In our society today, many people are becoming more and more obsessed in whitening their teeth. Mass media shows people the importance of having white teeth because it could make you look more attractive.
You often see in the television ads, in billboard signage, print, and Internet ads the faces of celebrities who often flash out their wonderful and bright smiles which makes you think that you also want to be as attractive as them.
So what’s the importance of white teeth?
Whenever you talk to someone what do you notice first? The way they smile? How white are their teeth? That’s because nowadays, having white teeth doesn’t boost your esthetic appearance, but it also boosts your self-confidence and self-worth as well.
People with brighter smiles often leave a good lasting first impression, thus making them more noticeable during college interviews and eventually in job interviews as they progress in life. A set of whiter teeth also helps you attract a potential love interest and a life partner later in life.
What even is teeth whitening?
Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental procedure that lightens and removes stain or discoloration in your teeth. Sometimes people undergo this treatment just to for the sake of achieving brighter smiles like the ones worn by their favorite celebrities.
Why aren’t your teeth white anymore?
Normally, your teeth are milky white in color; however as you age, the enamel of your tooth wears out because of daily use. The enamel then becomes translucent and over time, your teeth become darker or appear to be yellowish in color.
There are other factors that affect the color of your teeth. Foods and beverages with high sugar and acidic content and staining properties such as tannins and polyphenols can discolor teeth with frequent use. Bad habits such as smoking and chewing tobacco can also stain your teeth.
Here’s how to whiten your teeth again:
Together with your dentist, you may want to discuss what kind of whitening procedure is best suited for you. Teeth whitening may be achieved through the use of over-the-counter teeth whitening products such as kinds of toothpaste, strips, gels, and even mouth rinses.
These products contain hydrogen peroxide to whiten the teeth. Your dentist may also prescribe you teeth whitening trays to whiten your teeth. The tray is a custom fit mouth guard where a concentrated whitening gel is placed and applied on the teeth.
The tray is left for a duration as instructed by your dentist. The duration depends on the extent of discoloration or how white you want your teeth to be. Another professionally assisted teeth whitening procedure is the in-office whitening. This procedure is done in clinics and often takes several visits to achieve the desired whitening results.
You and your dentist will have to decide how white you want your teeth to be. Normally, your dentist will prescribe you to have just a few shades lighter than your original teeth color so that it will still look natural. But if you want to have that brighter Hollywood smile, you can also tell him/her.
