White teeth are no more a distant dream with a wide range of teeth whitening products available in the market.
However, before dropping a whitening product in your shopping cart, make sure it is ADA approved. Just because the girl on the poster proudly flashed dazzling white teeth does not mean the product guarantees white teeth for you as well.
The trick behind teeth whitening is to use these products regularly and according to the directions of usage advised by your dentist.
Here is a list of products that should be in your bathroom dental kit for daily use.
Whitening Toothpastes
A whitening toothpaste contains extra whitening ingredients compared to a regular toothpaste. While all the toothpastes come with fluorides, a whitening toothpaste has abrasive elements in it like silicates and calcium carbonates. Those small crystals you see in some whitening gels are the detergents like sodium lauryl sulfate which are helpful in removing plaque from your teeth. They also include natural additives such as lemon, lime and cinnamon extracts as these ingredients enhance the flavor and whitening power of your toothpaste.
Floss Strings
Flossing is an essential part for teeth whitening as it removes food particles caught between your teeth which lead to plaque over time.
The plaque can leave tooth enamel permanently damaged or discolored. Plaque can be removed by applying a floss strip which is of two types; a ribbon or a string. They are made of nylon fibers, usually coated with wax and flavors. Choose a ribbon floss if your teeth has wide spaces in between. If you have closely attached set of teeth, the string floss will be suitable for you.
Whitening Strips
Whitening strips work the same way as bleaching as they are made of soft plastic coated with peroxide and other bleaching compounds. Some strips will dissolve in your mouth after a while, and others may be required to remove. Apply whitening strips twice a day after brushing and flossing and you will notice improved glossiness of the teeth enamel within two weeks.
You can also apply hydrogen peroxide and baking soda mixed with lemon juice on your teeth for seeing some whitening results. While these items will work to some degree, they are not an alternative to professional teeth whitening.
Since 2002, Smile Magic Dentistry has been serving the residents of Orange County with exceptional dental services including crowns, porcelain veneers and invisalign. Book your appointment today and let us help you get that million dollar smile.
