Over time, you may notice dullness, yellowing, or staining in your smile. Poor oral hygiene habits may contribute to this effect, but so can factors outside of your control, like aging. Tooth discoloration can make you feel less confident in your appearance. And this sentiment may negatively impact your personal and professional lives.
You might have seen whitening toothpaste at your local shop. But can this product really give you the brighter smile of your dreams? This type of toothpaste is capable of whitening your tooth color when used as directed. Dr. Denise Halliburton, a dentist serving patients in Ellicott City, MD, describes how a specialized whitening toothpaste can help you achieve your smile aesthetic goals.
How Does Whitening Toothpaste Work?
You usually use traditional toothpaste along with your toothbrush and floss to complete your oral hygiene routine. This type of toothpaste has abrasive ingredients that help to remove plaque and tartar build-up from your teeth as well as surface stains. However, deeper stains in your tooth enamel cannot be reached with this toothpaste alone.
If you want to get rid of deeper discoloration in your smile, switching to a specialized whitening toothpaste can help you get a brighter tooth color. This toothpaste contains bleaching agents that will target stains and whiten the color of your smile.
You should use the toothpaste as directed and in conjunction with a good oral hygiene regimen for optimal results. Select a brand of whitening toothpaste that is ADA-approved to ensure you can get your desired outcome.
Are There Other Ways to Get a Brighter Smile?
While whitening toothpaste can help you brighten your smile, some stubborn stains may need treatment from a dental professional to eradicate. You can schedule a cosmetic dental consultation to determine a personalized treatment plan to accomplish your smile aesthetic goals.
Professional teeth whitening services from your dentist include taking home custom-made trays suited to your unique smile that contain bleaching gel. You should follow instructions on how to wear these trays and for how long in order to gradually brighten your teeth color. Completing whitening treatment under the direction of your dentist will ensure uncomfortable side effects like gum irritation and tooth sensitivity are minimized.
Your dentist may also recommend dental bonding, porcelain veneers, or dental crowns to enhance your smile. You can protect your tooth color by being aware of which foods contain agents that may stain your teeth and by continuing good oral hygiene practices.
Teeth Whitening Treatments in Ellicott City, MD
Halliburton Family Dentistry offers professional teeth whitening services and other cosmetic dental treatments to patients in Ellicott City, MD. Dr. Halliburton also specializes in general and restorative dentistry, including periodontal care, for patients of all ages. We can assist patients with both preventative dental care and dental emergencies. To schedule a consultation or appointment with our practice, contact our staff by phone at 443.232.0656 or reach our office online.