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Every time you consume dark foods and beverages, there is a chance they can cause minor surface stains on your teeth. If they are not removed in a timely manner, these stains can set deeper into your tooth enamel. Your regular dental checkup with your dentist, Dr. Carol Halloran, includes a cleaning and tooth-polishing procedure. This will help remove minor stains from your smile. If your teeth suffer from more significant stains, she might need to administer a dental bleaching treatment.

You can then use whitening toothpaste or whitening strips to maintain the brightness of your smile between dental cleanings.

Using whitening toothpaste is a popular method for brightening minor surface stains. Just keep in mind that the concentration of hydrogen peroxide whitening agents isn’t potent enough to brighten moderate to deeply stained teeth.

Whitening strips are basically clear, plastic strips that have been treated with a special topical form of hydrogen peroxide. You can conveniently wear them as you go about your day, and the casual observer won’t even notice you have them on your teeth. While the whitening strips are in your mouth, you will need to avoid drinking, eating and using tobacco products.

When you are shopping for whitening toothpaste and whitening strips in Waterloo, Iowa, you should always look for the American Dental Association’s Seal of Acceptance. The seal represents that the toothpaste has been researched and tested for safety and effectiveness.

If you are having trouble maintaining your white smile, you can always call Crossroads Dental at 319.291.3908 to ask a question.