A sparkling smile is an important asset for many people in Illinois. A great smile can feel like your most important asset. It shows your personality when you meet new people, it welcomes guests and visitors, and it comforts and warms your family. It’s no wonder that professional teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures in recent years.
Patients have found that there are many ways to whiten their smile. From use of dental white strips to at home whitening trays to in-office whitening treatments like Zoom and BriteSmile, the options are varied and often successful. However, even the best whitening treatments can’t keep your smile from becoming yellow, dark, or dingy unless you change some of your oral health habits at home. For example:
- Avoid dark foods and beverages. When you eat and drink, the items you consume leave very small particles on your teeth. If the item is dark, the food particles are also dark. Over time, this can lead to staining and darkening of the teeth. Coffee is a commonly known culprit. However, other items that can also lead to staining include red wine, iced tea, dark cola, beets, and red pasta sauce. If you can’t avoid these items completely, brush your teeth after eating or drinking them. If that’s not possible, rinse your mouth with water to eliminate some of the stain-causing molecules.
- Brush and floss. Good daily oral hygiene habits are crucial to keeping your smile beautiful, and healthy. When you brush your teeth, you wash away the particles that could stain your teeth and lead to tooth decay. While many people understand that this is an important habit, it can often be rushed or skipped in exchange for a few more minutes of sleep. Rather than brushing quickly to cross it off the list, take the time to thoroughly brush and floss each tooth. Dentists recommend using a whitening toothpaste only once or twice a week, frequent use can damage the enamel of your teeth.
- Stop smoking. You know that smoking is bad for your health, but it’s also bad for your teeth. The tobacco and nicotine in cigarettes can stain your teeth and lead to bad breath. If you can’t kick the habit to improve your health, stop smoking to improve your smile.
Dr. Dean Dietrich of Pleasant Dental®
in Dolton, IL, is dedicated to helping patients achieve their best smiles. If you’re considering professional teeth whitening, Dr. Dietrich can talk with you about all the various options and explain what you can do to improve your chances of keeping your smile bright for many years to come.
Dr. Winnie Wilson
Dr. Winnie Wilson is a dedicated dentist with a rich background in general dentistry, particularly passionate about treating children. After completing her dentistry education in India, she earned her Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry from the
University of Illinois at Chicago. Dr. Gupta is committed to building meaningful relationships with families through exceptional care at Pleasant Dental. Her approach emphasizes trust and quality service. Outside the clinic, she enjoys biking, hiking, and exploring Chicago's diverse culinary scene, embodying a well-rounded and trustworthy professional dedicated to her patients' well-being.
Dr. Sneha Naik
Dr. Sneha Naik is a compassionate dentist with over 12 years of experience, having graduated from
NYU College of Dentistry. in 2012 and completed her residency in Brooklyn, NY. She is well-regarded for her warm demeanor and clear communication, helping patients understand their dental care options. For the past decade, Dr. Naik has been a trusted member of the Chicago community, building lasting relationships with families. Originally from North Carolina, she enjoys exploring the outdoors, creating art, and cooking. Her dedication to patient care and approachable nature highlight her expertise and trustworthiness in dentistry.
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