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Your smile is likely the first thing people notice about you. You use it to greet friends, calm your children, and ease tension during uncomfortable situations. However, when your previously bright and white smile becomes dark, it can cause you to want to hide your smile. Dr. Richard Blackburn of Los Alamitos, CA, has helped countless patients improve their smile with Zoom laser teeth whitening services. He understands that patients want fast and effective treatment and provides it in a gentle and caring environment.
Why teeth become dark
There are several reasons why your teeth can become discolored. Perhaps the most obvious is for those patients who enjoy dark beverages such as coffee, tea, or red wine. These items leave dark particles behind, which can stain the enamel of the teeth. Smoking and smokeless tobacco are both other common factors that can stain the teeth. Additionally, age, genetics, and certain medications can cause teeth to lose their sparkle.
Choosing professional whitening treatment
A short stroll through the toothpaste aisle of your local drugstore will find no shortage of strips, gels, and kinds of toothpaste promising to whiten your teeth. Unfortunately, these products often leave patients disappointed with the results or even experiencing tooth sensitivity as a result. By working with your dentist, patients can use professional-grade products under the watchful eye of a trained and experienced professional to safely achieve the smile they want and deserve.
The Zoom Whitening Procedure
Dr. Blackburn uses Zoom whitening to help his patients achieve a brighter smile. This procedure involves using a professional-grade gel that is carefully applied to your teeth. The dental team will protect your gums and oral tissue to minimize the risk of gum damage or tooth sensitivity. Once the gel is applied to the teeth, it will be activated by a laser light device. In just one single treatment, patients can lighten their teeth up to eight shades.
Caring for your smile after the procedure
Once you have achieved the smile you want, it is important to protect your teeth and prevent future discoloration. Dr. Blackburn offers the following tips:
- Avoid eating or drinking items that can stain your teeth. If you cannot eliminate coffee and dark beverages from your diet, try drinking them with a straw so that the dark liquid does not touch the front of your teeth.
- Brush your teeth after you eat or drink foods or beverages that are likely to stain. If that is impossible, rinse your mouth with mouthwash or water to remove lingering particles.
- Brush twice a day and floss at least once. Whitening toothpaste can be used once or twice each week, but regular toothpaste should be used for the rest of the time.
- Give up smoking or chewing tobacco. Not only are these products bad for your health, but they are also harmful to your smile as well as the nicotine can cause yellowing and discoloration.
- Keep a regular schedule of checkups with your dentist. In addition to checking for trouble spots and talking to you about your dental health care, your visit will include a professional cleaning to remove plaque and clean areas that regular brushing and flossing can’t reach.
For more information about teeth whitening call Volterra Dental at (562) 501-3188.