A sheer, dazzling smile significantly improves our overall appearance and contributes to our confidence. Unfortunately, tooth stains and discoloration can spoil the picture, making people seek actionable whitening methods. Some advocate a professional approach, while others claim DIY treatments work as well. Which whitening option will give you better results? Is there any difference? Let’s find out the answers!
DIY Whitening Methods
Modern market flourishes with plenty of products to choose from for at-home teeth whitening, but some of them are not as innocent as they might seem at first glance. Let’s consider safer options and the “no-no” you should avoid at any cost.
Whitening Toothpaste
Quality whitening toothpaste contains mild abrasive ingredients and low levels of whitening agents, making it the most attainable option for at-home teeth whitening. Though you won’t get such drastic results as after a professional procedure, regular use can gradually lead to a brighter smile.
Fruits and Vegetables
You don’t have to reinvent the wheel to safely whiten your teeth at home. Enrich your diet with raw fruits and vegetables with whitening properties!
Strawberries and pineapple are claimed to contain enzymes that can help remove tooth stains and dispose of plaque away as you chew. Make sure not to brush your teeth immediately after you consume fruits high in acid. Rinse your mouth with water and wait at least half an hour before brushing your pearly whites so as not to harm the enamel.
DIY Methods To Avoid
Given that the following “remedies” freely wander across the Web, it causes chills to run down a dentist’s spine. Read through these options just to acknowledge their existence and never try them if you want to maintain healthy teeth for a long time.
Brushing With Baking Soda
Though baking soda boasts natural whitening properties, its abrasive nature can significantly damage your enamel. Combined with hydrogen peroxide, it creates an “explosive” mix that can further carve your path to a dental chair.
Activated Charcoal Paste
Activated charcoal is used in various commercial teeth-whitening products, but there is limited evidence regarding its effectiveness in at-home teeth whitening. It feels like scrubbing your skin with sandpaper. The charcoal is very abrasive, and it can wear down tooth enamel with time.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Another trendy natural teeth-whitening “remedy” is claimed to break down surface stains. However, you risk damaging tooth enamel because apple cider vinegar is very acidic.
Professional Whitening Options
Now let’s turn to more caring and effective methods for teeth whitening you can get directly from the hands of professionals.
At-Home Teeth Whitening Kits
The most preferable way to make your teeth brighter in the comfort of your own home is to use a specialized kit equipped with customized dental trays and a designated whitening gel. Ask your dentist for detailed instructions on the proper application for optimal results. This method is secure and convenient: your doctor will back you up at every stage.
In-Office Teeth Whitening
In-office whiteners can change the shade of your teeth faster than at-home methods and are way more efficient than over-the-counter products. The procedure takes nearly an hour, and a doctor can customize the treatment to minimize the risk of tooth sensitivity.
Effectiveness Comparison: Which Method Lasts Longer?
Teeth whitening results rely on individual factors such as oral hygiene, diet, and lifestyle habits. If you frequently consume staining drinks, including coffee or red wine, or smoke like a chimney, no teeth whitening treatment will save you for long.
- The winner in this respect is professional teeth whitening: its prominent effects can be retained for several months to over a year.
- The results from using at-home teeth whitening kits commonly endure from four to six months with occasional touch-ups.
- Whitening toothpastes reveal their effect after a week of consistent use but leave your teeth prone to discoloration caused by tobacco, coffee, or red wine consumption.
As for other DIY remedies, their effectiveness is questionable, just like their security. You’d better stick to safer alternatives to prevent enamel weakening.
Ideal Practices for Long-Lasting Whitening Results
If you want to prevent tooth stains and prolong teeth whitening results, you hold all the cards:
- Maintain thorough oral hygiene. Brush and floss your teeth regularly and use fluoride toothpaste to prevent tooth yellowing and discoloration.
- Adjust your diet. Reduce the consumption of foods and beverages that can stain teeth, such as wine, tea, coffee, and dark sodas. Chew high-fiber foods to neutralize the acid in your mouth and protect tooth enamel.
- Quit smoking. This guilty pleasure enhances the risk of nicotine stains and enamel damage.
On Your Way to a Dazzling Smile
Our teeth are prone to discoloration; that’s a given. Hopefully, our brief guide on DIY and professional teeth whitening methods will help you choose the best course of action. If you are doubtful about which treatment will polish your teeth to their pristine cleanliness, specialists at Vip Dental Care are ready to help. Remember, it’s always better to play it safe than to cry over spilled milk.