Can you whiten teeth at home?
There are two different categories of tooth discoloration: intrinsic, and extrinsic. Intrinsic discoloration is caused by a flaw on the layer of tooth beneath the enamel; these areas of discoloration won’t respond to traditional teeth-whitening treatments, but your dentist can discuss your options with you. Extrinsic discoloration is caused by outside forces, like the foods and drinks we ingest and the air we breathe. These surface stains develop when the enamel is exposed to acidic, dark-colored foods and drinks like black coffee and red wine, and they also develop when tobacco smoke is inhaled and exhaled through the teeth, leaving yellowish streaks in their wake. If you’re thinking of whitening your teeth, even at home, start with a visit to your dentist to discuss your reasons for treatment and learn what your best options are. In-office whitening treatments are effective but expensive and might be inconvenient for some patients. Thankfully, most extrinsically caused stains also respond well to over-the-counter or at-home teeth whitening treatments, so it’s often possible to effectively, safely, and significantly whiten your teeth while you’re watching television or even sleeping.
Custom teeth whitening trays are one of the most popular treatment options for people who want professional results but prefer not to undergo in-office treatments, either due to cost, time, or because they have sensitive teeth that may not respond well to the higher concentrations of peroxide used in clinical settings. These custom trays contain milder peroxide solutions that can be left on the teeth for a longer period of time; they are applied in the dentist’s office and worn home, where they remain on the teeth for the prescribed duration. Because the peroxide concentrations are more mild, they’re less likely to bother people with sensitive teeth, and because the trays are worn at home, they can be left in longer so that the more-mild solution has time to gently do its job. Of course, it’s imperative that you follow your dentist’s instructions for use; when used correctly, custom whitening trays can visibly reduce or eliminate surface stains in a relatively brief period of time.
Adding an over-the-counter whitener to your oral hygiene routine can help reduce stains and maintain the appearance of the teeth following whitening treatments. These products include a variety of toothpastes, mouth rinses, and bleaching gels and contain significantly smaller concentrations of hydrogen peroxide so that they’re safe for home use. It’s important to closely follow instructions when using these over-the-counter products, as hydrogen peroxide shouldn’t be ingested and can irritate the oral tissues if used incorrectly. Of course, keeping your teeth clean will help keep them feeling strong and looking good, but stains and discoloration don’t necessarily indicate a lack of oral hygiene. At-home whitening treatments can renew your smile, making it vivid and bright, and you need to do your part to keep your new smile as healthy as possible. Brush twice daily and floss daily, along with regular visits to your dentist and dental hygienist, and consider reducing or eliminating the things that caused your teeth to become discolored in the first place, especially if they’re unhealthy, like cigarettes or excessive alcohol. Who knows – maybe your newly white teeth can be an incentive for a whole new lifestyle.
