Everyone wants a whiter smile. As you age, due to many factors like coffee and wine stains, your teeth start to become darker which can make you feel self-conscious. There are so many products that claim that they have the best tooth whitening solutions, but what really works? Below are five options for getting much whiter teeth.
1. In-office whitening
Your teeth can become shades whiter by having a qualified dentist perform a whitening procedure. The dentist will apply the whitening product directly to your teeth. These products can be used with a special light, heat, or laser. Results can be seen after a single half hour to an hour’s treatment. The one-time in-office has immediate results and can last from 6 months to a year. When the procedure is finished, you might experience some sensitivity for one or two days, but don’t worry, the sensitivity will lessen once the pores of the teeth (dentinal tubules) close up. This is one of the best teeth whitening methods, but also the most expensive one.
2. Whitening rinses
One of the more recent teeth whitening products is whitening rinses. Similar to mouthwashes, they freshen your breath and assist in lessening gum disease and dental plaque. However, whitening rinses also contain ingredients, like hydrogen peroxide, which whiten teeth. The creators of these products say that it could take 12 weeks to see the results. You only need to swish the rinse in your mouth for a minute, two times a day before brushing your teeth. However, several experts are of the opinion that whitening rinses may be less effective than other over-the-counter products. One of the reasons could be the short amount of time for which the whitening rinse is in contact with your teeth. Whereas other methods remain in contact with your teeth for up to 30 minutes, whitening rinses are in contact for only 3 or 4 minutes. It’s why people don’t see drastic changes with these products.
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3. Whitening strips and gels
Whitening strips are thin, nearly invisible pieces of flexible plastic coated with a peroxide-based whitening gel. Whitening gels are clear peroxide-based gels that you can apply to your teeth with a small brush. For these treatments, you don’t need to visit a dentist. Whitening strips and gels can be purchased at a pharmacy or supermarket. The package for whitening strips usually contains a set amount of strips that are disposable. You attach the strips to the front of your teeth and wear them for half an hour a day for two weeks. The results usually last around four months.
4. Toothpaste
All toothpaste can eliminate surface stains since they have mild abrasives. However, some whitening toothpaste have chemical and polishing agents to remove stains effectively. Whitening toothpaste don’t include bleach which is why they can only remove surface stains. Whitening toothpaste can lighten your tooth’s colour by one shade. Enamel-building toothpaste can assist in remineralizing your teeth and can help seal small cracks in your teeth that often pick up stains. Make sure to use the right toothbrush too or else you risk leaving blank spots.
5. Coconut oil
Cosmetic dentistry is not always needed for whiter teeth. Oil pulling is an age-old ayurvedic oral detoxification method. It has become popular recently due to its natural benefits for cleansing and detoxifying the mouth. Coconut oil is the most effective oil to use for oil pulling although you can also use sesame oil or olive oil. For oil pulling, it is best to do it first thing in the morning, before you brush your teeth. You swish the oil in your mouth for 10 to 20 minutes and then spit the oil in the garbage. When you swish the oil in your mouth, the plaque and bacteria gets trapped in the oil and exits your mouth when you spit it out. Coconut oil also keeps your gums healthy. The antifungal and antibacterial properties in coconut oil can hinder bacteria that causes gum disease, tooth decay, and bad breath.
Best teeth whitening? By a dentist, of course
For the most natural and safest whitening for your teeth, get in touch with a dentist. At Dawson Dental, we understand the kind of results you expect and work with you to devise a teeth whitening plan that complements your oral health. Call us to learn more about ZOOM® One Hour Teeth Whitening