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Everyone wants a whiter, brighter smile, right? As a dental hygienist, this is probably one of the most, if not the most common question I get from my patients. There are various ways to do this with various degrees of success. In this blog post, I’ll talk about different ways to achieve whiter teeth, as well as ways to maintain it!
Things to Keep In Mind
Before we go into the different methods of whitening your teeth, there are some exceptions you should know about. Your teeth aren’t the same as your mother’s, nor is it the same as your next door neighbor’s. Just because some people had success with a method doesn’t mean it will work for you. Also, not all kinds of teeth will whiten, and some teeth may whiten but not as much, so beware! For example,
- You won’t be able to change the color of your fake teeth. This includes full or partial dentures, any crowns/caps, veneers, bridges (which are all essentially crowns)
- Teeth that have had history of trauma (like being hit in the face with a baseball bat or falling on your face) may not whiten as effectively as the rest, or may not even whiten at all
- Thin enamel may not bleach as well as thicker enamel
Possible side effect: Teeth sensitivity. This is a common side effect but a stated previously, everyone is different. Not all will exhibit this side effect and it varies depending on which treatment(s) you choose. If you have a history of teeth sensitivity, you should take this into consideration when looking into whitening procedures!
Ways to Brighten Those Teeth
Whitening Toothpastes & Mouthwash
This is probably the least intense treatment or thing that you could do for your teeth. This has the least “potency” – because of this, it can only brighten your teeth a few shades up. In other words, this is the least effective option if you want white teeth. At the same time, unless your teeth aren’t that dark or heavily stained, you won’t really notice much changes.
Personally, I’ve used Colgate Optic White toothpaste and mouthwash, as well as Tom’s of Maine Luminous White toothpaste and both of these brands did a good job of making my teeth a little brighter. My teeth aren’t that dark to begin with but I did notice it went up maybe a shade lighter.
Whitening Strips
This is another option you could go for besides a professional in-office treatment. This is more potent than whitening toothpaste and mouthwash, but not as strong as the professional procedures. It usually comes with enough strips to last you for a week; some will include more. However, brands like Crest are making more and more effective over-the-counter whitening strips. If you google Crest whitening strips, you’ll see a bunch of different names like Crest White Strips HD White, Crest White Strips Professional, etc. Some of these actually carry quite a hefty price tag (ranging from $20 up to 50 a box), but they are nowhere near what you’d pay for an in-office visit.
I’ve actually had two patients in my chair who used white strips to achieve their pearly whites, so I can definitely say that it can work as well as getting your teeth professionally bleached. Keep in mind, though, that both of them had been using the strips consistently for quite some time, so if you want instant gratification, this is not the best way.
Take-home bleach trays or pens
you might find this OTC, but you can also purchase this from your dental office and usually it is cheaper than getting an in-office procedure (basically, everything is cheaper than an in-office procedure). You are usually given a tray that was molded and created specifically for your teeth and some gel syringes filled with whitening solution. Some of these trays will come with a light / UV system. You would place a small drop on the front surface of each tooth on the tray and place it in your mouth for however many minutes directed.
Beware of placing too much solution on the trays or keeping it for too long! Overfilling can cause excess solution to spill over and get on your gums and cause a burning sensation. Keeping it on for too long can cause some slight sensitivity. The same steps follow for the bleaching pens.
In-Office Professional Treatment
This is the best go-to option because you can see immediate improvements / changes after the appointment is over, but this is the most expensive treatment and is also the one that gives the most side effects because it’s so potent. You usually get a liquid barrier placed over your gums to protect it from the bleaching material and then the bleaching material is spread on your teeth. You get an apparatus to keep your mouth pen and lips from touching the bleach, of course. For the next hour, a big UV light is usually placed in front of your teeth and you just sit there until it’s over.
The prices will vary by location but to give you an example of how much it costs, in my area of the United States, it costs $500 for an in-office treatment.
Tips to keep your teeth white
Floss, Brush, and Rinse
Brushing is, without a doubt, very important in keeping your teeth clean and white. Flossing can really help with removing debris and stains from between your teeth before they calcify and harden. Read other reasons why it’s important to floss in my other blog post. Rinsing can also dislodge more stains and debris!
Watch What You Drink
Popular beverages like tea, coffee, and red wine are commonly known to stain your teeth. Drinking it after getting your teeth bleached won’t immediately turn it back to what it was before, but overtime, it can potentially darken it a shade or two. Even drinks like cranberry or grape juice can possibly stain your teeth.
Don’t Smoke or Chew Tobacco
Smoking and chewing tobacco will easily stain those pearly whites. What’s worse about these kinds of stains is that it can be harder to remove than regular tea or coffee stains.
Get Routine Dental Cleanings and Checkups
Getting your teeth professionally cleaned will help prevent too much buildup or the tartar and stains and help keep your teeth white longer!
Got any other questions you’d like to ask about whitening? Drop them below!
Until next time! ♡
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This was very infrormative and Helpful! I’ve spoken to my dentist about whitening my teeth but since theY’re healthy i’m not too bothered anYmore!
Thank you I’m glad you think so!! Totally, it’s first priority that they are nice and healthy!
I love that this post aligns with your job. It is interesting to learn that different teeth can react differently to the same product. Oooh, I’ve used whitening strips once in a while – I didn’t know they were that effective! though, is there a chance of the teeth cracking from the strips? YESSS on flossing!!! I do it religiously twice a day and realize that there are certain junk that wouldn’t have gotten out otherwise. Thanks for sharing all of these tips :).
Nancy ♥ exquisitely.me
Thanks Nancy, I try to incorporate it sometimes! I wish all our teeth reacted the same way but unfortunately they’re not all the same 🙁 I have never heard teeth cracking from strips! It could be due to a different cause that may have occurred while the strips were being used. GOOD I’m glad you floss LOL!
This is so informative and helpful. I suffer from sensitive teeth so tend to be quite nervous when it comes to whitening products…But I drink a lot of black coffee, and I’m partial to some red wine so My teeth do need a little help to stay white x
Sophie
http://www.glowsteady.co.uk
Thanks Sophie I’m glad you thought it was helpful! It is quite tricky when it comes to having sensitivity problems. It definitely helps to use sensitivity toothpaste while using the products with less whitening concentration!
I love that you’re blogging about something you do for a living – so exciting! I usually tend to get my teeth cleaned at the dentist; I’ve tried whitening strips and my gums don’t like them 🙁
☼ cabin twenty-four
Hahah thanks! That’s initially what I wanted to base my blog off of but now it’s just a side lol! Unfortunately it’s not for everyone but hopefully you’d at least be able to use the toothpastes and mouthwash!
Girl those strips are no joke. I just stumbled upon them one time and took them to look good in mexico and i was so shocked. I really love them but im thinking in investing in those water flossing things. and.. that reminds me, i need to make a dentist appointment for clean up and check up!
Thanks, very informative !!
Haha right?! They can really make a difference. Water flossers are great, I use one myself! No problem Kiki!
I’d love to try having my teeth whitened but they are pretty sensitive so it scares me! That said, since I stopped drinking alcohol the hygienist hasn’t needed to scale them at all so hopefully that’s helping to stop them GOING any less white!
Ahh yay good for you Alison! So happy to hear that 😄 it is hard when you have super sensitive teeth! Using low dosage stuff like toothpaste can def at least help prevent staining!
This is such a helpful and informative post, Geraldine! Thank you for sharing your tips and advice 😊 I have tried whitening toothpastes and mouthwashes in the past and found them to be quite effective. Flossing is something I have been doing for a while now, although I probably drink too much tea and coffee! Thank you again for sharing your advice, really interesting post and such a great reminder to look after our teeth! <3 xx
Bexa | http://www.hellobexa.com
I’m happy you found it to be helpful Bexa! It’s great, and it’s awesome you find them to be effective! It honestly depends how bright you want them to be, glad it works for you 😊
Ow interesting, I might have to try this once i get bk off my holidays! nothing beats a perfect smile.
Haha exactly!
so helpful to read from an expert with professional experience working with teeth. I wanted to get my teeth professionally whitened last year, but my dentist talked me out of it because she said it wouldn’t really last on my teeth in the way i hoped. But I still hope to try it one day!
Ahh yeah it’s helpful esp when it comes from your dentist, but you can always find little ways to whiten, like the strips! ☺️ How long it lasts depends on your lifestyle and habits but I hope you find something that works for you! Thanks so much girly ❤️
I love this! I try to take care of my teeth but honestly I’m pretty lazy. I should definitely focus more on flossing. I have one of those permanent retainers across my bottom teeth so flossing down there is difficult for me, no matter how many times my hygienist explains it to me haha!
Omg yes I know what you mean. That fixed retainer is so important but can be quite difficult to clean! Just gotta do your best with it 😉
Thanks for the info Geraldine!! What do you think about charcoal? I recently got these charcoal tooth tabs from Lush, but I wanted your opinion.Also, I drink tea literally everyday so I guess that screws me over a bit lol.
Haha it honestly depends, some people drink so much tea but they barely get any stains on their teeth whole others drink 1 cup a day and they have so much! Some people just have more grooves or roughness on the surface of their teeth which makes stains adhere to it easier, unfortunately. Some of my patients use charcoal and it seems to be working for them, but I recommend you just to be careful about using it long term because of charcoal’s abrasiveness. Long term use could really abrade your enamel and cause more staining in the future. As of yet, there’s not enough studies to support whether it’s more beneficial or not for your teeth so I just tell my patients to just be careful and not to use it for too long
Great post! As a tea drinker, I’m always after tips to keep my teeth nice and white. Definitely like that you’re actually a dental hygienist too… I’ve had multiple problems with my teeth (from being an idiot and falling over so many times) that all the influencers promoting items that i wasn’t necessarily sure were safe were something i wanted to avoid xx
mia // https://beautiful-inspiring-creative-life.com
I’m glad you like the tips! Yes, not all of the things that are being promoted are good for you, unfortunately 😔 gotta do your research before going into something for sure!
Such grEat tips To looking after your tEeth. Oral health is so important. Thank you for sharing these Ideas!
Thanks for reading Lauren!
These are such great tips! i’ve used crest strips ages ago and completely forgot to ever buy them again. thank you for sharing!
No problem at all, thanks for reading!!
I always floss before brushing my teeth.
http://www.fashionradi.com
Good for you!
This is really in depth and i didnt know about all the options for whitening teeth. I don’t think i could ever justify the cost of getting them done but it all depends on how much you care about your teeth! I do use whitening toothpaste but i may look into the strips too. Really helpful post!x
There are so many stuff out there, it could easily be overwhelming so I don’t blame you. I can’t justify it myself haha but you’re totally right! Thanks for reading! xx
This is such an AWesome post and I didn’t know that you’e a dental hygienist, so reading this post from your perspective was super interesting. Out of itnerest, what are your thoughts on coconut oil pulling for whitening teeth? i’ve never felt massively concerned about getting my teeth whitened but this post has got me thinking that maybe i should lol. THANKS FOR SHARING X
Ah thanks for reading Sarah! Oil pulling is an interesting one and has been done in ancient India and I believe China? There are studies that show it is beneficial regarding bacterial toxins and can lower levels of gingivitis, BUT it can also have negative effects like dry mouth, excessive thirst, loss in sensation and taste. It doesn’t happen to everyone of course but just be careful when doing it!!
Thank you for these tips, Geraldine. It actually saddens me because im a heavy tea and coffee drinker and i wanna whiten mine naturally.
https://sarahrizaga.blogspot.com/
No problem!! You might be surprised, some heavy tea and coffee drinkers don’t have that much stains on their teeth! You just have to make sure you’re constantly brushing and flossing. 🙂
This is such an informative post ger! I drink a lot of tea and that’s definitely caused a few stains on my teeth, I use CHARCOAL toothpaste and mouthwash every single day which has been working well for me! Although this post has made me want to do more, and really look after my teeth, I feel like I don’t give them enough attention! hehe. Thanks for sharing <3
Chloe xx
http://www.chloechats.com
I’m glad you found it helpful!! Ah yes that is the popular trend nowadays! 😁 Definitely have to make sure your teeth are strong and healthy!!
This is an informative post. I’m always trying to take care of my teeth because I want to avoid expensive dentist visits. Since I drink a lot of tea, I’m always looking for ways to brighten my smile. I’ve used the Colgate Optic White toothpaste before, but it made teeth sensitive. I haven’t tried the Toms of Maine, Toothpaste Luminous White, so I think I’ll give that one a try and see if it causes sensitivity. Thanks for sharing.
No problem Angela! I hope Toms of Maine will be better for you, otherwise I’d try alternating between a whitening and a toothpaste for sensitivity like Pronamel or Sensodyne, or even Toms of Maine Rapid Relief toothpaste!