Teeth whitening has gained popularity in recent years. There are many different teeth whitening methods – even some homeopathic methods that people have been trying recently. If you’re considering whitening your teeth, it’s important to conduct a little research beforehand; you’ll want to know what methods of whitening are safe, effective, and long-lasting; you’ll want to find a dental office near you that has specific expertise in teeth whitening; and you’ll want to know the benefits and risks of teeth whitening.

Teeth whitening is a generally safe practice, but it depends on several different factors. If you’d like to know more about teeth whitening in general, you’ve come to the right place. In this article we’ll discuss various information related to teeth whitening and what you should look for in a dental office before undergoing a teeth-whitening process with them. Here are some of the basics that will help you make some important decisions regarding your dental health and appearance:

Why Do Teeth Become Less White and Bright Over Time?

If you’ve been getting down on yourself for having teeth that have yellowed over time, you can rest assured that it’s completely normal, natural, and to be expected for teeth to lose their bright whiteness over time. Teeth become more yellow due to the following factors:

• Diet – ingesting foods that are highly acidic or dark (like citrus and coffee)
• Exposure to higher-than-normal levels of fluoride
• Genetic predispositions
• Taking certain medications during childhood, such as certain antibiotics
• Dental hygiene habits – not brushing regularly
• Smoking tobacco

The most common causes of teeth yellowing are related to diet and lifestyle choices, such as eating a lot of acidic or dark-colored foods, smoking tobacco, or not engaging in adequate, routine dental hygiene practices.

What Can You Do to Prevent Yellowing?

This is a complex question, as there isn’t much you can do to completely prevent yellowing – it is a normal part of the aging process, and everyone’s teeth yellow over time. However, there are some things you can do to slow the process, keep your teeth as white as possible for as long as possible, or reverse the yellowing process somewhat by performing whitening procedures. As you might have guessed, brushing, flossing, using fluoride mouthwash, and avoiding smoking as well as corrosive foods are the most effective ways to keep your teeth as white and healthy as possible.

The Basics About Teeth Whitening

Before you decide to undergo professional whitening procedures, there are a few other things you can try:

• Store-bought teeth whitening kits
• Whitening toothpastes and mouthwashes
• Adjusting your dietary and dental hygiene habits

This is a good place to start, but if you need more help, professional procedures might be a good option to look into. Dental offices should do a good job of preparing you for the outcome of teeth whitening as well as what the process will be like. Here are some important points you should remember before determining that whitening is right for you:

• Whitening procedures are temporary – you’ll need to keep having your teeth whitened routinely (about twice a year).
• Your teeth will be sensitive after the procedure – this is a normal part of the process, and can be uncomfortable for some.
• Your teeth should be in good health before you whiten them – take care of any lingering dental issues – check up on your gum health and be sure your teeth are clean and free of cavities.
• Whitening procedures should be performed sparingly – too much whitening isn’t great for your teeth and can cause irreversible damage if not performed with caution.
• Talk to your dentist about the various methods available, from trays, gels, strips, pastes, to professional dental whitening, and weigh the pros and cons thoroughly beforehand.

How We Can Help

The Dental Group of Simi Valley, located in beautiful Simi Valley, California, has been providing expert whitening procedures for years. We take pride in our state-of-the-art equipment, technology, and up-to-date dental practices, which include professional whitening procedures. If you’ve been considering teeth whitening lately, it’s most important that you consult with a dentist before engaging in any home-executed whitening procedures. Please feel free to call one of our helpful dental associates to schedule a consultation. Your health is most important to us, and we look forward to helping you make informed decisions about your dental care.