The New Year is often synonymous with renewal and good resolutions. Why not start the year with a healthy smile? A radiant smile is a major boost to self-confidence and general well-being. Here's some expert advice on how to achieve and maintain a radiant smile all year round.
The importance of impeccable oral hygiene
L'oral hygiene is the cornerstone of a brilliant smile. A rigorous daily routine is essential to eliminate plaque. Plaque is responsible for cavities, gum disease and bad breath. Here are the key steps to good oral hygiene:
Brushing twice a day
Brush for two minutes, morning and night, with a fluoride toothpaste. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush with gentle circular movements.
Daily flossing
Dental floss removes plaque and food debris from between teeth. It gets into the places that the toothbrush can't reach. There are also other interdental cleaning accessories like brushes.
Limit consumption of sugar and acidic foods
Sugar feeds the bacteria responsible for plaque, while acidic foods can erode tooth enamel.
Descaling and polishing: essential professional cleaning
Even with impeccable oral hygiene, it is important to see a dentist regularly for a check-up. descaling and polishing. Scaling removes tartar, an accumulation of calcified plaque that cannot be removed by simple brushing. Polishing smoothes the tooth surface, removing stains and remaining plaque. Both procedures help prevent cavities, gum disease and maintain a radiant smile.
Professional tooth whitening: for an even brighter smile
If you want an even more radiant smile, the professional teeth whitening is a safe and effective solution. Performed by a dentist, tooth whitening uses products concentrated in hydrogen or carbamide peroxide to lighten the shade of teeth. Professional tooth whitening is more effective and safer than over-the-counter whitening products, because it is carried out under professional supervision.
Why avoid unprofessional bleaching?
We strongly advise against the use of non-professional tooth whitening products for a number of reasons, including effectiveness and, above all, safety:
Risks to oral health :
Hydrogen peroxide concentration : whitening products available in supermarkets or online often contain uncontrolled concentrations of hydrogen peroxide. Too high a concentration can cause chemical burns to the gums, lips and inside of the mouth. It can also damage tooth enamel, making them more sensitive and vulnerable to cavities. A dentist, on the other hand, uses products with appropriate concentrations and applies soft-tissue protection.
Adapting gutters : non-professional at-home whitening kits offer standard trays that don't adapt perfectly to the dentition. The whitening product can then overflow and irritate the gums. A dentist takes impressions to make custom-made trays, ensuring precise application and limiting the risk of irritation.
Preliminary diagnosis absent : tooth whitening is not for everyone. Certain dental conditions (cavities, restorations, tooth sensitivity, gum disease) must be treated before whitening can be considered. Unprofessional products do not take these factors into account, and may aggravate existing problems. A dentist performs a thorough oral examination before proposing bleaching.
Enamel abrasion : some non-professional whitening products contain abrasive agents that can cause long-term damage to tooth enamel.
Limited effectiveness and unpredictable results:
Inadequate concentration : the concentration of hydrogen peroxide in non-professional products is often too low to obtain a significant result.
Uncontrolled application : without professional advice, product application may be incorrect, limiting the effectiveness of the treatment.
Uneven results: the use of ill-fitting trays can lead to uneven whitening, with some areas whiter than others.
If you want to whiten your teeth, it's crucial to consult a dentist. Professional whitening is safer, more effective and offers long-lasting results. Your dentist will be able to assess your oral situation, suggest the most suitable technique and support you throughout the treatment to minimize risks and optimize results. Don't hesitate to make an appointment with a professional to discuss your options and safely achieve a brilliant smile.
Helvident: your partner for a radiant smile
Helvident clinics offer a full range of services to help you achieve and maintain a brilliant smile. Our qualified dentists and dental hygienists offer you personalized, high-quality care in a comfortable, welcoming environment. We offer :
- Descaling and polishing : for effective scale and stain removal.
- Professional teeth whitening : for a whiter, brighter smile.
- Personalized oral hygiene advice: to help you adopt the best practices for your oral health.
- Complete dental treatment : to meet all your dental needs, from preventive care to more complex treatments.
Don't hesitate to contact one of our dental clinics in Lausanne, Fribourg or Aigle to make an appointment and start the year with a bright smile.
The last word
A radiant smile is within everyone's reach thanks to good oral hygiene, regular visits to the dentist and professional treatments such as teeth whitening. Helvident dental clinics are here to support you in your quest for a radiant smile, offering quality care for optimal oral health. Make an appointment today and start the New Year in style!
