Nine Things You Need To Know About Tooth Whitening

Teeth can appear yellowish for various reasons, but certain strategies can slow the process and may reverse it. Tips for getting white teeth include avoiding certain foods and occasional brushing with baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. Nowadays, many tooth whitening products are available in every pharmaceutical store, and you can try many approaches at home. You can also get your teeth whitening done by a dentist.

Teeth whitening methods can lead to certain side effects, the most common of which are tooth sensitivity and gum irritation. 

What Is Tooth Whitening Procedures

Teeth whitening is a process that aims to make someone’s natural teeth appear whiter and shinier. It includes whitening methods like sanding down the stains, ultraviolet (UV) therapy, and more.

If you are wondering what is tooth whitening procedure, it involves a range of teeth whitening options like toothpaste with whitening ingredients, and professional teeth whitening sessions done by doctor’s.

Some tooth whitening procedures are actually meant to remove extrinsic stains, while others simply bleach intrinsic and extrinsic stains so that they appear light in color.

Many Over-the-counter teeth whitening products and in-office treatments include hydrogen peroxide to break down and remove stains on your teeth. Carbamide peroxide is another oxidizing ingredient that is often used to minimize stains.

These products can be irritating to your body, which is why it is important to use tooth whitening procedures as recommended by your dentist.

Teeth Whitening Products

If you are looking to brighten your smile, use the right teeth whitening products that are more affordable and convenient than going to a dentist’s office.

There are a variety of products in the market that are meant for home use like teeth whitening strips, LED mouthpieces to choose from that meet your oral care routine and preferences.

When choosing the right teeth whitening treatment, look for active ingredients like hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide, which are prescribed by dentists to remove stains effectively to whiten teeth.

Teeth Whitening Procedure At Home

According to a survey, nearly 80% of Americans have spent over $1.4 billion on at-home whitening products to achieve whiter teeth.

You may be able to whiten your teeth at home using some products that are easily available at any grocery store. Teeth whitening procedure at home includes various ingredients to choose from, such as –

• Coconut oil pulling

Coconut oil is considered to have antimicrobial properties that can help to reduce plaque and whiten teeth. Oil pulling is an ancient method that helps to remove bacteria and promotes oral health by swishing oil in the mouth.

• Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is effective in removing stains due to its acidic nature, but it should be used with caution to avoid damage to your tooth enamel. Dilute apple cider vinegar in water and swirl it in the mouth for one minute, then spit it out and rinse with water. Use this remedy once or twice a week.

• Lemon juice and baking soda

Lemon is highly acidic in nature, which is why it is not recommended to use this remedy more than once a week. Mix a little amount of lemon in baking soda, make a paste, apply to your teeth for one minute, and rinse thoroughly with water.

• Activated charcoal

Activated charcoal is highly absorbent and can easily remove stains from your teeth. Dip a wet toothbrush in the charcoal powder, brush for about 2 minutes, and then thoroughly rinse your mouth with water.

• Hydrogen peroxide and baking soda

Hydrogen peroxide is a bleaching agent which, when combined with baking soda, helps to effectively remove stains from the surface of the teeth. Mix a small amount of baking soda with Hydrogen peroxide, make a paste, brush for 1 – 2 minutes, and rinse with water.

• Banana peel rub

Banana peel contains certain minerals such as potassium, magnesium, and manganese, which help to remove stains from your teeth. Rub the peel of the banana on your tenths for 2 minutes, and after that, brush as usual.

Teeth Whitening Process At Dentist

Teeth whitening done by your dentists can help you get whiter and brighter teeth faster. The bleaching solutions prescribed by dentists are usually much stronger than in at-home kits.

The teeth whitening process at the dentist may include heat light or a combination of these two to speed up the brightening process. The teeth whitening process at the dentist is considered one of the most effective treatments for getting brighter teeth faster.

You can get the most dramatic results by achieving three to eight shades brighter teeth, which usually takes 30 to 60 minutes at the dentist’s office.

Several effective teeth whitening products prescribed by dentists are – 

• Strips and gels

Teeth whitening strips are directly applied on the teeths, and thin layers of gels are applied through a brush, these peroxide-based bleaching products are usually applied for 10 to 14 days. They can lighten your teeth up to one shade or two.

• Tray-based teeth bleaching

A mouth guard-like tray filled with peroxide-based bleaching gel or paste is placed over the teeth for one to several hours a day for 4 weeks. You can buy tray-based tooth whitening systems that are available over the counter, or you can have one custom-fitted by your dentist.

• Toothpaste

Every toothpaste helps to remove stains, but whitening toothpastes contain chemicals or polishing agents that scrub stains without a bleaching agent. Tooth-whitening toothpastes are relatively inexpensive and help to brighten teeth for up to one shade.

• Whitening rinses

Rinse your teeth for at least 60 seconds two times a day with products that contain hydrogen peroxide to help your teeth look visibly whiter and brighter.

• Chewing gums

Whitening chewing gums helps prevent stains after you consume certain beverages or use substances that can stain your teeth, like tobacco, tea, and coffee.

Final Thoughts

Some people have naturally white teeth that tend to become yellow with age. However, maintaining excellent oral care and hygiene can prevent the yellowing of teeth, and it keeps your teeth white and brighter for longer.

If you are wondering how long does teeth whitening last, then if you use at-home ingredients to whiten your teeth naturally, then it may not last for more time.

But, if you get tooth whitening procedure done by doctors or at-home kits prescribed by doctors, such as stripes, gels, or whitening toothpaste, then your tooth whitening will last for four or more months.

 Keep Your Teeth Cleaner, Brighter, And Shinier