Keeping Your Teeth Their Whitest

A great smile is usually defined by bright, white teeth, and keeping teeth their whitest does not have to be difficult but it will reward you with healthier teeth, a more attractive smile, and the feelings of confidence that come with knowing you look great. Of course the first and most crucial step toward whiter teeth is daily dental care and diligent oral hygiene. Without proper brushing and flossing, even the whitest teeth will soon become dull and dingy and may even be attacked by decay and infection. To properly maintain a bright smile and the whitest possible teeth, always brush with a dentist-recommended brush and floss regularly, following up with a mouthwash that will help to control not only bad breath but also harmful and potentially decay-inducing bacteria.

Keeping up with those twice a year dentist visits is also key, because without professional cleaning there is no way to maintain a perfectly white and sparkling set of teeth. The dentist can remove stubborn stains and scrape off any potentially dangerous accumulation of plaque that threatens the health of your tooth enamel, and will also check the gums to make sure they do not foster any infectious bacteria that could damage your teeth and make them less bright.

You can also consult with your dentist regarding more advanced ways to whiten the teeth. Today there are almost countless varieties of ways to whiten teeth, and some of them can be done in quick and easy do-it-yourself steps at home. There are gels you can put on the teeth, there are special whitening toothpastes, and there are even toothpastes designed to use after you have your teeth whitened, to keep them white and reduce any sensations of discomfort or sensitivity. The dentist may be able to provide you, for example, with little trays of tooth whitening chemicals that are especially mixed to help you go through various staging of whitening without causing the teeth to become too fragile, frail, or sensitive. Most whitening agents contain chemicals that etch the surface of the tooth to remove discoloration, and these ingredients can be very strong and acidic. But the dentist knows how to dilute them and combine them in such a way that you do not run the risk of over-whitening your teeth to the point that you lose precious and protective layers of tooth enamel.

But many people prefer to have their teeth whitened in the dentist chair, and some of the most dramatic results – for the absolute whitest teeth – can be achieved with the help of a skillful cosmetic dentist who knows how to whiten teeth for the ultimate great smile. Dentists can use a wide range of techniques and processes to turn even the most dull looking teeth sparkly white, in an amazingly short amount of time. Just ask your dentist to explain to you the various options available to you in terms of tooth whitening. You can choose a plan that works for you and is affordable, and soon you will have the whitest teeth – and be able to keep them whiter and better looking for years to come.