Teeth Whitening Essentials: Tips, Tricks, and Everything You Need to Know - Northwoods Dentistry (2024)

FAQs

Can yellow teeth become white again? ›

Yellow teeth can be completely whitened with teeth whitening technologies at the dentist or at home. Depending on the status of your yellow teeth as well as your needs, the doctor will advise and prescribe the appropriate method.

laser teeth whitening is the safest, quickest, and most effective option among the types of teeth-whitening treatments available. However, there are ultimately several ways to whiten teeth, and the most suitable option will depend on your timeline, budget, and priorities, as well as the nature of the discoloration.

Whitening is not suitable for children below 16 years of age, pregnant or breast feeding patients, those with braces, large decay or gum disease. Veneers and crowns or bridges can't be whitened, nor can dentures.

Don't Consume Foods that Can Stain Your Teeth

For both over-the-counter and professional teeth whitening, the first few days after treatment are the most critical. Avoid dark foods/liquids, drink through a straw when you can, don't smoke, brush/floss frequently and you should be looking great.

Rub banana, orange, or lemon peels:

To perform this “trick,” take a banana, orange, or lemon peel and gently rub it on your teeth. Keep rubbing it for about 2 minutes, then thoroughly wash your mouth and brush your teeth. The peels of these fruits contain citric acid, which theoretically helps in teeth whitening.

Professional whitening works best on surface (extrinsic) stains. But some whitening products can remove deep dental (intrinsic) stains, too. In-office bleaching takes about one hour to complete. Most take-home whitening treatments require 30- to 60-minute daily treatments for up to six weeks.

Brush twice a day: It will help remove plaque buildup, stains, and discoloration before they set in. Use teeth whitening toothpaste: A paste with hydrogen peroxide used by dentists during teeth whitening treatments is efficient and inexpensive.

Zoom in office whitening

Zoom-in-office whitening is the best teeth whitening system out there. It is fast (takes about an hour) and you get great results. This is the one you have probably seen before where the patients are under that blue light and it turns your teeth up to four shades of whiter.

In-Office Whitening

In-office bleaching provides the quickest way to whiten teeth. With in-office bleaching, the whitening product is applied directly to the teeth. These products can be used in combination with heat, a special light, or a laser. Results are seen in only one, 30- to 60-minute treatment.

Tooth sensitivity, adverse reactions to dubious ingredients, and a poorly done or inconsistent job of teeth whitening can result. Those with other dental or medical concerns could be at additional risk for developing adverse effects from at-home teeth whitening treatment.

Why shouldn't you brush your teeth after whitening? ›

As for whether you should brush your teeth after using whitening strips, there is no definitive answer. While some experts recommend brushing immediately after removing the strips to ensure all residue is removed, others advise waiting for 30 minutes to allow the enamel to rehydrate and minimize potential abrasion.

Whitening your teeth before having the plaque removed can result in uneven color instead of the uniform pearly whites you're looking for. Inflamed gums can also mess up teeth whitening because the process itself causes gum irritation – whether you do it at home or professionally at a dentist's office.

The pores slowly close over the next two to three days, but during that time, your teeth are more susceptible to staining from foods and drinks. For at least the first 48 hours, it's best to avoid darkly colored foods and drinks, including berries, coffee, tea, red wine, and tomato sauce.

It's best to use a toothpaste that is specifically designed for whitening, as these have special ingredients that can help maintain your newly whitened teeth.

As NON-refrigerated whitening products break down and degrade during storage and shipping, hydrogen ions are produced. Those hydrogen ions are acid (pH = potential of Hydrogen). Whitening gels therefore become more and more acidic as they break down, resulting in an ever increasing possibility of sensitivity and pain.

As global marketing campaigns go, getting Kim Kardashian to trigger a TikTok tidal wave of hype is probably about as good as it gets. Australian teeth whitening brand HiSmile, dubbed 'purple shampoo for teeth', posted a video to its own TikTok page featuring the US reality star earlier this year.

As a result, you may wonder if professional tooth whitening is worth the cost. Lots of patients are curious about in-office treatment and ask if it is really better than at-home options. The answer is a resounding yes. The most effective way to whiten teeth is with a professional in-office treatment.

What Is The Newest Dental Technology? Laser teeth whitening technology is one of the latest advancements in dental technology. While laser teeth whitening is safe, it may come with a few side effects. Side effects can include sensitivity, gum irritation, or damage.

Laser whitening treatment is a more modern solution for whitening the teeth. Laser treatments offer customers whiter teeth in a short amount of time compared to other bleaching options. While it is safe and quick, it can be expensive. Contrary to popular belief, the laser doesn't actually do the cleaning.