The History of Dentistry
How to Whiten your Teeth
Regina Carlson
If your teeth have stains or discoloration, then you might need tooth whitening. Tooth whitening refers to the restoration of the natural tooth's shade or whitening it beyond its natural color. Common reasons for tooth staining or discoloration are using tobacco, not brushing regularly or adequately, consuming dark-colored liquids, and exposing teeth to too much fluoride or tetracycline antibiotics as young infants.
Teeth can be whitened by either visiting the dentist or through home methods. Read on to learn more about your tooth whitening options.
Visiting the Dentist
Engaging a dentist can involve an in-office dental procedure or doing the process at home. If you prefer to do the bleaching at home, the dentist will first clean your teeth to remove bacteria and food particles. He or she will then prepare a tray that holds the whitening gel in your mouth. The tray will perfectly fit your teeth.The gel needs to be applied daily for two to three weeks.
If you prefer appointments, the procedure will take 30 to 90 minutes depending on the severity of the discoloration. The dentist applies a substance that protects the gums around the teeth. A whitening agent is then applied on the teeth. Some whitening agents require laser light to be activated. You might need two or three appointments to complete the whitening process.
Try Some At-Home Methods
Below is are a few tips you can use to whiten your teeth without visiting a dentist.
1. Oil pulling. The strategy entails swishing oil around your mouth for 15 to 20 minutes daily to eliminate plaque-causing bacteria. Coconut oil is preferred due to its pleasant taste. It also has lauric acid that kills bacteria and reduces inflammations.
2. Brush with baking soda. Baking soda has whitening properties and is used in making toothpaste. It is also mild abrasive and helps scrub stains on your teeth.
3. Use apple cider vinegar. The vinegar contains acetic acid that kills bacteria. However, the method should not be used daily as it could erode your teeth. Always dilute the vinegar when using it as a mouthwash.
Unlike visiting the dentist, these methods do not have instant results. They take time, but they are also effective methods to avoid teeth discoloration.
Teeth whitening is an effective way to return your teeth to their original color. The most effective method is visiting the dentist. However, you can use home methods that may take time to give results.
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Ever since I was a little girl, I have loved stories about the past. Whether the stories were about horses, wars, exploration or even dentistry, I loved to hear them. I find that knowing the history of something helps it to make sense and feel approachable. I know that some people have dental anxiety, and I too have suffered, but I also feel like the more you know about dental work and its history, the easier it is. This blog is dedicated to exploring the history of dentistry – What did ancient people use for fillings? How did early dentists numb their patients? Who was the first dentist? Those are just some of the questions I plan to answer here. Ready? Okay, let's dive into the history of dentistry together!