Shine Bright Like A Diamond: 4 Teeth Whitening Options

Restoring that pearly white luster to your teeth is, first and foremost, a matter of understanding just what the source of the discoloration is. The discoloration of teeth can be caused either extrinsically or intrinsically.

An extrinsic teeth discoloration can simply be caused by a stain on the outer layer of the enamel, which could be caused by your diet or frequent tobacco use. If the cause of teeth discoloration is on the inside of the tooth, however, then there are different implications entirely. Intrinsic tooth discoloration can be caused by various infections or simply be a byproduct of aging.

For whatever the cause of tooth discoloration may be, it is one of the most frequently pursued cosmetic corrections in the world. The tooth whitening industry’s annual revenue is reported at $11 billion, and nearly 89% of all dentists have patients who have requested teeth whitening procedures.

Here are some of the most reliable ways to restore the whiteness to your teeth effectively:

Whitening Strips

A tooth whitening gel is a simple peroxide-based solution that can be applied with a small brush to the surface of the tooth, and different brands have different levels of strength. Depending on the strength of the gel, there will be unique instructions for its use. Usually, the initial results of the tooth whitening gel can be seen within a few days.

Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic dentists offer patients some of the most thorough procedures for tooth restoration in the world, ranging from simply restoring the color of the tooth or replacing a tooth entirely. A cosmetic dentist can provide you with in-office bleaching, one of the most popular methods for smile enhancement. Cosmetic dentists are constantly collaborating to discover new breakthrough methods for restoring teeth with more success.

A Whitening Rinse

Whitening rinses are one of the more contemporary approaches to teeth whitening that have been gaining ground as a successful method. A whitening rinse is similar to a mouthwash in how it can both improve the breath and assist in lowering the chance of developing gum diseases. It typically takes about 60 seconds of using a whitening rinse twice a day, for about 12 weeks, to see significant results.

Natural Remedies

There are natural alternatives to tooth whitening besides using peroxide. Baking soda and lemon juice paste can be used to gently scrub the teeth, creating a whitening effect thanks to the abrasion of sodium biocarbonate. The alkaline content of the baking soda can be useful for balancing out the Ph level of the teeth, fighting against discoloration that occurs when acid breaks down the enamel.

Tooth whitening may be an aggravating issue for many, but thankfully, it isn’t an insurmountable or expensive problem to address. Various in-office and out-of-office procedures for tooth whitening can produce remarkable results; just be sure to consult your dentist first.

Meghan Belnap is a freelance writer who enjoys spending time with her family. She loves being in the outdoors and exploring new opportunities whenever they arise. Meghan finds happiness in researching new topics that help to expand her horizons. You can often find her buried in a good book or out looking for an adventure. You can connect with her on Facebook right here and Twitter right here.