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Teeth whitening has become incredibly popular in recent times and is now a common dental treatment. With our in-depth guide on teeth whitening techniques and tips, you can uncover the secrets to achieving a brilliantly white smile.
Understanding the Causes of Teeth Discolouration
Tooth discolouration can result from various factors, including poor dental hygiene, dietary habits and ageing. There are two main types of tooth stains: intrinsic and extrinsic stains.
External Causes:
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Coffee or tea
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Red wine
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Soya sauce
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Turmeric-containing food and drinks
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Habits like smoking or chewing tobacco
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Drinking alcohol
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Certain medications like tetracyclines or chlorhexidine mouthwash
Other causes can be poor oral hygiene practices, such as infrequent brushing and flossing, which eventually contribute to plaque buildup and tooth discolouration.
Internal Causes:
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Drinking fluoride-containing water (mineral water) and swallowing fluoride-containing toothpaste when young can cause tooth discolouration, showing whitish patches on the adult teeth, a condition known as fluorosis
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As one ages, the top layer of the teeth (the enamel) becomes thinner, showing the yellow dentin underneath
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Genetics can affect tooth colour
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Damage to the teeth due to accidents can eventually cause the teeth to discolour after a while (indicating the tooth is dying)
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What are the ways to whiten your teeth?
One of the ways to whiten teeth is through professional teeth-whitening techniques. The other is to perform teeth whitening at home by yourself.
Professional Teeth Whitening
Professional teeth whitening procedures could be ideal if you're looking for quick results. However, remember that one person's results may differ from those of another. Dentists offer various procedures that can significantly lighten the colour of your teeth. Let's explore them!
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| In-Office Whitening Procedure | Take-home Whitening Procedure |
| Done by dentists in the dental clinic | Done by patients at home at their convenience |
| You do not need a customised tray as the gel is applied directly onto the surface of the teeth | Dentists will take an impression or scan of the teeth to make a custom tray and gel is later placed in the tray and worn on the teeth. Read more about take home trays here. |
| UV Light activates the whitening gel. Read more about whitening lights here. |
UV Light activation is not needed for the whitening gel |
| Whitening is done in a single dental visit | Whitening is done for 30 minutes up to a few hours every day for two weeks. |
| The dentist will monitor the progress and adjust the treatment result | Since it is done at home, the dentist will not be able to monitor progress and treatment |
| Patients can see noticeable changes to their teeth immediately after the procedure | Patients can notice results after a few days of usage |
Consulting with a dental professional is the most critical step for dental health. Schedule a consultation today to determine the right action for your needs and get a suitable teeth whitening option.
Visit our Teeth Whitening website for more information on whitening procedures!
Natural Ways to Brighten Your Smile
Another way of whitening can be with natural remedies. Some people may prefer to explore natural remedies for teeth whitening, such as brushing with baking soda, oil pulling with coconut oil, using hydrogen peroxide as a mouthwash,and using activated charcoal or oil pulling. By incorporating these natural remedies into your oral care routine and maintaining good dental hygiene habits, you can naturally achieve a whiter, healthier smile.
For more information on natural ways of whitening teeth, check out our article on how to whiten teeth naturally.
Do I maintain my radiant smile?
Once you've achieved a white smile, it's essential to maintain it. Professional whitening results may last at least 3-6 months or more depending on lifestyle habits.
Specific lifestyle changes can contribute to whiter teeth, such as :
- Reducing consumption of stain-causing foods and beverages is also recommended. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day helps wash away food particles and reduce the risk of stains.
- Routine dental examinations and professional cleanings are also beneficial in maintaining the brightness of your smile.
- Quitting smoking or chewing tobacco habit can markedly improve the colour of your teeth.
- A balanced diet with calcium-rich foods like milk and cheese can promote strong and healthy teeth.
- Using desensitising toothpaste before and after the whitening process can help alleviate discomfort.
- Lastly, practising good oral hygiene habits daily, like regular brushing and flossing will significantly reduce plaque buildup and contribute to the whiteness of your smile.
When choosing a teeth whitening method, consider factors such as cost, convenience, and the extent of tooth discolouration. In-office treatments provide quick results, while at-home kits offer flexibility. Natural methods can be a gentle alternative for maintaining a bright smile.
By following the prescribed instructions and maintaining good oral hygiene practices, you can enjoy the confidence that comes with a radiant smile!
Ready to see a dentist for teeth whitening? Just drop us a message here and we’ll be happy to assist you in booking an appointment!
WhatsApp us at : +65 8200 9092
Resources:
- Féliz-Matos L, Hernández LM, Abreu N. Dental Bleaching Techniques; Hydrogen-carbamide Peroxides and Light Sources for Activation, an Update. Mini Review Article. Open Dent J. 2015 Jan 6;8:264-8. doi: 10.2174/1874210601408010264. PMID: 25646134; PMCID: PMC4311381.
- Carey CM. Tooth whitening: what we now know. J Evid Based Dent Pract. 2014 Jun;14 Suppl:70-6. doi: 10.1016/j.jebdp.2014.02.006. Epub 2014 Feb 13. PMID: 24929591; PMCID: PMC4058574.