Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dentistry treatment that aims to eliminate dental stains and give the teeth a whiter and brighter hue (color).
This dental procedure has become one of the most requested in recent years; thanks to trending demands in aesthetics and beauty.
It is especially important that dentists are trained in the handling of whitening agents, and following an adequate protocol for the planning of the procedure and maintenance of results.
It is still advisable that the population conceive the teeth whitening treatment as a medical process that has to be performed under the supervision of a specialist.
best teeth whitening
The best teeth whitening procedure still remains the use of whitening toothpaste that can lighten stains and brighten teeth over time. While the use of such toothpaste may not be as fast or effective as other options, such as whitening strips or pens, they still work and can help improve your smile.
Not every whitening toothpaste on the market lives up to its claims, but some of them like Colgate Optic White Whitening Toothpaste, Tom’s of Maine Luminous White Natural Toothpaste, and Supersmile Professional Whitening System is known to contain ingredients scientifically proven to whiten teeth.
Also, Sensodyne ProNamel Gentle Whitening Toothpaste (for those with sensitive teeth) and Arm & Hammer Advance White Extreme Whitening Toothpaste (for those that have braces) are also known to be effective.
Always look at the active ingredients listed on whitening toothpaste labels, and look out for hydrogen peroxide and silica. Silica products are best suited for sensitive teeth and gums.
A higher hydrogen peroxide content indicates a more effective tooth whitening toothpaste; however, this could make the toothpaste more likely to irritate your gums.
teeth whitening kit
As far as the teeth are concerned, yellow or brown will never be the new white. White teeth are always preferable, and you need to learn the top causes of teeth stains. We did a little research to find out which teeth whitening kits work best to do away with the stains for good.
The following are our top 5 picks:
- Impressive Smile Teeth Whitening Pen + Teeth Whitening Accelerator Light
- Supersmile Professional Whitening System
- Bright White Smile Teeth Whitening Kit + 3D Teeth Whitening Strips
- Glo Brilliant Teeth Whitening Kit
- Crest 3D White Strips 1-Hour Express Whitening Kit
Teeth Whitening Pen and Teeth Whitening Accelerator Light
The teeth whitening pen allows you to obtain whiten teeth and to enjoy that smile you’ve always wanted! The ease and portability of the pen make your teeth whitening experience effective, quick, and easy.
Impressive Smile teeth whitening pen and accelerator can deliver teeth whitening results faster, easier, and more convenient since you can use it at home, at work, or carry it along with you when you travel.
It is recommended that you follow instructions on the box, and use it as indicated.
On the other hand, the impressive Smile LED Accelerator light is used to enhance the teeth whitening process. This efficient technology activates teeth whitening gel to rapidly remove surface stains and penetrate deep to remove embedded stains too.
Teeth whitening accelerator light improves the process of whitening your teeth, helping to break down stains on the tooth surface.
teeth whitening strips
teeth whitening strips are a lifesaver, and much less expensive than going to the dentist; it’s just as effective. All you have to do is to put the strips on at least once per day or as suggested on the pack, and you’ll be on your way to achieving glowing, white teeth in no time.
Of course, not all teeth whitening strips are created equal, but we know that the ZIMBA Teeth Whitening Strips and Lumineux Oral Essentials Teeth Whitening Strips have a good record of doing what they claimed to do.
Causes of Teeth Stain
Following inadequate oral hygiene and the consumption of certain products can cause dental staining. There are different types of dental stains, and we can classify them as intrinsic or endogenous stains and extrinsic or exogenous stains.
Among the intrinsic stains are those that affect the teeth in their formation phase, before they erupt in the oral cavity. It is usually caused by consuming certain drugs such as tetracyclines, enamel hypoplasia, vitamin deficiency, or fluorosis.
Also classified in this group are spots that appear after tooth eruption, caused by blows, fractures, or aging of the dentition, which gives it a darker hue.
Extrinsic or exogenous stains are produced by the contact of the teeth with pigmenting agents that are present in certain foods, drinks, tea, coffee, and other products, such as tobacco. These stains can also occur after prolonged use of certain oral mouthwashes and certain kinds of toothpaste.
Risks of teeth whitening
However, in addition to knowing what tooth whitening is, we must know that this treatment is not without risks. This is a treatment that, despite generally obtaining satisfactory results, carries a series of risks.
Possible risks include cervical resorption, gingival sensitivity, and post-operative tooth sensitivity.
To potentially reduce adverse effects, it is necessary to comply with the necessary biological safety measures, using the appropriate concentrations according to each technique and following the appropriate exposure duration.
3 Natural Ways to Whiten Teeth at Home
Whiter teeth, like thick, shiny, hair, is something that most individuals in our cosmetically driven world desire today. It is reported that Americans spend over $1.4 billion dollars on over-the-counter (OTC) teeth whitening products every year just to achieve a different shade of teeth.
Most people who have tried OTC teeth whitener said it does work for a bit, but it gets their teeth so sensitive that they couldn’t stand it. So I started looking into more natural alternatives and with a bit of patience, I think you can naturally restore whiteness to your teeth.
Causes of yellow Teeth
To know how to whiten our teeth, we have to know the reasons why they get yellow in the first place. There are several factors that contribute to this, including genetics, the type of food and drink you consume, and how well you practice oral cleanliness.
A tooth consists of 4 tissues-enamel, which is the strong white covering that shields the tooth, dentin, which supports the enamel and is a hard yellow material that conveys nerves, pulp, which is at the center of the tooth and contains blood and lymph vessels, and cementum, which shelters the root of the tooth.
The enamel and dentin is the factor that plays the biggest role in color. Certain drinks and food will directly stain the enamel, yes, but over time the two biggest culprits are the nasty food and drink that actually break down the enamel, and weakens the enamel as we age. As the enamel breaks down, it exposes the yellow dentin underneath.
These remedies will mainly focus on whitening teeth that have already lost some white enamel, but it’s also important to keep in mind that doing things to strengthen enamel is just as vital so you can keep it from breaking down further.
Baking Soda & Lemon Juice Paste
Sodium bicarbonate is also known as baking soda is mildly abrasive, gently scrubbing away outward stains to return teeth to a whiter shade.
It’s also very alkaline in nature, (the opposite of acidic) so I would think if you have a very acidic mouth or eat a lot of acidic food, it could help balance the Ph., which would be vital as acid breaks down enamel. It will also lessen the acidity of the lemon juice, which acts as a natural bleach of sorts.
- You will need Several teaspoons of baking soda, Enough lemon juice or water to form a paste and A toothbrush
Directions
Blend several teaspoons of baking soda with adequate fresh lemon juice (or water) to make a paste. Clean your teeth and any extra saliva off of them with a paper towel. Put a good amount of the paste onto your toothbrush and apply.
Leave the paste on for a minute, then wash so as to avoid the acid effecting enamel. If you are using just water you can allow it on for up to 3 minutes.
Strawberry, Salt & Baking Soda Scrub
Strawberries are rich in Vitamin C, which can help in breaking-down plaque that causes the teeth to look yellow. It also contains an enzyme called malic acid, which may aid in removing surface stains.
The salt functions as an abrasive portion of the paste, physically cleansing away stain-causing gunk, and the baking soda is an extra touch that you can decide to leave out if you’d prefer.
- You will need 1-3 large strawberries, a pinch of seat salt and a half teaspoon of baking soda (optional)
Directions
Mash the berries into a pulp, and put a pinch of sea salt and a half teaspoon of baking soda, if you’re using it. Clean any extra saliva off your teeth with a paper towel, and then apply a generous portion of the mixture to a toothbrush and apply. Allow the mixture to sit for 5 minutes, then wash off. Do this in the night.
Coconut Oil Rinse
Washing the mouth with coconut oil (called ‘oil pulling’) is a unique, old, remedy that people believe to help whiten teeth. Lauric acid in coconut oil is known to get rid of teeth of bacteria found in plaque that can cause yellowish teeth. It also promotes gum health and helps keep the breath fresh.
- You will need about a tablespoon of coconut oil
Directions
In the morning before you brush your teeth, scoop out a tablespoon or a small less (depending on your mouth size) of coconut oil. You can either soften it or just put it in your mouth. Push, swish, and pull the oil through and around your teeth for 10 to 15 minutes, spit it out, rinse with water, and brush your teeth.
Are these remedies guaranteed to whiten your teeth within a week? No. but You may start to notice a difference, but it won’t be as prompt as the commercial products. Whiter. Overall this homemade remedy feels healthier and it doesn’t look like you bleached the life out of your teeth.
We live in a world where photo-shopped looks (and teeth) and make-up-covered celebrities set the standard for how we should look, which makes life hard for many people. As a result of this we seem to forget what’s good for ourselves, and spend a lot of money just to look like the ideal.
By going natural here, you can keep your money for something else, feel great about yourself, and have a healthier mouth and health is what, in the end, creates real beauty.
Teeth Whitening Tips
Try to Set up a routine using these remedies and stick to it, at all costs, to get the most out of them.
While not “natural” per se, using 3% of hydrogen peroxide as a mouth wash can whiten your teeth through the process of oxidation. It is an active indigent in many over-the-counter whitening kits but is most times found in much higher (and expensive) combinations in them. (remember 3%)
It’s fairly common knowledge, and hard in today’s world, but try not to drink dark drinks, such as coke and coffee that stains the teeth.
Electric Toothbrushes Vs Manual Ones
While using a manual brush is good, many oral health care professionals want their patients to make the switch to electric, as these brushes help ensure patients get their mouths as clean as possible, while reducing their cavity risk and the likelihood they will develop gingivitis.
ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSHES
There are 2 types of technology used in electric toothbrushes, and they are:
OSCILLATING: Oscillating toothbrushes come with smaller, round toothbrush heads that turn quickly in one direction and then in another direction to clean your teeth. The most common manufacturer of oscillating electric toothbrushes is Oral-B, and some research shows that electric toothbrushes with rotating-oscillating bristles are more effective at removing plaque and preventing gum disease than manual toothbrushes.
SONIC: Sonic toothbrushes have heads that are shaped like regular toothbrush heads and vibrate side to side to clean your teeth. It uses sonic technology which makes the brush vibrate at 30,000-40,000 strokes per minute, and Sonicare is the major player in producing this type of technology.
The manufacturers claim that sonic vibrations push toothpaste, water, and saliva into areas where bristles don’t touch, resulting in better cleaning, and scientific evidence does support the argument that these brushes will indeed clean areas that others cannot.
Pros and Cons of electric toothbrushes:
Pros
- They’re easy to use and great for people with conditions that reduce movement in their hands and arms, like arthritis.
- It is more fun for children.
- Many electric toothbrushes come with a built-in timer, which help ensures that you brush for the recommended two-minutes.
- Research shows that electric toothbrushes are more effective at removing plaque and preventing gum disease than their manual counterparts.
Cons
- You’ll have to charge it to use it
- They cost more than a manual toothbrush.
- Replacement heads can be quite expensive too.
- Potentially breakable, and dropping your toothbrush could be costly
Why you should go electric
Electric toothbrushes offer patients a variety of advantages, no matter their oral condition. These brushes do the work, with many even featuring a timer to ensure patients brush for a full two minutes.
Some electric brushes come with a pressure indicator light to let patients know when they’re brushing too hard and possibly damaging their gums.
A lot of people are in a hurry and usually end up doing a drive-by in the mouth. But Electric toothbrushes give us a better chance of accomplishing what we need to do as hygienists, and that is reducing inflammation, removing plaque, and reducing hypersensitivity.
There are always issues in the mouth that an electric brush can help improve, including recession and sensitivity from improper brushing and gingivitis from not brushing at all.
Electric toothbrushes are also great fun and an option for children, especially if they have braces. Parents are spending a lot of money on orthodontic work, and if their kids don’t brush correctly, that could be a problem.
MANUAL TOOTHBRUSHES
It is possible to brush your teeth successfully with a manual toothbrush, after all, the most important thing is that you’re brushing your teeth.
The manual toothbrush comes in many different shapes and sizes and is powered by your hand and wrist. Although experts prefer an electric toothbrush over a manual toothbrush for your overall oral hygiene, there are some pros too, as well as some cons to using a manual toothbrush.
Pros
- Manual toothbrushes are inexpensive and can even be free when you visit the dentist.
- There are a ton of styles, bristles, and heads to choose.
- There are no batteries or charging needed, making them easy to travel with.
Cons
- More manual, requiring manual labor
- There’s no timer, and it will not clean your teeth as efficiently as an electric toothbrush
Difference between an electric toothbrush and a manual one?
It is more than obvious that electric toothbrushes are powered by electricity, and that is the main difference between the two.
Electric toothbrushes are believed to be able to clean teeth more efficiently than ordinary ones, due to their automatic bristle and rapid electric toothbrushes movements. There are different types of electric toothbrushes, but most of them have back-and-forth or rotation-oscillation motions, as well as vibrations.
It has been scientifically proven that electric devices are more effective than ordinary toothbrushes because of their speed and automatic motions.
Electric Toothbrushes For Kids
Getting your kids to brush their teeth can sometimes be difficult, but electric toothbrushes are a good option to help take the hassle out of it.
Electric toothbrushes made for kids typically come in fun colors, cartoon characters, and often have fun sounds, music, or flashing lights to encourage them to brush for the recommended time frame.
According to the ADA, children can start using an electric toothbrush as soon as they start to introduce oral hygiene habits to them. But never forget that there is a difference between an adult electric toothbrush and a child’s electric toothbrush.
Final Recommendations
Remember, you have to be diligent about using your whitening products every day or as indicated for them to work effectively.
According to legislation in certain countries, whitening products with a carbamide peroxide concentration higher than 0.3% or with more than 0.1% hydrogen peroxide, can only be administered by dentists. Performing the procedure without medical supervision carries serious health risks.
Currently, the European Directive considers bleaching products with hydrogen peroxide concentrations of between 0.1% and 6% safe for cosmetic use. So they can be freely purchased without medical supervision. However, these can have health side effects. Our advice is that you use these products under the instructions of a specialist.
As for the products with concentrations lower than 0.1% of hydrogen peroxide, they are safe for health, so their free distribution does not present risks, although their effectiveness is practically very low.