10 Things You Absolutely Must Know About Teeth Whitening

by Chris Winters



1. There is a teeth whitening method out there that will work for you

Are you worried about stained or discolored teeth every time you smile? There is some good news. No matter your budget or your busy work schedule, you should be able to find a teeth whitening option that is a fit for you. From affordable, convenient, whitening strips to expensive dental whitening treatments, there is something out there for everyone. With just a small amount of research you should be able to find a method that fits your budget and lifestyle. Take the time...you will be glad you did.

2. Teeth whitening is worth the trouble

When you are confident that you have nice white teeth it will show through in your smile and make you appear confident and self-assured. Whiter teeth also make you look younger and minimize the appearance of facial wrinkles.A 1998 study by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry found that 85% of adults believe that an unattractive smile makes a person less appealing to the opposite sex. Teeth whitening goes a long way towards making sure that your not one of those people with an unattractive smile.

3. Teeth whitening is safe

The common methods of peroxide-based teeth whitening cannot damage your teeth. Some people may experience temporary side effects such as sensitive teeth or gum irritation. In most cases, gum irritation isn't even related to the whitening formula, but instead is caused by a tray that doesn't fit the mouth properly. What's the bottom line? Teeth whitening is perfectly safe. In fact, the American Dental Association even has an official statement recognizing its safety and effectiveness.

4. You can minimize the side effects

As mentioned above, some people experience minor side effects from the tooth whitening process. If you experience tooth sensitivity, simply give it a break for a few days then start the treatments up again. If sensitivity persists, switch to a toothpaste that is made for sensitive teeth. These toothpastes contain ingredients that can help to soothe the nerve endings of your teeth. If the treatment involves a tray, wear it for shorter periods of time. It may take longer this way but you will end up with the same results.

5. You can get dental quality results at home

This may surprise you, but whether you use an at-home teeth whitening kit or go to the dentist you will generally end up with the same results. So why do people pay so much more to have their teeth professionally whitened by a dentist? Mostly because of the dramatic results they can see right away. At-home kits usually take a couple of weeks to get the results of one or two dental visits. The up-side for the kits is that they are much cheaper than a professional whitening done by the dentist.

6. Whitening doesn't last forever

Generally, a teeth whitening will last for 6 months to a year. Of course this depends on the individual and the method of whitening that was used. For instance, an expensive dental office whitening will last longer than a cheaper method such as whitening strips. Many people feel that whitening kits with a custom mouth tray are the most cost effective way to keep teeth white because once you have the tray made you can simply purchase more gel at any time.

7. Whitening toothpastes have a misleading name

"Whitening" toothpastes, in most cases, do not contain peroxide which is the active ingredient for effective teeth whitening. Instead, they use mild abrasives and polishing agents to clean your teeth and help remove surface stains. Extra clean teeth can appear brighter, but whitening toothpastes will rarely whiten your teeth by more than a shade.

8. Watch out for the foods that stain

Heavily pigmented foods such as soy sauce, most varieties of berries, and cherries will stain teeth. Drinks such as coffee, colas and other dark soft drinks, teas and cranberry juice can also cause staining.

You can do a few things to keep these foods from staining your teeth such as brushing your teeth as soon as possible after eating staining foods. Don't forget to use a straw for drinks that stain. The straw will keep the staining liquid from getting on the front teeth.

9. Brushing your teeth hard and often will not make your teeth whiter

Actually the opposite is true. Brushing too hard or using a hard bristled toothbrush can actually brush away the enamel of your teeth over time. The thinner your enamel gets, the more the second layer of the tooth shows through. Unfortunately the second layer, called the dentin layer, is a yellow or brownish color. Yellow showing through on your teeth is certainly not the desired result. So, if you want to keep your enamel, brush gently and with a soft bristled brush.

10. Watch out for dangerous "natural tooth whiteners"

There is a lot of bad information out there about teeth whitening. For instance, some people say that brushing your teeth with lemon juice or rubbing lemon peel across your front teeth is a great way to whiten your teeth. It may whiten your teeth, but it is also eats away the calcium in your teeth which weakens the teeth and makes them much more prone to decay. Keep an eye out for these home remedies, most of them will do more harm than good.

Chris Winters is a contributing writer for MakeMyTeethWhiter.com an informational resource on all things teeth whitening.