What is the Safest Way to Whiten Teeth?

Your smile has an impact on your day-to-day life. It can help you form great personal and professional relationships, and you can use it to improve your mood. Even cracking a fake smile is proven to help reduce levels of stress hormones in your brain! So your smile isn’t something you want to hide away. That is why taking care of your teeth is so important. If you feel confident in your teeth’s appearance, you’re more likely to show them off. It is why Australians spend more than $7 million every year on dental treatments and products. Teeth whitening, in particular, is becoming increasingly popular throughout Australia. But what does this treatment involve? Is it safe for your teeth? Read below for everything you need to know before getting a teeth whitening procedure.

What is Teeth Whitening and How Does It Work?

There are various types of teeth whitening treatments, but they work similarly. You apply a little whitening gel over your teeth and let this work for a short period (usually no more than 20 minutes). The gel targets strain on the enamel of your teeth and it also breaks that down. Over time this restores the natural white appearance of your teeth. In-chair treatments and some at-home kits also use LED lights. These are shone on your teeth while you have the gel on them. The light helps the gel to work quickly and allows it to reach the staining on your enamel. You can get a teeth whitening treatment at your dentist’s office or with a home kit. These home kits are available in some pharmacies. However, you can also buy dentist-recommended kits to use at home.

How Much Does Teeth Whitening Cost?

The cost of teeth whitening products or treatments varies depending on your method. A teeth whitening procedure at your dentist’s office will be the most expensive. In-chair treatments can cost between $600 and $2000, depending on the staining on your teeth. In comparison, high-quality home kits start at around $60. These kits should include lights to help the whitening gel work quickly. You may be able to find cheaper whitening strips or temporary whitening kits in your local pharmacy. However, these won’t last as long and won’t be as safe as a proper home kit. They also won’t include LED lights to help your whitening gel work.

Is Teeth Whitening Safe?

All dentists will tell you that it is safe to whiten your teeth, provided you do it carefully. A high-quality kit or whitening procedure shouldn’t harm your teeth’s enamel. To achieve safe teeth whitening, you must follow the instructions provided with your kit. You should pay particular attention to:

• How much gel do you need to use
• How long you should leave the gel on for
• How often you can use the gel

You should not leave your whitening gel on for longer than advised or use it more often. This is because over-exposure to the ingredients could make your teeth and gums feel sensitive. In comparison to high-quality kits and in-chair treatments, over-the-counter kits or strips are a little riskier. This is because they may contain higher concentration levels of whitening chemicals. The whitening kit that doesn’t come with clear, professional guidance can easily be misused, so don’t cut corners on your dental care! When it comes to teeth whitening, it’s also a good idea to have a routine appointment with your dentist before you use your home kit. This way, you know you don’t have any cavities or weakened enamel. If you already have sensitive teeth or gums, then you should discuss your options with your dentist before trying to whiten your teeth.

Tips for Whitening Your Teeth Naturally

Of course, the safest way to get white teeth is to whiten teeth naturally. Over time, people around the world have come up with a range of methods for natural whitening, which include:

• Oil pulling (rinsing your mouth out with oil)
• Using baking soda to remove stains
• Using fruit to break down stains
• Brushing with activated charcoal or kaolin clay

However, there is not enough scientific data to explain the effectiveness of these natural remedies. If you are interested in naturally whitening your teeth, it’s better to look at your oral hygiene habits. Brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash regularly will help to keep your teeth clean and reduce staining. To help prevent staining, make sure you brush your teeth after mealtimes. However, you should be careful not to over-brush and damage your gums. Teeth straightening can make your oral hygiene routine easy. This is because you can reach your teeth to clean them thoroughly. If you have an issue with overcrowding in the mouth, then clear braces could help you improve your oral hygiene. Looking at your diet can also help you reduce the risk of staining. Dark-coloured drinks, such as coffee, tea and red wine, can contribute to staining. So watching what you eat can help you keep your teeth looking great.

Get Help Today

If you whiten your teeth to improve your smile, it’s easier than ever before. You should get your teeth whitening kit suggested by a dentist. In that case, Smile Path can help! We offer teeth whitening products and clear braces that you can use all from the comfort of your home. So why are you still waiting? Check out SmilePath’s home teeth whitening kit, today!