Teeth whitening is a popular dental procedure among people in the United States. According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry survey, teeth-whitening treatments increase every year in the US.

According to a survey conducted in 2018, 71% of participants said they have had teeth whitening done at some point in their lives.

With the growing popularity of teeth-whitening treatments, it is important to know about the procedure involved. 

 What is Teeth Whitening?

Teeth whitening has become one of the most common dental procedures, as it significantly improves your overall appearance. It is a process that brightens your teeth by removing any stains or discolorations. However, whitening your teeth is not the only solution; you also need to take care of your teeth and undergo treatment from time to time to avoid any long-term problems

What Causes Discoloration of Your Teeth?

According to dental cleaning in Osseo, Minnesota, a lot of factors can make your teeth look pale or yellow. The main culprits for teeth discoloration are:

1. Food and Beverages

The color of your teeth highly depends on the food and drinks that you consume. Besides, the pH of your food also affects the color of the teeth. High acidic content in some fruits can also contribute to the discoloration of the teeth by weakening the enamel, the protective and outer covering of the teeth.

2. Aging

With age, the enamel deteriorates and exposes the transparent layer of dentin. This makes your teeth look yellow.  

3. Medications

Certain medications including antihistamines, antidepressants, antipsychotics, or antihypertensives may cause your teeth to stain. In addition, radiation or chemotherapy also impacts your teeth enamel. If you have not been on any medication lately and still notice yellowing of your teeth, check if your mouth contains cetylpyridinium chloride or chlorhexidine. These substances also aggravate teeth discoloration.

4. Tobacco

The most fatal substance behind tooth discoloration is tobacco. Tobacco contains black particles that accumulate on teeth and show up as visible stains. Another factor is smoking which causes dryness in the mouth. This dryness makes it easy for the tobacco to stick to your enamel and in turn cause yellowing. 

Which are the Teeth Whitening treatments available?

Owing to its popularity, there are ample teeth whitening products and treatments available in the market, like:

1. Teeth Whitening Toothpaste

A whitening toothpaste is the most common and go-to solution for whitening your teeth. The toothpaste contains small and mild abrasive particles that gently remove stains from your teeth. It is important to note that toothpaste cannot alter the color of your teeth, it can only remove stains and make them appear white.

2. Over-the-Counter Whitening Strips

You can find teeth whitening strips at your local pharmacy very easily. These contain certain active components that result in noticeable changes in your teeth. 

3. Take-Home Whitening Trays

When you seek professional treatment for teeth whitening, your dentist will give you a take-home whitening tray. A lot of dentists consider this as the “gold standard” of whitening treatments. During this procedure, a whitening gel is prepared in a custom-fit tray by using molds of your teeth. All you need to do is fit this tray on your teeth and apply a whitening gel at regular intervals as recommended by your dentist.

4. In-Office Whitening

An in-office teeth whitening is good for people looking for instant solutions. During this procedure, a dentist will use a high-intensity whitening gel to give an instant color change in your teeth. 

To Sum It Up

White, bright, and healthy teeth increase your confidence and self-esteem while striking up a conversation with another person, or dealing in public settings. It also reflects your personal hygiene and habits. If you are looking for the best teeth whitening solutions, visit us at Osseo Family Dental or call us at +1 763 425 2626 or schedule an appointment here.