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.
Our adult daughter has cerebral palsy and requires being fully sedated when having anything done. The DAC was such a positive experience. Dr Hoffmann and his staff were kind and did great explaining things. As a mom, I had a lot of questions about how certain things would be done as usually she’s in her chair when getting examined at her local dentist and they had everything under control including transferring from her chair to the dentist chair and keeping her secured in the dentist chair as well as keeping her neck and legs comfortable. Many thanks to them!
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind words. We’re grateful for your trust and happy to hear that you had such a positive experience with our team. Our goal is always to provide compassionate, attentive care in a safe and comfortable environment. We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your experience.
TWENTY YEARS! That is how long our special needs son has been seeing Dr Hoffman and his dedicated team! Our son suffers from an intellectual disability, is non-verbal, and is unable to cooperate for dental cleaning, x-rays, or other routine dental work. He requires general anesthesia. It is such a blessing to avoid a hospital setting just for dental work.
The team is always well staffed, friendly, personable and very professional. Every single year we have been supported by a deeply caring team who are dedicated to patients with a very wide range of disabilities and needs. They have shared useful dental advice and tools (3 sided toothbrushes, blocks to hold open their mouth for daily at-home care, etc.) which improved our son’s daily dental care. We always receive a call back the day after to check his recovery-even on weekends!
Highly recommended and so appreciative to have this team supporting our ever long road of raising a special needs son.
Response from the owner:Wow — thank you for sharing such a heartfelt review! We are so grateful for your trust and for allowing our team to be part of your family’s journey over the years. It means so much to us to know that our care and support have made a difference. We truly appreciate your kind words and recommendation!
We've been coming to Dr.Hoffman for twenty years. There's a reason we keep coming back! He's great. His staff is great. He's double boarded as an MD (Anesthesia) and DDS!!! Our son with special needs needs sedation for even a cleaning. You get what you pay for. He's expensive and... we know he's getting the best care!
Response from the owner:Thank you for trusting our team over the years and for your kind words about Dr. Hoffmann and our staff. We truly value your confidence in the care we provide!
Omg!! This place is Amazing! The people who work here are so very nice and understanding. I love this team
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind words! We truly appreciate your support and are grateful to have such wonderful patients.
Searching for a new dental clinic is challenging for someone who has
dental anxiety, fear, and traumatic experiences in a dental chair. The staff and doctors at the Dental Anesthesia Center were immediately very welcoming. Dr. Thoms put together a very detailed plan to repair and replace the previous work that I had in the past that was now causing problems. Putting my faith in him was the best thing that I could have done for my situation. I am more than completely satisfied with all of the extensive dental work that I’ve had with Dr.Thoms. I had my fourth sleep dentistry experience yesterday and I’m very happy with my results. I highly recommend this practice and truly want to give them more than five stars! Thank you for giving me back my health and confidence.
Response from the owner:We know it isn’t always easy to find a dental office where you feel at ease, so your words mean the world to us. We’re so glad you feel comfortable with our team and truly appreciate your trust and recommendation!
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!
