Start the New Year with Whiter Teeth

How Flossing Can Whiten Your Teeth

Whitening floss is one the many options now available to you when choosing a dental floss.

This is because floss brands are looking to capitalize on the increasing popularity of tooth-whitening products, which also include whitening toothpastes and whitening mouthwash.

Whitening floss doesn't actually bleach the teeth. Instead, it makes your teeth look whiter by doing a better job of removing the particles between them, similar to the way that vacuuming or dusting rugs or furniture doesn't actually change their color, but the colors look brighter when you remove the dust and dirt.

Some types of whitening floss are coated with microscopic abrasive silica particles. Others are treated with compounds such as calcium peroxide that can help dissolve some of the excess proteins that saliva deposits on the teeth that can cause discoloration. But the main way that floss improves the appearance of the teeth is by removing food particles and bacterial plaque to keep your gums healthy. Your teeth will look brighter and healthier if you maintain healthy gums, which you can do by flossing daily with whitening floss or any other type of floss that you like.

Keep in mind that whitening floss, whitening mouthwash, and whitening toothpaste can only provide modest changes in tooth color. If you have severely stained teeth, tooth-colored crowns, or implants, you may require special attention to make them whiter. In that case, talk to your dentist.

Want a new white smile for the New Year come see Dr. Alina Bergan DDS.

Tooth whitening (or bleaching) is a simple, non-invasive dental treatment used to change the color of natural tooth enamel and is an ideal way to enhance the beauty of your smile.
Because having whiter teeth has now become the number one aesthetic concern of most patients, there are a number of ways to whiten teeth.  The most popular method is using a home tooth whitening system that will whiten teeth dramatically.  Since tooth whitening only works on natural tooth enamel, it is important to evaluate replacement of any old fillings, crowns, etc.  Replacement of any restorations will be done after bleaching so they will match the newly bleached teeth.
Tooth whitening is not permanent.  A touch-up maybe needed every several years, and more often if you smoke, drink coffee, tea, or wine.

Reasons for tooth whitening:

·         Fluorosis (excessive fluoridation during tooth development).

·         Normal wear of outer tooth layer.

·         Stained teeth due to medications (tetracycline, etc.).

·         Yellow, brown stained teeth.

What does tooth whitening involve?

This type of tooth whitening usually requires two visits.  At the first appointment, impressions (molds) will be made of your teeth to fabricate custom, clear plastic, trays.

At your second appointment, you will try on the trays for proper fit, and adjustments will be made if necessary.  The trays are worn with special whitening solution either twice a day for 30 minutes or overnight for a couple of weeks depending on the degree of staining and desired level of whitening.  It is normal to experience tooth sensitivity during the time you are whitening your teeth, but it will subside shortly after you have stopped bleaching.

You will receive care instructions for your teeth and trays, and be encouraged to visit your dentist regularly to help maintain a beautiful, healthy, white smile.

Call us to schedule your teeth whitening appointment call Dr. Alina Bergan D.D.S., today at (800) 223-0801