Anyone who regularly consumes coffee, tea or red wine knows that what we ingest can affect the whiteness of our smile. For people who want a white smile but don’t want to change their diet, there are professional and over-the-counter options for teeth whitening.
Both options use peroxide, a whitening agent. The peroxide product used by professionals is much stronger than over-the-counter options, but they work in similar ways.
Professional Whitening
Professional whitening can cost more than $500 and usually is not covered by dental insurance. When teeth are professionally whitened, the effects are immediate and last for years. This is because the concentrated peroxide product dehydrates the tooth while simultaneously bleaching it. As the tooth rehydrates over the next few weeks, it’s common for the teeth to darken a few shades. However, that often leads to a natural white that many people desire.
Over-the-Counter Options
If you walk into the toothpaste aisle of any store, you’ll see a plethora of strips, gels and mouthwashes that promise you a whiter smile. It will likely take multiple applications over a week or two, so it’s more of a commitment than professional whitening. However, it is the more affordable option.
Additional Considerations
As we age, our tooth enamel thins. This makes the yellow-hue of our dentin more visible, which is why yellow teeth is more common in the aging community. Bleaching products only work by removing stains from enamel, not dentin, so this is one situation where natural teeth can’t be whitened. Whitening products also won’t work on most fillings or crowns.
I’d caution people to be weary of using natural methods for teeth whitening, such as lemon juice or charcoal. These substances are risky because they can damage your tooth enamel, leading to more visible (yellow) dentin, as well as less protection from tooth decay.
If you’re considering tooth whitening of any kind, be sure to consult your dentist first. They can point you in the right direction, whether it be an over-the-counter product or a professional whitening job. They will likely also recommend a professional cleaning prior to any whitening attempt because teeth that are free from plaque, tartar and stains respond better to bleaching products.
Above all, remember that a white smile doesn’t necessarily indicate a healthy smile. Always make your oral health a priority over the physical appearance of your teeth. Anyone with sensitive teeth may be advised to avoid whitening treatments, and maintaining gum health should always be a priority.