Fall is the perfect time to crunch the leaves beneath your feet, carve pumpkins, and drink cider. On the other hand, it is also the best time to whiten teeth! Why? Well, as we enjoy the cool air while raking up leaves and excitedly light up those cozy bonfires once again, we can’t help but think about the upcoming winter holiday season! And we all know that the holiday season can quickly become booked up with social gatherings, as we plan to spend quality time with friends and family. Nevertheless, I bet we all strive to look our holiday best, and that includes brightening up our smiles.
Polishing up your pearly whites in the fall can, most certainly, boost confidence for upcoming social events during the holidays! In this article, we hope to cover what causes teeth staining, the teeth whitening process, and why fall is an ideal time for whitening. Let’s explore some causes of teeth discoloration, including some of those holiday drinks.
What Causes Teeth Staining?
There isn’t one sole cause of teeth staining. Typically, a variety of factors affect the discoloration of teeth. If you already envision yourself drinking coffee, tea, and red wine during this fall season into the holidays, kiss your white teeth goodbye! These are some common drinks that dye teeth. Sometimes, as we socialize more, it’s also easier to pull out a cigarette while chatting or even share one with a friend. Unfortunately, both smoking and chewing tobacco stain teeth. Berries, grapes, beets, tomatoes, and curry are specific foods that can discolor teeth as well. And let’s not forget about other factors that affect our teeth, including:
- Certain Medications
- Diseases
- Trauma
- The inevitable, Aging
Fortunately, there are many foods that don’t stain your teeth and can help protect those pearly whites, which you can explore further on our dietary tips page. Now, let’s dive into the professional teeth whitening process!
The Teeth Whitening Process
First, you’ll want to plan an initial consultation with your favorite dentist! During the consultation, your dentist will examine your teeth to confirm whether or not you qualify for this treatment. Moreover, these initial meetings are a great time to discuss any oral sensitivities or potential concerns. After arriving at your appointment, they will apply a type of resin to protect your gum line from bleaching gel irritation. Then, it’s magic time!
At this point, the bleaching gel, containing hydrogen peroxide, is applied to the teeth. Some dental practices might use a light or laser to activate the bleaching gel and enhance the entire whitening process. The bleaching gel is typically left on the teeth for 15-30 minute increments, with the whole appointment lasting no more than 1 to 1.5 hours. Lastly, the gel is rinsed off, and you’ll be cleared to polish or rinse your teeth!
Any tooth sensitivities after your treatment usually subside after a couple of days. To maintain your results, it is essential to refrain from eating and drinking teeth-staining foods or drinks. Additionally, at Shorewood Family Dental Care, we offer Opalescence Teeth Whitening, allowing you to whiten your teeth with high dental-grade products from the comfort of your own home. This at-home treatment provides convenience while delivering professional-grade results. Keep in mind, overall, professional treatments provide faster and more noticeable results than over-the-counter kits or DIY teeth whitening hacks. Not to mention, they use more potent bleaching agents and guarantee proper application to mitigate potential risks.
Why Fall is Ideal for Whitening
Did you know that hot weather can exacerbate sensitivity issues associated with whitening treatments? This is one major reason why fall is the best time to whiten teeth! Also, if you book your appointment for the fall season, you’ll have ample time to see noticeable results before holiday festivities and other social gatherings. After all, whitening agents need time to work!
Fall is also the optimal time to make diet adjustments to minimize potential staining shortly after your treatment. Thanks to those milder fall temperatures, the whitening process can feel more comfortable and inviting. By whitening in the fall, you are preparing yourself for picture-perfect holiday memories as well. You’ll be posing for holiday cards, family gatherings, and even enjoying “holiday light” walks at the park with loved ones! If you share your bright white smile throughout the holidays like a champ, it can truly make a stark difference in how those memories are captured.
Your Smile, Our Priority
Leaves are falling. Autumn is calling, and so is your teeth whitening appointment! We hope this article clarified major causes of teeth staining and shed light on the teeth whitening process. Most importantly, fall is the best time to whiten teeth! With Shorewood Family Dental Care’s Opalescence Teeth Whitening treatment, you can achieve a whiter smile in the comfort of your home. Take advantage of fall’s mild temperatures, make diet adjustments, and ensure your holiday pictures and moments are absolutely riveting!
Now is the perfect time to book your professional teeth whitening appointment at Shorewood Family Dental Care. We can’t wait to hear from you! After all, fall is proof that change is beautiful—especially your new and improved smile!
