So, You Want to Whiten Your Teeth?

Everyone wants white teeth. As a Dental Hygienist, I know that people are looking at my teeth all day long. They make a judgement about how well I will take care of their teeth by how well I take care of my own. White teeth are a status symbol of someone who has it together. What does your teeth say about you?

Sometimes, no matter what we try, we can’t keep our teeth completely white and stain-free. This is partially due to genetics, some lack of dental hygiene (ie brushing, flossing, etc) and what we eat and drink. Coffee, tea, sodas, and processed foods containing starches and sugars all tend to leave stains on our teeth. Over time, these stains become worked into the enamel, so even consistent brushing won’t do the trick. This is where teeth whitening products can help. Teeth whitening is a process that removes unsightly stains and buildup from you teeth, making them look like new.

Teeth whitening can be done in several ways. You could use teeth whitening strips that you place on your teeth to cleanse away plaque and tartar stains. Plaque buildup on your teeth will make them harder and harder to clean. The teeth whitening process can help to dissolve impurities and accumulations on the surface of your teeth. Strips are only one way of doing it.

Sometimes it takes more than an ordinary teeth whitening process to cleanse your teeth – sometimes it take rather strong chemicals, in this case a form of bleach. The bleaching process creates a chemical reaction with the plaque and tartar, thus loosening the bond between the buildup and your teeth. Bleach can, if overused, begin to eat away tooth enamel. Tooth enamel is the substance that coats your teeth and attempts to keep plaque and bacteria from making their way inside the tooth itself. Always use any bleaching product according to the directions the manufacturer has supplied, and let your local dental know what products you are using.

Preventing stains is the best method of teeth whitening. Make sure not to drink to much coffee, tea, or sweet drink. It’s all right to have these on occasion, but many people overdo consumption of these items. This causes harmful plaque and tartar buildup on the surface of your teeth. Excess plaque and tartar will result in tooth decay and gum disease if left untreated. When you drink a liquid than can stain your teeth, use a straw. Using a straw will help the liquid move past your teeth without coating them.

Not only are white teeth a sign of good looks, they’re much healthier than stained or yellowed teeth. Removing tartar, plaque and the associated stains will give you a healthier mouth. Tooth whitening can be done when even the most consistent dental care doesn't keep some stains from cropping up. Caring for you teeth is always cheaper than repairing your teeth. There are many teeth whitening services and products available over the Internet provided you know where to search for them and are ready to regularly use them. Please visit my site AskTheDentalHygienist or talk to your dentist for more information.

Melissa has been a Registered Dental Hygienist for 12 years. You can find more information about your dental health by visiting her site www.AskTheDentalHygienist.com.