Sciota, Pennsylvania
Stained, dingy or yellowing teeth can keep you from smiling and feeling your best self, negatively affecting your quality of life. Having a bright, white smile boosts your confidence and leaves a lasting impression on the people you meet, whether in personal or professional settings. But with so many teeth whitening options available — from professional treatments to at-home solutions — how do you know which is the right one for you? Our cosmetic dentist in Sciota has put together this comprehensive guide to help you explore your options.
What causes tooth staining?
Our teeth can become discolored for several reasons, including:
- Food and beverages — Coffee, tea, red wine, dark sodas and berries, chocolate and tomato sauces are known to stain tooth enamel over time.
- Tobacco use — Nicotine and tar in tobacco products, including cigarettes, contribute to yellow and brown staining on the teeth.
- Aging — As we age, our tooth enamel thins, exposing the yellow layer of teeth called dentin that’s under the enamel.
- Medications — Certain antibiotics, chemotherapy treatments and high blood pressure medications can cause tooth
- Poor oral hygiene — If you aren’t brushing your teeth twice a day as recommended by our Sciota family dentist, this can lead to plaque buildup and staining.
Can I whiten my teeth at home?
Retail stores carry many brands and types of whitening products that are convenient and affordable — but some are not always fast or consistent.
- Whitening toothpaste — Whitening toothpastes contain mild abrasives and peroxide to help remove surface stains. You won’t see dramatic results with whitening toothpaste, but if you choose a different way to whiten, the toothpaste can be used afterward to help you maintain your new pearly white, radiant grin.
- Whitening strips — These thin, flexible strips are coated with a peroxide-based gel and adhere to your teeth for about 30 minutes per session. Most users see results within a few weeks. Some complain that results are inconsistent, and strips can also cause sensitive teeth and a burning sensation on the gums.
- Whitening pens — Not effective as an overall treatment, these small pens apply bleach directly to teeth as a quick touch-up.
- LED whitening kits — These kits include a whitening gel and an LED light that help speed up the whitening process. They are a popular at-home alternative to professional treatments.
- Natural teeth whitening at home — Some people swear by home remedies for stained teeth, including:
- Brushing with baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. The downside: This may help remove stains, but it can also wear down your enamel.
- “Oil pulling” is when people swish with coconut oil in their mouths for 15 minutes. The downside: While this may help with oral health, it does not whiten teeth.
- Brushing with activated charcoal is a popular choice. The downside: Charcoal can be too abrasive, damaging enamel over time.
What are some tips to maintain a white smile?
Once you have a smile that you’re proud of, you’ll definitely want to maintain it.
Here are some tips from our Sciota cosmetic dentist:
- Practice strong oral hygiene by brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time and flossing once daily.
- Enjoy staining foods and drinks in moderation
- When you indulge in staining drinks, use a straw to minimize the contact your teeth have with the liquid.
- Chew sugar-free gum. This helps with saliva production, which naturally cleans teeth.
- Stay hydrated — water washes away food particles and bacteria that can lead to discoloration.
- Avoid tobacco products
- Enjoy crunchy, raw fruits and vegetables like apples, celery and carrots because they help scrub away surface stains naturally. Dairy foods also help strengthen enamel and prevent discoloration.
- Regular dental checkups every six months at our Sciota dentist’s office will keep your teeth in their most optimal shape.
- Consider professional teeth whitening or occasional touch-ups with a whitening pen.
Teeth whitening in Sciota, PA
If you’re not completely happy with your smile — whether because of discoloration or other cosmetic imperfections — we want to hear from you. A bright, white smile that you can be proud of is as close as our Chestnuthill Dental office in Sciota. Call us at (570) 865-7929, or reach out to us online today.
