What works for teeth whitening?

Unveiling the Secrets of Tooth Enamel

I think we can all agree that nothing makes a first impression more memorable than a brilliant, white smile. It's like that rush you experience when your Labrador, Johnny, greets you at the door, tail wagging, after a long day of work. Suddenly, everything seems right in your world. But achieving that perfect smile might seem just as elusive as getting Johnny to finally stop stealing my slippers. Not to worry though, because we are going on a journey today to discover what really works for teeth whitening.

Now, something interesting to note is how teeth become discoloured in the first place. There's a thin outermost layer on our teeth, called enamel. Enamel is pretty spectacular; it's the hardest substance in the human body, even harder than bone. But let's be honest, it's not invincible. Over time, due to factors like drinking excessive coffee (guilty as charged), smoking, or simply age, this enamel layer can get stained. Does this mean we have to give up our dearly beloved morning cup of joe or red wine? Not necessarily. You can always count on science and a little bit of determination.

Over-The-Counter Treatments: Hit or Miss?

Does the name Theodore ring a bell? No, not my energetic little tyke of a son. I mean the Greek philosopher who reasoned that all teeth whitening products are created equal. Oh wait, that never happened. Pardon my sense of humour, but in truth, all teeth whitening products are not created equal. ADA (American Dental Association) awards its Seal of Acceptance to certain tooth whitening products after thorough testing. So, if possible, always look for this seal when choosing an over-the-counter whitening product.

Over-the-counter teeth whitening treatments like toothpastes, gels, strips, and trays mainly use two types of bleaching agents – hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide. They break stains into smaller pieces, which makes the colour less concentrated and your teeth brighter. Even though over-the-counter whitening treatments can be effective, the process can be gradual and results may vary depending on person-to-person.

Professional Teeth Whitening: The Super-Powered Smile Booster

Moving onto professional teeth whitening. Remember that episode where Emily, my better half, splashed a touch of painters' white on one of my old tools, quite literally to “whiten” it? Well, thankfully, professional whitening treatments are a tad more sophisticated than that.

Professional treatments usually involve applying a high concentration of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide onto your teeth for a short period of time, usually a maximum of an hour. With just one session, your teeth can get 3-8 shades lighter. However, do note that while professional treatments are super effective, some people experience tooth sensitivity or gum irritation from the higher peroxide concentrations.

Home Remedies: Do They Hold Their Ground?

Now, let's take a diversion down home remedy lane. A popular teeth whitening trend advocates for the use of natural substances like coconut oil, activated charcoal, or even baking soda. Do they work? Well, there's less scientific evidence supporting them but, like a good investigative blogger, I can't ignore such a popular trend.

Although these substances may initially help in removing superficial stains, they can’t reach deeper into the enamel layer where much of the staining occurs. Plus, if not used correctly they might even harm your oral health. For example, excessive use of baking soda can harm your enamel and lead to sensitivity. So remember folks, approach with caution!

Every Bite Matters: Food and Drink for the Pearly Whites

Lastly, let's dive into how our oral diet can assist in maintaining those photo-worthy smiles. We have all heard how an apple a day can keep the doctor away, but have you heard that crunchy fruits and vegetables can keep the stains away? Indeed they can. These foods increase saliva flow, which in turn helps to wash away the food debris and neutralize the acids causing tooth erosion. Now, wasn’t that a whopper of a juicy fact!

On the flip side, certain foods and drinks could be your teeth's worst enemy. This includes coffee, red wine, acidic foods, sugary snacks, and the list goes on. I'm not suggesting that we should altogether abandon these pleasure-inducing consumables. The key is moderation and good oral hygiene practices, of course.

Keeping the Lustrous Smiles: Maintenance & Prevention

So you've come this far but what's the point if you can't maintain that dazzling smile, right? It’s like letting Johnny, our dog, dig holes all over the yard right after Emily and I have just spent an entire Saturday grooming it. (Whisper: Don’t tell her I used this comparison!)

Maintaining your newly whitened teeth is equally as important as the whitening process itself. Regular brushing, flossing, and limiting intake of stain-causing food and drink are your first line of defense. Also, consider increasing your water intake as it will help wash away the food debris and stains, and don’t forget your regular dental cleaning. After all, prevention is always better than cure!

Tadaa! There you have it. The quest for a perfect white smile is indeed a journey, one that involves understanding the science and making well-informed and cautious decisions. Remember, stick to the evidence, take it step by step and don't forget to smile along the way- because the true beauty of a smile is in its joy, and not just its colour.