Teeth Straightening
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Teeth Whitening
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Many people want to whiten their teeth using affordable, at-home methods. One survey of cosmetic dentists in 2012 showed that 25% of dental patients reported using DIY teeth whitening products.3
Depending on which product or homemade teeth whitener you use, DIY teeth whitening can be safe and effective. However, some methods come with risks, so you should avoid them.
DIY teeth whitening methods allow you to brighten your teeth at home. They include natural remedies and teeth whitening products you can purchase over the counter.
Teeth begin to yellow with age. DIY teeth whitening methods may slow or reverse the process. They can also remove stains from your teeth.
Your teeth naturally grow yellower over time due to several reasons:
If your tooth discoloration doesn’t have a negative underlying cause, it’s not dangerous for your teeth to be yellow. Nevertheless, many people want to improve the esthetics of their smile.
While some DIY whitening solutions are safe and effective, not all are. Some tips may even have negative consequences. Always discuss any tooth whitening method, professional or DIY, with your dentist.
If you do a quick internet search, you’ll find many natural remedies claiming to whiten your teeth. However, not all of these are safe or effective.
Using an over-the-counter whitening kit is usually safer than a DIY natural technique. If you prefer natural, homemade teeth whiteners, here are a few that are safe to try:
Some DIY teeth whitening strategies are capable of lightening your teeth safely. However, other popular methods aren’t safe or effective.
It’s essential you know the risks of any DIY teeth whitening method. Some of the negative consequences of an unsafe DIY teeth whitening method include:
Always talk to your dentist before you use any natural or over-the-counter teeth whitening technique.
Some methods that may not be safe or effective include:
Charcoal has become popular in many whitening products, including powdered charcoal and charcoal whitening strips. Some believe charcoal can pull toxins from the mouth and remove stains from the teeth.
Studies show charcoal has no greater whitening effect than fluoridated toothpaste.4 It has an abrasive quality that can erode enamel, which can lead to yellower teeth.
Additionally, the toxicity of charcoal-based dental products has not been thoroughly tested.
Whitening products containing hydrogen peroxide are the most effective teeth whiteners. The chemical has been used for decades and is backed by significant research.
However, some peroxide treatments can cause tooth sensitivity, erosion, and gum irritation. This risk increases if you use a higher concentration of hydrogen peroxide to whiten your teeth.
Do not whiten your teeth with hydrogen peroxide alone; always consult your dentist if you want to use it as an ingredient. Professional-grade whitening products use lower concentrations of the chemical to whiten teeth safely.
Lemon juice and baking soda is another popular DIY teeth whitening treatment. However, acidic fruits like lemons can lead to dental issues like:
Do not use lemons or any other acidic fruits to whiten your teeth.
Some people recommend using apple cider vinegar in homemade mouthwash. However, there is no scientific evidence that this helps whiten teeth.
Vinegar contains acid, weakening the enamel and leading to tooth decay. Do not apply any type of vinegar to your teeth.
Oil pulling is an Ayurvedic method of whitening teeth. It involves swishing oil through the teeth and around the mouth. Most commonly, coconut and olive oil are used.
While the treatment may improve bad breath, it will not remove stains from teeth. However, oil pulling is generally considered safe if you want to try it.
Your choice of DIY teeth whitening method will depend on your goals, budget, and advice from your dentist. You should never apply any product or substance to your teeth without talking to your dentist first.
Whether you prefer a natural remedy or an over-the-counter product, DIY teeth whitening methods have benefits and risks.
If you're looking for a personalized whitening treatment regimen, Laughland teeth whitening offers at-home custom teeth whitening based on your lifestyle.
There’s no one right decision for everyone. Make an appointment with your dentist to discuss your options.
Our experts at NewMouth recommend purchasing pre-made products online or from your local drugstore.
Everything We Recommend
Best Overall (Editor's Pick): Snow At-Home Teeth Whitening All-in-One Kit
Best for Sensitivity: hismile VIO405™ Teeth Whitening Kit
Fastest Results: Glo Brilliant Teeth Whitening Device
Best on a Budget: AuraGlow Teeth Whitening Kit
Best Whitening Strips: Crest 3D Whitestrips Glamorous White
Snow All-In-One Teeth Whitening Kit is the #1 bestseller. It offers fast whitening results guaranteed with 99.3 percent ratings across 500,000+ customers.
The well-packaged and easy-to-use system delivers a professional-level whitening experience at an affordable price. The serum is enamel-safe for those with sensitive teeth and gums.
hismile's teeth whitening kit is a peroxide-free alternative. It uses three powerful, enamel-safe ingredients to provide instant results without any sensitivity:
Sale: up to 40% off bundles
GLO Brilliant uses LED lights as well as heat to give you faster results. This kit is for people who want white teeth quickly. Applications only take 8 minutes. They suggest completing four back-to-back applications each day for five straight days, or until you’re pleased with the results. This is a fast and effective whitening process, but it is the most expensive item on our list.
AuraGlow is an easy-to-use home tooth whitening system that uses an advanced 35% carbamide peroxide whitening solution and led lights to give you whiter teeth. There are approximately 20 treatments included. Use daily for 30 minutes to remove discoloration and gain optimal brightening results.
Whitening strips are thin, virtually invisible strips. They are coated with a peroxide-based whitening gel. The whitening strips should be applied according to the label on the packaging.
Initial results are noticeable within a few days. The final results continue for around four months.
Whitening gels are clear and peroxide-based. They are applied with a small brush directly to the surface of the teeth. Instructions differ depending on the strength of the peroxide.
Results are seen in a few days. The final results remain for approximately four months. They are good for minimal whitening and less severe staining or tooth discoloration.
The Crest 3DWhite Glamorous White Whitestrips Kit contains 16 full whitening treatments. This includes 14 regular whitening treatments (one upper and one lower strip) and two one-hour express treatments. The one-hour express strips reveal same-day results for a visibly whiter smile.
Crest 3D White Whitestrips have the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance, which means they are safe and effective when used correctly.
Before you use any over-the-counter products, you should have your teeth examined by your dentist for any issues like cavities or cracks. These tooth problems could cause the pulp to become irritated during whitening.
DIY teeth whitening can be safe and effective when chosen with care. You can choose over-the-counter whitening kits or natural, at-home remedies like baking soda.
Be aware of the risks that come with DIY teeth whitening methods. Some that aren’t proven safe or effective may cause enamel erosion, tooth decay, and gum irritation.
Always talk to your dentist before trying any teeth whitening method.
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