DEAR MAYO CLINIC: What is the most effective way to whiten teeth? Is it worth it to pay the extra expense for treatment from a dentist, or do the over-the-counter options work just as well? Are they safe for your teeth?
ANSWER: There are quite a few choices available if you want to whiten your teeth. The approved products — both those you can buy at drugstores and those available from your dentist — are safe. Just make sure you follow the directions carefully. Many teeth whiteners are quite effective, particularly if you use them for an extended period of time. If cost is a concern, try the over-the-counter options first. If those don’t give you the results you want, then talk to your dentist about other choices he or she offers.
One of the simplest options is whitening toothpaste. It whitens teeth by removing surface stains, such as those caused by drinking coffee or smoking. Some whitening toothpastes contain the chemical blue covarine. It stays on the surface of the teeth and makes them appear less yellow.
When used twice a day, whitening toothpaste takes about two to six weeks to make teeth appear whiter. Whitening toothpaste that contains blue covarine can have an immediate effect. The effects of whitening toothpaste usually are not dramatic. It can’t change the natural color of your teeth or lighten a stain that goes deeper than a tooth’s surface.
Many of the other products you can buy without a prescription, such as whitening strips, involve bleaching your teeth. They are generally safe and often provide better results than just using whitening toothpaste.
If you would like your teeth to be whiter than can be achieved with these products, several choices are available from a dentist. These whitening methods tend to be more effective and last longer than nonprescription products, but they are also more expensive.
One possibility many dentists offer is an at-home treatment. The dentist makes an impression of your teeth and uses it to create a tray in which you place a solution that contains a bleaching agent called carbamide peroxide. You wear the tray on your teeth at night. After about two weeks, many people see a significant difference in the whiteness of their teeth. The results usually last about two years.
The other choice is a treatment performed in the dentist’s office. This typically involves using a solution that contains hydrogen peroxide to bleach your teeth. The whitening can often be accomplished in a series of about four visits to your dentist, with the appointments usually lasting less than 30 minutes. One drawback is that the solution can burn your gums, so your dentist needs to carefully protect your gums with a barrier during the procedure.
Another risk associated with all bleaching options is that they can make your teeth more sensitive. Many manufacturers have tried to minimize this problem, though, by adding substances such as potassium nitrate and fluoride to their products that help minimize tooth sensitivity.
It is important to understand that none of the teeth whitening options currently available are permanent. Over time, food and drink, along with the natural process of aging, will cause your teeth to darken again. That means whatever whitening method you choose, eventually you will need to repeat the process if you want to maintain the whiteness of your teeth long-term. — Phillip Sheridan, D.D.S., Dental Specialties, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn.
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FAQs
Selected. Our top picks
- Best teeth whitening strips. Crest 3D Whitestrips Classic Vivid. ...
- Best whitening toothpaste. Nu Skin AP 24 Toothpaste. ...
- Best LED teeth whitening kit. Colgate Optic White ComfortFit LED Whitening. ...
- Best teeth whitening mouthwash. ACT Whitening + Anticavity Fluoride Mouthrinse. ...
- Best teeth whitening pen.
Overuse or misuse of teeth-whitening products can cause sensitivity, gum irritation, and other side effects. Custom-fitted trays and in-office treatments are the safest and most effective ways to whiten teeth. ADA-approved over-the-counter toothpastes, gels, and strips are more affordable and convenient options.
Why do dentists not recommend teeth whitening? ›
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.
Can I use hydrogen peroxide to whiten my teeth everyday? ›
If you do this more than once a day or week, then there is a chance that your enamel can become eroded. A thin enamel is at risk of developing cavities because of the bacteria and acid solution in the mouth. It's important to note that it is a bleaching agent and can cause tooth sensitivity if used too frequently.
What is the number 1 recommended teeth whitening? ›
Known as the No. 1 dentist-recommended at-home teeth-whitening product, you can't go wrong with Crest 3D Whitestrips. They're formulated with the same hydrogen-peroxide whitening ingredient that dentists use, which will help enhance your smile after a recommended ten days of use.
What is the least toxic way to whiten your teeth? ›
Here are six ways for you to naturally whiten your teeth without the use of any harmful chemicals:
- First things first, brush your teeth regularly: ...
- Oil pulling: ...
- Brush with baking soda and hydrogen peroxide paste: ...
- Rub banana, orange, or lemon peels: ...
- Take a diet rich in fruits and vegetables: ...
- Go to the dentist:
Professional Teeth Whitening:
One of the most effective ways to whiten teeth permanently is through professional teeth whitening procedures performed by a dentist. These treatments use potent bleaching agents that penetrate deep into the enamel, breaking down stains and discoloration.
Is there a safe natural way to whiten teeth? ›
Use Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide
When you mix these two together, you'll create a paste-like substance. Brush your teeth with this mixture for an excellent and natural way to whiten your teeth.
What is the quickest and most effective way to whiten teeth? ›
Professional teeth whitening is usually the most effective option, but it is also more expensive than at-home teeth whitening kits. Over-the-counter teeth whitening products are typically safe and effective, but they may take longer to produce results than professional teeth whitening treatments.
Who shouldn't get their teeth whitened? ›
People who are allergic to teeth bleaching whitening agents like peroxide. Individuals with sensitive teeth. Those who seek unrealistic or blinding-white results.
You may not be a candidate for teeth whitening. If you are allergic to peroxide, you will not be able to have your teeth whitened, since peroxide is the active ingredient in whitening systems. If you have a lot of fillings, dental bonding or crowns, you may not be a candidate for dental whitening.
Who is not a good candidate for teeth whitening? ›
For example, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should wait to get whitening. People who have dental bridges or crowns may want to talk to their dentist before considering whitening. Children should be at least 16 to get this type of treatment. Anyone who has exposed roots may not be a good candidate.
Is it OK to brush your teeth with baking soda and hydrogen peroxide? ›
Whitens teeth
For deeper cleaning, people safely can mix baking soda with a small amount of hydrogen peroxide to create a toothpaste.
How fast does baking soda whiten teeth? ›
But, how long the baking soda takes to work depends on the severity of the stains. Generally, it takes about two weeks of daily use before you start seeing results. If you're looking for a quick fix, other options are available, such as professional teeth whitening in the Colony, TX, or take-home kits.
Can I brush my teeth with hydrogen peroxide and baking soda everyday? ›
Brush with this paste and thoroughly rinse! Use this paste in moderation; no more than 2-3 times a week. Too much baking soda can break down enamel, which may lead to sensitivity. Remember that this paste does not have any added fluoride benefit.
What do doctors recommend for teeth whitening? ›
Carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide are commonly used in whitening interventions and can readily permeate dental hard tissues.
Is there any teeth whitening that actually works? ›
If you're looking for long-lasting results, Bianca Velayo, DMD of Green Valley Smiles Dentistry, recommends looking for peroxide-based products if you're hoping to whiten tooth enamel. You can opt for either carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide as both will reverse internal and external stains on teeth, she notes.
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.
