How to Maintain a White Smile

You know smiling can improve one’s appearance, but did you know that smiling is also good for your health?

Research has shown that smiling releases endorphins and serotonin—chemicals that reduce pain, enhance mood and relax your body. This can lead to lower levels of stress and an improved immune system. Sadly, many people fail to reap the benefits of smiling because they are ashamed of their smiles.

There are various reasons one might be hesitant to show their smile, including discoloration of the teeth.

What causes tooth discoloration

Several factors can contribute to tooth discoloration, including:

• Biological factors. Biological factors such as the transparency of your teeth can affect their whiteness. Highly transparent teeth expose dentin more easily, which can cause them to appear discolored.
• Food and drink. Drinks like coffee, tea, cola, and wine, certain foods like blueberries, blackberries, and other brightly colored fruits, curried foods, soy sauce, and tomato-based sauces can stain your teeth.

  Tobacco use. If you smoke or chew tobacco, you may notice tooth discoloration.

• Oral care. Failure to practice proper oral hygiene can lead to discoloration of the teeth.
• Trauma or disease. Trauma or illnesses that affect enamel can lead to discoloration.
• Medical treatments. Antihistamines, antipsychotics, blood pressure medication, medication for diabetes, radiation treatment, and chemotherapy can discolor teeth.

How to whiten your teeth

If you are embarrassed about teeth that have become discoloured from consuming dark-colored foods and drinks, tobacco use, or years of daily wear and tear, and have tried at-home teeth whitening treatments to no avail, it might be time to consider professional teeth whitening.

There are two main categories of tooth discoloration: extrinsic stains and intrinsic stains. Extrinsic stains occur due to discoloration on the surface of the teeth, while intrinsic stains appear due to discoloration beneath the enamel. While do-it-yourself teeth whitening treatments can remove some extrinsic staining, intrinsic stains are difficult to remove. Professional teeth whitening can effectively target both extrinsic and intrinsic stains.

While professional teeth whitening can significantly brighten your smile, it is important to note that you cannot whiten teeth beyond their natural color.

Professional teeth whitening in Slidell

If you need professional teeth whitening and are searching for a dentist in Slidell, visit us at Fremaux Dental Care. At Fremaux Dental Care, we use the innovative Zoom! system to deliver flawless, bright white smiles in a single visit.

Zoom! teeth whitening is a treatment method that uses a special dose of active whitening gel and a low-intensity light. Zoom! works by penetrating deep below the surfaces of teeth to lift away stains. This treatment can brighten smiles up to ten shades in one session.

For your treatment, we will start by isolating your teeth using rubber guards to protect the soft tissue. We will then apply the unique teeth whitening gel and the light that accelerates the whitening response. After about 20 minutes, we will check your progress. Most patients see their desired results after two or three applications. Finally, we will apply a topical fluoride treatment to protect and strengthen the tooth enamel, helping you avoid dental sensitivity as a result of the treatment.

Following teeth whitening treatment, there are simple things you can do to avoid further staining of your teeth. Limit your intake of dark-colored foods and beverages and avoid smoking or chewing tobacco. Practice proper dental care by brushing and flossing, and schedule regular appointments with one of our Slidell dentists for check-ups and cleaning.

Are you ready to make a lasting impression with a beautiful, white smile? Give us a call today to schedule an appointment for professional teeth whitening.