For those of us with a gleaming grin, it most likely had a little help. Teeth whitening has gone from an expensive cosmetic treatment to a quick and affordable process that can make a dramatic difference to somebody’s smile.
There are lots of factors, however, that will determine how successful your teeth whitening is. “Young teeth will whiten much better than older teeth,” points out Dr Sarah Flannery, founder of Azure Dental Practice in Dublin. “When we are young, the teeth will whiten very well. [But] as we age, the amount of dentine inside the tooth increases, which makes the teeth less receptive to whitening treatment.”
Misconceptions still abound when it comes to tooth whitening. Flannery says people often worry about the teeth becoming too white, but in reality this is never an issue. “The change in shade is gradual and the patient can stop at any stage,” she notes. “The tooth also has a limit, so at some stage, the tooth will have achieved maximum whiteness and no amount of whitening will whiten the tooth more.”
There are also concerns that tooth whitening is bad for teeth, concerns that Flannery says are unfounded. “Whitening of the teeth, with the advice and prescription of your dental professional, will not cause any damage to the enamel,” she says. “The main risks are tooth sensitivity, which is not permanent, and when the product is stopped, the tooth sensitivity will resolve, and soreness of the gums due to overloading the trays with whitening products which can lead to a chemical burn of the tissues. Again, the gums will recover in time, but this can be painful.”
Turn up the heat on easy ideas for everyday meals that will tickle all taste buds
How a Cork father became hooked on his electric vehicle, after just one test drive
Proper oversight is required when using dental-grade whitening products, she adds. “It is important for a dentist to examine and monitor the whitening as if there is gum recession present, the sensitivity can be extreme. It is also important to obtain the correct products and dosage from your dentist as everyone’s mouth is different.”
Of course, there are some over-the-counter options available. The Irish Dental Association cautions against using products sourced online. “It is often not clear exactly what these products contain so it’s very hard to know if they are safe to use, or even if they are effective,” says an IDA spokesperson. “Many products bought online do not clearly state their active ingredients and often contain ingredients that are banned in the EU on safety grounds.”
For example, Flannery says there are pros and cons to using whitening strips. “Again, these come in different percentage concentrations, so selecting the right product for your teeth is important.” While strips can be convenient and easy to use, and relatively less expensive than other teeth whitening methods, but they may not give the desired result.
“They will only whiten the area that the strip covers, typically from the first premolar to the opposite first premolar,” explains Flannery. “In some people, this is enough, but for others with a wider smile, it will mean that the whitening is uneven and the teeth further back will not be whitened, sometimes leaving a noticeable difference.” Similarly, if a patient has long teeth, it may not cover all the way to the gum tissues, again leading to an uneven result, she adds.
Laser teeth whitening, which accelerates the effect of whitening gels, is also growing in popularity and availability. While Flannery says it can be very beneficial, this works best when used as an initial treatment and is then followed by the use of custom-made whitening trays. “The real benefits of whitening gels are seen when the whitening products are used for a number of consecutive days and the laser teeth whitening alone will not provide this.”
And contrary to popular belief, teeth whitening is permanent — but watch what you drink. Once the base shade of the tooth has been altered, it will retain the whiter shade, Flannery explains. “The tooth is still susceptible to staining from tea, coffee, red wine etc, but the darker shade inside the tooth will have been altered to a whiter shade.”
Avoiding the aforementioned beverages will help to preserve the pearliness, as will quitting smoking if this applies. Regular brushing and flossing will help to maintain the new shade, especially with whitening toothpaste, which will help remove surface stains and prevent discolouration. “Ensure it is not too abrasive as continued use of an abrasive toothpaste can have an adverse effect on your teeth,” advises Flannery.
FAQs
“Generally speaking, whitening kits are not harmful to your teeth,” explains Dr. Greg Scheier, DDS of Scheier Dental Group. “There are, however, potential temporary sensitivities, both in the teeth and gums, that may result from the use of both over-the-counter and dentist-administered whitening kits.”
What is the advantage and disadvantage of whitening teeth? ›
Whitening Strips
Pros: Strips are inexpensive compared to most other methods. Cons: The strips only reach the front six teeth; they can irritate the gums; some users complain of sensitivity.
Do any teeth whitening products actually work? ›
It's not unusual to see your teeth noticeably lighten a few shades with regular use of at-home tooth whitening products. Gel-filled trays work the fastest, with results sometimes seen in as little as a few days, researchers say. Whitening strips and gels typically lighten teeth within two weeks.
Can yellow teeth be white again? ›
Yellow teeth can regain whiteness through various methods, including good oral hygiene, professional dental cleanings, and teeth-whitening treatments. Stains from coffee, tea, or tobacco can be removed with adequate oral care, while professional procedures like bleaching or laser treatments offer quicker results.
What is the least damaging way to whiten your teeth? ›
Here are a few to consider: Baking Soda: As long as you are careful to brush gently, baking soda can eliminate stains from the surface of your teeth without damaging them. Whitening Strips: Whitening strips mold to the shape of your teeth to whiten them. Whitening strips are both safe and effective.
How often is it OK to whiten teeth? ›
Dentists recommend getting whitening treatment once a year or so for most patients to keep their smiles looking aesthetically pleasing. Whitening teeth too often could cause certain oral health concerns, such as worn-down enamel.
Who should not whiten teeth? ›
Children under the age of 16 also shouldn't use teeth whiteners without the guidance of a dentist. This is to ensure that the whitening is done safely and effectively. Other people who shouldn't use teeth-whitening products include those who have: Sensitive teeth or gums.
What is the side effect of teeth whitening? ›
The potential side effects of teeth whitening include teeth sensitivity, gum irritation, and ineffective results. However, most patients do not experience any notable side effects from professional teeth whitening, as the dentist can monitor the process and perform treatment in a way that minimizes risk.
How to brighten teeth naturally? ›
6 Natural Ways To Whiten Your Teeth
- First things first, brush your teeth regularly: ...
- Oil pulling: ...
- Brush with baking soda and hydrogen peroxide paste: ...
- Rub banana, orange, or lemon peels: ...
- Take a diet rich in fruits and vegetables: ...
- Go to the dentist:
Professional whitening treatments typically use stronger concentrations of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, clarifies Dr. Clemens. As you might expect, that brings faster and more dramatic results. A 30-minute session with your dentist may be all you need to increase the wattage of your smile.
The Crest Whitening Emulsion with LED Light stands out as the best overall teeth whitening product due to its ease of use, effectiveness, and comfort. Its simple, straightforward process, coupled with the ability to carry on with normal activities during treatment, makes it highly convenient and user-friendly.
What is the number one teeth whitening method? ›
Option #1: In-Office Laser Whitening
This is one of the popular teeth whitening methods that some people believe is the most effective way to get a brighter smile. Using lasers and peroxide-based whitening agents in a professional setting, this teeth whitening method provides dramatic, lasting results.
Does baking soda really whiten teeth? ›
Conclusion. Baking soda is an effective teeth whitener when used appropriately to brush the teeth. Keep in mind that it is also important to maintain regular dental visits and continue using a good toothpaste with any baking soda brushing routine.
How do bananas whiten your teeth? ›
Unfortunately, there's no evidence to suggest that banana peels really do whiten teeth. While the minerals in bananas promote dental health, they're unlikely to brighten your smile. There are two main ways to whiten teeth: abrasion and bleaching.
Is baking soda good for your teeth? ›
Yes, it does work. While baking soda can't protect your teeth from cavities as effectively as a fluoride toothpaste can, it's still considered a good cleaning agent for your teeth. Toothpastes containing baking soda have been shown to have antibacterial properties, which can help protect your teeth from decay.
Does teeth whitening have harmful effects? ›
The potential side effects of teeth whitening include teeth sensitivity, gum irritation, and ineffective results. However, most patients do not experience any notable side effects from professional teeth whitening, as the dentist can monitor the process and perform treatment in a way that minimizes risk.
Can teeth whitening cause long-term damage? ›
Although teeth whitening rarely causes long term damage, temporary sensitivity is not uncommon. If you experience any discomfort following your treatment, your dentist can help you minimize irritation in the future.
Who shouldn't get teeth whitening on? ›
Whitening is not suitable for children below 16 years of age, pregnant or breast feeding patients, those with braces, large decay or gum disease. Veneers and crowns or bridges can't be whitened, nor can dentures.
Can teeth be whitened naturally? ›
Use Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide
This may be a more complex way to whiten your teeth, but it works incredibly well! Baking soda can help get rid of plaque that's on your teeth while hydrogen peroxide is an antibacterial agent that can whiten your teeth and keep them free of germs.
