Teeth whitening used to be too expensive for many people but that’s changed over time. Now that teeth whitening has become more accessible, it's important to know which methods are safe and how to whiten teeth without causing damage.

Many at-home tooth whitening methods have the potential to cause harm but your dentist can give you trays and gel containing carbamide peroxide. The trays are custom-fitted to protect your gums and your dentist makes sure that your mouth is healthy enough before you get started.

Below is everything you need to know about teeth whitening including risks, benefits, and tips for maintaining excellent oral health.

Why Do Teeth Turn Yellow?

Sooner or later, yellow teeth become a reality for everyone who doesn't take steps to whiten them. While certain lifestyle factors contribute to tooth staining, some individuals who see less-than-white smiles when they look in the mirror are just unlucky.

But no matter what, you can take steps to get whiter teeth and feel more confident and secure. Here are some reasons why teeth turn yellow:

• Genes. When it comes to teeth, luck of the draw plays a big role. Some people are born to have darker teeth while others naturally have lighter, whiter teeth. Most dental practices refer to charts that have four basic shade ranges.
• Thin enamel. Enamel is the shiny outer surface of your teeth that has a porcelain white appearance when you're very young. When the enamel thins, the brown-yellow dentin underneath shows through.
• Age. As you age, stains build up and enamel gets thinner. Pretty much everyone's teeth will eventually turn yellow but some people also have grayish staining or deep food stains.
• Food and drink. Tea and coffee are two of a white tooth's worst enemies and so are a bunch of foods that are otherwise healthy. Spices, berries, tomatoes, and vinegar can stick to your teeth and leave them discolored.
• Smoking. Smoking is bad for you whichever way you look at it, plus it turns your teeth yellow.
• Medicine. Certain antibiotics you might have taken when you were a child can cause yellow teeth. Antihistamines and some high blood pressure medicine can also impact tooth whiteness. 
• Trauma. Physical injury that impacts tooth enamel can lead to discoloration and a gray or black outer appearance. 
• Grinding. Tooth grinding is something many people do. It can weaken tooth enamel, causing discoloration. 

Consequences of Improper Tooth Whitening 

Despite the fact professional teeth whitening is now achievable for anyone, some people still take the risky option of doing it at home. Whitening strips and other hydrogen peroxide-based products carry significantly more risks than a trip to the dentist. 

Let's look at some risks of DIY teeth whitening: 

• Burns. DIY whitening kits usually come with a mouth guard and gels containing hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. But unlike the custom tray, you get from your dentist, this is a standard-sized tray, which means the risk of harm is significantly higher. 
• Infections. If you use DIY kits regularly, repeated chemical burns can leave sensitive parts of your mouth and gums exposed and at risk of infection. 
• Gums. Although your dentist can choose a gel with the correct concentration of chemicals for your mouth, over-the-counter kits are often excessively strong. This can damage gums.  
• Enamel. Be extra careful of teeth whitening kits that claim to instantly give you whiter teeth. They might contain chlorine dioxide, which can strip enamel and damage your overall oral health. 

Professional Teeth Whitening Options 

Visiting your dentist is the safest and most effective method for getting a brighter smile. However, there are other factors to consider such as cost and how long the results last. 

There are two main options for professional tooth whitening. Learn more about each below. 

Custom Whitening Trays With Carbamide Peroxide 

The safest, longest lasting, and most affordable method of tooth whitening is getting an at-home custom kit from your dentist. The dentist takes a mold of your mouth and creates a custom mouth guard that you'll fill with whitening gel and wear overnight or for an hour at a time. The trays fit snugly in your mouth to protect your mouth and ensure you get even coverage. 

Your dentist will advise you on how much gel to use and it's important to stick to that amount. Resist the temptation to use more for faster results, as it could leak out of the tray and harm your gums. As long as you're disciplined with using and reusing your custom trays, you can keep using them for up to 5 years.     

In-Office Whitening 

In-office teeth whitening is significantly more expensive than custom trays and doesn't typically last as long. It usually requires several appointments, and sometimes lasers and LED lights are used as well as teeth whitening gels. Both of these additional treatments hike up the cost. Plus, while one study suggests LEDs make whitening more effective, other studies show no additional benefits

Natural Teeth Whitening Methods To Avoid 

If you search “tooth whitening” on Google, a million articles will pop up with various claims about the latest magic natural cure for white teeth. Be wary of any advice that isn't backed up by science or approved by dentists. 

There are a number of techniques that claim to whiten your teeth but actually harm them.  

Here are the top three: 

1. Acidic Produce
   Some people claim that rubbing pineapple, strawberries, lemon, or orange peel can help you whiten your teeth. But as healthy as these food items are in moderation, they contain high amounts of acid and sugar. Both of those ingredients break down enamel and promote tooth decay, which is the opposite of teeth whitening!  
2. Oil Pulling or Brushing With Spices 
   Some people choose to replace brushing with either oil pulling or oil pulling combined with spices such as turmeric. Again, these food items are perfect ingredients for your dinner — but there's no evidence to suggest they clean or whiten your teeth.  
3. Baking Soda or Charcoal
   Baking soda and activated charcoal are mild abrasives but they've still gained a ton of popularity as tooth whitening agents. Charcoal scrubs and pastes containing baking soda can do serious damage to your mouth, wearing away enamel and leaving the dentin underneath exposed. Dentin is more yellow and softer than enamel, and any rough or grainy teeth whitening agent has the ability to expose it.  

At-home whitening strips are another DIY method to avoid because there's no protection for your gums or the rest of your mouth. The best way to whiten teeth is with the help of a dentist and dental grade hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. 

Food and Drinks To Avoid With Whitened Teeth 

Once your teeth have been whitened, the way you eat and drink plays a major role in how long the results last. The following food and drinks should be avoided for general oral health, but especially if you want to keep your teeth pearly white: 

• Coffee. Most people like to start their day with a hot cup of coffee, which can make this one a challenge. If you're not willing to give it up entirely, consider using more milk or reducing the number of cups you drink per day. If you're extra careful, you could even drink your coffee through a straw. 
• Tea. Believe it or not, black tea is more likely to stain your teeth than coffee. Sugar-free green tea, matcha, fruit tea, and herbal tea are alternatives that won't dampen the brightness of your smile. 
• Wine. Red wine is dark and acidic, which makes it an enemy of white teeth. Sorry, white wine lovers — although your favorite drink isn't dark in color, the acid is still high and this can weaken your enamel. 
• Juice. Even natural fruit juice has high sugar and high acidity. 
  
• Soda. Sodas containing sugar are terrible for your teeth in every way. If possible, avoid them entirely. 
• Chocolate and candy. It goes without saying that most candy and chocolate are bad for your teeth — but it's worth mentioning anyway. If you're looking for a sugar-free alternative, check out Zollipops. They taste just as good and won't affect your smile!

How To Care for Your Teeth After a Whitening Treatment 

The better you care for your teeth after whitening them, the better the results will be and the longer they'll last. Here are some ways to practice good care after teeth whitening. 

Follow Whitening Guidelines 

Your dentist will advise you on how to use your custom trays but the following advice can help you get the most of them: 

1. Always use a toothbrush and interdental brushes or floss before applying the whitening gel. 
2. Use the exact amount of gel your dentist advises you to avoid harming your oral health. 
3. Never eat, drink, or smoke when your trays are inserted. 
4. Brush your teeth thoroughly every time you remove your mouth guard. 
5. Clean the trap with water and a toothbrush before storing it in a dry, clean container.   

If any of the guidelines above do not follow the advice you've received from a dentist, follow the guidelines given by your dentist instead. 

Add More of These Foods To Your Diet 

We've given you a list of foods to avoid so it's only fair to provide a list of foods to enjoy. These foods won't reduce the effectiveness of your tooth whitening efforts: 

• chicken 
• turkey 
• fish 
• rice 
• pasta 
• egg white 
• white cheese 
• onion 
• potato
• bread
• yogurt
• oatmeal

Are Professional Whitening Treatments Safe?

Having your dentist perform teeth whitening on you is the safest way to bring the glistening shine back to your pearly whites. You might experience a little sensitivity after treatment but it usually goes away within a few days. Tooth whitening involves bleaching the exterior of your teeth, which can easily go wrong in a DIY attempt. Your dentist has access to the best products and can ensure you whiten your teeth in the safest, least harmful way — and get the best results.

If you're ready to get the bright white smile you've always dreamed of from a friendly, affordable dental practice, book an appointment with Risas Dental today.

Frequently Asked Questions