DEAR MAYO CLINIC: What is the most effective way to whiten teeth? Is it worth it to pay the extra expense for treatment from a dentist, or do the over-the-counter options work just as well? Are they safe for your teeth?
ANSWER: There are quite a few choices available if you want to whiten your teeth. The approved products — both those you can buy at drugstores and those available from your dentist — are safe. Just make sure you follow the directions carefully. Many teeth whiteners are quite effective, particularly if you use them for an extended period of time. If cost is a concern, try the over-the-counter options first. If those don’t give you the results you want, then talk to your dentist about other choices he or she offers.
One of the simplest options is whitening toothpaste. It whitens teeth by removing surface stains, such as those caused by drinking coffee or smoking. Some whitening toothpastes contain the chemical blue covarine. It stays on the surface of the teeth and makes them appear less yellow.
When used twice a day, whitening toothpaste takes about two to six weeks to make teeth appear whiter. Whitening toothpaste that contains blue covarine can have an immediate effect. The effects of whitening toothpaste usually are not dramatic. It can’t change the natural color of your teeth or lighten a stain that goes deeper than a tooth’s surface.
Many of the other products you can buy without a prescription, such as whitening strips, involve bleaching your teeth. They are generally safe and often provide better results than just using whitening toothpaste.
If you would like your teeth to be whiter than can be achieved with these products, several choices are available from a dentist. These whitening methods tend to be more effective and last longer than nonprescription products, but they are also more expensive.
One possibility many dentists offer is an at-home treatment. The dentist makes an impression of your teeth and uses it to create a tray in which you place a solution that contains a bleaching agent called carbamide peroxide. You wear the tray on your teeth at night. After about two weeks, many people see a significant difference in the whiteness of their teeth. The results usually last about two years.
The other choice is a treatment performed in the dentist’s office. This typically involves using a solution that contains hydrogen peroxide to bleach your teeth. The whitening can often be accomplished in a series of about four visits to your dentist, with the appointments usually lasting less than 30 minutes. One drawback is that the solution can burn your gums, so your dentist needs to carefully protect your gums with a barrier during the procedure.
Another risk associated with all bleaching options is that they can make your teeth more sensitive. Many manufacturers have tried to minimize this problem, though, by adding substances such as potassium nitrate and fluoride to their products that help minimize tooth sensitivity.
It is important to understand that none of the teeth whitening options currently available are permanent. Over time, food and drink, along with the natural process of aging, will cause your teeth to darken again. That means whatever whitening method you choose, eventually you will need to repeat the process if you want to maintain the whiteness of your teeth long-term. — Phillip Sheridan, D.D.S., Dental Specialties, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn.
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FAQs
Selected. Our top picks
- Best teeth whitening strips. Crest 3D Whitestrips Classic Vivid. ...
- Best whitening toothpaste. Nu Skin AP 24 Toothpaste. ...
- Best LED teeth whitening kit. Colgate Optic White ComfortFit LED Whitening. ...
- Best teeth whitening mouthwash. ACT Whitening + Anticavity Fluoride Mouthrinse. ...
- Best teeth whitening pen.
Overuse or misuse of teeth-whitening products can cause sensitivity, gum irritation, and other side effects. Custom-fitted trays and in-office treatments are the safest and most effective ways to whiten teeth. ADA-approved over-the-counter toothpastes, gels, and strips are more affordable and convenient options.
Why do dentists not recommend teeth whitening? ›
Bleaching products can have multiple side effects such as damaging the dental enamel, causing irritation to the gums, tooth sensitivity and more.
What is clinically proven to whiten teeth? ›
Reducing intrinsic stains involves a chemical reaction that changes the color of the tooth. The most common ingredients used in bleaching are carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide, which are used at different concentrations depending on the products or regimens used.
What is the number 1 recommended teeth whitening? ›
The Crest Whitening Emulsion with LED Light stands out as the best overall teeth whitening product due to its ease of use, effectiveness, and comfort.
What is the least toxic way to whiten your teeth? ›
If you want whiter teeth but also want to avoid the chemicals, this article lists many options that are both natural and safe.
- Practice oil pulling. ...
- Brush with baking soda. ...
- Use hydrogen peroxide. ...
- Eat fruits and vegetables. ...
- Don't underestimate the value of brushing and flossing. ...
- Prevent tooth stains before they happen.
Bleaching Trays
They are an easy and quick way to enhance your smile. Compared to commercial products, whitening trays from your dentist are stronger and much safer for seniors in particular. As you age, your gums and teeth can become more sensitive.
Is there a safe natural way to whiten teeth? ›
Use Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide
When you mix these two together, you'll create a paste-like substance. Brush your teeth with this mixture for an excellent and natural way to whiten your teeth.
Can old yellow teeth be whitened? ›
Dentistry for seniors suggests tooth whitening can be done at any age of adulthood. Tooth whitening products remove built-up stains and brighten the enamel. They are affordable and easy-to-use solutions to the problem of aging yellow teeth.
How can I whiten my teeth after 70? ›
Try a Whitening Toothpaste
Look for a whitening toothpaste with hydrogen peroxide or urea peroxide because these ingredients go below the surface of the teeth to remove stains that build up over time. It works and it doesn't break the bank.
Children under 16 years of age. Patients with periodontal disease, tooth decay, cavities and exposed roots. People who are allergic to teeth bleaching whitening agents like peroxide. Individuals with sensitive teeth.
Who is not a good candidate for teeth whitening? ›
Not everyone is the right candidate for teeth whitening. For example, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should wait to get whitening. People who have dental bridges or crowns may want to talk to their dentist before considering whitening. Children should be at least 16 to get this type of treatment.
How do you get super super white teeth? ›
Eat Natural Teeth Whitening Foods
Eating a healthy diet ensures that your body gets the necessary vitamins and minerals for strong, white teeth. Crunchy fruits and vegetables, like apples, celery and carrots, help to clean your teeth and remove stains. And dairy products help to protect and strengthen tooth enamel.
What is the most powerful way to whiten teeth? ›
Option #1: In-Office Laser Whitening
This is one of the popular teeth whitening methods that some people believe is the most effective way to get a brighter smile. Using lasers and peroxide-based whitening agents in a professional setting, this teeth whitening method provides dramatic, lasting results.
Does baking soda whiten teeth? ›
Baking soda can be used with some water to remove the stains on the surface of the teeth. It can also be used with hydrogen peroxide to enhance its whitening effects. Baking soda can be used by individuals with regular toothpastes too. It is also used commercially in some teeth whitening products and toothpastes.
What teeth whiteners are not bad for your teeth? ›
Our Top Picks:
- Best Overall: Opalescence Go 15% Mint Teeth Whitening Tray, $84.
- Best LED Light Teeth Whitener: Colgate Optic White ComfortFit Teeth Whitening Kit, $65 $30.
- Best Teeth-Whitening Strips: Crest 3D Whitestrips Sensitive White Kit, $40.
What Can Be Done to Whiten Yellow Teeth? If you're looking for a radical change in the coloring of your teeth, you need professional-grade whitening to get the job done. Your cosmetic dentist can provide treatment that penetrates deep into the enamel and removes years of stains with a powerful bleaching agent.
Which over-the-counter teeth whitening works the best? ›
Crest 3D Whitestrips Supreme® contain the highest level (14%) of hydrogen peroxide available in a retail product and are the most effective over-the-counter whitening strips. The whitening agent level is lower than professional dental whitening systems so the desired results may take longer to achieve.
