So, it’s time to take a closer look at the exciting world of teeth whitening.

The quest for the perfect smile

Teeth whitening is a dental process that whitens the colour of your teeth. It’s used to target teeth that appear dark or discoloured, whether that be from staining or another underlying cause. And while plenty of DIY teeth whitening kits are on the market, it’s preferable to consult your dental professional before trying anything yourself so that you’re aware of any risk factors.

Unveiling the culprits of teeth stains

Before we jump into the teeth whitening magic, let’s uncover the mischievous villains behind those stubborn stains. These stains or discolouration can come from anywhere, but there are a few common denominators. These include coffee, tea, red wine, and even certain fruits that sneakily leave their mark on our teeth. Smoking, poor oral hygiene, some medications, and ageing can also contribute to discolouration. Intense colour pigments of these drinks are called chromogens. These chromogens attach to the white tooth enamel causing it to appear darker.

However, while tooth discolouration often comes from staining, other causes, such as tooth injury, can cause the affected tooth to become darker over time. At Mornington Peninsula Dental Clinic, our team of professionals work to understand the root causes and empowers us to combat them effectively.

The benefits of professional teeth whitening

Aside from the obvious aesthetic benefits, teeth whitening goes beyond just enhancing your appearance. It boosts your self-confidence, making you feel more comfortable in social situations and professional settings. A whiter smile can also make you appear younger and more vibrant.

Some other benefits of seeing a dental professional for teeth whitening include: 

• Diagnosing the cause of discolouration and any other oral problems
• Checking if teeth whitening is a suitable option for you
• Offering you a range of teeth whitening options, including custom home-whitening trays
• Tailoring a plan to your needs

When you choose Mornington Peninsula Dental Clinic, you’ll get a take-home tooth whitening kit to use in the comfort of your own home! It may seem daunting, but the benefits of your own teeth-whitening kit include:

• Custom-fitted mouth trays made from impressions taken by your dentist. These ensure maximum contact with the whitening product to optimise results.
• Custom-fitted mouth trays minimise contact of the gel with the gum tissue.
• The whitening product is milder than products used in dental surgeries, leading to less sensitivity.
• You have more control over the shade of white you achieve.
• Take-home teeth whitening is more affordable than in-chair teeth whitening performed in dental surgeries.

Are there any risks or considerations when whitening your teeth?

Like with anything, care must be taken when it comes to teeth whitening. Often, the ingredient in your teeth whitening treatment is a strong hydrogen peroxide gel. This substance can cause chemical burns if it goes on the surface of the soft tissues (such as the lips, gums and tongue). These burns can turn into ulcers before healing. 

Whitening your teeth can also cause the teeth to become more sensitive to things like cold temperatures and foods. If teeth whitening gels are used incorrectly, the sensitivity can be extremely severe to the point where even breathing can be painful on your teeth. Seeing a dentist before undergoing any treatment is essential. 

Can I whiten my teeth while I’m pregnant or breastfeeding? 

While there isn’t any evidence that teeth whitening is dangerous for pregnant or breastfeeding women, there’s also no evidence to suggest that it’s safe. Therefore, it’s recommended to avoid it. If you’d like to have your teeth whitened, speak with your dentist, who may be able to offer alternatives.

Can I whiten my porcelain crowns or veneers and white fillings? 

Teeth whitening gel is made to lighten the colour of your tooth enamel, meaning that it won’t change the colour of porcelain crowns, veneers, or composite resin (white) fillings. If you choose to whiten your teeth and they no longer match in colour, your dentist may need to replace them.

Can I DIY my own teeth whitening or use a teeth whitening kit from the supermarket?

There is plenty of information – and even more misinformation – online about at-home teeth whitening methods. Some suggest that baking soda mixed with water creates a teeth whitening paste you can brush with. Baking soda is a mild abrasive and can help to manage light stains on the outside surface of your teeth, but can also cause wear to your teeth. However, brushing with baking soda will not affect the deeper staining of the tooth. This method is not recommended as part of your regular brushing routine.

Teeth whitening kits are available at various supermarkets and pharmacies for purchase. However, as with the baking soda paste, there are risks associated with these treatments, and they are best done under the supervision of a dental professional.

Maintaining your bright smile

Once the whitening process is complete, it’s time to keep that radiant smile shining bright! Good oral hygiene practices, such as regular brushing and flossing, are essential. Avoiding stain-causing habits and scheduling routine dental check-ups will ensure your smile stays as vibrant as ever. 

A bright, white smile is just a dental visit away! At Mornington Peninsula Dental Clinic, our expertise and friendly team will make your teeth whitening experience a breeze. So, don’t hesitate to reach out and let us work our magic on your pearly whites. 

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional dental advice. Consult your dentist for personalised recommendations and treatments.

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At Mornington Peninsula Dental Clinic, our patients are our first priority. Our team strives to ensure that you feel comfortable and secure during your visit and is open to answering any questions you may have.

If it’s been a long time between dental visits, you may be unsure of the type of consult you should have. In this blog, we will advise on the types of dental consults we offer and who they may best be suited to.

Preventative dentistry

One of the most important dental visits you’ll have is the preventative check-ups every six months. Seeing a Mornington Peninsula Dental Clinic team member regularly means that you’re putting preventative measures in place for your oral health. These check-ups monitor your teeth and gums and ensure they are maintained and cared for. Our expert team can provide oral health tips, help you develop a daily hygiene routine and recommend products for you.

In a preventative check-up, your dentist can provide a range of dental care services, including:

• Examining the teeth and mouth.
• Preparing a care plan and discussing treatment options.
• Restoring adult and baby teeth.
• Removing ‘baby’ teeth when needed.
• Storing your dental records.
• Providing preventative dental care such as fissure sealants and fluoride therapies.
• Providing referrals for children who require further dental treatment.
• Sharing oral health advice and preventative measures.

Who should book a preventative dental appointment: Everyone! Booking a dentist appointment every six months will ensure that you care for your oral health in the best possible way.   

Children’s dentistry

Children’s dentistry is an essential service that we offer. Familiarising children with the dentist from a young age and ensuring they’re comfortable means that there is a greater chance they won’t develop a fear of the dentist as they get older.

Kids’ mouths and jaws are constantly growing and developing. By seeing a dentist regularly, we closely monitor their facial growth and dental development. By doing this, we’re helping to avoid jaw issues and crowding of teeth. We examine and care for all aspects of your child’s oral health and address factors such as large tonsils, sleep apnoea or snoring, mouth breathing and thumb sucking.

Some of the children’s dentistry services we provide at Mornington Peninsula Dental Clinic include:

• Check-ups and x-rays
• Teeth cleaning and fluoride treatments
• Fissure sealants
• Oral health education
• Ortho ascent
• Growth monitoring
• Sports mouthguards

Who should book a children’s dental appointment: Children should book this type of appointment (well, technically, it’ll be the parents booking the appointment!). You should book your child’s first dentist appointment when their first teeth appear or by the time they turn a year old (however, you are more than welcome to come and see us earlier if you have any questions).

Emergency dentistry

Sometimes, life deals us with some curveballs, and emergencies happen. Regardless of how careful you are with your teeth, accidents, unfortunately, do happen. The Mornington Peninsula Dental Clinic team is well-equipped to deal with dental emergencies like a broken tooth or severe toothache.

The most common dental emergencies we see at our clinic are:

• Toothache due to decay, especially when the tooth nerve or bone is affected.
• A broken tooth or split tooth.
• A whole tooth getting knocked out.
• A loose crown or tooth cap.

If an emergency does occur, contact us immediately. Even if your symptoms begin to subside, seeking treatment is vital to prevent future or under-the-surface damage.

Who should book an emergency dental appointment: These appointments should be booked by those experiencing a dental emergency (such as those mentioned above). If an emergency does occur, it’s important not to panic. You need to act quickly and calmly, call us for help and come in for a check-up – even if you’re not in pain. 

Fillings

Fillings are another standard treatment we provide. During your routine check-up, your dentist will advise whether any teeth need fillings. Most fillings are done because of a tooth cavity, but they can also help prevent toothaches and further tooth decay. Sugary foods and neglect of oral hygiene put you at risk of developing cavities. If you need a filling, you’ll need to book a separate appointment to have the treatment done.

Who should book a fillings appointment: If your dentist has advised you that you need a filling, you’ll need to book a fillings appointment.

How do I book my first appointment?

If it’s been a long time between dental visits for you, it’s time to book in! To book an appointment with one of the Mornington Peninsula Dental Clinic dentists, you can email or call us at (03) 5975 5944. Our friendly administration team will be able to discuss your options, including which appointment is best suited to you.

To learn more about our practice, team and the services we offer, head to our website or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

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