
Teeth Whitening at Home: The Do’s and Don’ts from Your Lincoln Family Dentist
Teeth Whitening At Home: What You Should Know
The do’s and don’ts of at-home teeth whitening can vary. Some of the most common recommendations, however, are to avoid sugary and acidic foods, avoid consuming foods and drinks that stain teeth, be sure to practice good oral hygiene at home before and after whitening, and check the labels of over-the-counter teeth whitening products.
There is no question people want a whiter smile. The unfortunate thing is that it can be pricey to have professional teeth whitening or cosmetic dentistry done. Luckily however, there are other ways to get that impressive white shine on our teeth without considerable expense.
To get that instant Hollywood shine; visiting the dentist to whiten your teeth is the way to go. But not everybody’s financial situation can accommodate that. So, the next option would be a home alternative or an over-the-counter teeth whitening product.
The stronger the peroxide solution, the faster the whitening?
Well, yes, the more peroxide the faster the whitening, but you’ll regret it. Peroxide will make your teeth sensitive. The more that’s applied, the more sensitive your teeth will be, which is no walk at the park. Besides being sensitive, if the peroxide touches the gums at all, they will start to get irritated and begin to burn. Unfortunately, that burning sensation is not just a slight tickle.
Another thing to take into account is that after the peroxide is done getting rid of the stains, it will make your teeth more susceptible to staining again up to 48 hours after treatment. So staying away from food products that gave you stains in the first place shouldn’t be consumed at that time; this means no marinara, coffee, or soda.
COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT TEETH WHITENING
We hope these frequently asked questions can help guide you when making the final decision about whitening your teeth. If you’re curious about something that you don’t see here, don’t hesitate to call our Lincoln dentists. One of our trained team members would honor the opportunity to help you.
Can you whiten your teeth at home?
Yes! There are many options for those who want to whiten their teeth at home. Most dental offices offer take-home whitening trays and gel that you can do in the comfort of your own home. Whitening strips can be purchased over-the-counter. However, those aren’t “custom fit,” so some of the gel could cause a slight chemical burn if allowed to sit on the gum tissue.
How often should you whiten your teeth at home?
The timeframe or duration between whitening highly depends upon each individual’s sensitivity level. If sensitivity is high, we recommend 1 – 2 times per week. If sensitivity is low, whitening can be done daily for a few weeks and then tapered off to once a week or even once per month.
In addition, you could check out some toothpaste and mouthwashes available at your local store. Some of them provide more peroxide than others. So, if you find the right one that works for you, you’ll start to see your teeth whiten in no time. But, don’t take flossing as something lightly. Flossing is just as important. If brushing, mouth washing, and flossing are a daily routine, healthier teeth equal a brighter smile.
How can I whiten my teeth in one day?
Whitening teeth in a day requires the professional help of a dental office. Whitening contains a higher percentage of gel or possibly the use of light to help increase the chances of whitening quickly.
Should I get take-home trays, whitening strips or paint on whiteners?
Using take-home whitening trays or whitening strips could be an excellent solution to bumping up that smile whiteness. They tend to use more peroxide than mouthwashes and toothpaste. If those both don’t seem to strike your fancy, paint on whitening could be a solution to stained teeth. All three of these whitening tricks are supposed to sit on your teeth for some time. Find out what’s more comfortable for you. Just know this technique will be slower than one-day teeth whitening at a dental office.
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Nebraska Family Dentistry Has 7 Convenient Locations

Northeast Lincoln Family Dentistry
402-890-8000

South Lincoln Family Dentistry
402-413-7700

Preserve Family Dentistry
402-413-7000

Lincoln Family Dentistry
402-467-1000

NorthStar Dental
402-742-0000

Coddington Dental
402-438-5555

SouthPointe Dental
402-423-3333


