Best Ways To Whiten Teeth

If you’re here reading about dental care, it’s safe to assume you care about your teeth. And if you care about your teeth, it may be safe to assume you care about having a smile that shines. Unfortunately, in today’s world, there are hundreds of at-home kits and do-it-yourself options for whitening, making the process confusing. Here is some advice to help you determine the best way to whiten your teeth.

First Things First – Why Do Teeth Discolor?

Teeth basically lose their shine over time as a result of our diets and consumption. Extrinsic, as it is known, occurs when the outer layer of the tooth is stained. Coffee, tea, soda, and red wine can dramatically increase the rate of discoloration. Smoking can also cause extrinsic stains.

Potential Solutions To Teeth Discoloration

• Whitening toothpastes are arguably the most popular and accessible forms of whitening. They can be easily purchased over the counter, and work by using abrasive ingredients to scrub your teeth surface and remove external stains from your daily diet. However, prolonged use of whitening toothpaste can wear down your enamel, eventually exposing the inner yellow layer of your teeth – essentially defeating the purpose. Enamel damage is irreparable.
• Do-it-yourself whitening kits have also been growing in popularity, and too can be purchased over the counter. These kits typically contain a whitening active ingredient, as well as abrasive particles. Due to the fact that the use of active ingredients is regulated, these kits are often not very successful. Potential dangerous side effects can include gum burns, tooth pain and sensitivity, or uneven, patchy colors across your teeth.
• Whitening provided by a professional dentist is the most effective whitening option that gives you an immediate result, typically in less than an hour. A single session can whiten your teeth by up to eight shades. Because of their training, dentists can perform this procedure safely and effectively. The dentist will first check to ensure that your teeth are suitable for whitening. You should communicate your goals and expectations before the treatment begins.
• Your dentist can also create a custom-made take-home kit if in-office whitening is not a feasible option for you. By creating a custom-fit applicator, you will avoid some of the aforementioned side effects presented by the over the counter kits. Unlike the in-office procedures, the take-home kits can take days to weeks to show signs of effectiveness.

Which Is Best For Me?

The best choice for you honestly depends on your personal preferences. Non-dentist prescribed whitening can be cheaper, but also may not be as effective or safe.