Most of us would love a whiter smile, but you may have some questions about how to whiten your teeth, including is teeth whitening safe and effective? And if so, what’s the best teeth whitening method?
Bottom Line Personal asked Kami Hoss, DDS, CEO of The Super Dentists, to walk us through the options.
Why do teeth turn yellow?
There are several reasons. The first is the loss of enamel over time. Enamel is bright white, but the layer of tissue beneath it, called the dentin, is yellow. As enamel wears away, the yellow dentin is exposed. Add to that staining from a lifetime of eating and drinking…and wear and tear that causes irregularities on the surfaces of teeth so they reflect light more poorly than a smooth surface would. Also, some medications and medical conditions can cause tooth yellowing. If you have inexplicable yellowing, discuss your medications and conditions with your dentist.
How can I keep my teeth white?
If you have good oral hygiene and regularly get your teeth professionally cleaned and polished, you should have little need for whitening…especially if your toothpaste contains nano-hydroxyapatite, a biomimetic, liquid form of tooth enamel. Nano-hydroxyapatite simultaneously whitens and remineralizes teeth while reducing plaque. Switching to a nano-hydroxyapatite toothpaste should produce noticeable results within a week or two. Brands to consider: SuperMouth Non-Fluoride Nano-Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste…Super Mouth Fluoride Nano-Hydroxyapatite ToothPaste…Dr. Jen Fluoride-Free Cool Mint 10% Premium Nano-Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste. Disclosure: Dr. Hoss is CEO of SuperMouth.
Also, using a toothbrush with soft or ultra-soft bristles removes stains and keeps tooth surfaces smooth and reflective.
If you decide you want to whiten your teeth, there are in-office and at-home treatments to consider…
In-office: Most dentists know how to whiten teeth quickly and safely. In-office bleaching usually is done using hydrogen peroxide, which produces immediately noticeable results. Caution: Using hydrogen peroxide in high concentrations can cause tooth sensitivity and, if done too frequently, can bring about long-term sensitivity issues. In-office treatments tend to run between $100 and $300—that’s more expensive than at-home treatments…but the dentist’s expertise and safety protocols make it the best choice if you can afford it. These treatments shouldn’t be done more than once a year.
At-home: You can whiten teeth by using toothpaste or mouthwash containing sodium bicarbonate (baking soda).
Over-the-counter whitening trays and strips also are effective. They tend to contain carbamide peroxide, which is gentler than in-office bleaching. At-home treatments usually are done over several days. Purchase a whitening treatment from a reputable brand, and look for a carbamide peroxide concentration of 3% to 10%. Always follow the instructions. At-home kits cost between $20 and $50.
Caution: Too much bleaching at either the dental office or at home can potentially lead to dental sensitivity and damage to enamel and soft tissues. If you start to experience sensitivity during the whitening process, stop using the treatment. Brush for a few weeks with a nano-hydroxyapatite toothpaste to remineralize enamel and help reduce sensitivity and try again.
Other questions about tooth whitening…
Should I brush my teeth before using whitening strips…or after using them? You should brush your teeth before whitening with a gentle toothbrush and a toothpaste containing nano-hydroxyapatite to remove plaque. After bleaching, rinse your mouth gently with just water to remove any excess whitening gel and other chemicals from your mouth. Then wait about an hour or two after the whitening treatment before eating or brushing your teeth.
How often should I whiten? Too many people overdo tooth whitening. Teeth aren’t naturally chalky-white, and striving for an overly white mouth can backfire, leaving you with damaged, yellow teeth. Just lighten a shade or two, and don’t whiten more than once a year.
