A white smile is considered a sign of beauty in our society which is why it’s highly coveted by so many people. Subconsciously it indicates to us that a person is in good health and doesn’t have any diseases.

Teeth can become discoloured through persistent coffee, tea and wine drinking however. Dark pigments in certain foods and wines can cause discolouration of the tooth’s enamel, making your teeth look darker as a result. Smoking also has this affect and it can make your teeth turn yellow.

If your smile is less than white, teeth whitening can restore their pearly whiteness by lightening their natural colour and removing any staining. Dentists in Kent can use professional bleaching techniques to remove these stains and lift calculus or tartar which could be making your teeth appear discoloured.

Teeth whitening is the practice of dentistry and so must only be carried out by qualified dental professionals. Using a combination of hydrogen peroxide between 0.1% and 6%, the dentist can control the amount of product applied.

The usual procedure for tooth whitening is to have a clinical examination prior to treatment or to be supervised by a qualified dental professional, i.e. a dentist, therapist or hygienist. They put the gel into a rubber shield for the patient to wear. This only needs to be placed in one tooth and then worn for 30 seconds and this is considered the first cycle of use.

The rest of the treatment can be continued at home after being prescribed more gels. After 2-3 days of continuous use you will start to see a difference and after 5-7 days you should have a healthy white smile. It’s advised to wait two weeks if you want a stunningly white smile.

If you’re looking for teeth whitening, dentist Dr Rik Trivedi can assess your teeth to determine if this treatment is right for you. As a member of the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry you can feel assured that his expertise means you’ll receive the best patient care.

To learn more about teeth whitening call the Parrock Dental and Implant Centre on 01474 537 191 to book an appointment. Our opening hours are Monday and Wednesday from 9am to 5pm, Tuesday and Thursday from 9am to 8pm, Friday from 9am to 3pm and Saturday from 9am to 2pm.