Whitening, also known as bleaching, lightens the natural shade of natural teeth to brighten them up and give a brighter smile. Yellow-brownish teeth typically respond best to bleaching.
Teeth are composed of a hollow center filled with blood vessels and nerves surrounded by hard, yellow dentin with an outer, transparent white enamel covering.
Bleaching can cause gum sensitivity, sometimes with sharp pains (“zingers”). Also, this process does not work on crowns and bridges or replacement teeth.
1. Baking Soda
Baking soda (aka sodium bicarbonate) is an invaluable household product with multiple applications. From its useful cleaning, deodorizing, and baking properties to being an ingredient used in numerous teeth whitening products such as toothpastes containing it; many people even use it alone or in combination with hydrogen peroxide to whiten their teeth further.
This natural product is relatively affordable and easily available. It acts as a light abrasive that can remove surface-level stains from teeth enamel, but does not work on deep or internal stains. Furthermore, overusing it or brushing too vigorously could damage enamel.
Individuals are advised not to brush their teeth more than twice per week with baking soda, alone or combined with other whitening products such as charcoal and lemon peel, since doing so could cause enamel erosion and tooth sensitivity.
Soft-bristle toothbrushes with small amounts of paste applied can be helpful in combatting this problem, though for optimal results it is advisable to rinse out their mouth after brushing for maximum effect.
2. Oil Pulling
Oil pulling alone cannot guarantee whiter teeth; however, it does appear to help clear bacteria from the mouth, improving oral health. Furthermore, oil pulling may prevent gum disease such as gingivitis when plaque and bacteria build up over time causing red, swollen, or bleeding gums according to Cleveland Clinic research. Lastly, oil pulling may decrease microorganisms responsible for bad breath (halitosis).
Swishing a spoonful of oil – typically coconut or sesame oil – around one’s mouth for approximately 20 minutes has been reported as effective in drawing out toxins and harmful bacteria from within one’s oral cavity. As it pulls these out, its consistency changes from thin liquid to milky white as toxins are drawn out of one’s system and removed through expulsion.
This practice dates back 4,000 years and is one of the many ancient Ayurvedic remedies used for various conditions ranging from headaches and migraines, thrombosis and arthritis to skin conditions and asthma. According to Ayurvedic texts, it purifies the whole body through nerves connected to each organ on the tongue – purification that also purifies through purifying sesame oil for two weeks as one small study revealed similar results to an antiseptic mouthwash; yet more research needs to be conducted in order to confirm this effect.
3. Whitening Strips or Trays
Whitening strips offer a fast and affordable way to lighten teeth quickly. Containing bleaching agents that release oxygen when applied directly onto teeth, whitening strips can disrupt stain-causing molecules that give teeth their color and lighten their hue. While professional bleaching treatments available from a dentist’s office might produce better results than these strips do, they still make an effective and affordable alternative solution.
Strips can be easily found at most drug and grocery stores and easily positioned across your teeth. Each product varies in terms of how long it should remain on, but follow directions closely in order to prevent sore gums or any complications with using these strips. Furthermore, it’s wise to refrain from drinking acidic beverages like coffee or soda for at least several hours post-using the strips for optimal results.
Thin-film chemistry lies at the core of whitening strips’ science. Unlike paint-on whiteners such as whitening pens, which apply only a small amount of chemical bleach directly onto teeth surfaces, whitening strips contain more concentrated forms of hydrogen peroxide that penetrate more deeply into hard tissues to break down discoloring molecules that accumulate therein.
Whitening trays offer an alternative to bleaching strips and can be purchased over-the-counter or from a dentist. Achieving maximum success requires having one custom fitted to one’s teeth in order to minimize side effects like sensitivity. Once filled with bleaching gel, treatment time depends on its extent and desired lightening effect.
4. Laser Teeth Whitening
Laser teeth whitening may provide the solution you’ve been seeking if your teeth have become extremely discolored and cannot be brightened through other means. The procedure uses both traditional bleaching products and lasers to efficiently whiten teeth in short order, eliminating deep stains caused by smoking, eating dark-colored foods or beverages or age.
As part of your laser whitening treatment, your dentist will first put cheek retractors and a gum dam around your mouth for isolation purposes. Next, the whitening gel is applied carefully to the teeth before activating a laser beam to heat up its content, which breaks down discoloration both externally and internally to create a whiter smile.
This method of teeth whitening is much faster than traditional office sessions; typically lasting only an hour to produce multiple shades lighter results.
However, this method should not be attempted if your enamel has become weaker or you already have dental restorations installed; the whitening gel could penetrate too deeply and cause sensitivity; therefore it is wise to consult with a dental professional prior to beginning this form of whitening.
Due to the intense heat created by laser beams, some individuals may experience increased tooth sensitivity; fortunately, in such instances the discomfort tends to be mild and short-lived.
