How To Whiten Your Teeth Safely

The quest for whiter teeth dates back surprisingly far in history. Ancient Roman dentists, in fact, recommended using a mixture of goat’s milk and urine — yes, urine — to help brighten smiles.

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Thankfully, the process has advanced over the past millennia. You’ll now find numerous products on store shelves promising pearly whites.

So, what’s worth trying to whiten your teeth? Let’s find out from dentist Anne Clemons, DMD.

Ways to whiten your teeth and maintain them

The safest ways to whiten your teeth

There are several safe and effective ways to whiten teeth, explains Dr. Clemons. At-home options include using teeth-whitening toothpaste, rinses, gels and strips. Professional dental treatments often bring faster (and better) results.

Here’s what you can expect from the different approaches — including some best avoided.

At-home options

If you’re a do-it-yourself person, you have choices when it comes to undoing tooth discoloration from aging or food and drinks. They include:

Whitening toothpaste

You’re already brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes at a time to keep your teeth and gums healthy, right? Whitening toothpaste can extend the benefits of that daily habit, says Dr. Clemons.

Specially formulated whitening toothpaste typically includes hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide (which includes hydrogen peroxide) to lighten tooth color. Some brands may also include baking soda to attack stains.

Research shows that whitening toothpaste can gradually lighten tooth color by one or two shades. “With regular and consistent use, you’ll start to see a difference over time,” she adds.

Dr. Clemons recommends looking for the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance on whitening toothpaste and other teeth-bleaching products. It indicates that they’ve been found safe and effective in independent tests.

Whitening rinses

Swishing an over-the-counter whitening rinse in your mouth can help lighten teeth, but don’t expect drastic results. The bleaching agents in a rinse just don’t spend enough time in your mouth to work quickly.

“The rinse just isn’t in contact with your teeth for very long,” explains Dr. Clemons. “But if you really stick with it, you may see a shade or two difference in a few months.”

Whitening strips/gels

Whitening strips keep a thin layer of a more concentrated peroxide gel against your teeth for longer periods. This more intensive process can bring swift results, with visible lightning within days.

“Given the higher concentrations of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, it’s really important to read and follow the instructions on the product,” advises Dr. Clemons. “It’s not something you use all the time.”

Ditto for whitening gels applied directly to teeth using a brush.

Overuse of strips or gels can result in temporary sensitivity in your teeth or irritation to your gums, she warns. Aggressive bleaching may cause tooth erosion or other dental issues, too.

If you experience discomfort in your mouth after trying a whitening product, it’s best to take a break from it. Switching to a milder product is also recommended.

Whitening trays

If you need whiter teeth in a hurry and want to do it at home, tray-based whitening products may be your answer. These trays deliver even higher concentrations of peroxide for longer stretches than strips and gels. This can bring faster results.

Again, as with strips and gels, it’s extremely important to use caution and not overuse the whitening agent. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid damaging your teeth.

Professional whitening

As good as many at-home whitening products may be, they often can’t match what’s available at your dentist’s office.

Professional whitening treatments typically use stronger concentrations of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, says Dr. Clemons. As you might expect, that brings faster and more dramatic results.

A 30-minute session with your dentist may be all you need to increase the wattage of your smile. You can walk in with one shade of teeth and walk out with them looking much whiter.

In addition, your dentist can help you determine why your teeth are discolored. Whitening works best on teeth that have yellowed with age or been stained by food or drink. A brown or gray tint on your teeth may signal deeper problems.

In addition, your dentist can address concerns such as gum disease or cavities to improve the overall health of your mouth. And bleaching works best after those underlying issues are addressed.

What about alternative remedies?

There are a lot of online theories about using alternative or more “natural” solutions to whiten your teeth. Be wary of trying them, says Dr. Clemons. They’re likely to be ineffective and, in some cases, can even damage teeth.

“Alternative methods tend to be in the category of myths,” she states.

Examples include oil pulling, an ancient dental remedy that has enjoyed a rebirth of interest thanks to social media. It involves taking an edible oil — such as sesame oil, olive oil or coconut oil — and swishing it around in your mouth.

“I haven’t seen any good evidence that oil pulling will whiten teeth,” says Dr. Clemons.

Other alternative methods to avoid include:

Apple cider vinegar
Charcoal powder
Hydrogen peroxide from your medicine cabinet

Bottom line? If you’re going to try to whiten your teeth, get the right products for the job.

How to keep your teeth white

Once you whiten your teeth, you’ll want to keep them that way. Dr. Clemons offers the following tips to keep your smile sparkling.

Practice good oral hygiene. That means brushing thoroughly for two minutes twice a day. Don’t forget to floss, too. “Keeping your teeth whiter starts with good oral hygiene,” says Dr. Clemons.
Use an electric toothbrush. The high RPMs of an electric toothbrush offer more cleaning power to remove dingy-looking plaque and brighten your smile.
Avoid or limit food and drinks that can stain your teeth. The list of sipped offenders includes coffee, tea, red wine and soda. Foods that can stain teeth include candy, vibrant-colored berries and colorful sauces.
Quit smoking (if you currently light up). Tobacco contains tar and nicotine that discolor teeth. Add it to the long list of reasons to kick the smoking habit.
Visit your dentist. Twice-a-year professional dental cleanings can improve tooth color by removing plaque, tartar and surface stains. Regular check-ups are also recommended for overall dental health.

Talk to your dentist about any concerns you may have with the color of your teeth. “Start the conversation with them if you want whiter teeth,” advises Dr. Clemons. “They’ll be able to tell you what products might work best for you and offer other suggestions.”