No matter how hard you try, your teeth will begin to turn yellow and grey as you age. This is all part of the ageing process as well as diet or habit related. If you are a smoker or have tea, coffee, red wine etc you may find your teeth discolour even quicker.
Good oral hygiene helps. But when you’re looking to make your smile shine, there’s tooth whitening—available at Battersea Smiles!
If you’re looking to make your teeth shine again, there are a few treatment options available. Whitening toothpaste and the like can be good for treating extrinsic surface stains. But for more stubborn intrinsic deeper stains, a whitening agent needs to be administered and prescribed by a professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does whitening work?
Whitening agents—such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide—work by penetrating through the enamel to get to the discoloured molecules. The oxygen from the agent reacts with the discoloured molecules, breaking them down.
The darkening of your teeth is a natural process that occurs as you age. Good oral hygiene will help slow the effects, but it can’t be totally avoided. Food and drink with strong colourings—red wine, coffee, tea—speed up the staining process. Smoking is also a major cause.
Why whitening?
- Whitens your teeth for a brilliant youthful smile
- Does not require any enamel to be removed
- The procedure is safe and gentle
Teeth whitening is a common procedure here at Battersea Smiles. Whether you’re off to a special occasion, or just want to improve your smile—give us a call and arrange for your teeth whitening appointment!
What does home whitening involve?
If your dentist determines that you are suitable for this treatment, you may have the option to whiten your teeth at home or use the famous Enlighten treatment in surgery. This process is supervised by your dentist.
How long will my teeth stay whiter?
Depending on lifestyle, teeth whitening treatments can keep your teeth looking sharp for many years. To maximise the success of your treatment, minimise your consumption of tea, coffee, red wine, or cigarettes. The results are likely to vary from person to person, so consult your dentist if you’re unsure.
What are the side effects?
Thankfully, the side effects of teeth whitening treatments are relatively minor. Common side effects are sensitivity to cold, and discomfort in the gums. We demonstrate and guide you through the usage to minimise these side effects so this is rare.
How can I look after my teeth once they have been whitened?
Standard oral hygiene applies. To be specific, we suggest you do the following:
- Brush twice per day—use a fluoride toothpaste
- Consume less sugary food
- Go for routine check-ups at your dentist, typically every 6 months but as often as recommended
It’s also important to avoid food and drink that stains teeth: red wine, coffee, tea, and cigarettes.
Interested in booking a hygiene appointment?