From whitening strips and trays to special toothbrushes and toothpaste, there are plenty of at-home remedies for whiter teeth.
How do you find the most effective and simple tactic for whiter teeth? First, you consult with your dentist about the best option for your unique oral health. An experienced dentist will offer plenty of tips and tricks in addition to routine dental care.
Keep reading for some quick advice on how to whiten your teeth at home.
3 At-Home Ways to Get Whiter Teeth
There are several at-home methods that will help whiten your teeth. However, some treatments have consequences and side effects like gum irritation, so it’s important to keep things simple.
Additionally, many at-home treatments only offer temporary results because of the type of stain it treats. Most at-home treatments only focus on discoloration on the outside of your teeth, also known as extrinsic stains. These stains are caused by smoking, tea, coffee, and red wine.
If you want to treat extrinsic stains, here are three simple at-home ways to get whiter teeth:
1. Whitening Strips and Trays
The main ingredient in most whitening strips and trays is carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide. Both of these chemicals produce a bleaching effect because they break down the color-causing molecules that sit on your teeth.
Generally, you wear these products for 30 to 45 minutes each day for a set duration of typically 30 days. There are several proven whitening strips and trays on the market, so the best way to find what works best for you is to look for fit. Depending on your smile and dental structure, some strips and trays that do not fit properly can cause gum sensitivity and irritation.
2. Teeth Whitening Mouth Rinses
There are many impressive mouth rinses available that help whiten your teeth. Some of the most popular contain hydrogen peroxide and a patented Whiteseal to provide patients with the comfort that the product will remove surface stains and help prevent future stains. As an added bonus, mouth rinses also freshen your breath and kill bacteria.
While the duration in which a mouth rinse will work varies, most reviews on proven products state that whiter teeth appear with just a few weeks of regular use.
3. Toothpaste To Whiten Your Teeth
Today, all the top brands make toothpaste claiming to whiten your teeth. A toothpaste that will truly help whiten your teeth uses enamel-safe abrasives and contains active ingredients like peroxide. This ensures surface stains are removed, and the teeth are bleached. In addition to whitening teeth, toothpaste that contains ingredients like stannous fluoride also helps sensitive gums and has antibacterial properties that fight tooth decay and gum disease.
What these at-home whitening treatments do not treat are intrinsic stains. This is where the tooth itself, either the dentin or enamel, is discolored. Intrinsic stains often derive from medications taken early in life or genetic disorders. This type of stain also results from aging as the enamel becomes thinner.
Get Longer-Lasting Teeth Whitening Results Through a Dentist
While there are proven at-home teeth whitening treatments, it’s always best to work with your dentist for in-office dental treatments. Home treatments are never as effective as teeth whitening at a dentist’s office, and the side effects and risks of at-home treatments are greater than those in the office.At 376 Dental Studio, we offer Philips ZOOM! WhiteSpeed to help combat tooth sensitivity and maximize patient comfort. So, whether you’re an ex-smoker, coffee addict, or simply want a brighter smile, contact our office in Waltham, MA, today. Call 781-373-3068 to learn more and schedule your teeth whitening appointment.