The teeth are naturally white, but they can easily become discoloured as a result of diet, lifestyle habits, poor oral hygiene and general wear and tear. If your teeth start to look a little stained, this can affect your confidence as well as the look of your smile. However, there are treatments available that can restore whiteness and brighten the teeth.
Hygiene treatment
In cases of very mild discolouration, hygiene treatment can help to remove surface stains and make the teeth look whiter. Hygiene treatments can also really help to boost oral health and reduce the risk of dental health problems. Your hygienist can also help you to learn which foods and drinks to avoid to reduce the risk of discolouration and staining, such as coffee, tea, red and white wine and fizzy drinks, and show you how to brush and floss effectively.
Teeth whitening
If you want your smile to look noticeably whiter and brighter, teeth whitening treatment is a simple, safe and painless option. We offer a range of whitening treatment options, including in-chair treatments and home whitening systems designed to bleach the teeth to lighten the shade and make the smile look healthy, youthful and radiant. Whitening is one of the simplest ways of making your smile look amazing and the results should last a long time.
Veneers
Veneers are famed for creating glamorous smiles, but they can also achieve a very natural and subtle aesthetic. Veneers are most commonly made from porcelain and they are placed on top of your teeth. They are made to fit and they are extremely thin and light. You can choose from different shades and shapes to design your perfect smile.
If you’d like to find out more about our treatments and find out which services could be beneficial for you, simply call us and book an appointment. We look forward to meeting you!
A good daily oral hygiene regime will go a long way to keeping your teeth and gums free from oral disease. We are on hand to offer advice about daily cleaning and we will also be happy to discuss oral hygiene products, healthy eating and giving up smoking with patients. We really believe that prevention is better than cure and we do everything we can to make sure our patients have the knowledge and information to practise good oral hygiene at home and ensure they are free from pain and discomfort caused by decay and gum disease.
A good daily oral hygiene regime
We strongly recommend following a set daily oral hygiene regime, which includes brushing and flossing. We advise patients to brush twice a day, every day, using fluoride toothpaste and a brush with soft to medium bristles and a small head. Electric toothbrushes have been proven to remove plaque more effectively than manual brushes, but you should be able to achieve a good clean regardless of the brush you use. It’s advisable to brush for between 2 and 3 minutes each time and to ensure you cover all the teeth and reach right into the corners. Angle your brush head to clean along the gum line and don’t brush too hard, as this can damage the enamel.
Flossing is really important because it takes over from where you leave off when you brush your teeth and it removes bacteria and food debris from the gaps between the teeth. It’s essential to remove bacteria and bits of leftover food from the mouth because it prevents the formation of plaque. Plaque is a sticky film made from bacteria, food products and saliva. Plaque is the main cause of decay and gum disease, so it’s of paramount importance to keep on top of oral hygiene. When you floss, gently pass the tape through the gaps between your teeth and along the gum line. Avoid pulling on the floss, as this will make your gums sore.
If you have any questions about brushing or you need help with flossing, don’t hesitate to contact us!
Dr Gerrard is a Bristol based Cosmetic dentist with many years of experience and is one of only a small number of dentists accredited by The British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
