Okemos, Lansing, East Lansing MI
Smiling in the mirror and noticing that your teeth are several shades different than the whites of your eyes may give you an uneasy feeling that your smile isn’t the best that it could be. Most people purchase a product in a local retail store or online to brighten their smile. However, there are some risks and cautions you should take when performing an at-home teeth whitening treatment. Our Okemos cosmetic dentist, Dr. Christine Tenaglia, shares on the blog today how often you should whiten your teeth at home so that you reduce your tooth enamel and gum damage risks.
How do stains appear on my teeth?
Even though tooth enamel is the strongest substance in the human body, it can become stained or discolored. The most common tooth stain causes are smoking and consuming dark liquids like coffee, tea, and red wine. Additionally, you may notice that your teeth have become dull or discolored over the years due to aging despite your best oral hygiene efforts. Our cosmetic dentist in East Lansing explains that some discoloration is on the tooth surface and can be removed with a professional cleaning. However, if your teeth are deeply or intrinsically stained, in-office or at-home teeth whitening may be best to brighten your smile.
How often should I whiten my teeth?
Whitening agents contain multiple chemicals to create the whitening experience. When you attempt to whiten your teeth with over-the-counter treatments more often to get better results, it may lead to sensitivity. Therefore, our Lansing cosmetic dentist who offers teeth whitening advises patients to ask us about professional teeth whitening, which is safe and effective. Plus, we will provide whitening instructions and frequency to minimize tooth sensitivity.
How can I maintain a brighter smile between whitening treatments?
Following a teeth-whitening treatment, protecting the teeth from future discoloration is a top priority. That’s why maintaining your pearly whites will need a concerted effort on your part, including a thorough at-home oral hygiene program and frequent visits to the dentist. Also, our cosmetic dentist in Okemos advises patients to limit their intake of dark beverages like coffee and cola to keep their smiles looking fresh and healthy. Also, if you smoke, there’s no better time than now to quit and protect your brighter smile.
Teeth Whitening in Okemos, Lansing, and East Lansing, MI
As you age and consume the foods you love, your smile takes a hit and becomes dull or discolored. Fortunately, dental advancements now allow you to brighten your smile at home. But, like any treatment, too much of a good thing can be bad for your oral health. So, whiten your teeth with professional whitening agents like Zoom! teeth whitening system or GLO, and take proactive steps year-round to maintain your smile’s brilliance. To find out more about teeth whitening options available at our Lansing cosmetic dental office, please call Tenaglia Smiles at (517) 347-6733 or contact us online to request an appointment.