How To Whiten Teeth

Everyone wants a beautiful smile. Stained teeth detract from an otherwise attractive countenance, but there are ways to get a whiter smile. At home and clinical teeth whitening has become popular in recent years. Several methods are available to get the results one needs.

At home teeth whitening methods are widely varied. Natural methods, such as a mixture of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide applied with a toothbrush, are popular with the ecologically conscious. A mixture of strawberry purée, baking soda and table salt is effective due to malic acid in the strawberries. Malic acid is a natural teeth whitener, as is hydrogen peroxide. These natural ingredients, combined with abrasive ingredients, are a low-cost alternative to store-bought solutions, or pricier clinical methods . These methods are old-fashioned but time-tested.



Other at home teeth whitening methods include whitening toothpaste, brush-on gels, whitening strips and bleaching trays. Of these, whitening toothpaste is the easiest choice. Whitening toothpaste has the same ingredients, such as hydrogen peroxide and forms of sodium carbonate, as natural methods, but often at higher concentrations. Brush-on gels and whitening strips generally contain a carbamide peroxide solution applied directly to the teeth. These formulations work by penetrating the enamel and bleaching the underlying layers. Bleaching trays hold a peroxide solution, and are held in the mouth for varying periods of time. Whitening strips and bleaching trays often have a fit that is less than ideal, leading to gum irritation.

Professional clinical whitening, performed by or obtained from a licensed dentist, is probably the most effective method. However, cost is prohibitive, making this an option that is not readily available to everyone. The most popular form of professional clinical whitening involves a peroxide bleaching gel applied to the teeth. The gel is left on the teeth for up to 30 minutes, then rinsed off. Professional dentists may also use a light-activated bleaching gel, followed by chairside light application of a laser or LED light. Custom-made bleaching trays, molded to fit a patient’s mouth, are available from dental professionals and may offer a cost-effective way of obtaining whiter teeth at home.

Whiter teeth are attainable, with a myriad of options available for the average person to choose from. Choose wisely, and get your most beautiful smile.