If you have visited the toothpaste aisle at your Dallas grocery store, you have probably noticed dozens of products that claim to whiten your teeth. A few years ago, the only over-the-counter tooth whitening options in North Dallas were whitening toothpastes and Crest Whitestrips. Now there is a wide variety of products at every drugstore counter in the area.
Whitening Rinses
Whitening rinses are similar to mouthwashes. They kill bacteria, freshen breath and may help remove plaque. Whitening rinses, however, contain tooth-whitening ingredients not found in mouthwashes. Manufacturers advise taking a mouthful of the rinse and letting it slosh around on your teeth for one minute twice a day. Though this method is manageable, many users never notice a lightening of their teeth. This is probably because the rinse does not touch your teeth long enough to truly whiten them.
Whitening Strips
The whitening strips you can buy in grocery stores have a couple of drawbacks. Though they contain a bleaching agent, it is much less potent than those used in dental offices. Another issue is that they do not whiten between teeth because the strips only touch the front surface. Though it is possible to remove stains, it can take months to see any whitening. By that point, you have probably spent more money than you would have if you’d have chosen the professional system at your dental practice.
Teeth Whitening Gels
Whitening gels are painted onto teeth with a small brush. One problem with whitening gels is that they only stick to dry teeth. If any saliva gets on the teeth during treatment, the gel is more likely to slide off.
If you are serious about dramatically whitening your teeth, the safest, quickest, and most affordable system is at your dental office.
About the Practice
Dr. Ellis Shwarts and his skilled team have proudly served the dental needs of patients and families in the Richardson, TX community for several years! A Dallas native, Dr. Shwarts received his dental degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio and has spent countless hours educating himself and honing his skills so that he can provide a truly unmatched level of care. The practice offers a comprehensive range of preventive, cosmetic, and restorative treatment options. If you have any questions about the article or would like to schedule your next visit, feel free to contact the practice online or over the phone for further assistance: (972) 525-9283.