In a place as hectic as New York City, it’s easy to let basic maintenance fall by the wayside. Wedging a dentist appointment into a day already so defined by the complicated hustle and bustle of life in the city can feel impossible. Because we care about you at Integrated Aesthetic Dentistry we wanted to provide you with some easy tips for safely whitening your teeth at home.
While the goal is obviously to whiten the teeth, it is very important that the path taken toward whiter teeth is a safe one. A hasty or uninformed approach to tooth whitening can damage the structure of the teeth permanently and irreversibly, and destroy enamel, leading to unprotected and off-colored teeth. The first thing to know is that while teeth whitening can be done at home, it is best to consult with our dentist first to inspect the specific state of your dental health. After all, no two mouths are the same! Given the shape of your teeth, you may be recommended a custom whitening tray or other specifications to most effectively whiten your teeth.
Once our dentist has given you the go ahead to whiten your teeth at home, the next step is acquiring the best products for safe and effective teeth whitening. While whitening toothpaste and strips are able to be bought in the store, it’s important to heed our dentist’s advice on when, if ever, they are the optimal route for whiter teeth. Overuse of these often-harsh products can damage enamel and wear teeth away. Here are some helpful tips to know how to get your teeth whiter while keeping them healthy, all in the comfort of your home!
Stick with ADA-recommended products.
There are myriad products out there all claiming to get your teeth pearly white in record-setting fashion and several holistic methods that carry with them some question marks. Any ADA-certified product will be branded as such, so just take a peak at the box when you’re picking up your new tooth whitener!
Know when enough is enough.
Like anything in life, it’s important to embrace moderation in the process of teeth whitening. Nothing is instant or permanent in this process so taking a mindful approach is crucial to its success. Over-whitening your teeth can lead to corrosion of enamel, damaging the gums, discoloration and more. At its worst, the damage can be irreversible. More reason to consult with Dr. Barsoun before whitening your teeth at home.
Remember the fundamentals!
It goes without saying that teeth whitening will help take a smile to its aesthetic heights, but that doesn’t matter if the space between teeth and gums isn’t treated with care too. Whitening the teeth is no substitute for thorough brushing and flossing.
If you have any questions at all please feel free to call our offices at (212) 533-6782 at any time. Our skilled dentist, Dr. Caroline Barsoum and our team can get you on your way to whiter, healthier teeth!