We experience a lot of pressure on a daily basis to look our best. Physical appearance can affect every aspect of life, from the confidence boost we feel when we like the way we look, to the social effect that confidence has; even our careers can be affected by it. That’s why many of us come to consider teeth whitening at one point or another.
If you feel your smile is not as white as it should be, there are several options available. Many of us turn to over the counter teeth whitening kits. However, recent studies have shown that these at home whitening kits can actually have troubling consequences. In addition, assessing why your teeth are discoloured in the first place is crucial to the success of teeth whitening and to the subsequent health of your teeth.
That’s why it’s important to leave teeth whitening to the pros; if you want a brighter, whiter smile, speak with your dentist! Ottawa dentists have teeth whitening services in most of their clinics, and whitening your teeth under the supervision of a dentist is far safer for the health of your teeth.
The first thing your dentist will do is get to the root of the problem. There are many reasons our teeth can lose their healthy whiteness. Habits like drinking coffee, tea, red wine, or smoking cigarettes can cause teeth to turn a dull, beigish-yellow. Plaque, tartar, bacteria and fungi can build up and discolour your teeth if proper cleaning is not regularly performed. These are considered external factors for tooth discolouration. Internal factors include certain health conditions or illnesses that can cause teeth to turn a greyish-blue or brown.
If your teeth are discoloured due to internal factors, your dentist in Ottawa will treat those issues first, before whitening. External factors can usually be worked with, using a number of different treatment options. Your dentist may use a special bleaching agent on your teeth and then apply heat to get the process started. They may alternatively suggest wearing a custom-made mouth guard filled with a bleaching agent, or brushing with a special whitening toothpaste.
Your dentist in Ottawa will supervise every step of the process, ensuring the treatment is effective and is not causing damage to your teeth or gums. They can assess and treat any side effects of bleaching, including sensitivity and soreness, irritation of the gums and soft tissue, or nausea and vomiting caused by accidental ingestion.
With all of these possibilities for treatment, you can see why seeking the supervision of a dentist is so important. If you are seeking a dentist, Ottawa has some great clinics that perform teeth whitening services and can give you more information on your options. Don’t let your desire for a whiter smile cause you to rush into a treatment that may whiten your teeth at the expense of your oral health.
