Want a whiter smile? You’re not the only one. According to a survey by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the one thing most people would like to change about their pearly whites is getting them a little more…well, white. Things like food, beverages, smoking, and even aging can all contribute to stains and discoloration of your teeth.
What’s the secret to cleaning those stains away? Your easiest and fastest solution is professional whitening, but this option may not be necessary for teeth with only minimal stain. Your over-the-counter and DIY options aren’t perfect, but if used correctly, you can still expect to see some decent results.
First, talk to your dentist. Even if you’re not getting an in-office professional whitening done, you should still have your dentist’s guidance and go-ahead on anything you plan to do with your teeth. In the case of whitening, you could potentially end up doing yourself more harm than good. Tooth whitening products can be harsh and uncomfortable on sensitive teeth, particularly those with receded gums. If you have cracks or cavities in your teeth, your dentist will need to seal them lest your tooth pulp react poorly to or become irritated by the whitening.
When you’re going through products on the shelf at the grocery store or pharmacy, keep an eye out for those that bear the seal of the American Dental Association (ADA), which holds products to a high standard and approves only those that have been proven safe and effective. Some of your options will be:
Toothpaste: Some toothpaste will make advertising claims that they can lighten your teeth, usually because they contain additional ingredients, such as a mild abrasive for removing stains. However, you should not expect toothpaste to lighten your teeth more than a shade or two.
Strips: Just place these disposable strips along your teeth and let them sit for a few minutes while the whitening solution does its work. After using them consistently for a week or two, you’ll notice a difference—but the downside is that the strips can sometimes be difficult to keep in place. There’s also the problem of your saliva getting under the strips and diluting the whitening solution.
Trays: Over-the-counter whitening kits come with trays that you place over both your upper and bottom teeth to apply the whitening solution. Unlike strips, they don’t slip out of place as easily and there’s less risk of saliva getting in there to dilute the whitening solution. But over-the-counter trays are specifically designed for your teeth and might not fit perfectly, so there is still the possibility that you can get whitening solution on your gums and irritate them.
Mouthwash: It sounds easy enough to swish twice a day with the hopes of getting your teeth whiter, but don’t waste your time—mouthwash isn’t exposed to your teeth for long enough to make much of a difference.
Or your can go all natural! If you’re looking for a home remedy to treat those stains on your teeth, try baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. Baking soda is a natural whitening agent that can remove stains from laundry, tile grout, and, yes, even your teeth. It’s why some toothpastes contain baking soda as an ingredient. Baking soda is especially effective when combined with hydrogen peroxide.
Here are two ways to try baking soda and peroxide:
Sprinkle about a quarter-teaspoon of baking soda over your toothbrush after you’ve applied toothpaste. Brush as you normally would. Before rinsing, while the baking soda is still on your teeth, swish your mouth clean with a solution made from equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water.
After brushing as you normally would, do a follow-up brushing with a mixture of 2 tablespoons hydrogen peroxide and 1 tablespoon baking soda. Let the mixture sit on your teeth for about 30 seconds to one minute. Rinse your mouth thoroughly.
But if neither over-the-counter whiteners nor DIY remedies are giving you the results that you want, consider a professional in-house bleaching by your dentist. This procedure entails applying a whitening solution (usually made from hydrogen peroxide) to your teeth and using a curing light or laser to activate the peroxide. The solution stays on your teeth for up to an hour before your dentist will have you rinse it out. A professional whitening can usually achieve desirable results in only one visit.
Finally, it’s important to observe good dental practices to avoid heavy stains in the first place:
Brush your teeth thoroughly after every meal with an ADA-approved toothpaste. Avoid staining drinks like coffee, tea, and red wine, as well as tobacco. See your dentist twice a year for a checkup and cleaning.
