Having your teeth professionally whitened is the quickest and most effective way to achieve that Hollywood worthy smile. However, there are a few things you should know about teeth whitening before choosing a treatment.
Here, Sundeep Patel, cosmetic dentist and clinical lead for Waldron Dental, shares his do’s and don’ts of teeth whitening.
DO your research
Research is key when it comes to choosing the right dental professional and practice when it comes to teeth whitening. You should speak to your dentist about the whitening options available to you, the two most common being Zoom whitening and Tray whitening.
They will be able to advise you which would be best for you and your lifestyle. For example, many people opt for Zoom whitening over trays because this treatment whitens teeth within hours, whereas the trays take a week or so. However, some prefer the trays because they whiten the teeth gradually and so you can stop when you’re happy with the shade. Choosing a qualified and reputable dentist is essential, and a clinic who specialises in teeth whitening is also advisable.
DON’T rely on over the counter whitening products
Over the counter whitening products such as at home whitening kits, whitening pens and whitening toothpastes may help to remove stubborn stains from your teeth and help your teeth appear a little brighter, but you should not rely on these for dramatic results. Doing at home whitening with store bought products is often cheaper, but the results will not be as good as that of a professional whiten, so I would always suggest seeing a professional dentist.
DO speak to your dentist about your options
If you are considering whitening your teeth, then it’s always a good idea to speak to your dentist and have a dental check up to see if your teeth are healthy enough to go ahead with these treatments. Professional whitening treatments can be a little evasive and cause tooth sensitivity so it’s important to know about any side or after effects before having the treatment.
DON’T eat the wrong foods during treatment
One of the biggest mistakes people make whilst undergoing whitening treatments is eating dark coloured foods. Food and drink such as coffee, tea, red wine, curry, and dark berries should be avoided at all costs if you are having treatment, as these can cause staining to your teeth and will affect your whitening results. One way to look at it is, foods that would stain a white shirt will do the same on your teeth, so avoid these foods at all cost. If you are a bit of a coffee addict and can’t go without, try and drink through a straw as this will save the liquid from staining your teeth.
DO keep up a good oral routine
It’s imperative to keep up your normal oral hygiene routine during whitening treatments, this is to ensure your teeth are kept clean and healthy and free from plaque which will make for a better application of the whitening treatment. You should be brushing morning and evening, using an electric brush if you can as these tend to give your teeth a better clean, flossing twice a day or after every meal, and also using mouthwash if you wish.
DON’T overuse whitening products
If you are whitening your teeth at home using the trays and whitening agent your dentist has given you, then it is essential that you stick to the instructions and do not go over the recommended amount of application time. Whitening treatments contain hydrogen peroxide, the ingredient used to whiten the teeth, and if left on for too long this can cause damage to the enamel and gums and could leave you with increased sensitivity which can often be painful.
DO visit your dentist regularly after treatment.
Once you’ve had your whitening treatment, you may think you’re good to go and your teeth will remain white, but these treatments do fade over time so it’s important to check in with your dentist regularly to ensure your teeth are healthy. They will also be able to advise if you need more treatment or check that your teeth are clean and healthy. Consistency is key with teeth whitening, you have to ensure you keep up with the whitening, maintain a good oral hygiene routine and continue to avoid those dark coloured foods where you can, especially in the weeks straight after treatment.
For more information on teeth whitening and to get in touch with the Waldron Dental Team and Sudeep Patel visit waldrondentalclinic.co.uk or smilesbysunnyd.co.uk.
