You can also buy DIY home teeth whitening kits but these may also carry risks. What happens during teeth whitening? Whitening chewing gums. You chew these to help prevent stains after you use substances that can stain your teeth, such as tobacco, coffee, and tea. The natural color of your teeth and how white you want then to be. Whitening can only lighten your teeth so far. Veneers or crowns might be the only way for you to get truly white teeth. Extrinsic, or external, discoloration happens when substances like foods, beverages, or tobacco stain the tooth's surface. Poor oral hygiene can also cause it. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/342912426_Over-the-Counter_Tooth_Whitening_Agents_A_Review_of_Literature

While the results weren’t as dramatic as other options we tested, given how fast, comfortable, and affordable these are, we still highly recommend them. While they’re not ideal for anyone with severe staining or discoloration, they’re fantastic for people looking to lift minor stains and brighten their smile just a bit. The strips need to be applied daily for up to 30 minutes. Follow the instructions on your chosen kits carefully, as some strips are designed to work with a shorter developing time.Crest 3D White Whitestrips: We found these strips to be affordable and convenient, but they definitely made our teeth more sensitive—so much so, in fact, that we had to discontinue testing early. Teeth whitening doesn't work on dentures, crowns, fillings or veneers. What are the risks of teeth whitening?

You shouldn’t head into a whitening toothpaste expecting the same results as whitening strips or a kit with gels and trays. But a whitening toothpaste like this one from Opalescence can help whiten teeth or help maintain a whiter smile over time. We rated it high for convenience and comfort, mostly because it functioned like normal toothpaste. We liked that there was no learning curve to the application process; it was easy to work into our daily routine, and it didn’t cause any initial discomfort. Your dentist will advise you whether whitening is right for you. It may be that teeth whitening isn't suitable, for example if you have gum disease or crowns. Simple Swap: Start streamlining the teeth whitening process—swap your regular toothpaste, toothbrush, and mouthwash for products that are designed to help whiten teeth. Your local drugstore probably offers many products that help whiten teeth, including the ones in the Crest® 3D White Regimen. Whitening toothpastes and rinses are easy to find and can help remove surface stains for gradual whitening. Whitening toothbrushes such as Oral-B Pulsar 3D White Advanced Vivid toothbrush pulsate to remove plaque and stains. For safety reasons, in the UK, at-home teeth whitening kits may contain hydrogen peroxide at concentrations at up to 0.1%, whereas your dentist, using a custom-fitted mould, is able to safely use a concentration of up to 6% without harming teeth or gums. This means the professional treatment is usually able to achieve more noticeable lightening results. Dentist-only treatments such as laser whitening (in which the bleach solution is activated by a laser shone onto teeth) are also much faster, taking only 1-2 hours.In-office whitening is highly effective, safe, and long-lasting. But it's more expensive than over-the-counter options, and often isn't covered by dental insurance. Ask your dentist for a cost estimate before committing to teeth whitening. Floss: A complete oral care routine of twice-daily toothbrushing and daily flossing will help maintain white teeth, no matter what teeth-whitening product you choose.

Say No When You Need To: Most at-home teeth whitening products are recommended for adolescents and adults who are 12 years of age or older. If you are younger than 12 years, pregnant, or if you have unfilled cavities, gum disease, or other dental problems, see a dentist before exploring tooth whitening options. In this traditional Indian remedy, you swish a spoonful of sesame or coconut oil around your mouth for 15-20 minutes per day. Proponents say it can w hiten teeth as well as improve your overall dental health. But there's little scientific evidence that it works. What Is the Best Treatment to Whiten My Teeth?Try to talk to other people who've had the same treatment or visit another dentist for a second opinion until you feel confident. Always ask for a written treatment plan and price estimate before going ahead. Is teeth whitening permanent? We did find the whitening process to be slightly less comfortable; the solution was pretty tasteless, and our gums experienced some discomfort. Swallowing was also awkward because the solution can produce excess saliva, but you aren’t supposed to swallow the solution. However, the application time here is only 10 minutes, so we thought this was a totally manageable inconvenience for the amount of time needed to whiten. Sarah Bradley has been writing health content since 2017: everything from product roundups and illness FAQs to nutrition explainers and the dish on diet trends. She knows how important it is to receive trustworthy and expert-approved advice about over-the-counter products that help you manage everyday conditions.