Ten Teeth Whitening Tips

Contrary to popular belief, our teeth are not naturally white, and typically get darker or more yellow with age. Professional teeth whitening can brighten the shade of your teeth and help to remove discolouration.

If you are considering teeth whitening, Dr Karen Grealis from our Ashbourne and Navan practices shares her top ten tips for achieving best results.

Ten Teeth Whitening Tips:

#1 Schedule a check-up with your dentist to determine the suitability of your teeth for whitening. You may not be a suitable candidate if you have gum disease, tooth decay or hypersensitivity.

#2 Teeth whitening is only effective on natural teeth. Crowns, veneers or tooth-coloured fillings will not whiten. If you have any crowns, veneers or fillings in your front teeth, you may need to have these replaced after your whitening treatment to match your new shade.

#3 For best results, your dentist may recommend a professional scale and polish prior to whitening. During this treatment, your dentist or dental hygienist will thoroughly clean all deposits and stains, scale away tartar build-up and polish the teeth.

#4 The outcome of your whitening treatment will depend on the shade of your teeth at the outset. Before you begin, your dentist will advise you on whether your desired shade is achievable or not.

#5 Allow sufficient time for your whitening treatment ahead of any special events or occasions. Whitening trays and gel are typically used at home for two to four hours per day for approximately one to four weeks, depending on the shade you aim to achieve.

#6 If you usually have sensitive teeth, it may be helpful to use a sensitive toothpaste before and during whitening. It is normal to experience some sensitivity during the whitening process but sensitivity is only temporary and will disappear when you finish the treatment.

#7 The effects of whitening will vary from person to person. To help maintain results, try to avoid smoking or consuming foods and drinks that tend to stain teeth such as tea, coffee, red wine, balsamic vinegar or even berries.

#8 Working in conjunction with your dentist, whitening is a safe and easy way to brighten your smile. After the initial application, you can use your whitening gel to top-up your tooth shade annually or as needed.

#9 For maximum impact, try to maintain a good oral health routine at home. Ideally, brush twice per day for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste, floss daily and drink plenty of water.

#10 Visit your dentist or dental hygienist regularly to help keep your mouth healthy and ensure that teeth are adapting well to the whitening treatment.

If a sparkling smile is top of your Christmas list this year, Dental Care Ireland practices are offering 20% off teeth whitening until 31 December.

For further information, contact your local practice.