The human quest for a brighter smile goes back surprisingly far in history. In fact, ancient Roman dentists recommended using a mixture of goat’s milk and urine — yes, urine! — to whiten teeth.
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Fortunately, teeth whitening products have advanced over the last few millennia. Now you will find many products on store shelves that promise pearly whites.
So, what is worth trying? Let’s find out from the dentist Anne Clemons, DMD.
Different ways to whiten your teeth
There are several safe and effective ways to remove the unsightly stains that life can leave on your teeth, says Dr. Clemons. Options include using over-the-counter products at home or visiting your dentist for a professional teeth whitening session.
Options at home
If you’re a do-it-yourselfer, you have options when it comes to undoing tooth discoloration from aging or food and drink. They include:
Whitening toothpaste
You already brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes at a time to keep your teeth and gums healthy, right? Whitening toothpaste can extend the benefits of this daily habit, says Dr. Clemons.
This specially formulated toothpaste may include hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide (which includes hydrogen peroxide) to lighten tooth color. Some brands may also include baking soda to attack stains.
Research shows that whitening toothpaste can gradually lighten teeth by a shade or two. “With regular and consistent use, you’ll start to see a difference over time,” says Dr. Clemons.
Whitening rinses
Using an over-the-counter whitening mouth rinse can help lighten teeth, but don’t expect to see drastic results. The hydrogen peroxide or other whitening agents in a rinse simply don’t spend enough time in your mouth to work quickly.
“The rinse just doesn’t come into contact with your teeth for very long,” explains Dr. Clemons. “But if you really stick with it, you might see a difference or two in a couple of months.”
Whitening strips/gels
Whitening strips keep a thin layer of a more concentrated peroxide gel on your teeth for longer periods. This more intensive procedure can bring fast results, with visible lightening within days.
“Given the higher concentrations of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, it’s really important to read and follow the directions on the product,” advises Dr. Clemens. “It’s not something you use all the time.”
Ditto for whitening gel applied directly to the teeth using a brush.
Excessive use of tapes or gels may have a temporary effect sensitivity in your teeth or irritation to you gum. Laboratory research also shows that it can cause aggressive bleaching tooth decay or other dental problems.
If you feel discomfort in your mouth after trying a whitening product, it’s best to take a break from it, notes Dr. Clemons. Switching to a milder product is also recommended.
Bleaching trays
If you need whiter teeth in a hurry and want to do it at home, tray-based whitening products may be your answer.
These discs deliver even higher concentrations of peroxide over larger areas than strips and gels, providing even faster results. Again, it is extremely important to be careful and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Professional whitening
As good as many at-home whitening products are, they often can’t match what’s available at your dentist’s office.
Professional whitening treatments typically use stronger concentrations of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, explains Dr. Clemens. As you might expect, this brings faster and more dramatic results.
A 30 minute session with you dentist it may be all you need to boost the power of your smile. You can walk in with a shade of teeth and walk out with them looking much whiter.
Additionally, your dentist can help you determine why your teeth are discolored. Bleaching works best on teeth that have yellowed over time or are stained by food or drink. A brown or gray tint to your teeth can signal deeper problems.
In addition, your dentist may face problems such as gum disease the cavities to improve your overall oral health. Bleaching works best after these underlying issues are also addressed.
What about alternative therapies?
There are many online theories about teeth whitening using alternative approaches. Be wary of trying them, warns Dr. Clemens. They are likely to be ineffective and, in some cases, may even damage the teeth.
“Alternative methods tend to fall into the myth category,” he says. “And worse, they could damage your teeth over time.”
Examples include oil pulling, an ancient dental treatment from India that has seen a resurgence of interest thanks to social media. It involves taking an edible oil – such as sesame oil, olive oil or coconut oil – and pouring it into your mouth.
The thought process is that the oil cleans not only your teeth but also each other. Operates; “I haven’t seen any good evidence that it will whiten teeth,” says Dr. Clemons.
Other alternative methods to avoid include using apple cider vinegar or charcoal powder.
Don’t be tempted to use the hydrogen peroxide in your medicine cabinet to try and whiten your teeth. The hydrogen peroxide in whitening products is carefully formulated for use in your mouth.
Conclusion; If you’ll try whitening your teeth, you’ll get the right products for the job.
Dr. Clemens recommends looking for the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance. on whitening toothpaste and other teeth whitening products. It indicates that they have been found safe and effective in independent tests.
How to keep your teeth white
Once you whiten your teeth, you’ll want to keep them that way. Dr. Clemons offers the following tips to keep your smile sparkling.
- Practice good oral hygiene. This means brushing well for two minutes twice a day. Don’t forget to floss too. “Keeping your teeth whiter starts with good oral hygiene – and that includes seeing your dentist regularly,” she says.
- Avoid or limit foods and drinks that can stain your teeth. The list of offenders consumed includes coffee, tea, red wine and soda. Foods that can stain teeth include candies, brightly colored berries and colorful sauces.
- Stop smoking if you are currently on.
Talk to your dentist about any concerns you have about the color of your teeth. “Start the conversation with them if you want whiter teeth,” advises Dr. Clemons. “They’ll be able to tell you what products might work best for you and give you other suggestions.”
