Valentine’s Day isn’t just for admirers anymore. Whether you’re just a kid passing out Valentine’s Day cards to your friends in school or a parent looking to take your significant other out for a special evening, this holiday is a great way to show your appreciation this February! No matter who you spend this holiday with, we hope it will be all smiles, and with that in mind, why not consider teeth whitening in preparation for the big day?
There are lots of normal habits that can lead to discolored teeth: drinking coffee, tea, or wine, eating pigmented foods, and even some medications. If you struggle with stains or just want that extra confidence boost, contact your McAllen cosmetic dentists at Heroes Dental about your teeth whitening option today.
The Benefits of Teeth Whitening
While meeting up with your Valentine is sure to be a memorable one, smiling can be uncomfortable for those with discolored teeth. Teeth whitening, however, is a great way to boost your confidence and self-esteem! A teeth-whitening treatment can help you show your pearly whites with confidence and pride.
And, as if a confidence boost wasn’t enough, in-office and at-home teeth whitening products and techniques that contain hydrogen and/or carbamide peroxide can also help kill bacteria that could cause tooth decay and gum disease, which the latter may be a factor linked to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s to name a few.
Your Teeth Whitening Options
Teeth whitening treatments can be done either in-office or at-home. In-office treatments take just one visit of about 2 hours. After blocking your gums with shields to protect them, your cosmetic dentist will apply a professional-grade bleaching agent to your teeth for 15 minutes. The treatment can be repeated as needed before the final rinse.
At-home treatments may be more convenient, but they also take more time. At-home teeth whitening involves placing a special tray with the bleaching agent in it to your teeth for 30 minutes. This is repeated every day for about 2 weeks, so if you’re looking to have completed results by Valentine’s, an in-office treatment may be your best option.
However, other factors play into the decision of whether to whiten your teeth at-home or in-office. Scratched enamel, teeth sensitivity, and thin enamel should all be considered when making this choice. Talk with your dentist to find out which choice is best for your needs.
How to Keep Your Teeth Bright this Valentine’s Day
So it’s Valentine’s Day, and your teeth are freshly whitened. Now, how do you keep them white throughout the day? There are lots of Valentine’s treats that can stain your teeth, but we have some simple suggestions to keep your teeth fresh:
- Get your dairy in – The calcium in dairy products like milk, yogurt, and cheese can help keep your teeth strong.
- Stick to raw strawberries – Chocolate covered strawberries can be high in sugar, but raw strawberries have a natural teeth-whitening agent called malic acid that removes discoloration.
- Stay Hydrated – Drinking water is good for every part of your health, and it can help keep your teeth clean! Water can combat the stains caused by colored food, coffee, and wine.
Brighten That Smile With Your McAllen Cosmetic Dentists at Heroes Dental
Teeth whitening can help remove stains, but regular dental habits are the best way to maintain good oral health. Seeing your dentist frequently can take care of oral concerns before they become problematic, and keeping up with your dental appointments can help you save money in the long run by stopping issues in their tracks.