Archive for December 2023
How to Whiten Your Teeth for the Holidays
If you are looking for solutions to whiten and brighten your smile in time for the holidays, Hebron Family Dentistry is here to help. We are pleased to offer professional teeth whitening treatments to restore your smile’s sparkle with beautifully natural results. Enjoy a bright, confident smile this holiday season and all year long!
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
Over time, dark-colored foods and beverages like berries, coffee, and red wine can stain and discolor your teeth, as can the use of tobacco products. Tooth discoloration can also result from trauma, certain illnesses, or medications.
In-office teeth whitening involves applying hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide gel to your tooth surfaces and using a special light to enhance the whitening process. The bleaching agent breaks down stains in the enamel and dentin layers, leaving your teeth several shades whiter and brighter in one short office visit.
If you would rather whiten your teeth at home, we are happy to provide you with custom-fitted trays and professional-grade whitening gel. You’ll place some whitening gel in your trays and wear them for a few hours for about two weeks to achieve your desired results. Trusting our dental professionals for your teeth whitening needs is the safest and most effective way to transform your smile.
Are You a Candidate for Professional Teeth Whitening?
While teeth whitening can brighten yellowish stains resulting from dark-colored foods and drinks or tobacco use, it may not be as effective for brown or gray stains resulting from trauma or the use of medications. Additionally, teeth whitening may not lift stains off dental restorations like tooth-colored fillings, crowns, or dentures.
If teeth whitening is not right for you, Dr. Watson may recommend a different cosmetic dentistry option, like cosmetic bonding, porcelain veneers, or dental crowns. Aside from improving the color of your teeth, your restoration will mask any tooth imperfections, delivering a uniform smile.
Tips for Maintaining a White and Bright Holiday Smile
The holidays are often a time of indulgence and celebration, but there are ways to keep your teeth at their brightest. Here are some tips to help you maintain your smile’s sparkle this holiday season and all year long:
- Good Oral Hygiene: Maintaining good oral care is the foundation of a bright and healthy smile. Brush your teeth at least twice daily and floss daily to remove plaque and food particles that can dull and discolor your teeth.
- Limit Staining Foods and Drinks: While indulging in holiday treats can be tempting, be mindful of foods and drinks that stain your teeth, like coffee, red wine, berries, and dark sodas. If you must have your morning coffee, rinse with water or chew sugar-free gum to prevent new stains from setting in.
- Drink Plenty of Water: Water not only quenches your thirst but also helps wash away food debris and bacteria, preventing staining. It also helps promote saliva production, which naturally keeps your teeth clean and bright.
- Eat Plenty of Crunchy Fruits and Vegetables: Munching on crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples, pears, carrots, and celery stimulates saliva production, brightening your smile. Additionally, the fiber content acts like a toothbrush, gently scrubbing away plaque and debris.
- Schedule Regular Dental Exams and Cleanings: It is important to maintain regular dental exams and cleanings during the holiday season and throughout the year. Dr. Watson and her team will address any concerns in their earliest stages and help you maintain a white and bright smile.
Teeth Whitening Near Me in Hebron, KY
Visit Hebron Family Dentistry to learn more about whitening your teeth for the holidays. Dr. Watson and our dedicated team look forward to helping you enjoy a healthy, beautiful smile this festive season and all year long. We invite you to call us at 859-689-2021 to schedule your appointment today!