How To Whiten Teeth At Home?

2. Teeth Whitening Pen

Whitening pens are quickly becoming a favourite for those looking to brighten their smiles while on the move. They're super handy, packed with various whitening agents, and incredibly easy to use. 

While the Indian market is flooded with over-the-counter teeth whitening options, not all of them live up to their promises. That's why it's a smart move to consult with your dentist before picking one like the Colgate Visible White Whitening Pen. It contains hydrogen peroxide but in lower concentrations compared to in-clinic whitening treatments. This whitening gel can be applied to the surface of your teeth and left overnight for the best results.

3. Over-the-Counter Whitening Kits

Over-the-counter (OTC) whitening kits offer a convenient solution for enhancing the brightness of your smile from the comfort of your home. These kits typically include gels and trays designed to be user-friendly and accessible. The trays help with better serum application. More advanced trays have LED lights that accentuate the serum's whitening effect.

How To Whiten Teeth Naturally At Home

People typically also use certain products that are available at home to whiten their teeth naturally. These natural remedies may not offer instant or dramatic results compared to whitening products and professional whitening treatments. Most of these solutions are not scientifically tested for effectiveness.

Tip #1 - Baking Soda

Baking soda is a mild abrasive, so when mixed into a paste with water, it releases free radicals that break down stain-causing molecules on tooth enamel. Overuse can lead to gum irritation and enamel erosion, making this method unsuitable for those with sensitive teeth or for extended periods. This underscores the limitations of baking soda for achieving long-term teeth whitening results.

Tip #2 - Activated Charcoal

Activated charcoal has the ability to absorb chemicals, yet it remains uncertain whether it removes stains from the enamel of teeth or merely acts as a surface scrub. The effectiveness of charcoal in teeth whitening continues to be a subject of discussion. According to a study in the Journal of the American Dental Association, further research is necessary to fully understand its effects.

Maintaining Everyday Oral Hygiene To Whiten Teeth

Maintaining good oral care habits is crucial for keeping your teeth white and healthy. This routine involves brushing your teeth at least twice a day with toothpaste to remove plaque and prevent tartar build-up. Flossing daily is also essential to remove debris between teeth that a toothbrush can't reach. Sticking to a routine with your regular dentist visits twice a year is also the best way to maintain a healthy and bright smile. 

Here are some bonus tips for maintaining teeth whitening:

Controlled Consumption of Stain-Inducing Foods And Beverages

After teeth whitening, sustaining brightness means limiting the consumption of foods and drinks that are known to cause stains. Beverages like coffee, red wine, soda, and black tea can discolour teeth. Using a straw can help minimize contact between heavily pigmented beverages and help retain your whitened teeth.

Practice Immediate Brushing and Flossing After Eating

One of the most common answers to how to make teeth white is brushing and flossing immediately after consuming foods or drinks that have the potential to stain your teeth. If brushing is not directly feasible, rinsing your mouth with mouthwash thoroughly can help remove stain-causing substances soon after eating, preserving the brightness of your smile.

Say No To Smoking 

Smoking causes tobacco and nicotine to penetrate tooth enamel, leading to severe teeth discolouration, bad breath, and yellowing over time. The deep-set stains from consistent smoking are extremely difficult to lift, rendering many over-the-counter whitening products ineffective.

To combat deep yellowing from smoking, professional whitening procedures are generally required. Consulting your dentist can help determine the most effective whitening and cleaning methods to lift stubborn nicotine stains.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What causes teeth to look yellow?

Multiple factors lead to teeth losing their bright white colour over time, shifting towards a more yellowish appearance. Staining consumables like coffee, tea, and red wine penetrate the enamel, the outer layer of teeth, building up residue that adds a yellow tint. Plaque buildup on teeth and smoking can also contribute to a yellowed dullness.

2. Can we avoid brushing our teeth?

While flossing and oil pulling can be valuable supplements to good oral hygiene, it's crucial to pay attention to the significance of brushing your teeth. The Indian Dental Association (IDA) endorses brushing your teeth using a toothbrush with soft or extra-soft bristles for two minutes twice daily. This will help maintain oral health by eliminating bacteria responsible for tooth decay and gum disease.

3. Does turmeric whiten teeth?

Multiple research studies have found no scientific evidence to substantiate the claim that turmeric is an effective teeth-whitening agent for whitening teeth at home. If it doesn't whiten, then can turmeric stain your teeth? Probably not. Though turmeric has a pretty intense yellow colour, you would need to eat or drink it regularly for it to stain your teeth. 

4. How to make teeth white at home?

To get white teeth at home, use over-the-counter teeth-whitening products like whitening toothpaste designed for safe and effective results.

5. What do dentists use to whiten teeth?

Dentists use professional-strength hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide gels for faster in-office whitening or provide customized trays with prescription-strength bleach gels.

6. What is the best way to whiten your teeth?

Consulting with a dentist for professional in-office whitening or supervised at-home methods is the best way to whiten your teeth for a brighter smile. Yellow teeth and tooth stains may have natural ways to improve their appearance.