HILLS INDEPENDENT HILLS 116 February 2025 | Page 25

HEALTH & WELLBEING

Teeth whitening

and its benefits

Welcome to the friendliest dental practice in the Hills District .

Experience , efficiency and a gentle hand .
Come and meet Dr . Olivia and her team today .
Cosmetic Dentistry
Family & Children ’ s Dentistry
Mouthguards Teeth Whitening Cosmetic Injectables And more !
Open Monday to Friday Dr . Olivia Ignatiou
A bright , white smile is often associated with health , confidence , and attractiveness . Over time , factors like diet , aging , and lifestyle habits can lead to teeth discoloration , making many people seek ways to restore their smile ’ s brilliance .
Teeth whitening has emerged as one of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures , offering both aesthetic and psychological benefits . This article explores the process of teeth whitening and the many advantages it brings .
What is teeth whitening ? Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental treatment designed to lighten the colour of teeth and remove stains or discoloration . It can be done professionally by a dentist or through at-home treatments using over-thecounter products . Professional treatments often involve stronger whitening agents and produce more dramatic results in a shorter time . The two main types of teeth stains are : Extrinsic stains : Caused by external factors like coffee , tea , red wine , smoking , and certain foods .
Intrinsic stains : Occur within the tooth due to aging , certain medications , or excessive fluoride exposure .
Teeth whitening primarily targets extrinsic stains but can also lighten some intrinsic stains with advanced methods . Benefits of teeth whitening 1 . Enhanced aesthetic appeal Whiter teeth improve the overall appearance of your smile . A brighter smile can complement facial features , enhance first impressions , and elevate your overall look .
2 . Boosted self-confidence A whiter smile often leads to increased self-esteem . People who feel selfconscious about their teeth may find themselves smiling more freely and interacting more confidently in social and professional settings after whitening .
3 . Improved oral hygiene habits After investing in teeth whitening , many individuals become more committed to maintaining their oral health . They may adopt better brushing and flossing habits and avoid foods or drinks that could cause staining .
4 . Youthful appearance Teeth naturally darken with age due to enamel thinning and exposure to staining substances . Whitening can counteract this effect , giving you a more youthful and vibrant appearance .
5 . Quick and non-invasive procedure Professional teeth whitening is a relatively quick and painless process . In just one or two sessions , noticeable results can be achieved , making it an appealing option for those with busy schedules .
6 . Affordable cosmetic enhancement Compared to other cosmetic dental procedures , teeth whitening is often more affordable and accessible . It provides a significant aesthetic improvement without extensive dental work .
Risks and considerations While teeth whitening is generally safe , some people may experience side effects , such as tooth sensitivity or gum irritation . To minimise risks , it ’ s advisable to :
- Consult with a dentist before undergoing any whitening treatment
- Follow the instructions carefully if using at-home products
- Avoid overusing whitening agents , which can damage enamel over time
Teeth whitening is more than a cosmetic enhancement ; it ’ s a confidence booster and a way to rejuvenate your smile . Whether you opt for a professional treatment or a reliable at-home product , the benefits of a brighter , whiter smile are undeniable . Consult with your dentist to find the best teeth whitening solution for your needs and enjoy the transformative effects of a radiant smile .

Suite 1 , 524 Old Northern Road DURAL ( 02 ) 9651 1806 www . roundcornerdental . com . au

2025 AUSTRALIAN FITNESS TREND PREDICTIONS

Many Australians will look to reset their health and fitness habits this year . Past trends focused on ongoing strenuous activity have shifted in recent times in favour of a more holistic approach to exercise and overall wellbeing .
So where will health and fitness take us over the next 12 months ? Fitness industry expert , Nat Grosvenor , CEO of Bodyfit , shares her top 5 trend predictions for the year ahead . 1 . Wellness & recovery There has been a significant shift in how people approach fitness . It ’ s no longer about pushing to the limit ; instead , it ’ s about balance - training , recovering , and prioritising activities that nurture both body and mind . Practices like ice baths and saunas can help to relieve pain , improve heart health , help regulate hormones and assist with inflammation . Saunas are proven to reduce stress and if used once or twice a week , they can also improve sleep by 83.5 %. Today , unless you ’ re an athlete , it ’ s less about a performance-based mindset and more about feeling good , which is why these recovery methods are booming - they make people feel better . 2 . Pilates & strength In 2025 , pilates and strength training will dominate as people seek well-rounded workouts that build both flexibility and functional strength . Pilates enhances core stability and mobility , while strength training
supports muscle growth and bone density . Together , they provide a lowimpact yet highly effective approach to fitness that suits a wide range of ages and abilities . 3 . Tech / digital & wearables The integration of tech and wearables will continue to shape the fitness landscape in 2025 , offering real-time data to optimise workouts and track health metrics . Wearable technology has consistently topped ACSMs annual Worldwide Fitness Trends over the years and is once again right up there . Technology is now redefining health & wellness at an exciting pace . 4 . Women ’ s health Women ’ s health will take centre stage in 2025 , as the industry increasingly caters to specific needs such as hormonal health , pelvic floor strength , and pre / postnatal fitness . Programs designed around women ’ s lifecycles , supported by research and expert guidance , will empower women to exercise in ways that complement their unique physiology . 5 . Personalisation Personalisation will continue to grow in 2025 , with programs tailored to individual goals , health status , biometric markers , preferences , and body types . Advances in technology and data analytics will enable highly customised workouts , nutrition plans , wellness solutions and recovery strategies .
THE HILLS INDEPENDENT theindependentmagazine . com . au HAPPY LUNAR NEW YEAR ! ISSUE 116 // FEBRUARY 2025 23