We’ve compiled all the information you’ll need to know in order to brighten your smile and whiten your teeth. There are numerous ways to brighten your smile; we will discuss everything from the simplest Home remedy ideas to the most advanced professional treatments.
first, let’s talk about why our teeth discolor. Generally speaking, there are two primary reasons for tooth discoloration: extrinsic and intrinsic.
Extrinsic Stains occur when pigment-producing substances from the foods and beverages we consume, along with Tobacco, deposit themselves onto the outside surface of our teeth. These include things such as coffee, tea, red wine, berry-colored foods and Drinks, Smoking, and chewing Tobacco. Because these stains reside on the surface of the enamel of our teeth, they can be easily removed or lightened. On the other hand, intrinsic stains live inside of the dentin layer below the enamel. Examples of intrinsic stains include genetics, age-related tooth discoloration due to thinner enamel exposing the yellowish dentin, certain prescription medications taken during tooth development (such as tetracycline), excessive fluoride exposure in children, and physical trauma to a tooth. Typically, intrinsic stains are more difficult to treat than Extrinsic Stains.
Over-the-counter whitening products
The most convenient means to begin your whitening process is through purchasing over-the-counter (otc) products. Most of these products utilize hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide at a lower strength than professional whitening products.
Whitening toothpaste
While many toothpastes are advertised as “whitening,” most simply polish off surface stains using mild abrasives instead of altering the actual color of your teeth. Although they may not significantly whiten your teeth, some do contain low levels of hydrogen peroxide which gradually whiten your teeth over a longer duration. Therefore, while they probably will not dramatically improve your teeth’s whiteness, they can certainly assist in maintaining the whiteness you already have. As with all oral care products, look for those that carry the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of acceptance for safety and performance.
Whitening strips
Whitening strips are thin pieces of adhesive-coated plastic. They contain a hydrogen-peroxide based whitening agent. You place the strip(s) on your teeth for a specific period (usually 30 minutes) and repeat one to two times a day for seven to fourteen days. Popular brands like Crest 3D White Whitestrips offer an excellent example of what can be accomplished with consistent usage. The peroxide-based gel in the strip is able to penetrate the enamel and dissolve stains.
Whitening gel and trays
You can apply whitening gels directly to your teeth using a brush or as part of a tray. When buying kits that include gels you will likely find a universal tray included. Universal trays are designed to fit virtually every patient but may not fit perfectly, resulting in irregular whitening and/or irritation to the gums. For best results consider having custom fitted trays made by your dentist.
Professional whitening
If you want to achieve quicker or greater whitening results or if you have intrinsic stains, then your best bet would be to opt for professional dental whitening. Dentist-supervised whitening utilizes higher concentrations of peroxide to deliver superior results.
In-office whitening (chair-side whitening)
The quickest means to whiten your teeth is via chair-side whitening, which is normally completed within 60-90 minutes in a single appointment at your dentist’s office. During this process, your dentist will apply a high concentration of peroxide gel to your teeth while protecting the surrounding tissue and gums. In addition to applying the peroxide gel, your dentist may employ a blue led light/laser (similar to the zoom! System). While the blue light/ laser has been touted as a method to enhance the efficacy of peroxide whitening agents, studies indicate that its presence merely provides a placebo effect for users. Users can experience dramatic improvements in their teeth’s brightness after only one treatment (up to three shades).
Professional at-Home whitening kits
Your dentist can also provide you with a professional grade take-Home whitening kit. To create the ideal impression of your teeth so that they can make a custom fitting tray for you, he/she will take impressions of your teeth. With custom-fit trays, your dentist ensures that the stronger-than-o.t.c. Versions of the whitening gel stay in direct contact with your teeth and minimize irritation to the gums. You will use these trays for a specified number of hours/day (depending on the concentration and type of gel recommended by your dentist) for one week to two weeks.
At-Home natural whitening remedies (Caution advised!)
There are many natural remedies floating around on-line that claim to whiten teeth. Be cautious with these remedies as some can actually damage your teeth.
Baking soda
As mentioned above, sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) is mildly abrasive. Baking soda can serve as a mild abrasive that helps remove surface stains by polishing them off. If you’re interested in trying baking soda as a whitening agent, you can mix it with water to create a paste and gently brush your teeth with it – however, please remember that too much brushing action with baking soda can wear down enamel over time. Baking soda cannot alter the underlying color of your teeth.
Oil pulling
Oil pulling originated thousands of years ago as an ancient Ayurvedic practice where people would swish oil (commonly coconut oil) in their mouths for 15-20 minutes. Oil pullers believe oil pulling can “whiten” teeth; unfortunately, there isn’t enough scientific data supporting this theory. While oil pulling may be capable of removing some surface bacteria and food residue from your teeth, thereby allowing them to appear cleaner – it doesn’t perform chemical bleaching.
Activated charcoal
Activated charcoal is extremely adsorbent and can attach itself to surface molecules, including stains. However, activated charcoal is quite abrasive. Activated charcoal is capable of removing *some* Extrinsic Stains; nevertheless, its potential risks far outweigh its benefits – specifically its ability to irritate gums and wear away enamel. Due to the long-term dangers associated with activated charcoal for whitening purposes, most dentists strongly advise against its use.
Fruit (e.g., Strawberries & lemons)
A few proponents of natural remedies propose using acidic fruits on their teeth to whiten them. Acids found in citrus fruits (lemon juice) and berries (strawberry malic acid) can loosen surface stains; however, both lemon juice and strawberry malic acid can rapidly erode tooth enamel — similar to citric acid in orange juice or vinegar-based salad dressings. Eroding tooth enamel exposes more dentin underneath – therefore, in addition to causing irreversible structural weakening of teeth, using acidic fruit juices on your teeth causes them to appear more yellow over time. Please refrain from using acidic fruits as a means of whitening your teeth.
Long-term maintenance
After you’ve reached your optimal degree of whiteness, maintaining that whiteness is essential for preserving your bright smile.
Limit consuming staining food/drink items: limit consuming coffee, tea, red wine, cola-based sodas, dark-hued foods/drink items; when you do consume these items, attempt rinsing your mouth thoroughly immediately thereafter.
Oral hygiene habits: cleanse your teeth regularly by brushing twice-daily and flossing once-daily. Preventing the formation of plaque and subsequent accumulation of new Extrinsic Stains on your teeth.
Routine dental visits: routine dental visits enable you to receive professional cleaning services periodically throughout the year that eliminate surface stains prior to becoming permanent.
Boosters: based on which product/method you chose initially – you may require booster sessions periodically at Home utilizing your custom-fitting trays or boosters at your dentist’s office.
Quitting Smoking/Tobacco use: Tobacco is among the biggest contributors to tooth-staining and oral health problems in general.
Factors to consider prior to whiting your teeth
Prior to beginning any whitening regimen – regardless of whether you plan on performing at-Home whitening treatments or scheduling an in-office treatment – it’s highly recommended that you speak with your dentist. Here’s why:
Current dental Work: any crowns, veneers, bonded surfaces or fillings that currently exist on any of your visible front teeth will not whiten. If you successfully whiten the remainder of your natural teeth – and fail to whiten the previously described areas – this could result in an unappealing contrast between these non-whitened areas and newly whiter areas.
Tooth Sensitivity: temporary tooth Sensitivity occurs as an unfortunate side-effect of almost all whitening treatments. Your dentist can recommend toothpaste/gel containing desensitizers that may help alleviate this temporary condition.
Gum health issues: certain chemicals present in many whitening products can irritate sensitive gums and exposed root structures in patients suffering from gum recession or gum disease.
Stain type: understanding which type of stain exists on your teeth allows your dentist to recommend the appropriate treatment option for you. Additionally, most otc products are ineffective at treating intrinsic stains.
In summary, achieving a brighter smile is entirely achievable. Whether you choose ease and affordability of at-Home products or professional grade treatments – knowing your options and getting advice from a qualified dental professional will allow you to identify the best possible solution for your unique situation.