A brighter smile in 2018
A healthy, sparkling smile makes you feel better, boosting your self-esteem and confidence, and teeth whitening is one of the easiest ways to improve your appearance. We want you to have the confidence to smile without fear… so what can you do to brighten your smile?
Effective, affordable, professional treatment
Of all the advances made in dentistry to enhance the appearance of the teeth, whitening is the easiest and least invasive, and is effective in most cases. The procedure is safe, simple, and more affordable and popular than ever. Like any other treatment we have a wide range of before and after images which we’d be delighted to share with you if you are considering whitening. We love seeing the effect on people’s smiles when they are lightened even just a few shades; the entire smile becomes larger and brighter. Laleh or Sheri can show you a shade guide prior to the treatment so you will know exactly how many shades your teeth have been brightened.
Daily whitening at home
High street shops are flooded with products designed to keep your teeth white, however many of them don’t work. A dentist is the only person who can legally sell whitening treatments which contain peroxide, which has been proved to be the most effective ingredient in any whitening treatment.
Watch out for ‘tooth-stainers’
Many foods and drinks contain tannins and chromogens, which stain your teeth. Over time, you will notice your smile starting to lose its brightness. Tea, coffee, red wine, cola and curry are just a few of the major culprits, but tannins and chromogens are also present in grapes, pomegranates, berries, rhubarb, squash, chickpeas and beans. These foods are packed with nutritional value; therefore, it is unadvisable to eliminate these foods from your diet, but cutting back on the naughtiest and least nutritious foods and drinks such as tea, chocolate and sweets can really help.
Perhaps some substitutions? Try a delicious herbal tea or eating a piece of fruit instead of sipping a fruit juice. It is also wise to avoid any foods that are artificially brightly coloured such as sweets, ice lollies and most soft drinks. Many sauces also contain artificial colours; the dye is aggressive and easily transfers to your teeth.
To try and reduce the impact of staining as you go, you could also try to drink a glass of water after consumption of food and drinks to wash away any lingering residue. Drinking more water is an important health benefit in itself but tap water in particular is fantastic for tooth health because it contains fluoride. Consider using a straw; this will push liquids to the back of the mouth rather than coating your teeth.
Smokers may notice their tooth enamel darkening significantly over time. It is never too late to quit!
Keep them clean with a good routine
Electric toothbrushes are the best tools for cleaning your teeth. However, if you prefer to stick to a manual, find yourself a good quality toothbrush that feels right for you. You need to be brushing your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste to maintain healthy teeth and gums. Make sure you remember to replace your toothbrush every three months.
Mouthwash will swirl away any lingering food particles, but don’t use it just after brushing as it will also rinse away the fluoride from your toothpaste. It will also freshen your breath, like sugar-free chewing gum. Chewing gum is an excellent way to care for teeth and gums between meals.
Sticking to a regular schedule of dental check-ups every few months will give you peace of mind. Hygienists will remove tartar and staining from your teeth that you may have missed with your toothbrush alone.
If you would like to discuss your whitening requirements further, please feel free to call us on 020 7935 3323.