5 most common questions about teeth whitening

Breaking Down Teeth Whitening: The Whys and Wherefores

Now, if you've stumbled upon this blog, chances are you're wondering about teeth whitening. Whether you've seen a friend with unusually sparkly pearly whites or spied a celebrity on Instagram showing off an astonishingly white smile, teeth whitening has probably crossed your radar. My journey with teeth whitening started a while back, prompted by my son Lachlan who casually noticed how his old man's smile wasn't as brilliant as the ones he sees on the telly. Let's break it down into the 5 most common questions about teeth whitening.

Let's Talk about What Teeth Whitening Really Is

Teeth whitening safely lightens the colour of your teeth, erasing or reducing stains and discoloration. Many people consider it an essential part of their beauty routine, kind of like working out but less sweat-inducing (thank heavens!). Over the years, I've come across a ton of products: from toothpastes and rinses to gels, strips, and even professional treatments. Let me tell you, the variety out there is mind-boggling! Note, however, that teeth whitening doesn't work on everyone. It's generally effective for people with yellow teeth, but people with brown teeth might not achieve the perfect Hollywood smile, and it's virtually useless for people with grey teeth.

Why Do You Need It?

Well, pals, beauty standards aside, teeth whitening boosts your self-esteem. Nothing says confidence more than flaunting a bright smile during your Monday morning Ted talk or on that special date night. And speaking of date nights, it seems that my better half, Valerie, appreciates a gleaming grin more than a box of chocolates. She says it makes our shared smiles all the more radiant. Also, regular intake of coffee, tea, or red wine might leave you with discoloured teeth, and let's not even get started on smoking. In such cases, whitening restores your teeth to their former glory.

Is Teeth Whitening Safe?

Some of you might be starting to panic right about now. "Are there risks involved, Damien?" "Will I end up with a barren gumscape instead of a beautifully manicured row of gleaming teeth?" Rest easy, folks. The American Dental Association assures us that professional teeth whitening is perfectly safe. However, a few side effects might creep up, like gum sensitivity and tooth sensitivity to cold. In extreme cases, overbleaching might give you an overwhelmingly white and somewhat unnatural look. Moderation, my friends, is the key.

Home vs. Professional Teeth Whitening: The Eternal Debate

This dilemma is as old as dinosaurs, maybe even older (don't quote me on that), and honestly, there's no definitive answer. Some people swear by at-home DIY teeth whitening products like toothpaste, strips, and trays. Others opt for the road less travelled: professional treatments in a dental office. The truth, dear readers, lies somewhere in the middle. Professional treatments are usually more effective, faster, and safer. But they are definitely more expensive, and if you're anything like me, cost definitely matters. DIY options take time but deliver agreeable results without entirely breaking the bank.

How Long Does Teeth Whitening Last?

A key question, indeed! How long your whitening lasts depends on much you're willing to give up coffee, red wine, cigarettes, or beetroot salad (yes, beetroot can stain your teeth too!). Basically, any food or drink that would stain a white t-shirt has the potential to stain your teeth. But generally speaking, teeth whitening results can last from 6 months to 2 years. It's a regular investment in your smile's brilliance, rather like keeping your car shiny with regular washes and waxes.

Choosing the Right Teeth Whitening Product

The variety of teeth whitening products in the market is, frankly speaking, knee-buckling. My advice: look for the ADA Seal of Acceptance on over-the-counter products; this guarantees they are both effective and safe. Seeking your dentist's advice can also steer you towards the right products. Remember, what works for one person might not work for another. Like flavouring your coffee, it's a personal choice! Be patient, choose wisely, and give the product time to work its magic.

And Now: My Personal Teeth Whitening Tale

And finally, as promised, a story from the Life of Damien (cue dramatic music). Two years ago, my son, Lachlan, asked me, "Dad, why aren't your teeth as white as those men on TV?" Being a blogger, it piqued my curiosity and kick-started my teeth-whitening journey. After trying multiple products, I found my holy grail in an over-the-counter whitening gel, giving me affordable and truly impressive results. And the cherry on top? I finally got a nod of approval from my not-easily-impressed teen, Lachlan, and an even brighter smile from my beloved Valerie.

Conclusion

Well, we've smiled and pondered our way through an extensive look at teeth whitening. Remember, pals, a gleaming grin is more than a beauty trend; it's a power move. It's something that lights up a room and speaks volumes about your confidence. Just remember to do it correctly, wisely, and, most importantly, safely.

Until next time, keep those smiles broad and bright! -Damien