What’s the Best Way to Whiten Teeth?

Whitening your teeth at home can be done effectively and efficiently. Nevertheless, it is essential to understand the various methods available to you and how to use them safely. Various systems and products are available to whiten teeth, including toothpaste, over-the-counter gels, rinses, strips, trays, and other dental whitening products.

Ideally, teeth whitening is recommended for individuals with healthy, unrestored teeth (without fillings) and gums. People with yellow teeth are most likely to benefit from this treatment. However, this cosmetic procedure is not suitable for all individuals.

• Whitening Systems

Now it’s easier than ever to brighten your smile at home. A wide range of products is available for you to try, including rinses, gels, chewing gum, toothpaste, and strips. Before you decide to try teeth whitening at home, you should speak with your dentist, especially if you have:

• Tooth sensitivity
• Dental restorations
• Stains that are very dark or a single dark tooth
• Several fillings or crowns

There are at-home whiteners that contain peroxides, usually carbamide peroxide, in amounts ranging from 10% to 20%.

• Whitening Toothpaste

Due to the mild abrasives contained in toothpaste, all surface stains are removed. There are some whitening toothpaste that provides an additional level of stain removal effectiveness by containing gentle polishing or chemical agents.

Typically, most whitening toothpaste gets rid of surface stains only without any bleach content. Over-the-counter and professional whitening products contain carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide, which lightens the color deep within the tooth. There is a possibility of lightening the color of teeth by approximately one shade with whitening toothpaste. Conversely, teeth can be whitened three to eight shades lighter with prescription-strength bleaching conducted at your dentist’s office.

• Over-the-counter Whitening Strips and Gels

Gel whitening is the process of applying a clear, peroxide-based gel directly to the surface of the teeth with a small brush. There are different instructions depending on the strength of the peroxide. That’s why it’s a must to follow the directions given on the product carefully. Within a few days, you will begin to see results, and the results will last for approximately four months. It generally takes between 10 and 14 days to complete a full course. Depending on your skin type, you may need to apply them twice daily. It is possible to purchase whitening strips and gels at your local pharmacy, from your dentist, or through an online retailer.

Teeth Whitening Safety Tips

Follow Directions: Keep the strips or gels on only for as long as the directions indicate, or you may end up with sore gums and other complications. To protect your teeth, refrain from drinking soda, sports drinks, or other acidic beverages after whitening.

Protect Sensitive Teeth: After you whiten your teeth, you may experience some sensitivity, but this usually lasts only for a short time. A healthy set of teeth and gums may make this less of an issue. If it bothers you, you should stop the treatment and speak with your dentist. When worn incorrectly, gel-filled trays, which are worn over the teeth like mouthguards, can also cause discomfort to the gums. Whenever you start experiencing this problem, you should stop using the product.

Don’t Overdo it: Is there such a thing as too much whitening? In most cases, once-a-month touch-ups are sufficient if you follow a product’s instructions and get a positive result. Upon reaching the desired shade of your teeth, you will need to repeat the multiple bleaching sessions twice a year or less.

All in all, if you are considering what at-home whitening product is right for you, you have a wide range of options to select from. To make an informed decision, it is helpful to narrow down your budget, desired duration of treatment, as well as your whitening goals.