Having a yellowed smile is one way to knock your self-confidence down a few pegs.
Luckily, your teeth can be whitened - and it's totally safe.
Teeth whitening is among the most popular cosmetic dental procedures because it can greatly improve how your teeth look.
Let's take a look at four ways you can bring your confidence level up and get your teeth bright and white.
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An at-home remedy that has been known to whiten teeth is brushing your teeth with baking soda.
Create a DIY-paste of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda.
The best approach is as follows:
It is important to note that this homemade paste should not be used more than two to three times a week.
Excessive use of baking soda can have the reverse effect of cleaning - breaking down enamel and creating sensitivities in your teeth.
However; be cautious if using this method.
Baking soda does not kill bacteria, and it can increase the risk of cavity formation.
For those reasons, it is crucial to follow-up this baking soda technique with regular toothpaste brushing.
It is also helpful to floss and rise out your mouth.
Regular toothpastes are designed to remove some surface stains while they clean and freshen, but whitening toothpastes are formulated to tackle surface stains even better.
They contain abrasive ingredients that scrub the surface of the teeth, and you'll get gradual brightening over time.
Some of the leading whitening toothpastes are:
At-home kits can brighten teeth for a lot less than what you'll pay at a dentist's office.
However, don't expect quick results.
There are two types of whitening solutions that you can purchase at your local drug store:
Whitening strips. You can wear whitening strips over your teeth once a day for up to two hours. But, depending on how strong the whitening agent is, you'll likely need to wear them for several weeks before starting to see some results.
Whitening trays. Trays tend to be a "one-size-fits-all." This can result in you being uncomfortable if they slip or move around.
And if they move, it keeps the gel from making good contact with your teeth - which doesn't effectively brighten your smile.
It is best if you get custom-fit trays from your dentist to ensure that your trays fit properly.
At Hylan Dental, we offer two different professional methods.
It really depends on your individual preference, the results you want to achieve, and the length of time in which you wish to achieve those results.
Teeth whitening isn't recommended for everyone -- especially if you have sensitive teeth or unhealthy teeth and gums.
Of course, it's best to consult with your dentist before using at-home remedies or over-the-counter options.
Alternatively, consider having your teeth whitened by a dentist who will use a gentle approach and make you feel at home during your appointment.
Schedule your appointment at Hylan Dental Care today to get one step closer to whiter teeth!