How often should you whiten your teeth?

Is there a limit to how often you can have your teeth whitened? Even when using over-the-counter products that aren’t as strong as in-office teeth whitening kits, how can one often use strips, gels, or pens to whiten teeth? Teeth whitening near you is considered safe if done appropriately. According to our dentist in 48446, one can over-whiten their teeth, and some effects come with it. It is known as bleachorexia. Over-the-counter whitening systems are usually set up to be used for a maximum of ten to fourteen days in a row at a given time. However, some patients will experience chemical burns on their gums and tooth sensitivity if they fail to follow the instructions. To avoid this, visit a dentist nearby you for a consultation and guidance on how often you should whiten your teeth.

How Often Your Teeth Should Be Whitened

Generally, teeth whitening is not a one-and-done procedure. If it were a perfect world, we’d whiten our teeth once and have them gleaming and healthy indefinitely. However, that’s not the case; our dental structure needs regular upkeep through dental exams and cleanings. So how often should one have their teeth whitened?

At Lapeer City Dental, we recommend that our patients return for teeth whitening services once per quarter or once every three months, even when they haven’t noticed dramatic dulling or staining on their teeth. This way, your dentist can look into your teeth to see if there are any dental issues hidden by the whitening effects. Occasionally, cavities or tooth damage can be harder to spot after teeth whitening. It also allows the dentist to touch up on your whitening for a brighter and even smile.

Making Your Whitening Effects Last Between Visits

While three months may seem like a short time, a lot can happen to your teeth. If you want to protect your teeth in the meantime, there are practices you can follow to keep your teeth looking like they are just from the dentist. Some of them are:

• Avoid Smoking. Smoking damages the overall health and appearance of your teeth and mouth. Smoking regularly results in your teeth yellowing and undoing the whitening treatment. If you are a smoker, it’s a great time to quit.
• Practice Proper Oral Hygiene Habits. Even when you are cautious with your diet, there are times that you will want to eat and drink highly pigmented-foods and beverages. Brushing and flossing regularly will prevent your teeth from being damaged or stained from drinking or eating.
• Avoid Foods and Drinks That Stain. There are plenty of foods and beverages that can cause teeth discoloration. While some of these foods cannot be avoided entirely, limit their intake and take much water when eating or drinking them. These foods include red wine, coffee, berries, or marinara sauce. Ensure you are rinsing your mouth properly afterward after taking them.
• Have a Straw Nearby. Having reusable straws with you is another excellent way to prevent teeth damage from harmful drinks. Drinking sugary drinks with a straw will help you protect your enamel and keep artificially colored beverages from your teeth.

Benefits of Having Your Teeth Whitened

A smile plays a vital role in our first impressions. Having an attractive smile makes us feel better within. Despite your efforts to maintain a sound oral hygiene routine, teeth yellowing is a natural process as we age. Particularly since the tooth enamel becomes thinner and allows the naturally yellow dentin underneath to become visible. Benefits of having professional teeth whitening near you include:

• Enhanced Self-Esteem. An unsightly discolored tooth will make you feel embarrassed when smiling or talking. A pearly white smile can plummet your self-esteem and boost your confidence.
• Better Oral Health. When your teeth are professionally cleaned and whitened, it reinforces your teeth’ health and strength. This reduces the risk of dental issues such as cavities and gum diseases caused by plaque accumulations.
• Boost Your Mental Health. Religiously looking after your teeth, the positive results will trickle over to your mental health. As your smile shines, so will your brain. Being continuously stressed about your physical appearance will lead to mental issues.

Conclusion

How often you should have your teeth whitened also varies depending on your diet, oral hygiene habits, and lifestyle. Speak to your dentist about professional teeth whitening services and guide you on when and how to ensure you have a smile to be proud of.