Getting a dazzlingly white smile can become an obsession. Unfortunately, many individuals are so intent on maximizing the whiteness of their teeth that they make avoidable mistakes that will decrease their chances of achieving their goal in the long run.

If you want to do everything you can to get your teeth as white as possible, avoid making the following five common mistakes:

Not discussing the matter with the dentist

With all of the teeth whitening products available at pharmacies nowadays, many people try to take teeth whitening into their own hands. However, it's important to discuss the matter with your dentist for the best possible chances of success at achieving perfectly white teeth.

Your dentist knows far more about your teeth than you do. Your dentist also knows more about the potentials (and the potential drawbacks) of the available whitening treatments. 

If you want to make your smile whiter, it's a good idea to discuss the matter with your dentist before you make any changes to your oral care regime. 

Over-brushing

Brushing is an important part of anyone's oral care regime. However, it's definitely possible to overdo it. If you brush excessively, you could create a number of different dental issues by wearing away at your enamel or damaging your gums.

Use a soft-bristle toothbrush and don't brush any longer than three minutes at a time if you want to optimize the effectiveness of your brushing routine. 

Overuse of whitening products

It's important to be aware of the fact that some whitening products are know for potentially wearing away at your enamel. While whitening products are harmless if they are used in moderation, they typically include hydrogen peroxide. If your teeth are exposed to hydrogen peroxide with excessive frequency, your enamel can begin to wear away.

If your enamel wears away, you are more susceptible to many different dental issues. One of the most harmful is the development of cavities, which could detract from your appearance and require fillings. 

Not changing bad habits

Don't expect white teeth to last if you're not able to change bad habits like smoking or drinking excessive amounts of coffee or tea. Even if you have your teeth whitened, they'll eventually become stained again if you can't make lifestyle changes that promote a healthy mouth. 

Focusing on whiteness rather than health

Many people who are concerned about superficial dental concerns like the whiteness of their teeth are fairly indifferent to overall health. However, anything you do to make your teeth healthier will also make them look better. 

You're going about things all wrong if the only change you're making to combat teeth stains is trying whitening treatments. You also should be evaluating not only your oral care regime, but your diet as well. for more information, contact dentists like those at Bristol Dental Group.