teeth whitening before and after
Badge field

How Does Teeth Whitening Work?

Published date field
Published date field Last Updated:

Medically Reviewed By Colgate Global Scientific Communications

Everyone desires to have a brighter smile, which is often considered a sign of oral health. However, various factors can lead to the staining of teeth, reducing their natural whiteness. This discolouration of the teeth can be an aesthetic concern to some, but fortunately, there are teeth whitening methods that can help restore the natural white shade of their teeth and enhance their smile, whether it’s at home or in a professional dental clinic.

Read on to learn more about teeth whitening, how it works, and who it is suitable for. Discover the various methods available to whiten your teeth and the potential side effects to watch out for.

What is Teeth Whitening?

Teeth whitening refers to the different processes that lighten teeth shade, and remove stains and discolouration. Also known as tooth bleaching, whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures that enhances the appearance of the teeth. You can get it done at a dental clinic or do it yourself at home, as a dentist recommends. As teeth stain over time for various reasons, you may have to repeat the process to maintain a bright smile.

While you look for ways to flaunt whiter teeth, it is essential to know that natural tooth shades differ from one person to another. The hard, usually white, outer covering of teeth, called enamel, together with the yellowish-white layer below it, called dentin, give the tooth its natural colour. 

Here are the types of stains and respective causes that reduce the brightness of your smile:

  • Extrinsic stains: Stains that appear outside the tooth enamel. The enamel picks up stains when exposed to external factors such as tobacco and highly pigmented foods and drinks, such as coffee, berries, tea, and red wine. Surface stains accumulate in the absence of proper oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing.

  • Intrinsic stains: Discolouration that occurs inside the enamel. Certain medications, excess fluoride exposure at an early age, genetic factors, dental injuries, and trauma can cause intrinsic stains. On top of that, the enamel wears away, and the dentin turns darker with age. The thinning enamel, which exposes the underlying dentin, can also increase the appearance of discolouration.

How Does Teeth Whitening Work?

Before learning how to whiten teeth, let us understand how teeth whitening works. Tooth whitening involves the physical removal of stains or chemical reactions to lighten the tooth’s shade. It uses active ingredients, such as whitening agents, to break down the stains. Though treatments may vary depending on severity and types of teeth stains, they all work on the same principle: the oxidation reaction.

Most dental whitening or bleaching products use hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide as bleaching agents. The bleaching agent releases oxygen molecules that break down organic compounds and lighten teeth colour. 

Who Should Get Their Teeth Whitened?

Teeth whitening is not recommended for everyone. It is best to consult a dentist to find out what works for you. Whitening treatment suits discoloured natural teeth without any restorations, such as fillings, veneers, or crowns, as it can otherwise result in uneven whitening. Whitening is often done on teeth with live nerves (vital teeth). It is rare for a tooth that has undergone root canal treatment and has no live nerves (non-vital tooth) to be whitened. 

According to the American Dental Association, whitening is less effective for discolouration from tooth injuries or medications. People with sensitive teeth, gum diseases, or receding gums should also consult a dentist before choosing a whitening method. In addition, cavities in teeth require treatment before a whitening procedure.

Tooth whitening is usually not recommended for children under the age of 12 and expecting mothers.

Teeth Whitening Options

If you want whiter teeth, you can explore a variety of whitening treatments available in Malaysia. These include in-office teeth whitening procedures performed at a dental clinic, at-home treatments recommended by a dentist, and over-the-counter teeth whitening products. 

With numerous options available, it can be hard to pick one. It is best to consult a dental hygienist to find the right teeth whitening solution for you. The following are the different options to consider if you are wondering how to make your teeth white:

In-Office Teeth Whitening

Bleaching is the most common teeth whitening treatment dental clinics offer. It usually takes only one visit, typically 30 to 90 minutes. Multiple visits may be needed based on factors such as the whitening method and the severity of the stains. Dental professionals evaluate your gum health and treat tooth decay or cavities before whitening your teeth. A typical whitening process involves the following:

  • The process begins by placing a rubber shield or protective gel around the gums. 

  • The whitening gel contains whitening agents and is applied directly or using a special tray that fits around the teeth. 

  • Heat, laser, or light may be used to activate the whitening agent. 

  • The dentist may suggest continuing the bleaching process at home for severely discoloured teeth for a few days or weeks.

The stain on a non-vital tooth that has had root-canal treatment usually comes from the inside. In such cases, the dentist may recommend a different dental treatment to whiten the tooth from within. It involves placing a whitening agent inside the tooth, putting a temporary filling over it, and leaving it there for some days. The process is done once or repeated until the tooth reaches the desired shade.

At-Home Teeth Whitening

Dentists offer custom-fit trays for at-home teeth whitening treatments. First, the dentist takes impressions of your teeth on both jaws and prepares a mouth guard or mouthpiece that fits precisely to hold the bleaching gel. Home whitening gels are typically applied for a few hours daily for two to three weeks to help the effects of the teeth whitening procedure last.

Various over-the-counter teeth whitening kits for home use include trays with whitening gel or whitening strips that adhere to your teeth. They contain a weaker whitening agent than that used in professional bleaching. Consult your dentists before choosing home kits, and follow directions to avoid overuse and possible damage. Proprietary whitening toothpaste with abrasives that remove stains on the enamel is also a safe at-home whitening option to consider.

Works not only on the surface but whitens teeth from the inside out in 3 days – opt for Colgate Optic White O2 Toothpaste!

Natural Teeth Whitening

If you are wondering how to whiten teeth naturally, adopting proper oral hygiene and avoiding factors that stain teeth are crucial. Here are some useful tips to consider:

  • Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste. It removes food particles and stains from the tooth surface. 

  • Floss daily to remove debris and surface stains from between the teeth, where the toothbrush cannot reach. 

  • Limit the consumption of pigmented foods and drinks, and avoid smoking and tobacco use to prevent stains on teeth.

  • Rinse thoroughly with water or mouthwash after a meal to keep germs and stains at bay.

Natural remedies may tempt you to whiten your teeth at home. Some people consider DIY methods using kitchen staples, such as baking soda. But it is essential to note that, unlike professional treatments and products, these methods do not offer instant and drastic whitening effects. Moreover, they lack scientific evidence for effectiveness and can have potential implications.

Teeth Whitening Side Effects

Teeth whitening treatments are usually safe and unlikely to cause side effects if done correctly. However, some people may experience minor and temporary discomforts for a few days. Here are some possible side effects to watch out for:

  • Gum Irritation: The whitening agent may irritate the gums, particularly with direct contact, making them sore. The discomfort usually goes away on its own in a day or two.

  • Tooth Sensitivity: Teeth sensitivity to hot or cold beverages is a common side effect following dental whitening. The discomfort is temporary and usually subsides within a few days after treatment.

  • Uneven Whitening: Veneers, fillings, or crowns may not whiten as effectively as natural teeth, resulting in uneven whitening and a patchy appearance. Consult a dentist for suitable recommendations on how to whiten teeth with restorations.

One might ask, “How can I keep my teeth white?” It is essential to understand that whitening is not a permanent solution, as stains will likely return with continued intake of pigmented foods, smoking, and tobacco use. By avoiding these sources of stains, the whitening effects can last longer. Consult your dentist for a re-whitening schedule or whitening product recommendations that are best for you.

Achieving a brighter smile through teeth whitening methods is popular, but it’s best to consult a dentist for a treatment that suits you. The dentist may also suggest whitening products, such as whitening toothpaste, to use at home. Avoid home remedies, as they can have potential implications. Adopting lifestyle changes and avoiding sources of stains helps. Proactive oral care, with regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups, helps you maintain pearly white teeth.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. How can I whiten my teeth quickly?

    2. If you are wondering how to make teeth white quickly, opting for professional in-office whitening treatments is ideal. They offer the fastest and most effective results, as dentists use safe and stronger concentrations of whitening agents in the treatment. Over-the-counter whitening toothpaste, whitening strips, or gels recommended by dentists can also help.

  2. Is dental whitening safe?

    3. When done properly, dental whitening is safe and less likely to cause side effects. Usually, people experience mild and temporary discomforts after a teeth whitening treatment, but they subside on their own in a few days. Refrain from home remedies and consult a dental professional for a suitable treatment or product recommendation to avoid potential implications.

  3. Can you whiten teeth naturally?

    4. You may come across various home remedies that suggest how to whiten teeth naturally at home. However, they lack scientific evidence of their effectiveness and can be potentially harmful. To prevent stains, limit your intake of pigmented foods and drinks like coffee, tea, berries, and red wine, and avoid tobacco use. Maintaining good oral hygiene every day is also crucial.

  4. Does activated charcoal work to whiten teeth?

    5. Activated charcoal works as an abrasive to remove dirt from the tooth surface. Its effectiveness in whitening teeth is still under discussion. Besides, its frequent use can likely damage the tooth enamel. For effective and safe teeth whitening, consider consulting a dentist.

Products You May Like

You also might like