Since the beginning of time, pearl white teeth have been associated with facial beauty and overall attractiveness. The teeth are on display every time a person smiles. Yellow and stained teeth can be an instant turn off. They can dim the brightness of an otherwise megawatt smile.

Discolored teeth can make you self conscious. They may take away your freedom to smile with full confidence.

If such is the case, then you should opt for a teeth whitening procedure. Unlike most other dental procedures, teeth whitening is pain-free and easy to do.

How Does Teeth Whitening Work?

• Teeth whitening works by the application of over-the-counter brightening gels on teeth. These gels contain 6-10% hydrogen peroxide as the whitening agent.

The gel is applied to a custom-made mouthguard. The patient wears the mouth guard over his teeth for some time. The process is simple and can be done at home after consulting a dentist.

If you haven’t been through the whitening process before, you might have some apprehensions about it. Now that you have a basic understanding of how teeth whitening works, let’s look at a few basic dos and don’ts of this treatment:

• DO practice your usual oral hygiene before undergoing the treatment. Brush your teeth, use a mouthwash, and floss before putting on the mouth guard lined with whitening gel.

A piece of food stuck in your mouth can react with the gel. It can either reduce its efficiency or cause more discoloration. Remember to brush your teeth after removing the guard as well to remove any excessive gel. 

• DON’T pull a Ross Geller by using more than the recommended amount of gel or leaving it on for a longer period. Remember the epic teeth whitening failure Ross Geller from FRIENDS sitcom experienced?

Don’t do that. Applying more than the required amount of gel can damage your gums and tooth enamel. Leaving the gel on for more than the required amount of time can also be harmful. So better stick to the instructions.

• DO expect slight discomfort if you have sensitive teeth. Your teeth might ache a little or become sensitive to hot and cold beverages the first time you undergo the whitening procedure.

The sensation usually subsides within a day. In case it prolongs, you can take a break by skipping the treatment for a day or two. 

• DON’T become mindless of eating and drinking after the treatment. Avoid eating foods which have the potential to stain and damage your teeth. Coffee, wine, chocolates, sodas, and berries are some foods which are acidic in nature.

They also have strong staining potential. The first few days after undergoing the treatment require meticulous care. So avoid foods which can damage your teeth or stain your newly acquired pearl white teeth. 

• DO practice teeth whitening in moderation. The temptation to go overboard with teeth whitening treatments is understandable. Who doesn’t love a pair of sparkling white teeth?

But over-the-top whitening treatment can damage the teeth and make them weak. Practice good dental hygiene and avoid staining foods. This will help the results of teeth whitening processes to long last.

• DON’T keep whitening gel or strips in hot and exposed places. Whitening gels have volatile ingredients which lose their functionality when exposed to light and heat.

Keep your whitening gels and strips in cool temperatures and shaded areas like a cupboard. You can also save them in the refrigerator if you don’t intend to use them straight away. 

If you are looking for reliable teeth whitening professionals in Everett and Seattle, book an appointment with Icon Dental Centre. Their dental experts will guide you and make the teeth whitening process as hassle free as possible.