Info Bites for Healthy Smiles

Did you know?

Brushing your teeth properly\ has so many benefits, including a sparkling smile, stronger teeth, less toothaches and even decreasing the risk of heart disease. Most people do not brush their teeth for long enough. At least 2 minutes twice a day is needed to get rid of the plaque, and flossing once a day. Brushing for 2 minutes removes 26% more plaque than brushing for 45 seconds, so grab a timer and start brushing longer!

Any Tips For Whitening Teeth?

Always check with your dentist first and have a professional dental cleaning before whitening your teeth (otherwise you are just whitening the plaque on your teeth!) Whitening toothpastes use chemicals and abrasives to break up surface stains, but they do not remove deeper stains. They may take up to 6 weeks to whiten teeth. Whitening strips allow the bleach to be in contact with the tooth for a prolonged period of time, and are generally more effective than pastes. Dentist-managed whitening involves more concentrated peroxide formulas and a custom fit. However, they can be more expensive. Avoid “staining” foods whilst whitening your teeth (green tea, coffee, red wine, blueberries, strawberries etc.)

Is It Safe To Whiten My Teeth?

There is no evidence that whitening your teeth damages the tooth enamel or nerve. However, we do not recommend whitening teeth during pregnancy until more studies are available.

Are There Any Side Effects?

Your teeth may become more sensitive during whitening. Generally, the quicker the onset of whitening, the worse the sensitivity becomes. Using a toothpaste for sensitive teeth for a few days before and during treatment can help combat sensitivity. Also try choosing a more gentle whitening product that works over a longer period of time, rather than the fast acting formulas. Using a fluoride rinse can also strengthen the teeth and make them less sensitive during whitening.