Having a bright, white smile is something that many people strive for. Unfortunately, certain habits and foods can cause teeth to take on a yellow, brown, or gray hue. If you want to restore your smile to its youthful and healthy white color, teeth whitening treatments may be the answer. To maintain white teeth after professional treatment, it is important to use a toothpaste specifically designed for whitening and a mouthwash containing hydrogen peroxide. Regular use of fluoride is essential for dental health and is one of the most effective ways to prevent tooth decay.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children between 6 months and 16 years old receive a small amount of fluoride every day. Stacey Zirilli, a member of the Forbes D Health Advisory Council, suggests the ACT Kids fluoride decay rinse for children. This rinse has an easy-to-squeeze measuring cup so that children can dispense it themselves, giving them more control over their daily oral health routine. Whitening toothpaste usually has a lower concentration of whitening ingredients compared to other options for use at home and in the office, further restricting the effectiveness of the product. When you brush your teeth with a whitening toothpaste that contains peroxide, it can penetrate the enamel and break down the discoloration without softening or thinning your teeth.
Whitening mouthwash usually contains hydrogen peroxide which whitens due to its oxidizing properties. The best whitening mouthwash will include ingredients that don't just whiten your teeth, such as fluoride to strengthen enamel or cetylpyridinium chloride to kill bacteria that cause plaque and bad breath. If you're not comfortable with your smile and think your confidence would benefit from having a brighter, whiter smile, contact your local dental clinic to learn about their various teeth whitening procedures and options. According to the ADA, whitening toothpaste is primarily based on abrasives to help remove surface stains from teeth. This is so that the hydrogen peroxide used during the procedure has time to fully penetrate and whiten your teeth. To maintain white teeth after professional treatment, it is important to use a toothpaste specifically designed for whitening and a mouthwash containing hydrogen peroxide.
