There are three methods for bleaching teeth. The method that will work best for you depends on the number of teeth that need to be bleached, and on how badly they are stained or discoloured.

Bleaching should be done only under a dentist's care. Tooth-bleaching under controlled dental office conditions may be safe and effective, but the new in-office vital tooth-bleaching techniques, particularly those using laser and lights, have undergone little scientific assessment.

Home-use tooth-bleaching systems are available to the general public, either from a dentist or from various retail outlets. Clinical studies support the safety and effectiveness of home-use bleaching gels when used appropriately.

Tooth sensitivity and irritation to soft tissues can occur during bleaching treatment, but these effects are transient. Yet the effects of long-term tooth-bleaching are unknown and need to be researched, especially since the effect is not permanent and many individuals end up undergoing periodic bleaching treatments.

Teeth whitening. Surface Whiteners These products use special abrasives to improve the product's ability to remove surface stains.

Bleaches Most bleaching products are peroxide-based and are actually capable of altering the colours of the tooth itself. Regardless of which tooth-bleaching products you choose, all tooth-whitening solutions are likely to offer you a brighter, whiter smile that will give you a nice boost in self-confidence.

The bottom line is that the most effective teeth whitening product will differ from person to person. Your best bet is to talk with your dental professional about your whitening goals and oral health history to determine which teeth-whitening product is best for you.

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Home Oral Care Tips How to Choose the Best Teeth Whitening Product for You. Recommended Products Explore Crest Whitening Emulsions. Find the Crest 3DWhitestrips that work for you. You May Also Like. Crest 3DWhitestrips Professional Effects Value Pack.

The built-in auto-timer for 10 minutes, with beeps to indicate halfway and completion, made the process hassle-free and effortless. We often used it during our nighttime skincare routine and would forget it was even there, thanks to its comfortable fit. The tray, being flexible and adjustable, caused no irritation or discomfort, and we felt no sensations while using it.

After a couple of uses, we noticed our teeth looked brighter , though not necessarily a full shade lighter. Compared to white strips, which can leave the mouth feeling unpleasant and require constant swallowing of gel, this kit was barely noticeable and met our expectations for ease and comfort.

The PurelyWHITE DELUXE Teeth Whitening kit is our pick for best teeth whitening kit for stains. The process itself was simple and quick, taking about 12 minutes per session. We immediately saw a difference in certain spots of our teeth after using the kit.

However, the whiteness did seem to fade over time. Turning it on and off can be a struggle, and in order for it to operate properly at times we had to completely remove the batteries.

Despite these challenges, we still think the product is worth its price tag , as it does work. To find the best teeth whiteners, we tested over 50 whitening devices in our lab and at home. We tested a variety of whitening products, including LED devices, white strips, toothpaste, and pens, for effectiveness, comfort, convenience, and value.

Before testing, we determined our tooth shade and compared our shades two and four weeks later. In our lab test, we used products once according to manufacturer instructions and then took the products home and continued to follow the instructions on the package.

We also spoke to experts to discuss what to look for in teeth whiteners, how to deal with sensitivity, and how to manage expectations. The experts we interviewed included:. The most common ingredient in teeth whitening kits is peroxide, either hydrogen or carbamide.

These ingredients work to remove stains both on the surface of teeth and on deeper layers. In addition to these ingredients, you'll also want to look for a few others that can help ease the after-effects of whitening, which can be painful for sensitive teeth.

It's worth noting that an ingredient making its way into whitening kits lately is PAP or phthalimido-peroxy-caproic acid , which should be avoided. According to Edmond R. Hewlett, DDS, Professor at UCLA School of Dentistry, unlike hydrogen peroxide, PAP may lead to lingering sensitivity.

Whitening gel comes into play in almost all whitening kits, typically acting as the activator in LED kits and whitening pens , as well as on their own, applied directly to teeth or in trays.

Whitening gels are normally made with either hydrogen or carbamide peroxide. LED-powered devices are another popular choice. They work by using the peroxide gel as a base and activating the gel. The LED works to speed up the gel's effects , accelerating the process and enhancing results through an oxidation process.

LED devices also have their own set of negative side effects such as causing tissue damage , so dentists warn that you should use caution if adding one to your dental routine. Whitening pens contain a peroxide gel, which is typically applied with a brush head.

The peroxide available in pens is often lower than in a gel kit, and their lower duration makes them less effective than at-home treatments, but their effectiveness is sacrificed for their ease of use on the go.

Whitening toothpastes also contain peroxide, but at a much lower concentration than most whitening products. While you may see slight results from toothpaste, they likely won't last. She adds that if you want a longer-lasting whitening effect from your toothpaste, check its relative dentin abrasion RDA , which you can find on the manufacturer's website; the higher the RDA, the more effective the toothpaste is for whitening.

You can generally expect price points to be an indicator of effectiveness, with many less expensive products offering shorter-term or less substantial results. More expensive products typically use an LED device and a higher concentration of peroxide to promote more extreme, longer-lasting results.

We also tested the following teeth whiteners. While our testers had a lot of great things to say about them, they ultimately fell short of the recommendations that made our list based on overall results and negative side effects.

Teeth whitening kits and products work by removing stains, either intrinsic or extrinsic—that is, internal or external stains. You can think of external stains as the ones you might get from a coffee habit, while intrinsic stains are treated on a deeper, chemical level.

While some people might be looking to avoid peroxides in teeth whitening, Bianca Velayo, DMD, of Green Valley Smiles Dentistry in Henderson, Nevada, explains that peroxide is what ultimately makes the process effective. Velayo explains.

These reactive oxygen molecules treat both the enamel and the dentin, oxidizing the bonds of discolored stain molecules. By changing the stained molecules, the tooth becomes lighter. To see results, dentists recommend products that have a good combination of peroxide concentration and duration of use.

Velayo points out that shorter-duration products, like toothpaste, don't do much in terms of whitening, but they also include ingredients you might want to avoid. She warns that you might not get the results you think you will, as charcoal works by using abrasion to remove the stain. As a result, the charcoal also wears away at the outer enamel of your teeth.

So it stands to reason that the more enamel you wear away, the yellower your teeth become," she explains. The dentists we spoke with agreed that teeth whitening kits are safe, but that people with certain conditions should avoid whitening, at least until after proper dental treatment.

Rubinshtein suggests that anyone with thin enamel can expect to experience pain while whitening their teeth, and those with gum disease and cavities should resolve those issues before deciding to whiten their teeth.

People with past dental work should also speak with a dentist before whitening. Jaylyn Pruitt has a Master of Library and Information Science with a focus on health information. Her goal is to provide easy-to-understand information with a patient perspective in mind.

Kalliath C, Mukunda A, Pynadath M, Venugopal V, Prethweeraj J. Comparison between the effect of commercially available chemical teeth whitening paste and teeth whitening paste containing ingredients of herbal origin on human enamel.

Gottenbos B, de Witz C, Heintzmann S, Born M, Hötzl S. Insights into blue light accelerated tooth whitening. doi: Use limited data to select advertising. Create profiles for personalised advertising.

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Eliminating foods that mark the teeth can prevent further staining. Foods and beverages that contain tannins, such as wine and tea, can stain the teeth. Coffee, dark sodas, and juices can also stain them. Acidic foods can make the teeth look yellow by wearing down the enamel. People who are concerned about the color of their teeth should avoid the excessive consumption of citrus, coffee, and soda.

Alternatively, they should always brush their teeth after having them. Dentists generally recommend waiting at least 30 minutes after eating before brushing the teeth.

Acids can weaken the enamel, so brushing too soon can cause damage. Quitting smoking or tobacco products can reduce the risk of nicotine stains. It can also prevent tooth decay and gum disease, both of which can damage the enamel and cause oral health issues.

Oil pulling is the term for washing the mouth with oil to remove dirt, bacteria, and debris. It is not a substitute for regular brushing or flossing, but some research suggests that washing the mouth with certain oils may help to whiten the teeth.

However, to try this method, rinse the mouth with oil for about 20 minutes after brushing, then spit it out. Baking soda can gently polish away stains on the surface of the teeth. Some people worry that baking soda is too harsh and may grind away enamel, but research from found it to be a safe way to remove stains.

Baking soda may also help to fight bacteria, which suggests that it may be able to reduce plaque and prevent tooth decay. Hydrogen peroxide is a mild bleach that can help to whiten stained teeth. For optimal whitening, a person can try brushing with a mix of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide for 1—2 minutes twice a day for a week.

They should only do this occasionally. Hydrogen peroxide may increase tooth sensitivity, so it is not suitable for long-term use or for people who already have sensitive teeth.

Papain and bromelain, which are enzymes that occur in papayas and pineapples respectively, may both help to whiten teeth. A study found that tooth bleaching gels containing bromelain or papain have substantial clinical potential to whiten teeth.

However, more research is necessary to determine whether or not these enzymes are effective. The ADA does not recommend rubbing your teeth directly with pieces of fruit, as the acid in the fruit can actually make the color of teeth worse. Chewing certain high fiber vegetables and legumes can help neutralize the acid in the mouth and protect the enamel on the teeth.

Beans or leafy greens like spinach trigger the mouth to produce more saliva, which helps clean the mouth from acid. The outer layer of teeth consists of enamel, which is colored almost white and protects the deeper tooth structures.

Beneath the enamel is a layer of tissue called dentin, which is yellow-brown. When the enamel layer thins or wears away, the dentin shows through more so teeth begin to look darker. Acidic foods, gum disease , and aging can wear down tooth enamel. Some people also have enamel that is naturally thinner.

Specific foods and beverages, such as coffee , can stain the teeth. Some foods that stain the teeth may also wear down the enamel, increasing the yellowing. Natural teeth-whitening strategies that may harm the teeth include using:. Maintaining excellent oral hygiene is the most important thing that a person can do to prevent and reduce tooth yellowing.

Certain antihistamines, antipsychotics, and high blood pressure medications may cause the teeth to become darker. Cancer treatments may also have this effect. In addition, children exposed to certain antibiotics at a young age may experience tooth discoloration as adults. No treatment can whiten teeth overnight, but some options are faster than others.

Even in the latter case, whitening is likely to require several treatment sessions of several hours each. Learn more about hydrogen peroxide teeth whitening. Few people have naturally white teeth, as teeth tend to yellow with age. However, maintaining excellent oral hygiene and having regular dental checkups can help to keep teeth bright.

Yellow teeth are not usually the sign of a health problem, but a dentist can check for enamel loss and tooth decay. Natural remedies can help people whiten their teeth at home. A dentist can also offer professional teeth whitening.

Individuals contemplating tooth-bleaching should consult with a dentist to determine the cause of the tooth discolouration and to determine whether a bleaching treatment will have the desired result.

A number of different bleaching techniques and products are available to patients. Your dentist will use one of these two methods to whiten your teeth:. There are three methods for bleaching teeth. The method that will work best for you depends on the number of teeth that need to be bleached, and on how badly they are stained or discoloured.

Bleaching should be done only under a dentist's care. Tooth-bleaching under controlled dental office conditions may be safe and effective, but the new in-office vital tooth-bleaching techniques, particularly those using laser and lights, have undergone little scientific assessment.

Home-use tooth-bleaching systems are available to the general public, either from a dentist or from various retail outlets. Clinical studies support the safety and effectiveness of home-use bleaching gels when used appropriately. Tooth sensitivity and irritation to soft tissues can occur during bleaching treatment, but these effects are transient.

Yet the effects of long-term tooth-bleaching are unknown and need to be researched, especially since the effect is not permanent and many individuals end up undergoing periodic bleaching treatments.

Teeth whitening. Surface Whiteners These products use special abrasives to improve the product's ability to remove surface stains. Bleaches Most bleaching products are peroxide-based and are actually capable of altering the colours of the tooth itself.

Your dentist will use one of these two methods to whiten your teeth: Vital bleaching is done on "living" teeth and can be used to whiten your teeth if they have become stained by food or tobacco, or if they have become dark with age. Non-vital bleaching is bleaching done on teeth that are no longer "alive.

Your dentist may suggest: Putting a special bleach on your stained teeth and using heat or heat and light to start the bleaching action; or Wearing a custom-made mouthguard filled with a special bleach for part of each day; or Brushing with a special bleach mixed in toothpaste.