How to Whiten Your Teeth for the Holidays

The holiday season is finally here, and what better way to prepare for the festivities than by ensuring your smile is as bright as everything around you? At Main Street Dental Smiles, we offer a safe and quick teeth whitening experience! You will be flashing a dazzling smile on your way out of our office. 

Why Do Teeth Get Stained and Discolored?

There are different reasons why your teeth may change in color. Some are unavoidable, like the natural aging process or an injury or illness. Other preventable causes of tooth discoloration include consuming dark-colored foods and drinks, smoking, and poor oral hygiene.  

There are two main kinds of tooth discoloration: extrinsic and intrinsic. 

• Extrinsic discoloration: This type of staining affects the outer layer of your teeth, called the enamel. Certain dark foods and drinks, such as coffee, berries, and red wine, can cause your teeth to become discolored on the surface.
• Intrinsic discoloration: This type of discoloration affects the underlying dental layer. Intrinsic discoloration may develop due to dental injuries, trauma, and taking certain medications.

How Does Teeth Whitening Work?

At Main Street Dental Smiles, we offer in-office and at-home whitening treatments. In-office whitening, or chairside bleaching, is the fastest way to transform your smile. It involves applying hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide gel to your tooth surfaces. The bleaching agent penetrates your tooth enamel and breaks down stain molecules, leaving your smile several shades whiter and brighter in just one short office visit. 

If you would rather whiten your teeth at home, we can provide custom trays and professional-grade whitening gel. You will place some gel in your whitening trays and wear them for several hours for a week or two, depending on the extent of discoloration. At-home professional whitening will safely and effectively brighten your smile. 

Are You a Candidate for Teeth Whitening?

Teeth whitening is ideal for most teeth stains, especially dull or yellowish teeth resulting from consuming dark-colored foods or using tobacco products. It is not effective for treating discoloration resulting from trauma, excessive exposure to fluoride in childhood, or the use of medications like tetracycline. Whitening works only on natural teeth, so it will not lift stains off restorations like tooth-colored fillings, crowns, or dentures. 

If teeth whitening is not an option for your unique needs, Dr. Schilling may recommend one of our other cosmetic dentistry procedures, such as porcelain veneers or cosmetic bonding. 

Maintaining a White, Bright Smile

After achieving a bright holiday smile, there are things you can do to prevent new staining, including the following:

• Maintain good oral hygiene, which includes regular brushing and flossing.
• Limit dark-colored foods and drinks, like coffee, red wine, or berries.
• Drink plenty of water to flush away bacteria and food debris.
• Avoid smoking or using tobacco products.
• Eat plenty of crunchy fruits and vegetables, which naturally remove plaque and food debris.
• Keep up with routine dental cleanings to remove new surface stains before they set in.

Teeth Whitening Near Me in Whitesboro, TX

Visit Main Street Dental Smiles to achieve your brightest smile in time for the holiday festivities. Dr. Schilling will recommend the ideal teeth whitening solution based on your unique needs and preferences. We look forward to helping you enjoy a healthy, beautiful smile this holiday season and all year long! We invite you to call 903-564-3451 to schedule your appointment or book one online today!