Tooth whitening

Teeth appear discoloured for all kinds of reasons, with the biggest culprit being smoking – another reason to give up! Everyday things like tea, coffee, red wine and foods containing strong food colourings can also stain teeth. Feel free to ask our advice at your next appointment. If your teeth are temporarily stained by smoking for instance, cutting out cigarettes and using a whitening toothpaste could soon brighten up your teeth.

Whitening toothpastes, although they are mildly abrasive, can often help to remove surface staining. If you use them be sure to look out for brands that have been approved by the British Dental Health Foundation.

In addition, having your teeth regularly scaled and polished will improve the overall look of your teeth, by removing tartar that may have built up.

Alternatively, you can also buy over-the-counter tooth bleaching kits from many chemists, but we'd advise you to speak to your dentist before using one, as we may be able to suggest a more effective treatment.

If you'd like your teeth professionally whitened, we can arrange for that too. There are several treatments available. For instance, you can have a special mouth guard made specifically for your teeth, which is then filled with a whitening gel, and worn in the mouth for a few hours each day, until your teeth have lightened. Or you can have whitening gel 'painted' directly onto your teeth, which is then activated by pointing a bright light at your teeth, for up to two hours.

If you'd like to know more about these, or any other methods of tooth whitening, why not arrange for a consultation? We'd be very happy to help.