You likely have a few questions if you're considering getting your teeth cleaned and whitened. From what the process looks like to what results you can expect, there's a lot to know about cleaning and whitening your pearly whites. This article aims to answer all of your questions so that you can take the first step towards achieving a brighter smile.

The Process of Cleaning Teeth

Cleaning teeth is an integral part of maintaining healthy oral hygiene. During a dental cleaning appointment, your dentist or hygienist will use special tools to gently remove tartar and plaque from above and below the gum line. They may also polish your teeth with a gritty paste in order to remove any surface stains or discolouration.

Teeth Whitening Options

Teeth whitening is one way to enhance the look of your smile by removing deep-set stains from the enamel on your teeth. Depending on how severe the staining is, there are several options for whitening available.

Over-the-counter kits use bleaching agents such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide that help break down stains on the surface of your teeth. Professional-grade treatments are more powerful than over-the-counter kits, but they must be administered by a dental professional in order to minimize potential risks associated with improper usage. Professional treatments typically involve stronger bleaching agents, such as hydrogen peroxide gel, applied directly onto the teeth. These treatments often take less than an hour and can provide longer-lasting results with fewer side effects than over-the-counter kits.

Results and Maintenance Tips

The results of both professional cleanings and whitenings will vary based on factors such as age, lifestyle habits, genetics, diet, etc., but a lot of people experience dramatic improvements in their smiles. To maintain these results at home, it's important to brush your teeth using fluoride toothpaste, floss regularly to remove plaque buildup, avoid foods or drinks that are known for staining teeth such as coffee, tea, and red wine, and visit your dentist for regular checkups.

Conclusion

From cleaning and polishing your teeth for fresher breath and improved oral health to professional whitening treatments that remove deep-set stains from enamel surfaces, your dentist has many options available when it comes to improving your smile's appearance. Now, you're ready to take that first step towards achieving brighter pearly whites and maintaining a much brighter smile.

Contact a local dentist today for further advice and information about this topic.