Tooth whitening: Ways to get a brighter smile

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Years of consuming tea, coffee, soda, or tobacco can gradually dim your bright, white smile. Fortunately, tooth whitening treatments can make your teeth noticeably whiter. You can get a picture-perfect smile with either a professional dental cleaning or bleaching:

Teeth cleaning

At the dentist: A professional cleaning is the only way to remove calculus and tartar.

At home: All toothpastes help remove surface stains through the action of mild abrasives. Whitening toothpastes have additional polishing agents that remove stains on the surface of teeth.

Bleaching

Bleaching involves using hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide to whiten teeth beyond their natural shade. Oxygen infiltrates the tooth's enamel as the active ingredient breaks down, lightening its color.

At the dentist: After protecting your gums with a gel or shield, your dentist will apply the whitening product to your teeth using a specially made tray that fits like a mouth guard. The complete treatment may take two or three visits.

Laser whitening involves placing a rubber dam over your teeth to protect the gums; then, a bleaching product is painted onto your teeth. A light or laser is then shone on the teeth to activate the chemical. The light speeds up the reaction of the whitening product and can make teeth up to five or six shades lighter.

The effects of professional dental whitening are thought to last up to three years but can vary from person to person.

Some people may find their teeth become sensitive to cold during or after treatment. Others may experience discomfort in the gums, a sore throat, or white patches on the gumline. These symptoms should disappear within a few days of completing treatment. If any of these side effects continue, see your dentist.

At home: Products for whitening teeth at home include bleaching strips, bleaching pens, and gels. The effectiveness of these methods depends on the amount of whitening agent in the product. Home products may contain mild acids and abrasives that could damage teeth and gums.

Take care of your teeth after professional whitening treatments

You can help keep your teeth white by:

  • Reducing the amount of food and drinks you consume that can stain your teeth

  • Brushing or rinsing immediately after you consume stain-causing beverages or foods

  • Using a straw for beverages that might stain to avoid direct contact with your teeth

  • Stopping smoking

  • Removing plaque by brushing your teeth at least twice daily and flossing at least once daily

  • Using a whitening toothpaste (once or twice a week only) to remove surface stains and prevent yellowing