As time marches on, our teeth may lose the brightness they once had. Everyday habits like indulging in coffee, tea, or red wine, coupled with lifestyle factors such as smoking, contribute to the gradual dulling of those once-sparkling smiles. Ageing aggravates this process, as the enamel wears down, exposing the yellowish dentin beneath.
However, gone are the days when teeth whitening was deemed a luxury, reserved solely for celebrities and the affluent. Today, an array of whitening solutions is readily available to a wider audience, allowing almost anyone to pursue that coveted bright smile. Dr Cathrine Malau, a dentist at the School of Oral Health Sciences at the Wits Oral Health Centre, attests to this remarkable shift.
"Teeth whitening has transitioned from being a luxury for the few to an option accessible to a wider audience," she explains. This transformation has been driven by demographic changes and the increasing availability of whitening products - making the quest for a radiant smile more commonplace than ever. Nonetheless, for many, the struggle to maintain those pearly whites becomes more daunting with age.
Not only does natural discolouration happen, but bad habits can exacerbate the issue. Fortunately, Malau notes that today’s market offers numerous at-home solutions, professional treatments, and products designed specifically to keep smiles shining bright. To support individuals on this journey to whiter teeth, Malau shares several practical tips: Daily ora.