Teeth Whitening: Tips & Techniques

Whitening Tips  

Food and diet are the most common culprits of teeth staining, but there are a number of causes that can incite discolored teeth. Here at Sand Springs Family Dentistry, we want to keep you smiling. Below is a list of the top causes of teeth stains and discoloration according to a representative of the American Dental Association:

Medicine– Some over-the-counter medications and antibiotics can dull your teeth.  Your dentist will able to tell you if your medications are impacting the color of your teeth and if there may be alternatives to their use.

Excessive Fluoride– Fluoride in large concentrations can cause chalky white spots to appear on your teeth. Fluoride is generally good for teeth however people can get too much fluoride from drinking water with high concentrations of fluoride.

Dark Drinks– A good rule of thumb here is that “any drink that can stain your carpet can stain your teeth.” Coffee, tea, and red wine are well known for their tooth staining capabilities; however other dark liquids such as fruit juice, soda, and even beer can damage your smile. Drinking through a straw to protect your front teeth or swigging some water around after drinking dark fluids can offset their staining power.

Colorful Foods– The habitual consumption of deep colored heavily pigmented foods such as cherries, blueberries, cranberries and soy sauce can quickly stain teeth. To avoid this, brush your teeth soon after eating these types of foods.

Bad Oral Hygiene– Another reason for dull or lackluster teeth, poor oral hygiene means that stain-producing substances are not routinely removed from your teeth and will allow bacteria to build up. The more you brush and floss properly the better chance you have at fighting off yellow and green stains that can result from bad habits.

 

 

Whitening Techniques

 

Over-the-Counter– Over-the-counter whitening kits are the cheapest and most convenient of the teeth whitening options. These include whitening toothpastes, gels, rinses, strips, and trays. This type of whitening is recommended for people who have no fillings and healthy teeth. These types of products are typically considered to be the least effective, brightening teeth just a few shades.

In-Office Whitening– In office whitening offers the benefits of significant color change in the shortest period of time. The advantage with these procedures is that the results are immediate however they tend to be the most expensive.

Take-Home Kits– Take-home kits offer the convenience of at your leisure teeth whitening and provide professional results. The kits incorporate lower-concentrate peroxide gels that are applied in custom made trays and worn in the mouth over night or for a select time period during the day.

Your dentist can help you make the best determination and discuss which options will fit your goals and budget.

 

Here at Sand Springs Family Dentistry, we take your smile seriously contact the team. We’re always happy to answer the questions you might have.

Comments are closed.

Dr. Jacob Whitney

Dr. Whitney is a licensed and board-certified dentist in the State of Oklahoma who's greatest desire to give his patients the best care possible in the most comfortable environment. It is his promise to provide you with all the options and his recommendations but to never recommend a treatment that is not necessary for your oral health.

Read more about Dr. Whitney

403 E Broadway

Sand Springs, OK

918-245-5979

Call us today!

Opening Hours

Mon - Thu: 8:00 - 5:00

Appointment Booking

918-245-5979

Associations

ADA

images

Invisalign

ODA