Dentistry

Most people wish they had a brighter, whiter, and more appealing smile. And while teeth whitening treatments and teeth whitening products have certainly made getting a whiter smile much more attainable than in years past, many patients have asked us if there’s any difference between at-home and a professional in-office tooth whitening procedure at our office.

The answer? It depends, though professional teeth whitening solutions are more effective than using the at-home tooth whitening products you may have at your disposal. Even the most common of at-home methods out there—chewing gum, toothpastes, mints, tray systems and whitening strip systems—have a limited whitening ability. Toothpastes that claim to whiten will be more effective than chewing gums, but they won’t be nearly as effective as you’d imagine. While tray systems and whitening strips are the most effective at-home teeth whitening treatments out on the market, they are still not nearly as effective as getting your pearly whites even whiter at our office.

An in-office tooth whitening solution is more effective than at-home whitening due to the fact that the teeth whitening treatment we use in our office is professional grade and requires a dentist and a trained dental technician to be administered. We also use stronger bleaching agents that have been known to enhance a smile by several shades, and also make for dazzling smiles and happy patients.

If you would like more information about teeth whitening options, please give us a call to learn about treatments we offer, and which would be best for you. We look forward to meeting with you.

Myths about dentistry and general dental care abound. These myths are passed on by word of mouth and are presented as being factual; although they are typically inaccurate. There are dangers associated with dental misconceptions. By believing in these dental myths, you are placing your oral health at risk and you may not be receiving proper dental care. Find the answers behind many popular dental myths.

Myth: It is not important for young children to care for their baby teeth.

Fact: Although baby teeth are not permanent, long-term problems with permanent teeth can develop if baby teeth are not properly cared for. The malpositioning of permanent teeth, misalignment issues, and early orthodontic treatment are just a few of the concerns related to losing baby teeth too early as a result of tooth decay. It is crucial that children learn the basics of proper oral hygiene at an early age. Doing so will help them form permanent habits that are essential for oral health.

Myth: If you are not having problems with your teeth, seeing a dentist is not necessary.

Fact: Most dental issues are not evident in the early stages. It is only when they have progressed further that you start to notice there is a problem. In most cases, only a dentist can detect when there is a problem. Scheduling an appointment in our office twice a year for regular cleanings and exams is a vital component to your dental health. In this way, dental problems can be treated early before they become a serious concern and require a more advanced form of treatment.

Myth: You should avoid brushing and flossing if your gums are bleeding.

Fact: If your gums are bleeding, it is usually a warning sign of gum disease or gingivitis. You should continue to brush and floss your teeth gently during this time since poor oral hygiene is a primary cause of bleeding gums. If the bleeding worsens or continues to be a problem, contact our office to schedule an appointment.

Myth: Chewing sugar-free gum is a good substitute for brushing your teeth.

Fact: Although chewing sugar-free gum offers the benefits of freshening your breath and minor teeth cleaning between meals, it should not be considered a substitute for brushing and flossing. Dental plaque and food particles can only be thoroughly removed by brushing and flossing.

Myth: Cavities are only a concern when you are a child.

Fact: Cavities can develop at any age. There are many situations and conditions that place both adults and elders at risk for the development of cavities. As an adult, you are more prone to developing receding gums, which can quickly result in tooth decay. Many adults and elders also take prescription medications that cause dry mouth. This can cause tooth decay as there is an insufficient amount of saliva within the mouth to wash away bacteria and neutralize acids.

Myth: Once you treat a decayed tooth, it will not become decayed again.

Fact: It is possible for other areas of the tooth to become decayed; although proper brushing and flossing will prevent the treated area of the tooth from becoming decayed again. If a filling gets old and begins to break down, there is a possibility that bacteria can become trapped inside and cause tooth decay.