Less-than-perfect teeth can be a source of shame and embarrassment for many people. Your smile is one of the first things others notice about you and has a real impact on how you are perceived by those you interact with, both personally and professionally. If your teeth are stained or yellowing, not to worry – if you live in the area, there are plenty of great teeth whitening treatments and solutions in St. Augustine.

Over the Counter At-Home Whitening Treatments

This type of treatment is generally most effective on extrinsic stains – meaning stains that are located on the surface of the teeth, usually from food or drinks like berries, red wine, and coffee. If stains are not deep in the tooth, a simple over the counter whitening treatment may brighten your smile by a few shades.

Natural Teeth-Whitening Remedies

If you have surface stains and prefer to avoid treatments whichinclude harsh chemicals that could lead to sensitivity, you may want to try a natural remedy for whitening teeth. Activated charcoal toothpaste is an option for not only whitening teeth butalso removing potentially harmful substances – it is said to be antiviral and antifungal, and many believe that it rids your mouth of harmful bacteria that can cause bad breath. Another natural option for whitening is applying a paste made of one tablespoon baking soda mixed with two tablespoons hydrogen peroxide directly on the teeth. This is a more concentrated version of the ingredients already present in many whitening toothpastes and products.

Professional At-Home Whitening Treatments

If you need a little more intensity in treatment but still want an at-home option, your dentist can provide professional at-home whitening treatments. These kits are generally less expensive than professional in-office treatments but have much more concentrated ingredients than a typical whitening treatment you could buy over the counter. Your dentist will make custom-fit trays from impressions of your teeth to ensure the treatment is applied thoroughly and properly. The full procedure is usually done on a daily basis over the course of two weeks.

Professional In-Office Whitening Treatments

If you struggle with intrinsic stains, meaning your teeth are stained or yellowed on a deeper level than the surface of the tooth, your dentist may recommend a professional in-office whitening treatment. Your teeth will be fully examined and cleaned prior to the treatment to ensure it is properly applied and there is no interference with its effectiveness. The whitening solution is then coated on the front of the teeth and may be activated by a UV light. The whole procedure usually takes about one hour and is highly effective. As the whitening treatment is done by professionals, there is more protection offered for your gumline and the assurance that the teeth will be free of plaque and examined for underlying problems that could be causing the staining before the treatment is applied.

With advancements in technology and treatments available, there’s no need to continue struggling with yellowing or stained teeth. Whether the staining is intrinsic or extrinsic, there is an option for you. If you are located in northeastern Florida and are looking for teeth whitening treatments and solutions in St. Augustine, call Dental Remedies today to discuss potential treatments with a caring dental professional.