When it comes to teeth whitening, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) recommends using personalized trays provided by your dentist for the safest and most effective method at home. Poorly fitted trays can cause the gel to come off and irritate the gums, so it's best to consult your dentist for the best options. Over-the-counter products are also a good alternative. You can also mix hydrogen peroxide with baking soda to make a toothpaste.
Combine 2 teaspoons (10 ml) of hydrogen peroxide with 1 teaspoon (6 grams) of baking soda and brush your teeth gently with the mixture. In-office whitening is the fastest way to whiten your teeth, as the whitening product is applied directly to the teeth. These products can be used in combination with heat, a special light, or a laser, and results can be seen in a single 30 to 60 minute treatment. However, several appointments may be needed for spectacular results.
In-office whitening is also the most expensive method, as it involves customization for maximum contact between the whitening gel and the teeth. Whitening strips are thin, practically invisible strips coated with a peroxide-based whitening gel. Whitening toothpastes only remove surface stains and do not contain bleach, while professional and over-the-counter whitening products contain carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide that brighten the deep color of the tooth. One study found that toothpaste containing a higher amount of hydrogen peroxide was more effective at whitening teeth after 12 weeks than toothpastes that contained a lower amount (1).
It's important to note that rubbing acidic foods on your teeth, such as lemons, can erode enamel and turn them yellow. Many of the methods mentioned above can be effective for whitening teeth, such as extracting oil, using baking soda or hydrogen peroxide, following a healthy diet, and limiting the consumption of foods or beverages that stain your teeth. By having your teeth whitened by a dentist in the UK, you can be sure that you are receiving a good quality service and that it works within the strict guidelines of the law. Science has not yet proven that brushing your teeth with natural baking soda will whiten your teeth, but several studies show that toothpaste containing baking soda can improve dental health and may have a whitening effect.
The two most common side effects that occur with teeth whitening are a temporary increase in tooth sensitivity and mild irritation of the soft tissues of the mouth, especially the gums. Whitening your teeth with a mixture of strawberry and baking soda is a natural remedy that celebrities have popularized. For more than 10 years of clinical use of teeth whitening products containing 10% carbamide peroxide, no harm has been demonstrated in existing fillings. According to Kwon, higher in-office concentrations whiten teeth faster, but the final color of the teeth will be the same with either method.
Whitening gels are transparent peroxide-based gels that are applied with a small brush directly to the surface of the teeth. Two categories of whitening treatments supervised by a dentist include repeated use of trays at home or in the office, with higher whitening concentrations that can also be activated by light. There is no evidence that the teeth whitening process has a detrimental effect on tooth nerve health.
