How to Whiten Teeth: Make Your Smile Bright!
Why Teeth Get Dark
Teeth get dark for many reasons. Some stains are on the outside of teeth. Some stains are deep inside teeth.
Dark teeth can come from:
- Coffee
- Smoking
- Getting older
- Some medicines
You can clean outside stains at home. Deep stains may need a dentist to help.
Ways to Get White Teeth at the Dentist
Dentist Office Whitening
The dentist can make your teeth very white fast!
- They use strong gel with light
- It costs $500-$1,000
- You see results in 1-2 visits
- Best for deep stains
Take-Home Trays from the Dentist
Your dentist can make special trays just for your teeth.
- They use less strong gel
- Better for sensitive teeth
- Costs $300-$600
- You wear them at home
Did you know? Dental Equipment helps dentists make your teeth look nice and white!
Ways to Get White Teeth at Home
Whitening Strips
Whitening strips are thin plastic with gel that you put on your teeth.
- Use for 30-60 minutes each day
- See results in 3-14 days
- Cost $20-$60
- Good for light stains
LED Light Kits
These kits use blue light with gel to make teeth white.
- Use 9-30 minutes each day
- See results in 3-7 days
- The light helps the gel work better
- You can do it at home
Whitening Toothpaste and Mouthwash
Whitening toothpaste has tiny rough bits that clean the outside of your teeth.
- Has things like baking soda
- Only works on surface stains
- Not good for deep dark teeth
- Use twice a day when you brush
For a good clean before whitening, many dentists use an Ultrasonic Scaler to remove stains and plaque.
Natural Ways to Whiten Teeth
Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide
You can mix baking soda and hydrogen peroxide to make a paste.
- Brush with it 1-2 times a week
- Don't use too much - it can hurt your teeth
- Helps with light stains
- Costs very little
Oil Pulling
Some people swish coconut oil in their mouth.
- May help a little bit
- Not much proof it works well
- Safe to try
- Good for keeping teeth white
What Not to Use
Do NOT use:
- Lemon juice - too sour, hurts teeth
- Charcoal - too rough on teeth
These can make your teeth weak and hurt them!
How to Pick the Right Way to Whiten
Pick the best way for your teeth:
| If You Have | Best Choice | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Surface stains | Whitening strips or LED kits | Removes outside stains well |
| Yellow teeth from age | Custom trays or dentist visits | Works deeper in the teeth |
| Sensitive teeth | Low-strength gels | Less pain for sensitive teeth |
Warning: Don't try DIY hacks with fruit acid! They hurt your teeth!
Dentists can look at your teeth with an Intraoral Camera to see what kind of stains you have.
Problems That Can Happen and How to Stop Them
When you make your teeth white, you might have these problems:
Tooth Pain
- Your teeth might hurt
- Use toothpaste for sensitive teeth
- Take breaks from whitening
Gum Pain
- Your gums might get red or hurt
- Don't put too much gel in trays
- Keep gel off your gums
Weak Teeth
- Too much whitening can hurt your teeth
- Follow the directions
- Don't whiten too much
How to Keep Teeth White for a Long Time
After you make your teeth white, here's how to keep them that way:
- Don't drink lots of coffee, red wine, or eat berries
- Use whitening strips every 3-6 months
- Get teeth cleaning at the dentist often
- Brush and floss every day
When Whitening Doesn't Work
Sometimes whitening doesn't make teeth white. Then you might need:
- Veneers - thin covers for your teeth
- Bonding - special stuff put on your teeth
These work for teeth that have:
- Very dark stains from medicine
- Thin enamel (outside part of teeth)
Fun Facts About Teeth Whitening
Did you know these facts?
- Whitening strips make teeth 1-2 shades whiter when used for 14 days
- Almost half (45%) of single people in the UK tried unsafe whitening ways
- Whitening toothpaste only cleans the outside of teeth
- In the UK, 24% of single people whiten teeth often, but only 11% of people with partners do
- Products that are not too sour are best for teeth
Questions People Ask
Can baking soda whiten teeth?
Yes, baking soda can make teeth white, but only for outside stains. Using too much can hurt your teeth.
Is LED light teeth whitening safe?
Yes, LED light whitening is safe when you use good kits. Follow the directions to keep your teeth safe.
How long do professional results last?
Professional whitening from the dentist lasts 6-12 months. It depends on what you eat and drink.
What to Remember
Making your teeth white can be easy! Here are the main things to know:
- Safe whitening is best - don't hurt your teeth
- Professional whitening works faster but costs more
- You can try home kits for less money
- Watch for tooth pain or gum pain
- Keep your white teeth by being careful what you eat and drink
When dentists check your teeth before whitening, they often use LED Curing Light tools to see if your teeth are healthy enough for whitening.
How to Start Whitening Today
- Look at your teeth - are they a little dark or very dark?
- Think about how much money you can spend
- If you have just a few stains, try whitening strips
- If your teeth are very dark, see a dentist
- Be patient - whitening takes time!
Remember, white teeth make your smile look better! But the health of your teeth is most important.
Do you want to know more about how to keep your teeth healthy and white? Ask your dentist at your next visit!
