Teeth whitening is always a topic of interest among the public. People believe that whiter teeth are cleaner and healthier. Many different methods of teeth whitening are featured online, such as baking soda and lemon, charcoal, turmeric, and oil brushing, and others.
People show interest in such DIY teeth whitening methods using ingredients from our kitchens, but just because the method is natural doesn’t mean it’s safe and healthy. It can cause more harm than good to your teeth.
Here are some facts:
People believe that food containing acid, such as lemon, oranges, and apple cider vinegar, naturally whitens teeth, but the fact is that such acidic foods put your teeth at risk when it is in contact for a longer time. Such acids can actually wear away your enamel(the whiter covering of your teeth), which protects you from teeth sensitivity and cavities.
Another method claims that scrubbing your teeth using activated charcoal and baking soda can make your teeth whiter and shinier. But there is no evidence that such products are safe and effective for your teeth. Also, using such materials that are too abrasive on your teeth can wear away your enamel (outer covering of teeth). When that happens, the next layer of your tooth gets exposed, i.e., dentin (a softer and yellow tissue layer), which can make your teeth look more yellow.
Fiction, such as oil pulling ( swishing oils like coconut oil in your mouth ) or using turmeric to whiten your teeth, doesn’t have any reliable scientific evidence. So, save them for healthy meals instead.
The most natural and healthy way is to brush and floss your teeth to keep them bright, white, and healthy. Many people are aware of many medical conditions and tooth staining that are the result of smoking tobacco. Here are some Effects of smoking and other tobacco products on oral health.
If you want to try a specific whitening product, you should visit your dentist. Whiteners might not correct all types of discoloration. For example, yellow teeth will probably bleach well, and brown and gray discoloration may not bleach well. If your tooth discoloration is due to any medications or tooth injury, such as being hit in the mouth during fall or sports, then teeth whitening won’t be effective.
If you are a candidate for teeth whitening, there are a few effective ways to bring shine to your pearly whites:
Stain-removing kinds of toothpaste
All kinds of toothpaste help to remove surface stains from your teeth by the action of mild abrasives. But whitening toothpastes contain extra polishing or chemical agents that can help with the removal of additional surface stains. They do not contain bleach like professional whitening products, so they do not help with the removal of deep-set stains. Most whitening kinds of toothpaste can only get your teeth one shade lighter.
Dental office tooth whitening or bleaching
In-office bleaching utilizes a high concentration of tooth-whitening agents (25-40% hydrogen peroxide). In this procedure, whitening gel is applied to the teeth after protection of the soft tissues like gums, tongue, oral mucosa, etc. Then the hydrogen peroxide will be further activated by heat or light for an hour in the dental office. The in-office treatment can result in significant whitening just after one treatment as well. It is faster and more effective than take-home bleaching options.
At-home bleaching
At-home bleaching involves the use of a low concentration of whitening agent. (10-20% carbamide peroxide equals 3.5-6.5% hydrogen peroxide). This treatment is carried out by the patients themselves, but under the dentist’s supervision during the recall visit. The bleaching gel is applied to the teeth through the fitted tray given by the dentist for at least 2 weeks and might take a few hours every day. This procedure is slower but causes less sensitivity of teeth because of gradual whitening over the days.
Other tooth-whitening products, such as strips or gel, rinses, and pens, are also used by people, but it is always better to consult your dentist before starting any kind of whitening product to ensure its safety and correct use.