Safest Teeth Whiteners
The safest ways to whiten your teeth explained
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Teeth stains are marks on the teeth that are not easily removed with a toothbrush. Teeth stains come in a variety of colors, including yellow, white, brown, green, and purple.
Teeth stains are caused by various factors, including certain foods and drinks, poor oral hygiene, genetics, and medications. Teeth staining occurs on the surfaces of teeth (extrinsic) or below the enamel (intrinsic).
While teeth stains are primarily an aesthetic concern, they can be a source of embarrassment, leading to reduced self-esteem.
Learn about the safest ways to whiten your teeth.
Most people develop some degree of tooth discoloration at some point during their lives, especially as they age and the body’s natural chemistry affects the color of their teeth. Tooth discoloration is one of the most common reasons why patients visit the dentist.
There are three types of tooth discoloration, which include:
Extrinsic staining, sometimes called external staining, is staining on the surface of a tooth.
Extrinsic staining is caused by environmental factors, including:
Extrinsic staining occurs when colored compounds from these sources are absorbed into the surfaces of teeth.
Common foods that cause extrinsic tooth discoloration include:
Intrinsic staining, sometimes called internal staining, is staining that is embedded inside a tooth rather than on the surface of a tooth.
Intrinsic staining is caused by a variety of factors, including:
Teeth with intrinsic stains often appear grayish. Intrinsic staining cannot be easily removed with a professional cleaning or teeth whitening. It requires a dental restoration like a veneer or crown or internal bleaching.
Age-related discoloration includes both intrinsic (internal) and extrinsic (external) tooth discoloration.
A few intrinsic factors cause age-related tooth discoloration. For example, the core tissue of the teeth, the dentin, yellows over time. As we age, the enamel on teeth surfaces becomes thinner, allowing the dentin to show through.
Also, as we age, extrinsic factors (e.g., dark-pigmented foods, drinks, and tobacco) are more likely to cause discoloration if preventative measures aren’t taken and whitening treatments aren’t used.
See NewMouth’s top 10 teeth whitening products of 2022.
Common factors that cause yellow teeth stains include:
Common factors that cause brown teeth stains include:
Common factors that cause purple teeth stains include:
Common factors that cause white spots or stains on the teeth include:
Here are some ways that will help remove teeth stains.
Common natural remedies used to remove teeth stains include:
You should use products specifically designed for whitening teeth. Hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide are the safest and most effective whitening ingredients. However, some people do not consider these ingredients "natural."
When using home whitening mouthwash or toothpaste, always make sure to read the product instructions beforehand. Before using natural remedies for teeth stains, consult a general dentist to avoid causing damage to your teeth.
LED teeth whitening is a whitening method that uses a blue LED light and hydrogen peroxide to bleach teeth. Combined with a bleaching agent, the blue LED light causes a chemical reaction that whitens the teeth quickly and effectively.
NewMouth recommends at-home LED whitening kits over other teeth whitening methods because of their effectiveness, ease of use, and minimal side effects.
LED teeth whitening is safe and effective when users follow the manufacturer's protocols. After you whiten at home, avoid drinks that cause stains, particularly red wine, tea, and dark sodas.
Natural teeth whitening products use all-natural ingredients (such as essential oils and botanicals) to whiten the teeth. They don’t contain toxins, peroxide, artificial ingredients, or alcohol.
These products will not give you the same whitening effects as hydrogen peroxide treatments.
Professional teeth whitening is performed in-office by a licensed dentist.
During professional teeth whitening treatment, your dentist will apply a hydrogen peroxide solution. They may or may not use heat or a special light to accelerate the bleaching process.
Professional teeth whitening is an expensive option with an average cost of $650, but it may be necessary for individuals with very discolored teeth.
Professional teeth whitening is best for most people with permanent teeth and good oral health. Dentists will use a special barrier to protect your gum tissue from burns or irritation.
Tooth-colored fillings, crowns, and caps are not able to be whitened like natural teeth. This treatment also works well for anyone with stubborn, yellow stains. Brown teeth may not respond as well, and teeth with gray tones may not bleach at all.
Professional teeth whitening is safe in the hands of a skilled dentist. Your dentist can tell you whether professional teeth whitening is right for you.
To avoid extrinsic teeth stains, brush your teeth after eating foods that can cause discoloration, brush your teeth twice daily, and floss at least once a day.
Other ways to keep your teeth white include:
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