Teeth Whitening Home Remedies
If you’re looking for a whiter, brighter smile, you may be considering one of the many teeth whitening home treatments available. Consider the pros and cons of each treatment so you can make an informed choice about which is right for your sensitive teeth.
Home Whitening Strips
Over-the-counter strips are a popular way to whiten teeth at home. Designed to mold to the surface of your teeth, these slim, virtually invisible, plastic strips are coated in a thin layer of whitening gel made of peroxide.ii, iii Once you have applied the whitening strips, a chemical reaction takes place and breaks down existing surface stains on your teeth.ii
How often you should use whitening strips varies from product to product, so always check the label and follow the package instructions.
Whitening Gels
These are peroxide-based gels which you apply with a small brush directly to the surface of your teeth. They work in the same way as home whitening strips to remove surface stains and discoloration.iii
Whitening (Bleaching) Trays
Over-the-counter tray-based whitening kits are filled with peroxide gel and fit over your teeth.iiiWhile they save you a trip to the dentist, these kinds of whitening trays may not always fit properly, meaning some of the bleaching gel can leak from the tray, causing blistering and sensitivity.ivTrays made in-office by your dentist, on the other hand, are custom made for your mouth and therefore much more likely to fit properly.
Bleaching trays can begin to lighten teeth in as little as three days – typically by one or two shades.iii
Whitening Rinses (Mouthwashes)
Whitening rinses contain hydrogen peroxide (bleach)to help whiten teeth. Typically, this whitening technique requires you to rinse your mouth for around 60 seconds, twice a day. It will generally take around 12 weeks to see a one or two shade change in the color of your teeth.iii
Stain-Removing Toothpastes
Stain-removing toothpastes, such as Sensodyne Extra Whitening toothpaste, contain mild abrasives as well as polishing agents. Unlike bleach-based products, they don’t change your actual tooth color, but instead help to remove tough surface stains from your teeth and make them appear whiter.
