Teeth whitening options are everywhere — maybe you’ve even tried a few. From overnight trays to carefully painting each tooth with a whitening gel and waiting for it to work, we’re not surprised to find many patients are frustrated with the whitening tools they try to find at the store.
The truth is that over time your teeth become less white and the enamel — the outer covering of your teeth — starts to wear away. It can even happen to even the most diligent brushers.
We get asked all the time after a patient gets professional teeth whitening: How can I keep them white long-term?
Norge Dental Center provides professional teeth whitening services and tips to help you keep your smile bright between visits.
Here are 5 things every single person can do to keep their teeth whiter, no matter how you got them white in the first place:
Whether it’s a glass of red wine or a daily cup of coffee (okay, or two), these dark, acidic drinks take their toll on our teeth over the years. Give your mouth a quick swish with water to help prevent staining.
It sounds backwards, but brushing right after orange juice, wine, coffee, or tea can actually brush away enamel that's been temporarily softened by the acid — leaving your teeth more vulnerable to stains and damage. Give your enamel time to re-harden first.
This will limit direct contact with your teeth. Bonus: reusable or paper straws protect your teeth and the environment.
It's an easy way to freshen breath without adding more damage to your teeth. Sugar increases plaque buildup, which can lead to decay and cavities — sugarless gum helps you skip the extra plaque while boosting saliva, which washes away harmful acids from food..
Yes, DAILY - not just a week before your appointment at our office. Removing plaque and food between your teeth can help reduce staining and future cavities.
Many of these tips are ones you have probably heard in passing or picked up from a friend, but be careful following every tip you come across. Once enamel is lost, it can’t come back. There are plenty of trends like charcoal rubs, rinsing with coconut oil, or an increased fruit intake that can end up harming your enamel instead of strengthening it.
For whitening at home, you can consider stain removal toothpastes and whitening strips. Just keep in mind: these over-the-counter solutions often can't get you all the way to the bright, even smile you're after. Professional-grade whitening at a dentist's office involves trays of whitening solution that are stronger than anything sold over-the-counter, and your dentist can customize the treatment based on your dental history for the best possible results.
When it's time to go beyond at-home strips and toothpaste, patients trust Norge Dental Center for professional-grade results. We've been named Best Cosmetic Dentist by Coastal Virginia Magazine's Readers' Choice awards for multiple years in a row. Our whitening treatments are customized to your dental history and goals, using solutions far stronger than anything available over the counter, so you get a brighter, more even smile without guesswork. And once you've achieved the smile you want, the everyday habits above will help you keep it that way. Schedule a whitening consultation to see what professional whitening can do for you.
If you are considering at-home whitening, it’s best to make an appointment with your dentist first. They can help guide you through the process and help find the best solution for you.
Dentist-supervised cleanings are the safest option for both you and your enamel, and while you’re in the office, we can also discuss professional-grade whitening.
Contact Norge Dental Center today to schedule your whitening consultation.
We hear some version of this pretty regularly at Norge Dental Center. A patient gets settled in the chair and, before we’ve even had a chance to take a look, says, “I’m sorry, I know my teeth are a mess,” or, “Please don’t judge me, I haven’t been to the dentist in years.”Sometimes they laugh when they say it, but we can usually tell they’re genuinely embarrassed. They may have put off making the appointment because of it, and by the time they finally come in, they’ve already imagined all the things we might say about their teeth.Here’s what we wish those patients knew before they ever walked through our doors: you don’t need to apologize to us.
Read MoreIt’s hard to believe it’s already back to school time! Backpacks are packed, lunches are being made, and families are getting back into their school year routines.We know how busy this time of year can be. Between school, homework, sports, activities, and everything else on the calendar, dental care may not always be at the top of the list.At Norge Dental Center, we want to help make keeping your family’s smiles healthy a little easier. Here are a few simple dental tips to keep in mind as everyone heads back to school.
Read MoreBrush and floss regularly but still getting cavities? Learn about dry mouth, snacking, acidic drinks, genetics, grinding, and other hidden cavity risks.
Read MoreWhether you’re new to the Williamsburg area, or new to the Norge Dental family… we welcome you to a new dental experience. We are so thankful you are here.
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