Posted: May 5, 2022
Dingy, stained, and discolored teeth are a distraction. They are also one of the easiest things to correct, often responding well to topical treatments such as teeth whitening.
How to Whiten Teeth
Topical stains are the most common reason for tooth discoloration. You can help prevent the issue by reducing your intake of dark foods and beverages or using a straw to consume things like coffee, tea, and wine. You can help remove surface stains by brushing after every meal and snack.
When daily maintenance fails to prevent all stains, teeth whitening becomes the best option, but the term has a somewhat loose definition. Anything that can remove surface stains from your teeth can be called a “tooth whitener.” Toothpaste, mouthwash, and store-bought kits may all claim to have this ability, but the reality is often a bit murkier.
Toothpaste can remove surface stains. Abrasive toothpaste can also remove enamel, exposing dentin, the yellowish internal structure of the tooth. Whitening mouthwash can irritate soft oral tissue and cause increased tooth sensitivity. Home whitening kits can lighten some stains, but may also make deep stains more noticeable. Store-bought teeth whitening kits will also typically produce very inconsistent results.
At-home care isn’t useless. You should absolutely brush after every meal and use mouthwash as needed, but reliance on these things for teeth whitening is unrealistic. And, because store-bought whitening kits often produce discomfort without reliable results, professional services are often the best option.
We Are Here for You
We offer in-office tooth whitening with Zoom!, a trusted, safe, and efficacious option that can lighten teeth several shades during a single office visit. We also offer take-home kits that come with a customized application tray to help improve comfort and results.
There is no single option that will meet every need. The best way to find out which tooth whitening option is right for your needs is through a consultation at our comfortable Manhattan office.
Please call NYC Smile Design at 212-452-3344 to schedule your consultation today. Located in Manhattan, we welcome patients from all nearby areas of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.
