Tips and Tricks for Keeping Your Pearly Whites Intact

A beautiful smile begins with you taking care of your health.! 

Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you; Alpha Dental wants to ensure it looks its best. Having white teeth is a great start, but if you want to keep them looking sparkling for years to come, there are a few things you need to do. Just like you would avoid driving through muddy puddles after washing your car, you need to be mindful of how you treat your teeth – if you want them to remain pearly white. So, if you’d like to learn how to keep teeth white, follow Alpha Dental’s helpful tips to keep those pearly white intact.  

What causes teeth to stain?  

Tooth discolouration is a common problem that occurs when the colour of your teeth starts to change. Your teeth may become two or three shades darker, yellow, or develop white spots in places. There are many causes of tooth discolouration. It following may be:  

• Drinking tea, coffee, wine, or cola regularly  
• Smoking cigarettes or chewing tobacco  
• Excessive fluoride intake during childhood  
• Damage to developing permanent teeth from an accident or trauma  
• Ageing, as the enamel gets thinner with age and exposes the yellow dentin below  
• Certain medical treatments  

 How to remove the stains which you already have?   

If you’re worried about stains, relax! You can remove teeth extrinsic stains in the comfort of your own home with whitening toothpaste or by brushing with baking soda twice a month. You can also try whitening pens – they’re perfect for busy bees on the go who need a quick and easy solution that won’t leave them with a messy cleanup. So don’t be afraid to flash your winning smile. Removing unsightly teeth stains at home or the dental office has never been easier! Talk to Alpha Dental about what option is best for you and regain confidence in your smile in no time.  

Signs of bad oral health  

Did you know that taking care of your teeth can prevent more than cavities and gum disease? It’s true! But, sometimes, it’s hard to tell if your oral hygiene is in good condition.   

To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of common warning signs of unhealthy teeth and gums. Now you can keep an eye out for these things, and be sure to visit the dentist if you see them starting to pop up!  

• Plaque Buildup: When it comes to plaque buildup, we often brush it off as something that’s not a big deal. But the reality is that plaque buildup indicates that our oral hygiene needs some improvement. A few things can contribute to plaque buildup, like poor brushing technique, using an old toothbrush, or even eating too many sugary snacks. If you start noticing plaque buildup, try changing your oral hygiene routine until you see an improvement, or you can visit your dentist for teeth whitening.
• Cavities: Although getting a clear view of your overall mouth can be tricky, it’s important to keep an eye out for any dark spots on your teeth, as these could be cavities. Cavities are caused by oral bacteria and a diet high in sugar and starch, which are exacerbated by poor oral hygiene. If you think you might have a cavity, contact your dentist right away. 
• Persistent Bad Breath: We all want our breath to be minty-fresh. But sometimes, no matter how often we brush our teeth or use mouthwash, bad breath won’t go away. This can be caused by poor oral hygiene, tooth decay, gum disease, or gingivitis. However, sometimes bad breath can also be a sign of a bigger issue beyond our oral health – like problems with our digestive system. So, if you’re struggling with persistent bad breath, it’s important to contact your dentist for a solution. 
• Swollen Or Bleeding Gums: One of the most common signs of an oral health problem is irritating gums. Remember, healthy gums are light pink and do not bleed easily. However, if your gums are red, inflamed or bleeding for no reason or when brushing your teeth, this could be a sign of severe oral health issues, including gingivitis. Gingivitis is a common cause of swollen or bleeding gums, but it is relatively easy to cure if caught in its early stages. However, if left untreated, it can develop into gum disease, which can be harder to treat and harm your overall oral health. But, it’s always a good idea to get your dental checkup done once these symptoms start, so the dentist can identify them.  
• Darkening Tooth/Teeth: As you age, it’s normal for your teeth to gradually lose their bright white colour. Every time you take a sip of coffee, tea, red wine or any other dark-coloured drink, the pigments in these items can stick to your teeth and cause discolouration. If your teeth are only slightly discoloured, this may not be a cause for concern. However, if you notice a single tooth darkening or changing colour, this could indicate a problem. 
• Sensitivity: Do you experience tooth sensitivity to hot or cold foods or drinks? If yes, you may be suffering from sensitive teeth. This can be caused by several dental problems, including: 
• Cavities  
• Cracked teeth  
• Worn fillings  
• Thin tooth enamel 
• Exposed tooth root  
• Gum disease 

See your dentist for a diagnosis if you’re unsure what’s causing your sensitive teeth. 

Looking for a Professional Teeth Whitening Treatment?  

Are you looking for ways to achieve a brighter smile? Alpha Dental is here to help you achieve the desired smile in a relaxed environment so you can relax and feel confident that you are getting the best treatment. We recommend a professional in-chair whitening session followed by a professional take-home whitening kit to achieve the best results for whiter teeth.   

Let’s look at a professional tooth whitening treatment followed by a home whitening kit under expert guidance.  

A whitening treatment at Alpha Dental clinic Perth is usually completed quickly and efficiently in one visit. Before the procedure, we will examine your teeth to ensure they are in good condition and healthy. A gel protects the gums, and a hydrogen peroxide solution is applied to the teeth. After that, the teeth are exposed to a special bright light, which causes oxygen to be released. This procedure will remove any stains from the surface of the teeth and significantly whiten the dentine. 

The same procedure is followed in laser whitening, but instead of using light to activate the oxygen in the compound, a laser is used instead, which offers more precision.  

Our experts are likely to provide a custom home whitening kit – resembling a thin mouthguard that you will need to fill with a whitening solution, as well as full instructions on how to use the kit correctly.   

You can also try over-the-counter home whitening kits available at your local drugstore – these can come in strips, gels, toothpaste, or whitening trays. Don’t forget to discuss the options to ensure that you choose the safest and most effective option that will work well on your teeth.  

Contact Alpha Dental for teeth whitening solutions

At Alpha Dental, we understand the importance of having a great smile. That’s why we offer the best professional teeth whitening treatment to patients across Western Australia. Our treatments are quick, affordable, and can completely revolutionise your smile!   

If you’re also interested in cosmetic dentistry Perth; we can help you understand the possible risks and costs involved so you can make an informed decision that’s right for you. We believe everyone deserves to have a bright, beautiful smile – and we’re here to help you achieve that goal!