Southampton Dentist's Blog

As we go through life, very few of us eat plain white food and drink clear liquids, meaning most of us have stained teeth to a greater or lesser degree. In fact you'd be amazed what a difference teeth whitening can make if you have never considered it. So if you're not happy with your smile, this short article will give you a few guidelines on having your teeth whitened and having a brilliant smile.

In today's modern diet, there are any number of foods and drinks we consume that color our teeth, such as coffee, tea, red wine, colas, meat, different colored foods as well as tobacco products and even some medications we are prescribed.

In fact the truth is, according to many Southampton dentists these not only stain our teeth but can also give rise to possible health issues. For example, tartar build-up on your teeth can lead to discoloration as well as erosion of the enamel. Tartar can also adversely affect the gums, so it's very important to combat it. Of course, daily brushing does help but it can't help with teeth whitening or getting rid of any discoloration that you have and therefore the only option open to you is to look at having your teeth whitened professionally. There are over-the-counter teeth whitening products but they really don't produce any sustainable results and won't bring you a lasting, bright smile.

So how should you go about choosing where to have your teeth whitened? Actually, the the first port of call is of course your own local Southampton dentist. However, if they don't offer such a service, perhaps they can recommend a colleague they might know. Alternatively, you can talk to friends who have had teeth whitening carried out and may be able to make a recommendation.

When you find a dentist who does teeth whitening, don't necessarily choose the first one though. Ideally, you should first ask him or her some questions to be sure that your teeth are safe in their hands. For example, how often do they perform teeth whitening? Ask them too for some testimonials from people who have gone through the process and whom you can contact. Of course, you will also want to compare rates because these can vary tremendously.

There are also different teeth whitening techniques to consider. For example, it is possible nowadays to have laser teeth whitening done. In fact, it's only one visit with some home treatments you can do yourself later on. Alternatively, there is the bleaching method which requires several visits but is more widely available and has been in use for a longer time.

Whichever method you chose, you should be aware that there will probably some sensitivity issues and you should consult with either your local dentist in Southampton or the dentist performing the procedure before you have the treatment about these issues and any implications.

People say that first impressions count and it really is true and a bright, white smile is one of those things that subconsciously creates a great first impression. Isn't it time you considered teeth whitening?