7 Effective Teeth-Whitening Tips

Smiling woman with straight white teeth received cosmetic dentistry treatment in Fort CollinsYou may think that having sparkling white teeth is only restricted to celebs, but you can achieve it too by using several effective teeth-whitening techniques. We’ve scoured the web for things that really work, and here are our most effective tips to help you get that beautiful smile you deserve.

1. Get an In-office Treatment

You’re probably not surprised this comes in as No. 1. Professional teeth whitening is the fastest and safest way to get the results you’re looking for.

 2. At-home Kits and Strips

Some over-the-counter bleaching products such as whitening strips can also be effective since the ingredients in these products are similar to those used in professional teeth-whitening procedures, albeit at lower concentrations. At-home treatments take more time to show results and in the long run may cost you more money since it takes several weeks of using these kit’ to see results. And the results you do get most likely won’t be even close to the results you would see with a professional treatment.

3. Whitening Toothpaste

Whitening pastes don’t work like strong bleaching products, but they can help with those stains that are very close to the teeth’s surface. Watch out for tooth sensitivity, though, and be sure to talk to Dr. Lesko about which whitening toothpastes are best for you.

4. Quit Smoking

Smoking is one of the most common causes of yellowing for many people, and it poses a risk to your teeth-whitening goals. Once tobacco penetrates the enamel, it becomes impossible to remove the stain by just brushing alone.

5. Eat Right

Food and drinks such as coffee, red wines and red juice can easily discolor your teeth, so you have to try your best to avoid them.

Foods like celery, apple, carrots and other crunchy products will stimulate saliva production, thereby reducing the amount of debris on your teeth. You’ll also want to rinse out your mouth with a glass of water after every meal.

6. Floss Once, Brush Twice

Flossing rids your mouth of the bacteria accumulation between the teeth; once a day is all you need. Brushing, on the other hand, removes stains and plaque from the teeth’s surface and should be done twice a day.

7. Visit Your Dentist

Dental cleanings and examinations can also be of great advantage. Your dentist will use professional tools that will effectively remove many of the stains you already have on your teeth and help prevent a buildup of plaque that could lead to future discoloration.

To find out more about teeth whitening or to schedule an appointment, call us today at 970-221-5115.

Contact The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry:

970-221-5115

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

2001 S Shields St Bldg L
Fort Collins, Colorado
80526


What’s Going on With My Gums?

Have you ever removed your toothbrush from your mouth only to notice the bristles of your brush are tinted red? Don’t be alarmed! In many cases, bleeding gums can come seemingly out of nowhere, even If you don’t have an injury to your gums. But if your gums aren’t injured, why are they bleeding – and what can you do to stop them from bleeding in the future? Here are some common reasons your gums may bleed, even if there is no injury present.

Gingivitis / Periodontitis

Gums often bleed in people with any stage of gum disease due to inflammation of the gums. If you notice any bleeding when you brush, it could be gum disease – and your body’s way of telling you to brush and floss your teeth more, not less! If you do see redness on your brush, don’t panic. Many times, early-stage gum disease is completely reversible. Brushing and flossing regularly can turn early-stage gum disease around and stop the bleeding, so don’t give up hope, but do be sure to contact Dr. Lesko if you are concerned or if the bleeding doesn’t stop after a week or two.

New Oral Care Routine

Sometimes when you begin a new oral health routine – such as brushing more frequently or adding flossing – your gums will bleed for a few days until they are used to the new routine. As with gum disease, don’t give up on flossing and brushing because of the bleeding. Keep up the good work and the bleeding should stop after a few days. This may also occur with a new or too-hard-bristled toothbrush.

Hormones and Pregnancy

Sometimes women’s hormonal changes can make the gums more sensitive, especially during pregnancy. In fact, there is such a thing as “pregnancy gingivitis,” which usually clears up on its own after childbirth.

Blood Thinners

Patients taking blood thinners may bleed more easily and for longer periods of time than those not taking them. If you are on blood thinners and experience bleeding when you brush, don’t be alarmed but do contact your doctor just to be on the safe side.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Lesko, please call 970-221-5115.

Contact The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry:

970-221-5115

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

2001 S Shields St Bldg L
Fort Collins, Colorado
80526


Why Are My Teeth Sensitive?

Tooth sensitivity can come as quite a jolt to the system, especially if you’ve never experienced sensitivity before. For those who do experience sensitivity, it can easily ruin a favorite meal or activity and keep you from enjoying the things you love. Here are some top causes of tooth sensitivity and how you can stop it.

Brushing Too Hard

It seems counterintuitive that brushing too hard or with too-hard brush bristles is possible, but it is. Not only is it possible, but it can also cause damage to your tooth enamel and in turn cause tooth sensitivity. The solution is gentler brushing and a softer-bristled brush.

Cavities / Broken Teeth

Because sensitivity is caused in the roots and dentin of your teeth, it makes sense that when exposed or injured, these parts of your teeth may have painful, heightened sensitivity. Thankfully, a trip to Dr. Lesko’s office can get your teeth repaired and restored, and the sensitivity should subside.

Receding Gums

Receding gums expose the roots of your teeth at the gum line, causing pain and sensitivity. Often, this can be eased by flossing more frequently, or by getting a gum deep-cleaning procedure. In some more severe cases, a gum graft may be required to repair the gums and re-cover the roots of the teeth along the gum line.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Lesko, please call 970-221-5115.

Contact The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry:

970-221-5115

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

2001 S Shields St Bldg L
Fort Collins, Colorado
80526