How and how to whiten teeth at home, professionally

2024 Author: James Gerald | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 14:00

Everyone dreams of a beautiful and snow-white smile, but under the influence of various substances, spots appear on the tooth enamel or it completely darkens. Currently, there are a large number of whitening products, both professional and folk. We will tell you how and how to whiten your teeth at home without harming the enamel and gum health.

Why teeth turn yellow and dark

Enamel is a layer that covers the crown of a tooth and protects other tissues from external influences. Depending on the location, its thickness varies and can reach up to 2 mm.

By its structure, the enamel is translucent and has a whitish tint. Basically, the natural color of teeth depends on the dentition (hard tissue) of the tooth, which has a yellowish tint. Therefore, even after whitening in a dental clinic, it is impossible to achieve perfect whiteness.

Tooth discoloration can be influenced by both external and internal factors. The main causes of darkening and yellowing of enamel are:

• Aging. With age, the hard tissues of the teeth darken, and the tooth enamel becomes thinner. You can hide these changes with the help of dental prosthetics, artificial enamel spraying or building.
• Hereditary predisposition. It can have a big effect on the color of the hard tissue of the teeth. Sometimes it can be the same as that of one of the parents. The cause of dark dentim can be inherited diseases.
• Fluorosis. A disease that occurs due to the consumption of water or foods high in fluoride. It can occur both at the stage of teething, and after. Usually people living in an area in which water contains too much of this substance are susceptible to this condition.
• Injury. Often, the color of the enamel changes when the vessels or the nerve of the tooth are damaged.
• Means used for filling teeth. Darkening of the enamel can be caused by amalgam fillings, which are currently practically not used. Modern materials do not cause negative changes in enamel.
• Caries. One of the most common causes of dark stains on enamel. To avoid more dramatic changes, at the first signs of caries development, you should immediately visit your dentist.
• Products containing active synthetic or natural dyes. These include black tea, coffee, some fruits or berries, and many others.
• Smoking. Tobacco smoke contains a large amount of resinous substances that are absorbed into the tooth enamel, causing it to turn yellow and darken.
• Poor oral hygiene. If you do not brush your teeth in a timely manner, then a soft plaque forms on them, which significantly affects not only their health, but also the color.

Taking certain medications during pregnancy (especially some antibiotics) can negatively affect the formation of future teeth in a child, including their color.

Is it harmful to whiten your teeth

Teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure that, if all safety rules are followed, will not harm the health of the teeth and surrounding tissues. For the procedure, both special chemical reagents and folk remedies are used.

During whitening, all layers of enamel are affected, which helps to significantly improve its appearance. You can carry out the procedure both in a dental clinic and on your own at home.

There are several ways to whiten tooth enamel. Each of them has both advantages and disadvantages. Before choosing the most suitable one, you need to carefully study all the methods and find out if there are any contraindications for each of the methods.

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How effective is home teeth whitening

The result of teeth whitening at home directly depends on the method and compliance with all recommendations. At the same time, the effectiveness of self-carrying out the procedure is somewhat lower than that of whitening performed in a dental clinic.

There are several reasons:

• to eliminate fluorosis or gray enamel, the use of professional products is required, and in some cases, the cause of the problem is first eliminated;
• a whitening gel for home use contains fewer active substances than a professional one;
• the likelihood of making mistakes and inaccuracies during the procedure;
• it will take much longer to whiten your teeth to the desired effect on your own than in a clinic.

It is not recommended to whiten enamel at home if there are carious teeth or a removed nerve is to blame for darkening of the tooth.

The benefits of home teeth whitening include:

• the ability to choose the most convenient time for the procedure;
• affordable cost;
• uniformity of whitening on all sides of the teeth;
• selection of the number of sessions and their duration, depending on the sensitivity of the enamel;
• ease of use.

Home whitening has 1 significant drawback - low efficiency compared to professional.

How and how to whiten teeth at home

For self-whitening of tooth enamel, there are several methods with different effectiveness. For it, you can use both folk and professional remedies.

To learn how to whiten your teeth at home quickly and safely, you need to carefully study all the methods that are used for this.

Soda

Baking soda has long been used not only to whiten teeth, but also to treat certain oral diseases. This method is quite simple to use.

It is necessary to act according to the following algorithm:

1. Dilute 1 tsp. soda in a small amount of warm water to a state of gruel.
2. Apply gently to the surface of the teeth.
3. Rinse your mouth.

Using this method too often is not recommended to avoid damaging the enamel.

You can add baking soda to your toothpaste when brushing your teeth. If tooth powder is used for whitening, then 1 tsp can be added to it. means without tops.

Hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is recommended to be used very carefully for teeth whitening. It should not be used for periodontal disease and enamel hypersensitivity.

The procedure with peroxide is carried out according to the following algorithm:

1. Brush your teeth with regular toothpaste.
2. Dilute 20-30 drops of peroxide in 100 ml of warm water.
3. Rinse your mouth.
4. Soak a cotton swab in a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution. Treat all surfaces of the teeth, paying particular attention to areas that are too dark.
5. Rinse your mouth with clean water.
6. Brush your teeth with the paste again.

It is extremely rare to use this method, like the previous one. During the procedure, a slight tingling of the gums is possible.

Activated carbon

Whitening with activated charcoal is one of the safest home bleaching methods. Disadvantages of this folk remedy:

• difficulty in removing carbon crumbs from the interdental space;
• inability to use for caries;
• ban on use with thinned enamel;
• risk of damage to enamel.

Charcoal is not used for teeth whitening in children and after wearing braces.

Cleaning is carried out as follows:

1. Grind 2 charcoal tablets until powdery.
2. Apply the resulting powder to a damp toothbrush.
3. Brush your teeth as usual.
4. Rinse your mouth with warm water.

You can brush your teeth with activated charcoal no more than once a week. The first visible result will be noticeable only after 1 month.

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Soda and activated carbon

The combination of these two substances for whitening tooth enamel is possible only in rare cases, as it quickly thinns it.

The procedure is carried out according to the following algorithm:

1. Crush 1 tablet of activated carbon into powder.
2. Mix equal parts with baking soda.
3. Dilute the resulting mixture with a small amount of water to a slurry state.
4. Apply it with your finger evenly on all sides of the teeth. Do not use a toothbrush for cleaning, as there is a high risk of damaging the enamel.
5. Rinse your mouth thoroughly with warm water.

A decoction of oak bark and activated carbon powder copes well with enamel bleaching. First, charcoal is applied to the teeth, why rinsing with broth is performed.

White clay

White clay has long been used quite successfully to solve dental problems. It not only whitens teeth well, but relieves inflammation from the mucous membranes of the oral cavity due to its active bactericidal properties.

White clay can be used for bleaching in two ways - rinsing and brushing.

For rinsing, a small amount of clay is diluted in 100 ml of warm water. There are no restrictions on use.

Cleaning is done in the following way:

1. Apply clay to a damp brush.
2. Drop a few drops of essential oil (peppermint, fir, etc.) on it.
3. Brush your teeth as usual.

You can use clay cleaning no more than 2 times a week. The visible effect is possible only after 1 month.

White clay can not only make teeth a few shades lighter, but also significantly strengthen their enamel.

Tea tree oil

This essential oil has a positive effect on the color of the tooth enamel, helps to get rid of bleeding gums and to eliminate inflammation of the oral mucosa.

To whiten your teeth, apply a few drops of tea tree oil to the toothpaste while brushing your teeth.

It is allowed to add this essential oil to white clay or activated carbon.

Coconut essential oil and fresh mint leaves

Together, these funds help to quickly and effectively cope with several dental problems, including darkening of the enamel.

The procedure is carried out as follows:

1. Grind the mint leaves.
2. Mix them with a few drops of coconut oil.
3. Apply the composition to the brush.
4. Brush your teeth as usual.
5. Rinse with warm water.

It is allowed to use this tool on a daily basis.

Coconut oil and mint in the complex have an excellent whitening effect on the enamel and significantly slow down the formation of soft dental plaque due to their bactericidal properties.

Banana

If you have a question about how to whiten your teeth at home without harming the enamel, you can try an unusual way of cleansing with a banana peel.

To do this, rub all sides of the teeth with the back of the peel for 3-5 minutes. Then rinse with water. This method has no contraindications and restrictions.

Pharmacy remedies for home teeth whitening

Pharmaceutical preparations for whitening tooth enamel will cope with the task much better than alternative methods. There are several types of remedies for carrying out the procedure at home.

These include:

• Whitening toothpastes. They can be used no more than 1 time per week. With their help, you can eliminate soft plaque, darkening from smoking, drinks and food. The effectiveness of pastes depends on the size of the abrasive particles present in their composition.
• Stripes. A fairly cheap and effective remedy. The strips are glued to the teeth at any convenient time. They do not cause discomfort and are absolutely safe. A big plus is a quick visible result.
• Pencils. The most convenient format. With the help of a special dispenser, the required amount of the product is removed, then the applicator is evenly distributed over the entire surface of the teeth.

Each of the tools has both advantages and disadvantages. In addition, they have varying degrees of efficiency and cost.

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Extreme Whitening Pen - Whitening Kit

For those who do not know how to whiten their teeth at home, it is recommended to pay attention to this set, consisting of 2 pencils with active cleansing substances.

The composition of the product contains an active bleaching component, carbamide peroxide, mineralizers and bactericidal substances.

The benefits of the kit include:

• ease of use;
• lack of parabens and fluoride;
• fast whitening in 2 tones;
• gentle cleansing;
• multifunctionality (the product not only whitens teeth, but also strengthens the enamel).

There were no particular flaws in the kit. The exposure time is 5 minutes.

The average cost is 3500 rubles.

Yotuel 7 Hours

A ready-made set of several products for effective whitening without visiting the dental clinic. For those who do not know how to whiten their teeth at home without harming the enamel, it is recommended to purchase it.

The set includes:

• Vita scale;
• blanks for caps;
• brightening gel (2 pcs.);
• Toothpaste.

With this set, you can lighten the tooth enamel by 4-10 tones. The course of procedures is 1 week.

Advantages of the set:

• no negative impact on the microflora of the oral cavity;
• high performance;
• fast effect;
• a gentle composition that does not provoke an increase in the sensitivity of the enamel;
• ease of use.

The average price is 3300 rubles.

Crest 3d White Whitestrips Classic Vivid New

Whitening strips, which lighten the enamel by 2-3 tones in just 10 days, are ideal for those who do not know how to whiten their teeth at home.

For the procedure, the strips are glued to the teeth and worn for 30 minutes. During this time, you can go about your usual activities and drink water.

The advantages of the tool include:

• ease of use;
• completely safe composition;
• reliable fixation;
• lack of discomfort;
• good effect.

The average cost is 2800 rubles.

Miradent Mirawhite

The whitening pencil is perfect for those who do not know how to whiten their teeth at home without harm. The active ingredient hydrocarbon-oxoborate, which is part of the gel, effectively and gently whitens teeth by 5 tones. The effect is achieved after a week of use.

The benefits of the product include:

• gentle composition;
• effective whitening;
• convenient packaging format.

The average cost is 800 rubles.

White Glo - express system

Many people wonder how to whiten teeth quickly, inexpensively and effectively. This kit will help to cope with the darkening of the enamel caused by completely different reasons, including age-related changes. The kit includes:

• reusable pads;
• whitening gel;
• Toothpaste.

It is noted that after the first use, the tone of the teeth becomes whiter and smoother. It works very quickly, so you only need to keep it for 5 minutes.

The advantages of the set include:

• acceptable cost;
• gentle whitening;
• high efficiency;
• no irritating effect on the gums;
• the ability to deal with stains of any origin.

The average cost of a set is 1000 rubles.

Plus White

For those who do not know how to whiten their teeth at home without harming the enamel in 1 day, it is recommended to purchase this system. Spending only 5 minutes a day for procedures, you can get beautiful white enamel in 1-2 weeks.

The set includes:

• whitening gel;
• reusable mouthguards;
• rinse aid.

The active substances in the whitening gel are able to eliminate not only yellowness, but also tartar.

System advantages:

• gentle and effective whitening;
• comfortable, securely fixed mouthguards;
• no thinning effect on enamel;
• excellent result.

The average price of a set is 3000 rubles.

White light

According to consumer reviews, this is one of the best teeth whitening systems that can brighten teeth by 8-12 shades in just 5 days. The set includes:

• light device;
• whitening agent;
• active ingredient;
• reusable mouth guards for the upper and lower dentition.

The advantages of the system include:

• the ability to lighten up to 12 tones;
• gentle effect on enamel;
• the ability to cope with stains of any origin;
• quick effect.

The average cost of the system is 350 rubles.

When purchasing whitening products at a pharmacy, it is recommended to pay attention to the kits, which include several components. This is due to their higher efficiency compared to single drugs.

Teeth whitening with trays

Mouth guards are special pads for teeth that are used to whiten teeth. Quite often, they come in a set with a special enamel brightener. But if necessary, you can purchase them separately.

There are 3 types of caps in total:

• Standard. The most budgetary option, while not very safe. Due to a loose fit to the teeth, the whitening agent embedded in them can seep and injure the oral mucosa.
• Thermoplastic. Placed on teeth after heating. It is considered the most effective and reliable than the previous one, but its cost is much higher.
• Individual. It is made on the basis of an impression of teeth in a dental laboratory. The gel is prepared for it taking into account all the individual characteristics of the patient, so whitening is as comfortable and effective as possible.

Regardless of the type of caps, hypoallergenic materials that are completely safe for health are used for their manufacture.

It is necessary to carry out whitening with caps according to the following algorithm:

1. Brush your teeth.
2. Blot them thoroughly with a dry cloth.
3. Fill the mouth guard with the bleaching agent following its instructions.
4. Fix the onlay on the dentition.
5. Remove excess gel with a napkin.
6. After the end of the procedure, rinse your mouth thoroughly with water.

If any discomfort occurs during the session, it should be stopped immediately and consult a specialist to identify the cause of the discomfort.

Professional teeth whitening - types and methods

Teeth whitening in a dental clinic helps to brighten the enamel by 5 or more tones. The procedure performed by the dentist is absolutely safe and quite effective. There are several methods for professional bleaching. Each of them has both advantages and disadvantages.

Photobleaching

The procedure allows you to whiten tooth enamel by 10-12 tones in 1 session. A special agent is applied to the patient's teeth, the active components of which are carbamide and hydrogen peroxide. The drug begins to have an active effect under the light of a lamp.

The type of lamp is selected individually depending on the color of the natural pigment of the bone tissue of the teeth, the condition of the dentition and soft tissues of the oral cavity.

In total, there are 3 types of lamps used for teeth whitening:

• LED or cold light bulb. It is currently the safest.
• Halogen. Also reduces the risk of soft tissue injury to zero.
• Ultraviolet. Nowadays, it is rather rarely used in dentistry, as it heats up the tooth enamel, which can lead to its deformation.

The time of the procedure is selected individually, the session can last 15-30 minutes. During this time, the bleaching agent is applied up to 6 times.

Whitening with a laser

The procedure is similar to photobleaching, but a laser is used as an activator for the whitening gel. The main advantage of this procedure is complete safety for teeth and soft tissues of the oral cavity.

A significant disadvantage of laser whitening is a number of contraindications. These include:

• pregnancy and lactation;
• diabetes;
• age under 16;
• hypersensitivity of tooth enamel;
• the presence of damaged seals;
• endocrine system pathology;
• any damage to the enamel;
• tartar;
• caries.

With the natural light yellow color of dentim, laser whitening is ineffective.

Chemical bleaching

With this method of enamel whitening, only special preparations are used. The exposure time and the number of procedures are selected individually. The time of 1 session can be from 30 to 60 minutes. Chemical whitening can be used only once a year.

The advantages of the method include:

• high degree of security;
• instant whitening for several tones at once;
• absolute painlessness.

The disadvantage of chemical whitening is the thinning of the tooth enamel, resulting in increased sensitivity of the teeth.

In-ear whitening

This method is used if the tooth has darkened as a result of nerve removal or staining with the filling material. The procedure is carried out as follows:

1. An x-ray of the tooth is taken to determine the exact cause of the discoloration.
2. Remove the old filling.
3. Remove darkened tissue.
4. A bleaching agent is injected into the tooth.
5. A temporary filling is applied.

If the result is low, the procedure is repeated again. After obtaining the desired effect, the tooth undergoes restoration. In some cases, the procedure may need to be repeated after several years.

What method of teeth whitening is effective from cigarettes and coffee

The yellowing of the enamel from cigarettes and coffee can be eliminated both in the dental clinic and on your own at home.

The following professional methods effectively whiten teeth from dyes:

• photobleaching using a bleaching agent and an LED lamp;
• whitening with trays;
• laser whitening.

To consolidate the result, the patient will have to adhere to a special diet for several days. After whitening in the dental clinic, it is recommended to refrain from any food and drink containing dyes.

You can easily get rid of stains on the enamel from cigarettes and coffee at home. Perfectly cope with whitening:

• tea tree oil;
• hydrogen peroxide;
• Activated carbon;
• lemon juice;
• soda;
• brightening strips;
• whitening systems for home use.

Brushing your teeth or rinsing with a balm can help reduce the risk of yellowing of the enamel from cigarettes.

Prevention after whitening - what not to eat and how to preserve whiteness

To consolidate the result after the procedure, it is necessary to heed the recommendations of the dentist. After the session, it is advisable to quit smoking, do not eat or drink anything other than water for 3 hours.

During the week, exclude the following foods from the diet:

• any coffee drinks;
• cocoa;
• all products containing food coloring;
• all types of tea;
• jams and preserves;
• carbonated drinks;
• fruit drinks, juices, compotes;
• citrus;
• any alcoholic drinks;
• bright fruits and berries (blueberries, currants, etc.);
• sweets;
• acidic foods;
• sweet pastries with colored decor;
• greens;
• egg yolk;
• any spices (only salt is allowed);
• coloring vegetables (carrots, beets, etc.);
• greens;
• sauces;
• marinades and pickled foods;
• any kind of vinegar.

Allowed products after teeth whitening include all that do not contain dyes (natural and artificial):

• white meat and fish;
• dairy;
• cereals;
• vegetables;
• pasta;
• sugar-free baked goods;
• butter and vegetable oil and others.

Regular oral hygiene procedures can help protect your teeth from yellowing and dark spots.

Proper dental and oral care consists in the following measures:

• Choosing the right toothbrush. Dentists recommend giving preference to a medium-hard brush. Soft bristles do not cope well with plaque, while hard bristles have a negative effect on tooth enamel.
• Correct selection of toothpaste. We recommend using a fluoride cleaner to strengthen the enamel. With hypersensitive enamel, you should brush your teeth with a special paste for 2-3 weeks to reduce sensitivity.
• After eating, be sure to rinse your mouth and floss.
• Mouthwash should be free of chlorhexidine, as it leads to yellowing of the enamel.

To maintain dental health, it is recommended to visit the dentist at least once a year.

Everyone dreams of a beautiful smile with white, even teeth. But often, under the influence of various factors, the enamel turns yellow, stains appear on it. Before choosing a whitening method, you should consult your dentist. He will help you choose the most effective and safest method.