The Truth About Maintaining a White Smile

Jan 17, 2018

We all want white teeth, but the best way to achieve that is to understand what stains the teeth to begin with. It’s important to know that teeth have pores and absorb similarly to our skin. We often think twice about applying certain products and chemicals to our bodies, so we should care the same for our teeth! Luckily for all of us, there are methods to remove stains from teeth, and allow us to regain their natural shade of white.

What stains our teeth?

The foods and drinks we consume have much to do with the discoloration on our teeth. Though they’re packed with nutrients, acidic foods such as citrus fruits or tomatoes have a tendency to stain teeth a yellowish color. These foods also strip enamel from teeth, revealing the dentin beneath.  Coffee, black/green tea, blackberries, soda, and red wine all cause discoloration. The bacteria in our mouths latch on to sugar, and when bacteria feed on sugar they release acids in the process: acids that create tooth decay. Even those who enjoy seltzer water are not off the hook; tooth discoloration can happen with anything carbonated due to the acids involved.

Teeth Whitening  

We understand that no one wants to worry about their teeth when enjoying morning coffee, so we’re here to help you achieve your best smile. There are several safe and effective methods to remove food and drink stains; however, before trying any sort of whitening you should be aware that the ingredients in whitener dehydrate the teeth. When teeth become dehydrated, they also become porous. It’s then difficult for them to insulate the nerve which causes the teeth/gums to experience temperature sensitivity that could last for 16-36 hours after whitening. The teeth naturally rehydrate within this time from saliva.

Professional teeth whitening is perfectly safe. The best time to whiten teeth is before bed and it’s good to wait 48 hours before consuming dark liquids. This should allow enough time for the teeth to rehydrate making them more impermeable. The main ingredient in most whiteners is hydrogen peroxide or baking soda.

Whitening Methods

If you’re interested in whitening your teeth here are some methods for you to look into. Please note that some methods may take more time than others. Also, not everyone will see the same results. Unfortunately, if the enamel has been stripped from your teeth there is no way to whiten the dentin beneath.

  • Paint-ons
  • Over-the-Counter trays and gels
  • Whitening strips
  • Coconut oil pulling
  • Professional whitening

If you have any questions about the best option for you, or if you’d like to learn more about our professional whitening service, please give us a call at 207-781-5900.

What you should know about laser teeth whitening

Jan 23, 2013

Are you looking to have whiter teeth? A quick and easy process to achieve whiter teeth is through a laser teeth-whitening treatment. This treatment can be completed in just over an hour in our office.

The process for laser teeth whitening is simple. After ridding any plaque from your teeth and gums, a bleaching agent is applied with a laser. This laser allows the bleaching agent to penetrate the tooth enamel, giving you a whiter smile.

Choosing a laser teeth-whitening treatment over doing it yourself with an in-home treatment has three main benefits, including:

  • The laser teeth whitening treatment can be done in just one quick office visit
  • While a laser treatment will give you immediate results, in home treatments can take three to six months to see results
  • Home teeth whitening products simply cannot get rid of deep stains like a laser can

If you’d like to hear more about the laser teeth whitening process or find out if this process is right for you, give us a call at (207) 781-5900.