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Everything You Need to Know About Teeth Whitening: Dentist Treatments, DIY Kits and Natural Remedies

If you’ve ever considered getting your teeth whitened, you’re probably well aware that there are multiple ways to get it done. From professional teeth whitening to homemade methods, there are a few different tactics available out there to get that pearly white effect.

There are many different reasons why teeth whitening is now one of the most popular procedures in the world of cosmetic dentistry. Most celebrities and television personalities tend to have their teeth professionally whitened, which makes people want that look for themselves. Or, it could be due to personal reasons. You may have a big event such as a wedding coming up, or you may just be hoping to gain a little more confidence with your smile.

The question is, what’s the most effective whitening method of the bunch? And where do you even get started with deciding which one is right for you?

We’ve put together this ultimate guide to teeth whitening to help you find the right treatment for you. Read on to find out everything you need to know about teeth whitening, including all the different options available:

Whitening toothpaste

Let’s start with the most simple method that many people use to try and whiten their teeth. Whitening toothpastes are extremely popular. This is an easy and affordable tactic as you have to brush your teeth anyway so you might as well use a toothpaste with multiple benefits.

Now, there’s certainly no harm in using toothpaste with whitening benefits. They can remove surface stains and help prevent new stains from forming. However, the reality is that whitening toothpastes don’t make a huge amount of difference to the colour of your teeth. White toothpastes are a good option to maintain white teeth, but they won’t have a significant impact on lightening the shade. The ingredients they contain simply aren’t strong enough to make a dramatic difference.

We’d recommend using a whitening toothpaste to maintain results after getting your teeth professionally whitened by an affordable cosmetic dentist.

Whitening strips

Whitening strips are another budget-friendly option for teeth whitening. There are a number of different brands offering them, so results will differ. Generally, they’re said to lighten your teeth by up to two shades. There is usually hydrogen peroxide within them, which is effective at removing stains.

To maximise the effect of whitening strips, avoid any drinks or food items that can stain your teeth for at least an hour after using them. This includes coffee and red wine.

Although whitening strips can be more effective than other methods, it’s important to be realistic about the results they can offer. You won’t get the pearly white smile that a professional procedure can offer, and you’ll need to keep up with frequent treatments to maintain any effect. Over time, this simply doesn’t work out to be a cost-effective method for teeth whitening.

Teeth whitening mouth rinse

These also contain hydrogen peroxide for stain removal. Use them in the same way that you would a regular mouthwash, but before brushing your teeth. While you gargle the liquid, the bleaching agent will get to work on teeth stains so they’re easier to brush away.

Again, this method doesn’t offer drastic results. In fact, it’s likely to be the least effective method in this list due to the short amount of time you’re supposed to use it. Use this in conjunction with other tactics, but don’t expect any noticeable results while using it on its own.

Homemade whitening remedies

Many people who can’t find an affordable cosmetic dentist in their area try to make DIY whitening solutions at home. One of the most popular ones involves mixing hydrogen peroxide and baking soda together. Others try using apple cider vinegar or even rubbing their teeth with the peels of citrus fruits. Unfortunately, none of these DIY methods are anywhere near as effective or as long-lasting as getting your teeth whitened by a professional dentist. At best, they could potentially be helpful for the removal of surface stains.

Whitening chewing gums

There are now many chewing gums on the market that claim to whiten your teeth. While this would definitely be an extremely easy method if it worked, sadly, it doesn’t. The one thing that these do help with is forming a coat around your teeth which makes it more difficult for stains to stick. You could try and add these to your routine as a preventative measure, but they won’t do much to lighten the shade of your teeth.

Professional teeth whitening at the dentist

If you’re serious about whitening your teeth, seek out a local dentist that specialises in cosmetic dentistry. To date, this is the only sure-fire method of changing the colour of your teeth in a significant way. A professional cosmetic dentist will be trained to give you the results you want. During the consultation stage, your dentist will take a close look at your teeth to assess how much bleach is needed to get them to the shade you want them. They’ll also carry out the treatment with the health of your teeth in mind, so you’re unlikely to experience any issues or damage to your enamel. 

Other than teeth whitening, a dental professional can also check your teeth for cavities or signs of decay and offer a treatment recommendation. If you’ve had dental work in the past or your teeth are on the sensitive side, you may need a bespoke solution.

Professional teeth whitening kit at home

Many dentists also offer whitening trays so you can carry out this dental procedure at home. The tray will be custom made for your teeth and your dentist will give you a whitening solution to go with it. Simply follow their instructions at home. If you’re consistent with this method, it can also prove highly effective.

This type of kit can also be used together after your professional teeth whitening appointment to enhance and prolong the treatment’s results. It may further lighten your teeth by a couple of shades if you follow the instructions.

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It’s clear to see that there’s no better way to whiten your teeth than by getting a professional to do it for you. This is the only method that will get you the kind of results that you’re hoping for.

If you do decide to proceed with this cosmetic dental procedure, we’d recommend getting your teeth cleaned beforehand. It is also a good idea to get the whitening done a few weeks before you’re due to see your dentist for a checkup. They’ll then be able to spot any issues that may have occurred due to sensitivity.

If you’re looking for professional teeth whitening treatment in Stirling and the surrounding areas, we’d be more than happy to help. At Riverside Dental Practice, we have a team of experienced dentists to help you deal with any dental issues. Maintaining healthy teeth is our first priority, so we’ll start any cosmetic dental procedures with a thorough inspection to ensure there is no damage.

We’re fully committed to getting you the results you want. For more information about our whitening kits or the various dental treatments we offer, get in touch today.