Whitening your teeth to improve your smile is a popular cosmetic treatment, but you should understand that it does have some limitations to consider. If products are used correctly or if you seek the professional help from a qualified dentist, you can usually achieve a bright and appealing smile. Here are some things to think about when it comes to teeth whitening.
Methods:
You should not expect over-the-counter methods to whiten your teeth more than a couple of shades. The whitening ingredients available in products at your drugstore are not as strong as those used at your dentist’s office. Consistent and correct use of over-the-counter options can help whiten your teeth, but it may not be as much as some patients hope will occur. On the other hand, professional methods can produce dramatic and quick improvements to the color of your teeth.
Habits:
Certain habits contribute to stains on your teeth and if you don’t limit or stop activities prone to discoloring teeth, your newly whitened teeth may become discolored again. Foods like berries and curry, drinks such as coffee and red wine, and habits like smoking will all likely negatively affect your tooth color.
Restorations:
Bridges, crowns, and laminates might not respond in the same way to whitening agents as your natural teeth do. Ask your dentist about how your restorations might react to teeth whitening.
Side effects:
Tooth sensitivity is the most common side effect of whitening procedures, causing some patients to be unable to handle some methods of treatment. Gum sensitivity is another potential problem, but usually dissipates soon after the whitening procedure. Weakening of a restoration may also occur during whitening treatment, sometimes making it necessary to replace them.
Expectations:
Teeth whitening must be occasionally repeated if you want your bright smile to remain for a lifetime. The effects do not last indefinitely, because aging and activities can stain your teeth. Excessive bleaching may damage your teeth though, so be sure to discuss your whitening treatment with your dentist.
Do not let another day go by without taking care of your dental needs. Request an appointment now at our Ottawa dental office!
Life is moving faster than ever, especially for families with multiple children. Parents often feel like chauffeurs, shuttling one child to band practice, another to piano lessons, and yet another to a doctor’s appointment. Now, there’s a solution to one of the more challenging tasks: visiting the dentist.
In the past, parents would visit one dentist while their children saw another. As children grew older and outgrew their pediatric dentist, they would have to form a new relationship with an entirely different dentist. For young people just starting to take responsibility for their own dental care, this often leads to inconsistent dental visits, which can result in poor oral hygiene and the onset of adult dental issues.
A family dentist eliminates this hassle by providing care for the entire family, from infants cutting their first teeth to seniors seeking options for aging teeth. This long-term relationship is invaluable because the family dentist has access to the patient’s dental history over many years, enabling them to make the most informed decisions about care.
Convenient family appointments:
With a family dentist, you can schedule appointments in blocks, allowing you to bring the whole family in for checkups and cleanings on the same day—sometimes even at the same time. This convenience saves time and ensures that every member of your family receives the dental care they need.
If you’re looking to save time while ensuring the best possible dental care for you and your family, consider seeking out a skilled family dentist. You won’t regret it!
Are dental issues holding you back? Take control of your oral health by booking an appointment with our experienced team at our Ottawa dental office.
There are a number of reasons people choose to get dental veneers, which are able to hide all kinds of tooth problems. These thin porcelain shells are bonded to the front surfaces of your teeth and can transform an embarrassing smile into one to fill you with pride. One of the most common reasons that many patients opt for veneers is to hide discolored teeth.
No matter what the cause for it, teeth can lose their bright white shine over time. It can be from consuming foods and drinks that tend to stain teeth, such as red wine, coffee, berries, sodas, and other culprits. Or it can be side effects from medications, including the antibiotic tetracycline which can cause severe tooth discoloration if taken during a child’s formative years. Poor oral hygiene can also contribute to yellowed teeth, as well as tobacco use. Aging in general tends to discolor teeth too.
If your teeth show the effects of staining or yellowing, and you’d like to get that healthy youthful glow back, porcelain veneers are a good option. They provide a unique advantage of never staining, so they look like new the entire time you have them. With proper care, your veneers should last for decades or even a lifetime. That means a bright, white smile that won’t deteriorate!
Another great benefit about veneers is that they provide an instant improvement to your smile. As soon as they are placed, your smile will be transformed. If you have concerns about what they will look like, many dentists are able to use computerized photo imaging technology to give you an accurate idea of what to expect. This may alleviate any hesitations about veneers being the right solution to hide your discolored teeth. Ask your dentist today about the possibility of getting veneers to improve your smile.
Take the first step towards optimal oral hygiene. Reserve your dental appointment at our Ottawa dental office now and experience personalized care.
Using mouthwash is an excellent addition to your daily oral care routine, but it’s important to remember that it doesn’t replace brushing and flossing. With the wide variety of mouthwash options available in the store, selecting the right one can feel overwhelming. Understanding the purpose of each type can help you make an informed decision.
Types of Mouthwash
- Antiseptic Mouthwash
This type is designed to kill germs and bacteria in your mouth. It’s effective in combating gum disease and persistent bad breath. However, antiseptic mouthwash can affect your sense of taste and may stain your teeth. It’s best to consult your dentist before using this type to determine if it’s suitable for your needs. - Fluoride Mouthwash
The most common type, fluoride mouthwash, strengthens tooth enamel and helps prevent tooth decay and cavities. It’s an excellent option for everyday use and is often recommended by dentists. - Cosmetic Mouthwash
If you’re looking to freshen your breath, cosmetic mouthwash is a good choice. While it helps rinse away food particles, it doesn’t provide protection against tooth decay or gum disease. Its primary benefit is improving the smell of your breath. - Combination Mouthwash
Some mouthwashes serve multiple purposes, such as preventing tooth decay, maintaining overall oral health, and freshening your breath. Combination mouthwash can be a convenient choice for comprehensive oral care. - Prescription Mouthwash
For patients with specific dental issues like gum disease or advanced tooth decay, a dentist may recommend prescription mouthwash. This type is specially formulated to address serious oral health problems and should be used under professional guidance.
If you’re in the cityName area and searching for a general dentist, contact us today to schedule an appointment. Let us help you maintain a healthy and confident smile!
Do not wait any longer. Book your appointment now and achieve the smile you have always wanted. Dr. Dzajkovski is accepting new patients from Ottawa and the surrounding area.
It can be rather upsetting to see that your smile is no longer as bright and appealing as it used to. Most people’s teeth become stained and discolored as a result of diet and poor oral hygiene habits. It can make the whole appearance look dull and unkempt, giving others the impression you don’t take good care of yourself. Let’s find out the causes and what you can do about it.
Causes
There are some reasons that teeth become stained or yellowed. The culprits for tooth discoloration are as follows:
- Tobacco – Smoking or chewing on them stains teeth.
- Foods and drinks – Coffee, colas, wines, tea, berries, sauces, and other items that you consume can damage your tooth color.
- Medications – Certain medications are known to discolor teeth, sometimes causing severe stains that are difficult to remove.
- Poor oral hygiene – Improper brushing and flossing is key in removing plaque and stains.
- Age – Aging wears away tooth enamel and reveals the yellowish dentin underneath.
- Disease – Some diseases can harm tooth enamel and trigger discoloration. Certain medical treatments like radiation and chemotherapy can also discolor teeth.
- Environment – Excessive fluoride exposure can stain teeth; this is known as fluorosis.
- Genetics – Some people are more prone to tooth discoloration than others.
- Trauma – A hit to the maxillofacial region can damage the tooth and cause discoloration due to pulp necrosis.
Prevention
Lifestyle changes can prevent tooth discoloration, such as avoiding foods and drinks known to stain teeth. Improving oral hygiene is another step in the right direction, including regular brushing and flossing and consistent professional teeth cleanings.
Treatment
The options vary depending on the severity of discoloration and goals of the patient. Whitening methods include over-the-counter whitening products, at-home whitening kits provided by the dentist, professional in-office whitening treatments, bonding, and dental veneers. These tools cater to various needs according to the patient’s concerns.
Take the first step towards a confident smile. Contact our Ottawa dental office to schedule your consultation!
