How to Whiten Teeth?

There are a number of reasons why our teeth gradually turn from bright white to various shades of yellow. Age has a lot to do with it. Over a period of years the enamel surface of our teeth gets thinner. Under that surface is a layer called the dentin, which is a bit darker than the original white enamel. But there is more to the story than just getting older.

Our teeth may seem solid and hard, which makes it difficult to understand how they could absorb substances that change their color. But it happens. When we drink tea, coffee, soft drinks and red wine we may be changing the color of our teeth more than we think. If we are smokers the tobacco will stain the white surface of our teeth as well.

Some people use peroxide to whiten their teeth. This is mild bleach but is generally considered safe for use in the mouth. Peroxide bubbles when it comes in contact with body tissue, including the teeth and gums. It will help remove some of the surface stains on our teeth. Keep in mind that peroxide can cause some short-term sensitivity.

If your teeth, gums and mouth tissue are healthy and you have no cuts or breaks in the skin inside the mouth, you can try peroxide. But it might be wise to talk with your dentist or doctor first. Keep in mind that peroxide might cause problems if your teeth are already very sensitive. In addition, home remedies might cause non-natural material on crowns and fillings to get darker!

This is the basic formula used for whitening strips that hold the bleaching agent against the tooth surface for a longer period of time. A commercial whitening product called a “tray” also uses the peroxide method. Dentists sometimes provide a custom-fit tray for patients, but these are also available from several manufacturers over-the-counter.

It’s also possible to whiten teeth by coloring them with a “paint” product. In other words, each individual uses a small applicator or brush to put peroxide bleaching agent on teeth one at a time. This tends to be washed away by saliva quickly, however.

Toothpaste manufacturers also present their products as whitening agents. It’s true that the use of a good toothbrush and some pastes can help keep teeth from yellowing even more. It may also remove some of the surface stain. The key to success with toothpaste and toothbrushes is to brush for a long enough period of time. Most people brush for a few seconds. Dental experts recommend brushing for as long as two minutes to get the best results. Dentists advise that mouthwash will only remove superficial color and won’t have a lot of effect on deep stains.

There a few other things an individual can do to help keep teeth white and perhaps remove some of the surface stain. Eating fresh vegetables and fruits such as apples, carrots etc. will help keep the teeth clean. Rinsing and brushing as soon as possible after a meal will also prevent some staining. Chewing gum (sugar free) might also help, at least superficially.