While having tooth stains or discoloured teeth does not hurt, it can compromise your confidence and negatively affect other’s first impression of you. This is especially true if you are reluctant to smile or usually hide or cover your teeth when laughing or talking. This can then work against your favour when meeting other people for the first time like a blind date or a job interview.
If your yellowish teeth are bothering you, you may initially think that you need to brush your teeth more to whiten your smile. Although poor dental hygiene is one of the man causes of discolouration, teeth whitening clinics in Townsville note that brushing alone is not enough to bring back your smile’s sparkle. It may keep your teeth strong and healthy, but you cannot expect it to brighten a noticeably yellow smile.
How about vigorous brushing?
No. Brushing aggressively or using too much force will not remove discolouration. The truth is, it can only make your teeth sensitive and your gums bleed. You should also know that vigorous brushing can wear away the enamel and expose the dentin (the layer underneath it), which is naturally yellow in colour. The safest way brush is to use gentle motions along with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
What if I use whitening toothpaste?
Brushing with whitening toothpaste can appear to whiten your smile, but it is not enough to bring noticeable or dramatic results. What these products can do is remove surface stains, while preventing further tooth discoloration. This is why solely relying on whitening toothpaste is not enough to lighten the shade of a yellowish smile.
Is brushing with baking soda effective?
It may be safe to brush with baking soda occasionally, but dentists don’t recommend for effective whitening. Even though the abrasiveness of the product can help remove surface stains, it is not ideal for getting rid of older and stubborn stains. Besides, baking soda can damage the enamel, which can be harmful particularly for those with already thin enamel.
Why do you need to see a dentist?
If you want to see dramatic and noticeable results, visiting the dentist for professional whitening is the best way to do so. This is mainly because dentists use safe and stronger whitening solutions or components than over-the-counter products like whitening toothpaste and DIY kits. They will also examine your teeth first to determine whether the procedure is right for you.
You should also see a dentist for teeth whitening to:
- Remove stubborn stains
- Learn more about your options and know the right procedure for you
- Know how long the effect of whitening treatment should last
- Tailor the treatment for you and carry out the procedure while protecting your gums
- Discover other options if teeth whitening is not applicable (especially for dentures, crowns, and bonding)
Why brushing still helps?
Brushing alone may not whiten your teeth, but doing so at least twice a day (for two minutes each time) can help remove plaque and bacteria, as well as prevent decay and gum disease. It can also freshen your breath, assist in making your teeth whiter, and help you save money on dental procedures. Don’t forget to floss at least once a day to remove plaque and particles left by brushing.
Don’t let yellow teeth hurt your confidence and make you look older and unhealthy. Consult a dentist to learn more about tooth whitening options that best suit you.
