Toothpaste plays a major role in your oral hygiene routine, working in tandem with the act of brushing to clean plaque from your smile and keep it looking its best. But can toothpaste help you boost your smile’s appearance?
If you notice yellowing, staining, or dullness in your teeth, a whitening toothpaste can help you brighten your smile. Your dentist can also assist you in achieving your smile aesthetic goals when you schedule a cosmetic dental consultation. Dr. Joyce Kim, a dentist located in Williamsport, PA, describes how specified whitening toothpaste can enhance your teeth’s color.
How Does Whitening Toothpaste Work?
Bacteria in your mouth and substances you consume throughout your day create a film of plaque over your teeth that can harm your dental structure and leave discoloration in your smile. Traditional toothpaste contains abrasive ingredients that work to remove surface-level stains in your teeth when you brush them. This oral hygiene routine also gets rid of plaque build-up that could cause damage to your smile.
Deeper stains may not be reached with typical brushing habits. However, a specialized whitening toothpaste contains a bleaching agent, hydrogen peroxide, that will target these stubborn stains and help give you a whiter smile. You should use this type of toothpaste as directed for optimal results.
Check the packaging of the toothpaste before purchasing it from your local shop to ensure the brand is certified by the ADA to effectively whiten your teeth. Continue your good oral hygiene habits, including flossing and visiting your dentist for routine cleanings, to maintain a healthy and beautiful smile.
Are There Other Teeth Whitening Options?
Some stubborn stains on your teeth may require a more targeted approach to eliminate. You can schedule a cosmetic consultation appointment with your dentist to find the best technique to brighten your smile.
Your dentist can offer professional teeth whitening treatment that you can complete in the comfort of your own home. They will use impressions of your unique smile to create trays that fit your teeth comfortably and securely.
At home, you will fill the trays with prescription-grade whitening gel and wear them as directed to gradually whiten your smile. This treatment can provide accurate and more effective results because the process is tailored to your unique dental needs.
The treatment is also safer than a store-bought whitening kit. The supervision of a dental professional and customized materials will minimize potential side effects like gum irritation or tooth sensitivity. Your dentist may also suggest alternative teeth whitening procedures, including dental bonding and porcelain veneers.
Professional Teeth Whitening Available in Williamsport, PA
Loyalsock Dental Associates offers professional teeth whitening services and other cosmetic dental treatments to patients in Williamsport, PA. Dr. Kim also specializes in general and restorative dentistry, including tooth replacement solutions, for patients of all ages. To schedule an appointment with our practice, reach us by phone at 570.989.5271 or contact our staff online.