One of the most common questions we hear from our patients is, “How can I whiten my teeth at home?” Tooth discoloration is common from both aging and food and drinks. Fortunately, you have a lot of choices for removing these stains! In fact, there are so many products available — from toothpaste and mouthwash to teeth whitening strips and trays — that it can be overwhelming to determine the best approach to take.
You’re already brushing your teeth twice each day. Why not switch to a whitening toothpaste and extend the benefits of this healthy habit? These specialty toothpastes often use hydrogen peroxide or carbide peroxide to lighten your tooth color. Baking soda may be added to attack the deeper stains. With this approach, you can expect your teeth to gradually lighten in color by one or two shades.
An over-the-counter whitening mouthwash can lighten your teeth, but on its own, you won’t see dramatic results. As you’re swishing the rinse in your mouth, the active ingredients don’t stay on your teeth long enough to yield quick results. If you’re consistent, though, you may see a difference after a few months.
Whitening strips hold a thin layer of a concentrated peroxide gel on your teeth for longer periods of time. Since it’s a more intense process, it can lead to noticeable whitening in just a few days. It’s particularly important to carefully follow the instructions and space out your usage. Note that overuse of strips can lead to temporary sensitivity of your teeth or soreness in your gums.
If you need whiter teeth more quickly — say for family photos or an upcoming event — at-home whitening trays may be your best bet. With these trays, you can deliver a higher concentration of peroxide to your teeth for a longer stretch. As another reminder, whitening trays should be used with caution, carefully following the directions.
Note that aggressive use of at-home teeth whitening products may cause tooth erosion or other dental issues. If you experience any discomfort after using whitening toothpaste, rinse, strips or trays, it’s best to take an immediate break. You may also want to consider a milder product to use in the future.
First and foremost, white teeth start with a good dental care routine. Brush your teeth twice a day, floss your teeth once a day, and visit your dentist twice per year. You can also try to limit or completely avoid food and drinks that stain your teeth, like candy, berries, and deeply-colored condiments as well as coffee, tea, red wine, and dark sodas. Finally, if you’re currently a smoker, quit as soon as possible.
If you have any questions about at-home teeth whitening, please reach out to us today. We hope you’ll choose Maitland Ave Smile Co. for all of your oral health needs!
Call us at 407.834.0330 to schedule your appointment today! Check out our Dental Blog to learn more about topics like restorative dentistry, dental anxiety, and more.
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