We all like to feel good, and for most, a big part of feeling good is looking good. There are many things that we do daily to enhance our image and self-esteem. This can be as simple as styling our hair or treating ourselves to a new outfit, deodorant or makeup. For most of us, this is also a big part of why we diet or make certain lifestyle choices.
Unfortunately, one of the biggest gripes adults have with their image is their teeth – with the term ‘smile anxiety’ being used to describe those who just don’t want to show off their pearly whites. According to a study found in the Journal of the American Dental Association, nearly 40% of adults are dissatisfied with their teeth, and the most common reason for this is due to teeth discolouration.
If your teeth have become discoloured, you do not need to panic – there are many teeth whitening tips and tricks that will have you smiling happily in no time.
What Is Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure that involves bleaching your teeth to make them lighter. There are numerous products and at-home techniques that can now help whiten your teeth, however, nothing quite compares to the standard of care you will receive at a professional dental service like ourselves.
Here at Yew Tree Dental, we stand by the fact that the best way to keep your teeth bright and healthy is by brushing, flossing and visiting a dental hygienist regularly. However, sometimes despite your best efforts, your teeth can still start to become discoloured.
Why Choose Teeth Whitening?
As you get older, you may start to notice that your teeth are becoming dull, discoloured or stained (here’s looking at you, red wine and coffee!) This can happen for a multitude of reasons, however, it is usually a result of the food you consume on a daily basis, as well as how committed you are to cleaning and maintaining your teeth.
The following factors are known to have the biggest impact on the health and colour of your teeth:
- Your diet, including both the food and drink you put into your mouth, can be one of the biggest causes of discoloured teeth. We recommend that you try and avoid foods that are high in tannins, such as red wine.
- Lifestyle choices, such as smoking or chewing tobacco, can greatly influence the colour of your teeth, as can poor dental hygiene.
- Some people will have naturally brighter teeth than others due to their genetics. Also, as you age, it is common for your enamel to wear away, often revealing a dull colour underneath.
The above are not the only reasons for teeth discolouration – certain diseases, medications and environmental factors can also play a role.
Our Favourite Tips And Tricks
Although it may sound obvious, one of the most effective ways of keeping your teeth their natural white colour is by preventing tooth stains before they happen. Some of the best ways to do this, alongside your usual dental hygiene routine, include ensuring you are consuming a good amount of calcium, limiting the amount of sugar you eat, and finally, steering clear of coffee, red wine, soda and dark berries. If these must be part of your diet, we recommend that you use a straw when consuming them.
There may be no substitute for a good scrub, however, eating plenty of fruit and veg is a great way to keep your teeth and body healthy. Crunchy, raw fruits and vegetables are especially good as they can help rub away plaque as you chew and swallow them.
Our final tip to consider is baking soda! Baking soda has natural whitening properties which are why it is commonly found in many kinds of toothpaste. Brushing with a paste made from baking soda and water, or with toothpaste that includes it, can reduce bacteria in your mouth and help combat surface stains. One study even found that:
Baking soda is a wonderful substance that people use in the most bizarre ways! Some swear by it for cleaning ovens and dishes, others use it to get the odour out of carpets and in some cases, it can even be used in your hair (apparently!)
Teeth Whitening At Yew Tree Dental
At Yew Tree Dental, we provide our patients with the choice of an at-home, in-clinic or combination teeth whitening treatment. Our teeth whitening services start from £295 and can really give your smile a new lease of life.
If you visit us in person, your dentist will use a light-activated gel containing hydrogen peroxide to treat your teeth. If you opt for the at-home option, you’ll need to wear custom-made trays for up to two weeks. These trays contain a small amount of bleaching solution to brighten up your teeth and smile.
There is nothing to worry about when it comes to teeth whitening. It is one of the most common cosmetic dentistry treatments available today and can enhance your smile, giving your self-confidence a boost in the process.
Yew Tree Dental
Yew Tree Dental Care and Implant Centre is an award-winning family-run dental practice that has been established since the 1960s. We have helped treat generations of satisfied patients and families, and our aim is to always provide the most positive and relaxed dental experience possible.
Alongside teeth whitening, we are highly experienced in providing general dentistry services, dental implant treatments, Invisalign® and others.
To find out more, please get in touch with us on 01753 522 500 or email [email protected]. Alternatively, you can also contact us via this link.