The desire for whiter teeth is one of the most common and universally held cosmetic dentistry goals in Winnipeg. Thousands of Winnipeggers are dissatisfied with the colour of their teeth and are looking for options for teeth whitening in Winnipeg. We get it. The staff here at Vista Place Dental Centre feel exactly the same way. Some of the most common questions we get are around the topic of how can I safely get whiter teeth? Here are six tips for teeth whitening in Winnipeg — safely.
Start at a dentist in Winnipeg
Even if you’re looking for DIY or at-home teeth whitening options, start your journey toward whiter teeth at the office of a dental clinic near you. Your dentist will examine your teeth and gums to make sure there aren’t any underlying health issues (periodontal disease, tooth decay or infections) that may be affecting your tooth colour. They’ll also identify stains or discolourations that can’t be whitened away so you won’t waste your time and money.
Especially if you suffer from tooth sensitivity
If like so many people, you suffer from particularly sensitive teeth, you should consult with a dentist before you start any process for teeth whitening near you. Teeth whitening compounds can cause increased sensitivity. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t pursue teeth whitening in Winnipeg, but you should consider following a de sensitivity regimen for a couple of weeks before you begin. A dentist in Winnipeg can apply fluoride or potassium nitrate, for example, to make the whitening process more comfortable. If you opt for chairside whitening at a dental clinic in Winnipeg, the bleaching compounds can be customized to adjust to your tooth sensitivity. DIY options can’t be adjusted that way.
There are DIY options
You can purchase kits for teeth whitening near you at many drugstores and grocery stores. They use weak formulations of bleaching compounds (compared to what your dentist uses) but can produce some temporary whitening effect over time as long as used as directed. You shouldn’t use these kits without consulting with your dentist first.
Don’t rely on home remedies
Quick online searches could lead you to believe that strawberries, coconut oil, charcoal and other substances can whiten your teeth at home without a dentist and without bleaching compounds. It’s not true. There are substances — including those — that can help remove stains from the surface of your teeth, but they won’t change the colour of your enamel the way bleaching can. Some of those substances are also potentially harmful to your enamel and gums.
An ounce of prevention…
Perhaps you’re looking to keep your teeth as white as possible or to maintain your newly whitened teeth in their new and whiter state for as long as possible. The best way to do that is to avoid substances and behaviours that stain your teeth. Those include coffee, tea, red wine, sodas, soy-based sauces, tomato-based sauces, fruits like blueberries and pomegranates, and smoking. When you do eat or drink those things, brush your teeth thoroughly immediately afterwards to minimize any staining effects.
How else to maintain your whitened teeth
Aside from avoiding certain staining foods, drinks and behaviours, you can maintain your whiter teeth by committing to daily dental hygiene habits including brushing, flossing and regular use of mouthwash. You can safely use “whitening” versions of those toothpastes and mouthwash to focus particularly on keeping your teeth as white as possible for as long as possible. If your maintenance methods aren’t keeping stains and discolouration at bay, that’s normal and unavoidable over time. Ask your dentist to help you to touch up your whitening between complete whitening treatments.
To arrange a consultation and examination of your teeth and gums to give you all the information you need above achieving your goals of whiter teeth, contact a dentist near you.