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Want Pearly Whites? Here Are Your Options

Want Pearly Whites? Here Are Your Options

Ever felt tempted by that bright Hollywood smile? Trust us; you are not alone. Achieving a bright pearly smile is not easy. Maintaining the colour of your teeth is difficult, but you can achieve it via appropriate measures. 

Here are three ways you can try to get whiter teeth.  

Whitening Toothpaste 

Truth be told, toothpaste doesn't do wonders. Yet it is one of the most accessible and convenient methods to get whiter teeth. Toothpaste contains an abrasive material to remove the stains from the surface of the teeth. While it can reach only the surface of the teeth, it doesn't work for stains present in the inner structure of teeth. 

The types of whitening toothpaste vary in the result. A bleaching agent in the toothpaste can help with discolouration but increases sensitivity. Charcoal and baking soda are two ingredients that help boost the effects of whitening. Many kinds of toothpaste have a two-step cleaning system, including deep cleaning and whitening. 

Over The Counter 

Over the counter products are a cheap and convenient way to get pearly whites without visiting the dentist. These products contain carbamide peroxide - a water-based solution that breaks down into urea and hydrogen peroxide. The product takes 2-4 weeks to work efficiently. However, sensitivity and gum irritation are two side effects that need to be monitored. 

Over-the-counter whitening strips are another quick way to get whiter teeth. However, one drawback is that they fail to reach the posterior teeth and usually only whiten the front six teeth. 

Professional Bleaching 

In-office bleaching is the most efficient way of whitening teeth. If you are looking for a way to get the best results, an in-office session would be your best bet. The results are immediate and last longer than the two methods discussed. 

In-office bleaching targets the tooth's inner and outer structure, giving more efficient results. The chances of side effects with in-office bleaching are also minimised since the dentist take measures to protect the gums from the bleach. 

If you plan to opt for an over the counter kit, make sure to follow the instructions and guidelines provided on the kit for a safe procedure. 

Dr Rida Qamar

The author is contributing writer at Dental News Pakistan and can be reached at Ridaqamar100@gmail.com