Many factors get considered to find out how attractive a smile is. These include the size and spacing of the teeth, the amount of gums seen, and facial symmetry. While most of these are essential, they all are only secondary to one thing: whiteness.

Standard rule of thumb has it that the whiter our teeth, the better. Ask the local Fredericksburg dentist or an image consultant and they’ll tell you just how your teeth ought to be the same color as the whites of your eyes. Or at least that’s the color society requires it should be. Point is, the color of our teeth is the very first thing people notice about our smile. Hence, it’s the first thing used to assess its beauty. It’s for this reason that several teeth whitening trends started. These days, we all want a brighter and whiter smile. Thankfully for everyone, there are now a number of ways to get it.

The first and most common way to whiten our teeth is by using home remedies. Many swear by the potency of crushed strawberries and baking soda. Some declare that lemon juice and baking soda does the trick. Baking soda, however, can actually be harmful to our teeth. Unregulated use without the advice of a professional like a Fredericksburg dentist might lead to more dental damage. Taking matters into our very own hands may well be a good idea sometimes, but never when it comes to health.

As for teeth whitening toothpastes, look through the toiletry aisle of any store and you’ll find rows upon rows of it. The genuine question is: Do these products actually work? The correct answer is yes; they work effectively. They’re only good at getting rid of surface stains. And this only becomes apparent after extented use. The truth is, most cases call for whitening beyond the surface.

Professional teeth whitening is for those that seek an immediate and long-term solution. The procedure is fairly simple. The enamel is the first layer of our teeth; it’s on the surface and is typically clear or translucent. Underneath the enamel is the dentin, which is normally yellow. It can also be gray, brown, and quite often black in color. It’s this color that is visible through the enamel. For you to whiten the dentin, your local Fredericksburg dentist will use a peroxide solution. This solution opens the pores as well as the enamel and whitens the dentin. Remember that sometimes it can take more than one appointment to have the shade you desire.

Professional teeth whitening can be achieved through an in-office treatment, a take-home procedure, or over-the-counter products. While this may appear to be the best way to get a whiter and brighter smile, it isn’t for everyone. More severe staining or damage might necessitate veneers or other procedures. It will be better to consult your dentist in Fredericksburg, VA to see which option is ideal for you.

Jude Schall is a dental consultant with connections to dentists in fredericksburg va. For more information, please read up more about fredericksburg dentist.