The secret to whiter teeth | Grande Prairie Dentist

If you’ve been brushing and flossing twice a day and visiting your Grande Prairie dentist every six months for an exam and cleaning, but your teeth still lack that bright, white shine- we have some tips for you!

First of all, it’s important to know that teeth are naturally an off- white color. Pictures of celebrities with blindingly white, perfectly aligned teeth are often digitally enhanced, or perhaps the model has had a professional whitening or veneers. If your teeth are less than the whitest shade of white, take heart. A little staining is normal. As long as you have a good oral hygiene routine and are maintaining regular dental visits your teeth and gums should be healthy. However, if you want to lighten your smile a few shades, there are some things you can do.

For starters, eliminating or cutting back on staining foods and beverages is a good first step. Coffee, red wine and orange juice can all stain your enamel, which will dull your smile overtime. If you can’t give up these drinks completely, try using a straw, which will limit the amount of contact the liquid has with your teeth. Also, avoid tobacco products, as nicotine can discolor teeth.

Over the counter whitening products can help lighten teeth to a certain extent. Strips, trays and whitening toothpastes can help remove surface stains. However, avoid the temptation to buy into “trendy” whitening products that contain ingredients like charcoal or clay. These aren’t proven to be effective and may even damage your enamel. Ensure that any oral care product you purchase is backed by the Canadian or American Dental Association.

If you have deep staining a professional teeth whitening in Grande Prairie may be your best bet. Our in-office whitening treatment is non-invasive and effective and involves placing a gel on your teeth  for 15 minutes. Professional whitening treatments yield much better results than over the counter whitening products. If your teeth are chipped, broken, or if too much of the enamel is worn away your Grande Prairie dentist may suggest veneers to restore the appearance of your teeth. Please contact our Grande Prairie Dental office for more information on teeth whitening options.