| By :
Mark Etinger
Keeping your teeth white is a big concern for most people today and the market is flooded with dental hygiene products to give you those pearly whites. However, differing opinions of both dentists and consumers can make it somewhat confusing. The truth is that getting your teeth whitened by your dentist will produce the fastest, and most often, best results. At-home methods are recommended for maintaining white teeth, but they need to be used correctly. Before we get into the methods, lets take a quick look at why your teeth are discolored. There are two types of teeth stains, extrinsic and intrinsic. Extrinsic stain are those that appear on the outside of your teeth and are often caused by drinking dark colored beverages, acidic food, tobacco, and normal wear and tear. Most stains can be removed with proper brushing, but others will require bleaching or whitening. Intrinsic stains appear on the inside of teeth and are the result of trauma, age, and exposure to minerals. These can generally be removed with at-home kits given to you by your dentist. There are three main types of whitening treatments. The first is to get it professionally done by your dentist. There will be a significant change in color due to the high concentration of peroxide gel, but it can be expensive. The second option is a whitening kit given to you by the dentist. The kit uses a lower concentration of peroxide gel but it will brighten your smile over time. The third option is over-the-counter kits. These are the cheapest dental supplies and have the lowest concentration of peroxide. Using these will take even longer for you to notice a major difference in the whiteness of your teeth. If you have opted for professional whitening, there are a few rules and dental hygiene products you will need to keep your smile white. Most dentists will recommend the use of at-home kits supplied by them. Carefully follow all instructions and find out how often you need to use the product. Continue to brush and floss regularly and properly. Good oral hygiene is always important. Avoid dark colored food and drinks for about a week after the whitening. If possible, drink dark colored liquids through a straw. The same bad habits that caused discoloration in the first place can happen again. Nicotine is known for leaving brown deposits on teeth that will cause discoloration over time. Acidic food, red wine, soda, and coffee are another cause. Of course that doesn't mean you should completely stop eating or drinking these items, but be aware of how often you consume them and try to limit them when possible. Continue to regularly perform at-home treatments to maintain brightness. Be aware that in-office whitening may not be appropriate for all people. Some stains are resistant to high concentration bleaches, but your dentist can recommend an at-home treatment instead. When you're ready to get that brighter smile, talk to your dentist about which method and dental supplies are right for you.
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