Teeth Whitening – Your Local Dentist Says Mouthwash Can Help

If you desire to have perfectly white teeth that seem to glisten like the light of the sun on a warm summer’s day, then you’re not alone. Studies show that having whiter teeth can spell more success, as employers are 58% more likely to higher a person with white teeth than someone lacking in that department. The foregoing statement means that having bright and brilliant teeth has become a necessity in our society, which explains why teeth whitening methods are so important. But your local dentist wants to remind you of the value of mouthwash in helping to achieve the same goal.

How to Whiten Your Teeth

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), there are two basic ways to whiten your teeth, bleaching and scrubbing:

• Bleaching – Bleaching agents work on both the exterior (enamel) and interior (dentin) areas of your teeth. The most effective method is in-office treatment, but there are also home whitening procedures available.
• Scrubbing – The other common method used is to scrub the stains off your teeth. This process requires the use of abrasives and ingredients like peroxide.

The Value of Teeth Whitening Mouthwash

Another option available, is to use a whitening mouthwash which serves as an excellent addition to in-office treatments. The active ingredient in it that delivers results is hydrogen peroxide.

It’s important to note, though, that a whitening mouthwash is not sufficient as the sole source of whitening your teeth, as it will typically only contain 2% hydrogen peroxide, while your dentist will have a concentration of 25 to 40%, which produces drastically greater results. The key here, though, is to understand the roles of the different tools at your disposal. Whereas professional teeth whitening is good for maximum results because of its strength, a whitening mouthwash is sufficient to use on a daily basis for maintenance.

Other Benefits of Mouthwash

By choosing a whitening mouthwash that has anti-bacterial properties, you will also be helping to enhance your oral hygiene while you are improving the look of your teeth. Also, it helps to keep your mouth moist, which creates an unfriendly environment for bacteria to grow.

So if you are ready to dial up the brightness of your smile a few notches, feel free to reach out to your local dentist to get the best of both worlds – professional teeth whitening and a recommendation on the best mouthwash to use in between visits.

About the Author

Dr. William W. Way received his undergraduate degree from Virginia Military Institute and then went on to earn his doctoral degree from the Medical College of Virginia. A member of the ADA and several other professional organizations, Dr. Way has over 28 years of experience. He practices at Westhampton Dentistry and can be reached for more information through his website.