A good oral hygiene routine is the first step toward a white smile!
A bright, white smile is one of the first things people notice about you. Whether you’re preparing for a special event or want to feel more confident, teeth whitening can be a game-changer. At The Dental Anesthesia Center in St. Louis, we specialize in sedation and sleep dentistry to help our patients feel comfortable, but we also want to help you maintain your smile at home.
Best Dentists in St. Louis. Really a great dental experience. I have used this office for regular dental care, cavities, crowns, and cosmetic dentistry. Teeth look great.
Response from the owner:Christopher we apologize for the belated response. We are very pleased to hear you have a great dental experience with our office! Thank you for your kind words. We look forward to seeing you at your next dental appointment!
Dr. Behl!
I cannot recommend Dr. Maris Behl enough. If you have dental anxiety, she is truly the kind of dentist you hope to find. If teeth could be wrapped in pillows and protected by flying unicorns, Dr. Behl would somehow make it happen.
I have significant anxiety around dental procedures and have needed deeper sedation for dental work in the past. From the beginning, Dr. Behl took the time to listen to my concerns and made me feel genuinely heard rather than dismissed or rushed. She created such a sense of trust and safety that I was eventually able to have my dental work done with only nitrous instead of full sedation, which is something I honestly didn’t think I would be comfortable doing.
During my crown placement, she explained what she was doing throughout the procedure, which made an enormous difference in keeping me calm. She also took the time to address a filling that had been bothering me for what felt like forever — and she actually fixed the problem.
What stands out most about Dr. Behl is how safe I feel in her care. She is compassionate, patient, communicative, and incredibly attentive to how her patients are feeling. For someone with dental anxiety, that combination is invaluable.
Finding a dentist I trust this much has completely changed my experience with dental care. I am incredibly grateful to Dr. Behl and would recommend her without hesitation, especially to anyone who has dental anxiety or has struggled to feel comfortable receiving dental treatment.
Response from the owner:Thank you for such incredibly kind words! We’ll be sure to pass this along to Dr. Behl. We’re pretty sure the flying unicorns are going to be the part she remembers most! 🦄💙 We’re so glad our team could help make your experience a more comfortable one.
Dr Thoms and his team are phenomenal. No question, the absolute best possible option for my child when he needed work done while sleeping (age based). While this option is not inexpensive, this set up of have anesthesiology in-house allowed us to get his mouth healthy when a traditional pediatric dentist could/would not. I am a parent that asks a lot of questions on behalf of my toddler’s care and at no point did I feel judged for this, nor was I rushed during my evaluation process during the consultation. Although the procedure is not one I would like to repeat for my child, my husband and I were both so pleased with how well Dr. Thoms communicated and how he clearly cared for our son’s wellbeing (both physical and emotional during a less than comfortable visit). Cannot recommend the back of house team more highly.
My one detraction is the FOH staff (not everyone) were not nearly as pleasant. I would like to communicate that while their day-to-day is very routine for them, being in that office as a parent is very scary for some people in their office and a little bit of kindness goes along way. I do recall, having a very pleasant conversation with Rebecca, but otherwise everyone else was on the apathetic side, in my personal opinion. That said you’ll notice that I still am leaving a five star review because the dental staff really just knocked out of the park, but as a parent I want to encourage you to look past any rudeness you may experience over email or on the phone because Dr. Thom’s is really that excellent.
Response from the owner:Thank you for taking the time to share such thoughtful feedback. We’re grateful to hear that our team provided compassionate, attentive care and took the time to answer your questions throughout the process. We also appreciate your comments regarding your experience with our front office team and will certainly share your feedback. Your kind words mean so much to us!
1. Brush and Floss Regularly
Proper oral hygiene is the foundation of any teeth-whitening routine. Brushing twice daily and flossing once daily helps remove surface stains and plaque, which can dull the natural brightness. Opt for a toothpaste designed for whitening that contains mild abrasives to scrub away surface stains gently.
Tip: Use an electric toothbrush for a more thorough clean. They are more effective in removing plaque and surface stains than manual brushes.
2. Avoid Stain-Causing Foods and Beverages
Certain foods and drinks are notorious for causing stains on your teeth. Coffee, tea, red wine, and dark berries are just a few culprits that can leave your teeth looking less than their best. Acidic foods can also weaken your enamel, making it more susceptible to staining.
Tip: If you indulge in these foods or drinks, rinse your mouth with water afterward to minimize staining, or drink through a straw to reduce contact with your teeth.
3. Consider Professional Whitening Treatments
While many over-the-counter whitening products are available, professional whitening treatments offer faster, more noticeable results. At The Dental Anesthesia Center, we offer safe and effective whitening options under the supervision of our dental professionals. This ensures that you get the brightest smile possible without damaging your enamel.
Tip: Schedule a consultation with us to discuss the best whitening treatment for your needs, whether an in-office procedure or custom take-home trays.
4. Use Whitening Strips and Gels Sparingly
Over-the-counter whitening strips and gels are popular because they are convenient and can deliver results. However, overusing these products can lead to tooth sensitivity and even damage your enamel.
Tip: Follow the product instructions carefully and limit use to the recommended time frame to protect your teeth.
5. Rinse with Mouthwash
Using a whitening mouthwash can help keep your smile bright between professional treatments. These mouthwashes help remove surface stains and contain ingredients that fight bacteria and strengthen teeth.
Tip: Choose a mouthwash with hydrogen peroxide for whitening benefits, and make sure it’s alcohol-free to avoid drying out your mouth, which can increase the risk of tooth decay and stains.
6. Stay Hydrated and Snack on Crunchy Fruits and Vegetables
Drinking plenty of water keeps you hydrated and helps wash away food particles that can lead to staining. In addition, crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples, carrots, and celery naturally scrub your teeth as you chew, helping to remove surface stains.
Tip: Incorporate water and crunchy fruits into your daily routine to keep your teeth clean and reduce the need for whitening treatments.
How The Dental Anesthesia Center Can Help
Maintaining a bright, white smile requires good oral hygiene, smart lifestyle choices, and when needed, professional whitening treatments. At The Dental Anesthesia Center, we are committed to helping you achieve your ideal smile in a comfortable, stress-free environment. Contact us today to learn more about our teeth whitening services or to schedule your next appointment!
