Having healthy and white teeth is not only essential for aesthetics but also plays a crucial role in boosting self-confidence and psychological well-being. Teeth can undergo discoloration or change in color due to various factors in daily life. Teeth whitening is a procedure aimed at enhancing the whiteness of existing teeth. In essence, the best teeth whitening involves the removal of colored organic and inorganic substances that accumulate on the enamel’s surface using teeth whitening gels. Teeth whitening can be carried out professionally in a dental clinic or at home through the use of whitening toothpaste and various chemical products. Since the method of application, effectiveness, and impact on dental health may vary for each method, the recommended best teeth whitening method can differ for each patient. In this article, we will discuss various the best teeth whitening methods and applications, ranging from whitening toothpaste to professional dental procedures, and from oral hygiene practices to dietary habits that can influence teeth color.
The Best Teeth Whitening Methods
When contemplating the best teeth whitening methods, two distinct approaches based on the application technique come to mind. The first approach takes place in a clinical setting under the supervision of a dentist. It entails the utilization of a light-activated gel that exclusively contacts the tooth’s surface and can brighten the tooth’s shade by 3-4 levels in a short timeframe. Due to the need to prevent contact between the gel and the lips and gums, this method is considered safer, more efficient, and best administered by a dentist.
The second approach involves techniques that individuals can implement at home. To identify the best teeth whitening methods, it is highly advantageous for patients to seek guidance from their dentists. The choice of whitening techniques may fluctuate based on factors such as the type and severity of tooth discoloration, the extent of the issue, the patient’s age, prior treatments, and other pertinent considerations.
1. Use whitening toothpaste
Whitening toothpastes usually contain carbamide or hydrogen peroxide, mild abrasives (activated charcoal, silica, dicalcium phosphate, calcium carbonate, sodium metaphosphate, zirconium silicate and calcium pyrophosphate) or hydroxyapatite to remove stains on teeth.
Studies show that whitening toothpastes effectively whiten teeth and remove surface stains. However, most whitening toothpastes do not whiten the teeth from the inside and can cause damage to the teeth due to the abrasive ingredients. It is therefore recommended to alternate whitening toothpastes with normal toothpastes.
Dentists usually recommend toothpastes with a low RDA (Relative Dentin Abrasiveness) value and minimum abrasive properties to their patients. In contrast, low-abrasive toothpastes are less effective in removing discoloration. However, when evaluating the whitening effect of toothpastes, the entire content of the paste should be evaluated together, not only the abrasives in it.
2. Apply whitening strips
Whitening strips coated with a whitening gel are a product that helps to remove stains and whiten teeth. Although not as effective as professional whitening, it is a simpler and cheaper alternative. However, before use, the contents of the strips should be checked, and the strips should be applied carefully.
Among best teeth whitening methods, teeth whitening strips contain lower concentrations of whitening agents than professional products. People with very stained teeth may not achieve the desired results by using these strips. Most whitening strips are designed to be used for several weeks, but some products can also whiten teeth in a day.
We can list the advantages of using whitening strips as follows:
- They provide effective whitening.
- Easy to use.
- No need to visit the dentist.
- Economical and easy to procure.
In addition to these advantages, they also have some disadvantages:
- They can cause tooth sensitivity and gum irritation.
- Since it contains bleaching agents, excessive use may damage the teeth.
- It may be necessary to use several times for visible results.
- Since whitening sessions can last about 30 minutes, they require time and patience.
3. Switch to an electric toothbrush
Electric toothbrushes remove surface stains on teeth more effectively than manual toothbrushes. Electric toothbrushes with a vibrating-rotating action are much more effective than manual toothbrushes in removing plaque and reducing gingivitis, as well as whitening teeth.
The cost of electric toothbrushes varies according to many factors, but there is no evidence or study showing that expensive and feature-rich electric toothbrushes are better at whitening teeth.
Among best teeth whitening methods, the main advantages of these brushes are that they have no side effects or potential dangers to oral health and are more effective against tooth decay than manual brushes. However, if you brush your teeth too hard or too often with an electric toothbrush, you may experience gum recession or tooth sensitivity problems, and they are much more expensive than manual toothbrushes.
4. Get a professional tooth whitening treatment
Among best teeth whitening methods, professional teeth whitening, which takes 1-3 sessions of 30-60 minutes in the dentist’s office, is the fastest, reliable, and effective whitening method that can lighten the tooth color by 3-4 tones in a short time, applied with whitening gel and UV light.
In each session, a high concentration of carbamide or hydrogen peroxide is applied to the tooth surface. The process is completed using UV light to accelerate the chemical reaction and the whitening process.
It has advantages such as whitening the teeth from the inside out, quickly, and having less risk of damaging your teeth or gums compared to home teeth whitening methods. It has disadvantages such as the need to go to a dental clinic, being expensive and the effect disappears after a while.
5. Practice good oral hygiene
Everyone’s teeth yellow to a certain extent over time, this is perfectly normal. However, the most effective way to prevent tooth discoloration is good oral hygiene. A good oral health routine should include the following elements:
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day and 45 minutes after meals containing sugary, acidic, or processed foods.
- Always use dental floss and an interdental brush.
- Scrape your tongue clean every day.
- Use mouthwash.
6. Get veneers
If your teeth have permanent damage, including discoloration that cannot be corrected, veneers may be the answer. Although veneers are not a teeth whitening method, they are an effective way to make your discolored teeth look more aesthetically pleasing.
Veneers can completely change the appearance of yellowed teeth and are an effective way to have permanent white teeth. However, veneers can be extremely expensive and irreversibly require permanent changes to natural teeth.
7. Don’t skip dental checkups
Among best teeth whitening methods, visiting your dentist every 6 months to have your teeth cleaned has an important place in preventing tooth stains and yellowing. The dentist will remove tartar, which cannot be cleaned at home and can cause cavities, gum disease and dental abscesses if not cleaned. Removing tartar will improve the color of your teeth.
Going for dental check-ups is very important for overall oral health and removes yellow tartar and plaque build-up.
8. Prevent teeth stains caused by food
Some acidic foods and highly pigmented drinks can cause staining of the teeth. To prevent this, limit the consumption of such foods and drinks and rinse your mouth with water after eating and drinking them and brush your teeth after about 45 minutes.
Foods and drinks that cause tooth staining include:
- Berries (blueberries, raspberries, blackberries)
- Some soft drinks, especially regular and diet cola
- Black tea
- Curry
- Pasta sauce
- Turmeric
- Balsamic vinegar
- Red wine.
