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Dental Health and Food: Learning to Eat Better

My intense love for candy, cakes, and everything in between started as a child. I simply couldn't go one day without something sweet to eat. But my love for all things sweet took a toll on my teeth. My dentist diagnosed me with seven cavities, each one a different size and depth. After sitting through four long dental appointments, I decided to make a change. I now monitor my diet and only eat things that benefit my oral health. I'm here to help you take better care of your teeth. My blog offers tips on how to improve your diet, maintain good oral hygiene, and many other topics. Hopefully, you can learn to overcome your bad habits just as I did. Good luck with your future dental health.

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Dental Health and Food: Learning to Eat Better

Teeth Whitening Myths And Facts

by Eric Bailey

Every patient has different teeth whitening needs and goals. For instance, some want to address dietary discolorations while others long for the 'Hollywood' smile. Whichever your reason, some myths may discourage you from your journey to pearly whites. This article debunks the top teeth whitening myths.

Teeth Whitening Damages the Enamel

Cheap teeth whitening products and procedures could damage your enamel. However, your enamel is safe if you opt for professional teeth whitening treatment given by a dentist. Your dentist delicately opens your pores to let in bleaching agents. The pores close after some time to protect your enamel from abrasive damage.

Teeth Whitening Effect Is Permanent

As good as the myth sounds, teeth whitening lasts long but isn't permanent. One of the reasons your teeth change color is age, and you can't prevent aging. Nonetheless, proper care prolongs the outcome of your teeth whitening treatment. For instance, avoid tobacco and acidic or highly pigmented food and drinks. You also need to honor your dentist's touch-up checkups for better results.

Teeth Whitening Causes Sensitivity

Teeth whitening procedure is supposed to be painless. Sometimes, you can feel a slight sensitivity manageable with specific formulas. However, modern technology, such as whitening gels activated by diode lasers, presents little to no surface alterations or sensitivity. Nonetheless, if you feel irritated or get a burning sensation, stop the particular treatment and consult your dentist.

Teeth Whitening At-Home and Professional Kits Are the Same

Precise and professional teeth whitening procedures allow your dentist to set the right formula tailored for your teeth. On the flip side, over the counter and kits aren't specific for your needs. So, you may get a kit with concentrations that aren't suitable for your teeth. You could also overuse or incorrectly use a product you haven't received from your dentist.

Teeth Whitening Can Be Used on Crowns and Veneers

Teeth whitening ingredients corrode the stains on your teeth. So, the oxidizing agents don't work for materials other than your natural teeth. If you have crowns or veneers, get a new set from your dentist that matches the color of your new teeth. Otherwise, you will end up with uneven colors or different shades of white.

Teeth Whitening Uses the Strongest Whitening Gel As the Best

Individual teeth respond to bleaching at different rates, so a more concentrated gel doesn't guarantee quicker results. For some people, a stronger gel could speed up the process, but the effects may not last so long. Besides, excessive concentration can cause teeth and gum sensitivity. A dentist knows which concentration works best, so it's best to talk with them.

Conclusion

Don't always believe any information before you do due diligence. Otherwise, you may miss the benefits of teeth whitening or fail to take the appropriate care. Also, understand that your teeth are unique so if you want specific information, schedule an examination at a dentist.

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