Most people are very self-conscious when in public. Even when they have a suitable attire on and accessories, one thing they cannot cover up or mend to their will is the color of their teeth. Combined with the standards that popular media has set, people feel very insecure about the color of their teeth, and some to the extent that they refrain from smiling or laughing with all their heart. If this sounds like you, be sure to consider Restorative dentistry newmarket ON for the best treatment options including teeth whitening.

Nobody wants their teeth to be yellow or greenish because of their routine habits. Additionally, the discoloration could also be a sign of plaque, tartar, and other oral health abnormalities. Hence, people opt for teeth whitening solutions. 

What Causes Teeth to Change Color? 

Teeth becoming more or less yellow in due course of time is not uncommon or unnatural. Many factors cause discoloration of teeth, some more worrisome than others. Here are a few of them. 

1. Food Consumption 

What you eat plays a huge role in how your teeth are going to look. Coffee, wine, and other alcoholic beverages are known to cause rapid discoloration of the teeth since they contain chromogens (color pigments) that cling to your enamel. 

2. Aging

As you age, the enamel on your teeth starts to wear off, and the inner area called ‘dentin’ that has a yellowish shade becomes more prominent. Hence, such pigmentation is natural and not caused by any dental problems. 

3. Tobacco

Tobacco can cause extreme teeth discoloration very fast due to the presence of tar and nicotine. 

4. Dental Problems 

Dental health problems like the formation of plaque and tartar also cause your teeth to turn yellow or black. It is best to visit your dentist under such circumstances.  

What is Teeth Whitening? 

In layman terms, teeth whitening is merely returning the white glow of your teeth it once had through processes like bleaching that uses hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. They help removes the shades of yellow coats on your teeth to make them sparkling white like before.  

It is essential to know that teeth whitening is not a permanent fix. Once you have bleached your teeth, you need to follow appropriate practices to ensure that the discoloration does not return. Hence, teeth whitening procedures are typically repeated every two or three years.  

There are many methods you can employ to whiten and brighten your teeth. However, not all teeth can be whitened by the same techniques. Hence, it is highly recommended that you consult with your teeth whitening dentist before proceeding on your own. 

Teeth Whitening Products 

There are many ways through which you can get your teeth whitened, from simple home remedies to extensive dental procedures at the dentist’s clinic.  

There is debate regarding the validity and credibility of teeth whitening products. Some say that they work like a charm while others straight up deny their authenticity and call it a scam. 

The fact of the matter is that the right teeth whitening procedure and product should be matched with the appropriate teeth for maximum results, and the results are also not permanent.  

Below is a list of remedies along with some of the best teeth whitening products that will help you get back your sparkling and charming white teeth back! 

1. Home Remedies 

If your teeth are not too dark and yellow, then it is best to try some simple home remedies to get rid of the discoloration before you panic and run to your dentist.  

Here are some popular home remedies for sparkling white teeth: 

  • Use baking soda to brush your teeth as it has both teeth whitening as well as anti-bacterial properties. But make sure you do not overdo this as it may erode your enamel faster.
  • Reducing your intake of sugary foods will also help since it causes dullness of teeth.
  • Your teeth are inherently dense packets of calcium. Since discoloration can also be caused by the enamel eroding, having a calcium-rich diet will help in its restoration and, as a result, make your teeth lighter.
  • Brushing using charcoal is another home remedy that many people claim works. Just dip your toothbrush into a little bit of charcoal and brush as you usually would. You should see the difference in few days.

Note that most home remedies involve abrasive ingredients to whiten your teeth. This means, in essence, they are scraping of your enamel little by little to keep it white. This can cause intense discoloration in the long term.  

Hence, home remedies should be employed seldom and only when the discoloration is mild. Then, it is recommended that you follow the best dental practices to keep your teeth healthy and pearly white. 

2. Teeth Whitening Kits 

If home remedies are not working well for you, the next best course of action, depending on the severity, could be using teeth whitening kits.  

Using teeth whitening kits like white strips or whitening toothpaste will show your results significantly faster than most home remedies.  

However, some kits can produce excellent results but cause damage in the long run. For example, most teeth whitening kinds of toothpaste cause the enamel to erode quickly when used for a long time. Hence, medical-grade and dentist-supervised teeth whitening kit is the best option.  

What After Whitening Your Teeth? 

As we mentioned before, teeth whitening is not a one-time solution. It should be repeated after a few months or may after a few years, depending on how you maintain your teeth after that.  

You can maintain your teeth white for longer by practicing best oral hygiene practices like: 

  • Avoiding coffee, tea, wine, alcohol, tobacco, and other product that cause intense coloration.
  • Rinsing your mouth or brushing soon after the consumption of sugary foods and drinks.
  • Limiting foods with excess sugar.
  • Brushing at least twice a day.
  • Visiting your dentist for regular checkups.

Conclusion 

Most users of teeth whitening products generally complain about increased tooth sensitivity for a few days after the bleaching process. This happens in the penetration of peroxide through the enamel and into the dentin. Therefore, it is recommended that you eat calcium-rich foods to keep the duration of the after-effects smaller.