Having whiter teeth is an attractive prospect for anyone. People with whiter teeth and a brighter smile are generally more confident and more attractive, and are treated differently by others as a result. This is because whitened teeth are a sign of excellent hygiene, and all around health of the person. Whether your teeth are stained, or you just want them whiter, you may desire to go about finding the right treatment for you.
There are a large variety of different home remedies to whiten teeth available, each using a different method to try and capture the same results – removing stains from teeth and making them shades lighter.
Home Products & DIY Remedies
Generally, we are able to group teeth whitening treatments into two categories; those that are performed by a dentist or an oral professional, and those that can be carried out at home, by you. The remedies performed at home tend to work generally less effectively than those procedures used by a dentist or oral professional, but they are also much cheaper and possibly less time consuming.
Remember that consulting your dentist before you carry out a teeth whitening treatment independently is important. This will ensure your complete safety, because your dentist knows your teeth and gums well enough to give you a sensible recommendation. Safety is always important, especially when you are facing the prospect of putting potentially harmful chemicals in and around your mouth.
The most common types of teeth whitening treatment performed at home tend to be products developed by oral hygiene companies, such as teeth whitening strips, gels, trays or kits. These products give inexperienced teeth whiteners an accessible way of whitening, without paying a lot of money on professional treatment.
They are much cheaper than professional treatment, but still retain some authority and credibility because of the reputation of the company that produced them. When purchasing, always note the name of the company that manufactured them – have you heard of it before? Many are also ADA (American Dental Association) approved, and will definitely contain no harmful chemicals.
Teeth Whitening Strips
Of these products, teeth whitening strips are probably the least complicated to set up and use for the first time. They also afford a lot of flexibility in their use; many allow you to go about your daily routine while the strips are working to whiten, instead of requiring you to sit and wait for whitening.
Whitening strips that contain polyethylene are particularly desirable for those looking to whiten their teeth using this method. In every product, there will be a strip for both the upper and lower row lined with a gel that will work to whiten. Whitening strips like these usually cost around $30, but there are both cheaper and more expensive equivalents that offer different coverage.
Before using the strips, ensure that you have brushed and flossed your teeth thoroughly. This will prevent the build-up of any plaque harming the efficiency in which the strips will work to whiten, and ensure you receive better results.
Ensure you study the instructions fully before applying the strips – this article will cover a general method of use, but there is always the possibility that specific products require particular methods of application.
The most important factor to check is how long it recommends to keep the whitening strips on your teeth for, and how often and long to apply them. You may find some will naturally dissolve in your mouth, whereas others will have to be disposed of manually.
When you apply the strips to your teeth, run your fingers over all of the area of the strip, ensuring that each section sticks to your teeth. This will make sure that they don’t fall off prematurely, and cover the whole tooth properly. Additionally, avoid moving your tongue too much otherwise the gel may get all over your mouth.
Once the strips have been applied for the correct amount of time, remove them and rinse your mouth. This will ensure that all the gel is removed and stop any unpleasant sensations.
Other Remedies
Similar to teeth whitening strips, you can also use teeth whitening gel. Lots of these gels are also ADA approved, and work by application to the teeth for a few minutes at a time. Teeth whitening gel is applied more frequently than teeth whitening strips.
Teeth whitening toothpaste slowly removes surface stains. You use this toothpaste exactly as you would a normal brand, so there is no need for a special process to apply.
Alternatively, you may turn to even more ‘homemade’ style remedies to whiten your teeth. Two of the most used chemicals in the teeth whitening process are baking soda and hydrogen peroxide.
Particularly hydrogen peroxide is the primary whitening agent contained within many industry products, and purchasing it directly can save a great deal of money. Ensure that you use the 3% variety; any higher and you will have severe difficulties with irritability. Hydrogen peroxide is considered by the American Dental Association to be a completely safe method to whiten teeth.
Many people use baking soda as their primary whitening agent. Baking soda will not remove very deep stains that have penetrated the enamel, but it is great as a general teeth whitener on a budget. It can be used by itself, or in conjunction with other ingredients to form a paste. Mix the baking soda with hydrogen peroxide, for the best results. Some recommend mixing it with a lemon juice, but always show caution; its acidic qualities could potentially do more damage to your teeth than repair.
There are a large number of home remedies to whiten teeth that you can operate from home. They tend to be much less expensive, but note that they don’t usually possess the same effectiveness that those carried out by professionals. Remember to always fully read and comprehend before you carry out the treatment and apply chemicals to your mouth.
The post Effective Home Remedies to Whiten Teeth appeared first on Best Way to Whiten Teeth at Home.
