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How Often Can I Get Professional Teeth Whitening?

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Thanks to professional teeth whitening services in Owensboro and Beaver Dam, KY, you may be able to enjoy having white, bright teeth whenever you want. Teeth whitening is popular because it’s a fast and easy way to upgrade your appearance and make you more confident in how your smile looks to others. White teeth are also a subtle sign to others that you are healthy and take care of yourself. But, like anything else, you don’t want to overdo it.

How Professional Teeth Whitening Works

To prepare your teeth for professional teeth whitening, the dental hygienist first pumices the surface of the teeth to remove plaque. Then a solution of hydrogen peroxide and other ingredients is applied to the teeth. The teeth are then exposed to a special light, which interacts with the chemicals in the solution to whiten your teeth. Finally, a fluoride rinse is applied to protect the teeth.

The Risks of Too Many Teeth Whitening Treatments

Your dentist will let you know if you are getting too many teeth whitening treatments within too short of a span of time. There are inherent risks associated with overdoing it, aside from the unnatural appearance that it may give you.

Each tooth is covered with a protective barrier called the enamel. This enamel is not impervious to chemicals and acidic ingredients. Undergoing too many whitening treatments can degrade the enamel, leaving teeth more vulnerable to bacterial decay. Furthermore, over-whitening can result in unexpected spots and discoloration.

When you come in to get a professional teeth whitening treatment, ask your Owensboro and Beaver Dam, KY, dentist when is the next time you should get your teeth whitened. As always, please contact us at any time with questions about this cosmetic dentistry procedure.

Does Charcoal Make Teeth Whiter?

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One of the latest trends in oral health is activated charcoal. Before using any trendy products on your teeth, be sure to consult with your dentist in Beaver Dam and Owensboro, KY. Despite what you may have heard online, trendy oral health care products may do more damage than good. Since the results of any oral healthcare product will depend on your individual circumstances, it’s best to talk to a dentist first.

The Allure of Whiter Teeth

Almost everyone wants whiter teeth. White teeth symbolize health and wellness and, quite simply, make a person’s appearance more attractive. This is why teeth whitening products are so popular, and is likely the reason why the idea of activated charcoal has gained in popularity.

Why Activated Charcoal Works

In fact, activated charcoal does work to brighten teeth. However, it’s not for the reasons you may think. Activated charcoal doesn’t contain some “magic” compound that makes teeth whiter. The whitening action comes from the micro-abrasive composition of the charcoal. When a person brushes with activated charcoal, they’re simply scrubbing away with more abrasion than comes from a simple toothpaste. You could get similar results from brushing with baking soda or salt, both of which also are mild abrasive.

The Dangers of Using Activated Charcoal

There are potential dangers in using activated charcoal on a regular basis. For one, the enamel on your teeth is not impervious to abrasives. It’s easier to scrub away important enamel when you’re using an abrasive substance like charcoal. This would leave your teeth more vulnerable to tooth pain and decay.

If you really want whiter teeth, your best option is to get professional teeth whitening from your dentist in Beaver Dam and Owensboro, KY. Contact us today to book an appointment.