Teeth discoloration is a real problem for many people today. Smoking and coffee or teas are some of the substances that can make this problem even worse. Discoloration can affect self-esteem and make it harder for people to socialize with their peers.

Enterprising manufacturers have come up with a wide-range of products to help whiten teeth to nearly the standard of professional whitening.

Some of the common commercial teeth whitening agents come in the form of strips, toothpaste and even easy-to-make home remedies. In most of these products, peroxide is the active agent that removes discoloration.

Toothpaste

Some teeth-whitening toothpastes contain hydrogen peroxide as an active ingredient. Others use minute granules, which are designed to gently rub off discoloration. The main advantage of these pastes is that they are convenient and affordable. Often, you only need to spend a couple of minutes brushing your teeth daily to see results.

Home remedies

There are many home remedy formulas for teeth whitening available online. As with many commercial products, their main ingredient is usually hydrogen peroxide. This is mixed with baking soda to create a paste that you can use to brush your teeth. These formulas are often cheap and convenient to use, but there is a risk of ruining teeth enamel. Please consult your Dental Health Associate before using any product or recipe you may find online!

Strips

Whitening strips are an effective product for teeth whitening and are produced by major brands such as Crest and Colgate. These strips are applied to the the teeth for about half an hour and then removed. Strips are less expensive than dental procedures, but may not be as effective.

Professional Dental Teeth Whitening

While commercial products and homemade remedies can provide some results, the best teeth-whitening procedures are performed by professional dentists. At Dental Health Associates, we recommend this option for a number of reasons.

• Evaluation: A qualified dentist understands the pros and cons of each professional treatment option, and can prescribe a procedure that is right for you.
• Sensitive enamel: One of the biggest risks of whitening teeth at home is that you can make your teeth more sensitive. Hydrogen peroxide, if not used properly, can make the issue of sensitivity much worse. If your teeth are sensitive, it is best that you consider visiting a qualified professional.
• Best Results: If you choose to visit a professional, you can simply get better results because professional whitening equipment is used. A qualified professional also ensures that the results are achieved in a short period of time, without taking risks that could lead to dental complications.

At Dental Health Associates, our expert dentists will work with you to achieve the smile of your dreams. Please contact us with any questions you have about teeth whitening.