At-Home Teeth Whitening: An Easy Way to Get Your Teeth Brighter

Yellowy and darkened teeth can be inevitable for most of us over time. You may think you do everything right for your teeth; brushing regularly, using dental floss, etc. However, as individuals age and consume food and beverages such as coffee, tea, wine, and sauces, their teeth will likely stain over time and make them feel insecure about their smile. Therefore, many people with yellow teeth are looking for ways to get rid of their stained teeth to have whiter and healthier teeth. If you do not have crowns, veneers, or composite tooth-colored bondings -since bleaching will not whiten them- a teeth whitening procedure is the best option.

There are two options to make your teeth whiter; one is at-home teeth whitening, and the other way is an in-office teeth whitening procedure. Both of the options use peroxide-based bleaching agents. For those whose teeth are gone bad in terms of color or those whose teeth are in a miserable state in terms of shape, color, and health, rather than teeth whitening, a Hollywood smile makeover, which fixes the overall appearance of the teeth, could be the best option!

However, those with mild discoloration can easily apply at-home teeth whitening products to regain pearly-looking teeth over time. But how?

Differences Between At-Home Teeth Whitening and In-Office Teeth Whitening

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At-home teeth whitening, which usually contains lower concentrations of bleaching than in-office procedures, has convenient products that are cost-effective solutions for improving teeth appearance.

In-office teeth whitening procedure performed by dental professionals contains a higher concentration of peroxide-based bleaching agents combined with special lights and lasers.

At-Home Teeth Whitening Pros and Cons:

Pros:

With at-home teeth whitening kits, you may whiten your teeth whenever convenient without making several dental appointments.
Because they are typically less expensive than in-office procedures, at-home teeth whitening kits are cost-effective.
People who seek a more natural-looking transformation may prefer at-home whitening for those with slight discoloration because it can result in gradual and subtle improvements over time.
Since many at-home whitening treatments are user-friendly and have detailed instructions, applying the procedure without expert help is relatively easy.

Cons:

- Whitening your teeth at home usually requires more time before you see noticeable changes than in-office procedures, primarily because the bleaching agents used have a lower concentration.
- In particular, for people with severe discoloration, the outcomes of at-home whitening may not be as dramatic or effective as those obtained through expert in-office treatments.

In-Office Teeth Whitening Pros and Cons

Pros:

In-office teeth whitening procedure gives immediate and noticeable results after one session
In-office teeth whitening treatment contains higher concentration, leading to more dramatic and effective whitening concentration.
In-office teeth whitening can be customized for patients based on factors like tooth sensitivity and discoloration.

Cons:

- In-office teeth whitening treatments typically cost more than at-home alternatives.
- In-office whitening may not be the best option for people with specific dental diseases or oral health issues.
- Following in-office whitening, some persons could suffer increased tooth sensitivity although dental professionals can help manage this side effect.

What is the Best At-Home Teeth Whitening?

Here are several common best and fast teeth whitening at home :

Whitening Toothpaste: Mild abrasives found in whitening toothpaste can assist in removing surface stains. Although they can be part of your everyday dental care practice, they might be less helpful for deeper stains.

Whitening Strips: Whitening strips which are thin, flexible plastic strips coated with a peroxide-based gel, is applied to the teeth for a specific period, usually once or twice a day for a couple of weeks to see the results.

Whitening Trays: Whitening trays, also called teeth whitening trays or bleaching trays, serve as dental tools employed in at-home teeth whitening procedures. These trays are created to keep a whitening gel close to your teeth, enabling the active constituents within the gel (typically hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide) to engage with the enamel of your teeth. This interaction aids in the reduction of stains and discoloration, contributing to a lighter appearance of the teeth.

Oil Pulling: Oil pulling, a traditional technique used to cleanse mouth and teeth, supports microbial balance, kills harmful bacteria, prevents gingivitis, and pulls toxins.

Baking Soda: Because it naturally whitens teeth, baking soda is common in commercial toothpaste. It works as a gentle abrasive to remove surface stains from teeth. Furthermore, baking soda produces an alkaline environment in your mouth that inhibits the growth of bacteria.

Activated Charcoal: Activated charcoal is a black powder often used for teeth whitening. It’s applied to a wet toothbrush or mixed with water to create a paste, then brushed onto teeth. While some claim it can remove stains, there’s limited scientific evidence. Individuals should be cautious as it’s abrasive and can wear down the enamel, potentially causing sensitivity and other issues.

Consuming high-fiber foods: Certain high-fiber vegetables and legumes can be chewed to reduce oral acidity and save tooth enamel. Beans or leafy greens like spinach cause the mouth to secrete more saliva, which aids in neutralizing acid in the mouth.

When using at-home teeth whitening products, follow the instructions to avoid overuse or misuse, which can lead to tooth sensitivity or other issues. Also, if you have any pre-existing dental conditions, you should consult your dentist before starting teeth whitening treatment.

For more dramatic or stubborn discoloration, professional teeth whitening treatments performed by a dentist might be more effective. These treatments often use higher concentrations of whitening agents. If you have a dramatic and stubborn discoloration, it is recommended to consult a dental professional.

Foods and Beverages for Fast Teeth Whitening at Home

Teeth whitening at home can be straightforward through dietary choices and accessible practices. By incorporating teeth-friendly foods and beverages into your daily routine, you can gradually enhance the whiteness of your smile. Additionally, maintaining good oral hygiene, avoiding staining substances, and using recommended whitening products can contribute to a brighter and healthier set of teeth. These simple steps enable you to take control of your dental care and achieve teeth-whitening results from the comfort of your own home.

Strawberries: Strawberries contain malic acid, which can naturally whiten teeth by breaking down surface stains. It is one of the effective and fast ways to whiten your teeth by mashing up strawberries, rubbing them on your teeth, or eating them regularly as part of your diet.

Crunchy fruits and vegetables: Consuming crunchy fruits and vegetables such as apples, celery, and carrots can aid in the removal of surface stains and encourage the generation of saliva, which plays a role in neutralizing acid and safeguarding teeth.

Dairy items: Dairy items such as milk, cheese, and yogurt contain abundant amounts of calcium and phosphates, which contribute to fortifying tooth enamel and preventing dental decay, which will help individuals significantly in teeth whitening at home.

Green tea: In contrast to black tea or coffee, green tea is less prone to causing teeth discoloration. Additionally, it contains antioxidants named catechins that can combat bacterial growth and diminish mouth inflammation.

Nuts: Nuts like almonds and cashews can help scrub away surface stains when you chew them. They also provide a healthy dose of protein and beneficial minerals.

Citrus fruits: Although citrus fruits like oranges and lemons are acidic and could potentially harm tooth enamel if consumed excessively, they also provide a vital source of vitamin C, which is crucial for maintaining gum health.

Sugarless Gum: Chewing sugarless gum (preferably with xylitol) can stimulate saliva production, which helps neutralize acids and clean the mouth, and assists in teeth whitening at home.

MCAN Health is an internationally accredited health tourism company based in Istanbul, Turkey. It offers various dental treatment options. To learn more about implants, crowns, veneers or hollywood smile in Turkey, please reach out to us.

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article by

Mehmetcan Kotil

Medical Content Expert

Mehmetcan is MCANs Digital Marketing Manager and Content writer who has taken roles in medical tourism for years and created written materials for healthcare provider’s websites.

Updated on Friday, May 17 2024.