration are not life-threatening. However, remember that teeth stains are bacteria. The prolonged presence of such bacteria can lead to gum problems and even lung issues. So, combine your occasional teeth whitening treatment with a long-term healthy oral hygiene routine to get the best results.
Treat your teeth with the love that they deserve. Be kind to your teeth and gift yourself a bright smile!
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