Different Ways To Whiten Teeth

If you are a coffee or tea drinker, you may notice your teeth are not as white as they used to be.   Even certain medications can cause yellowing or discolored teeth.  That’s why there are many teeth whitening products on the market today. People have many options to get a whiter, brighter smile that they are proud to show off. .

There are many different ways to whiten your teeth, but the best place to start may be at your dentist’s office.  Consult with your dentist about the different options there are to whiten your teeth and if he or she can recommend one.  An inexpensive option is to use teeth whitening toothpaste or whitening strips. These can be purchased at almost every drugstore in the U.S. Another option is a teeth whitening kit.  Sometimes dentists actually carry these in their office for their patients to purchase.  There are some dentists who offer whitening procedures that can be done in office.  This may cost a little more, but you don’t have to mess with the kits yourself and you can get the exact shade you want.  

Discussing different shades with your dentist is important.  You don’t want your teeth to be ultra white because that will look unnatural. Your dentist will be able to help you find the right shade that compliments your skin tone.  When a dentist whitens your teeth, they will use a bleaching gel that contains a concentrated peroxide that is placed on your teeth with a tray or mouth piece. A light then shines on your teeth to speed up the bleaching process.  

If you prefer to whiten your teeth on your own time in your own home, you can pick up a whitening kit from your dentist.   It also contains hydrogen peroxide but not a concentrated amount like you get at the dentist office.  Most dentists will recommend you leave the trays in for a few hours to achieve the desired results.  You may have to repeat the process a couple times to get your teeth the shade you want. 

If you choose to use toothpastes or strips, this is also a good way to get whiter teeth but you may have to use them over a period of time to see results.  It is definitely an inexpensive option to get a whiter smile. 

With any type of teeth whitening product, you may experience increased tooth sensitivity.  If your teeth become extra sensitive to hot or cold foods, make sure to talk to your dentist about using a toothpaste that can help with sensitivity.