We pay a lot of attention to our hair and skin; a few extra strands of hair on your towel are enough to send you in a frenzy and you end up buying the best haircare products. Similarly, the first signs of crow’s feet near the eyes will have you researching for the best anti-wrinkle creams on the market. Another important part of the body that needs the same kind of care is your teeth! If you practice the best oral hygiene methods, all your teeth will be able to brave the onslaughts of time and you can save money that you would have otherwise spent on dentures.

One of the most common dental issues that people face is yellow teeth. This is what prevents them from flashing a smile similar to Julia Robert’s million-dollar smile. Teeth can get stained or discolored due to several reasons, and to make them whiter and brighter, you need to exercise some caution. Here are certain things you should know when you decide to get your teeth whitened.

What are the different methods of teeth whitening?

There are several techniques for getting your teeth whitened. They usually fall under three general categories:

• Methods administered by your dentist
• Methods dispensed by your dentist to use at home
• Over-the-counter methods or home remedies without the oversight of your dentist.

Choosing the right type of teeth whitening method depends largely on these factors:

• The type of teeth discoloration
• The cost of the proposed treatment
• The treatment method
• Your age
• Dental history, including any fillings and/or crowns.

It is advisable to consult with your dentist when it comes to whitening methods. The dentist can recommend a treatment plan that caters to your needs and prevents any potential side-effects from occurring.

Which is better—professional teeth whitening or at home options?

Usually, dentists bleach your teeth with carbamide peroxide. This causes the hydrogen peroxide and urea to break down, and this procedure targets the teeth’s color in a chemical reaction. This is one of the safest ways to whiten teeth.

Professional teeth whitening options

• In-office treatment

If you opt for in-office treatment, it will work in your favor since it can be completed quickly. Moreover, the whitening effect also lasts longer. You might have to make a few appointments to get your teeth whitened, as the treatment can be finished in an hour. This occurs as the concentration of hydrogen peroxide in the applied products is greater than the products that you use at home. If you have receding gums or abfraction lesions, it is highly-recommended that you opt for in-office treatment.

• At-home treatment through the dentist

This is an easy way to whiten your teeth. Your dentist can make you custom-fit trays to fit into your mouth. All you have to do is apply a gel to it and wear the tray for 30 minutes to 1 hour a day for a few weeks. Et voila! You will sport white, bright teeth in no time.

Teeth whitening options at home

This method mostly involves opting for over-the-counter teeth whitening products. These products do not have carbamide peroxide or have them in very less quantity, which is why the products might not be very effective. Though some of these products have the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance, not all of them yield long-lasting effects. The teeth whitening options at home include:

• Whitening toothpaste: Whitening toothpastes are a popular home remedy, but they do not contain carbamide peroxide. All these toothpastes can do is target the surface of your teeth with a variety of substances that include abrasives and the chemical blue covarine. Whitening toothpastes take time to work, but if they contain blue covarine, the results are visible after the first use.
• Whitening strips: Whitening strips contain small amounts of hydrogen peroxide than professional products, so they won’t yield immediate results. However, you can apply them one or two times a day to your teeth and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Activated charcoal and other home-based products: Most of the videos on the Internet may advise you to use activated charcoal as a means of whitening your teeth at home. Since it is not scientifically proven that this does work, it is advisable to discuss with your dentist before you try these methods.

Which are the best teeth-whitening products?

If you are choosing to try teeth-whitening methods at home, it is advisable to choose the best teeth-whitening products to help you. The best teeth-whitening products are as follows:

• Optic White™ Express White Whitening Toothpaste (Colgate®): If you wish to brighten your teeth at home, consider swapping your regular toothpaste for this one. It contains hydrogen peroxide and whitened some testers’ teeth a full shade in 3 days of daily use.
• 3D White Luxe Professional Effects Whitestrips (Crest): Each whitening session should last for 30 minutes. The brand vouches that you’ll get the desired results in three weeks of daily use.
• bright on™ Teeth Whitening Kit (Smile Direct Club): This is a mess-free kit and includes a hands-free LED accelerator light and whitening pens that are made with the enamel-safe whitening agents used by dentists in their in-office treatments.
• Sonic Blue Smart Brush Whitening Kit (Go Smile): All you have to do is combine equal parts toothpaste and peroxide, and brush for two minutes with this blue-light technology-enhanced toothbrush.
• On the Go Teeth Whitening Pen (Go Smile): If you wish to whiten your sensitive teeth, this whitening pen is the right option. It won’t drastically whiten your teeth, owing to the low percentage of hydrogen peroxide, but it does not irritate sensitive teeth.

What are the aftercare techniques post teeth whitening?

Once you get your teeth whitened, there are certain measures you need to take to ensure that the results last. Your oral hygiene habits and whatever you eat or drink will affect how long your teeth whitening results last. Your teeth might be susceptible to staining from beverages like tea and coffee and certain foods. So, rinse your mouth or brush your teeth soon after eating or drinking these items. This will also prevent discoloring agents from settling in your teeth and reduces the chances of developing plaque.

What are the potential side-effects of teeth whitening?

Though teeth whitening is safe, there are chances that you might experience certain side effects from the treatments. Your teeth can become more sensitive after the treatment. However, this diminishes over time. If it persists, the dentist can recommend treating this sensitivity with products that contain potassium nitrate and sodium fluoride gel. Another common side effect that people face after teeth whitening is the irritation of their gums. This usually happens when your gums come in contact with the whitening product. This irritation usually goes away after the treatments.

What are the best practices to maintain oral hygiene?

Though teeth whitening might help you with attaining the bright, white teeth you always wanted, this is not a permanent solution. The best way to deal with matters of the teeth is to practice oral hygiene. Here are certain things you can do to maintain your oral hygiene.

• Brush your teeth before going to bed
• Do not brush hastily. Instead, take your time with it, and move your brush in gentle, circular motions to remove plaque.
• Gently brush your tongue every time you brush your teeth
• Use a fluoride toothpaste
• Floss at least once a day to stimulate the gums, reduce plaque, and lower inflammation in the area
• Use a mouthwash if you forget to floss
• Drink lots of water as it helps in washing off the negative impact of sticky and acidic foods
• Try to limit sugary and acidic foods as they tend to erode the enamel of your teeth
• Visit your dentist at regular intervals.

References- https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/best-practices-for-healthy-teeth#4

https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/health-products/g28723133/best-at-home-teeth-whitening-products/

https://www.healthline.com/health/is-teeth-whitening-safe#side-effects

https://www.verywellhealth.com/the-side-effects-from-tooth-whitening-1059029