Discoloration of your smile can make you look like you do not take care of yourself or that you are older than you are. Whitening toothpastes, whitening gels and In-office teeth whitening are all options to help you have the bright, white smile that you want but the effectiveness of the products on your teeth depends on why the teeth do not look white in the first place. Whitening toothpastes chemically or mechanically help to remove stain on the tooth surface. There is no evidence they can whiten teeth from internal discoloration. Over-the-counter whitening toothpastes contain abrasives that help rub off surface stains that may have built up over time. For some people, these abrasives can be irritating and cause teeth to become hypersensitive to thermal changes or air. Because most toothpastes contain mild abrasives, they may not be strong enough to remove heavy external stains that need to be scaled or polished off professionally in the office.
Prescription whitening gels can, however, whiten stains inside the “pores” of the teeth that tend to give the whole tooth a darker color. The doctors will talk to you about whitening products, if you are a candidate for prescription whitening gel with custom trays or possibly In-office whitening. If you believe your teeth are not as white as they should be, the Doctors of Lake District Family Dentistry can advise you on what whitening method would work best for you. They are also happy to discuss if you have teeth sensitivities and safe methods to prevent your teeth from being sensitive so you can have the bright smile you deserve!
