This December we are running a teeth whitening promotion at our Jesmond and Stanley practices, offering patients £100 off Boutique home teeth whitening.
Contact our reception teams at your chosen practice or speak to your dentist if you would like to know more about this offer.
The festive season is a time for indulgence – delicious food, festive drinks, and gatherings with loved ones. However, the Christmas period can also be tough on your smile, with many common festive treats and habits contributing to tooth staining and discolouration. If you want to keep your teeth sparkling white throughout the season, we’ve got you covered with some expert tips.
From maintaining regular hygiene visits to using whitening products, and even what to avoid when sipping those festive drinks, here’s how you can ensure a bright, beautiful smile this Christmas.
1. Stay on top of your regular hygiene visits
The foundation of any healthy, white smile is routine dental care. Scheduling regular hygiene visits is key to keeping your smile bright. Your hygienist will give your teeth a thorough cleaning to remove surface stains, plaque, and tartar buildup that brushing alone can’t eliminate. At Honour Health we use the EMS Airflow machine, which is the gold standard treatment for gum health and stain removal. Our team of hygienists are available daily at our Jesmond, Stanley and Ponteland practices!
2. Home teeth whitening
To maintain or enhance your white smile at home, consider using professional-grade teeth whitening products. One highly effective option is a whitening gel containing 16% carbamide peroxide. This type of gel is commonly used in custom-fitted trays provided by your dentist, allowing you to safely and comfortably whiten your teeth from home. At Honour Health we use Boutique teeth whitening gel.
The 16% carbamide peroxide gel works by breaking down into hydrogen peroxide, which then whitens the teeth by penetrating the enamel to remove deeper stains. While this is a safe and effective option, it’s important to follow your dentist’s instructions on how to use these products to avoid over-whitening or sensitivity. For those patients with sensitivity, we also offer a 6% day gel.
You can typically use these products for a short period each day or overnight, and within a week or two, you’ll notice a brighter, whiter smile – perfect for holiday photos!
3. Minimise stain-causing drinks: black tea, coffee, and red wine
It’s hard to resist a warm cup of tea or coffee during the chilly Christmas season, and no festive dinner is complete without a glass of red wine. However, these drinks are some of the worst offenders when it comes to tooth staining. Both black tea and coffee contain tannins, compounds that cling to the surface of your teeth and cause yellowing over time. Red wine, rich in tannins and dark pigments, can also quickly discolour your teeth.
To minimise the staining effects of these beverages:
- Use a straw where possible, especially with iced coffee or tea, to limit direct contact with your teeth.
- Rinse with water after drinking to wash away staining agents before they set.
- Brush after drinking, but wait about 30 minutes to avoid damaging your enamel, which can be temporarily weakened by the acidity in coffee and wine.
There is also the option to switch your red wine for champagne..!
4. Quit smoking
If you’re a smoker, the festive season could be a great time to quit for your general health -and your smile. Smoking not only contributes to a wide range of serious health issues, but it also significantly stains your teeth. The nicotine and tar in cigarettes turn your teeth yellow or brown over time, and these stains can be particularly hard to remove.
In addition to improving your overall health, quitting smoking can help your teeth stay whiter, brighter, and healthier. If quitting feels daunting, reach out to your dentist or healthcare provider for support and resources. You’ll be amazed at the difference it can make in the appearance of your smile over time.