Is it safe to whiten your teeth at home? (2024)

Hankering after a perfect set of pearly white teeth? According to the Oral Health Foundation, teeth whitening is one of the largest growing cosmetic procedures in the UK, with more people prepared to dole out the cash in pursuit of a whiter and brighter smile than ever before.

But if you're considering investing in a whiter smile it pays to be prepared. The dental industry has its fair share of cowboys and over-the-counter products may put your oral health at risk, so it's worth investigating the facts before getting your credit card out. Dr Eddie Coyle, Clinical Director for BUPA dental, gives us the lowdown on the efficacy of teeth whitening:

Is teeth whitening safe?

    There are numerous options available when it comes to whitening teeth – from bleaching kits and toothpastes, to in-chair treatments and holistic remedies. 'However, it is important to remember that before trying anything, patients should consider whether the treatment is safe, approved and conducted correctly in anclinical environment,' says Dr Coyle.

    Only dentists registered with the General Dentist Council should carry out teeth whitening.

    'Many products that can be bought online or over-the-counter can pose risks to our health, particularly if you don't know whether the level of bleach they contain is safe,' adds Dr Coyle. 'Likewise, whitening treatments performed in unregistered beauty salons or shops can also be risky – therefore it's important to remember that only dentists registered with the General Dentist Council can carry out teeth whitening.'

    ⚠️ Book a check-up with your dentist before considering teeth whitening, to ensure your mouth is healthy before discussing your options, and don't forget that teeth whitening should only be carried out by a dental professional.

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    Is whitening suitable for me?

    For the vast majority of people, whitening can work really well and the results will be a significant improvement. However, there are some instances where patients aren't suitable for treatment.

    'People who have dental restorations such as crowns or bridges; porcelain veneers; cosmetic bonding or tooth coloured fillings will find that the bleaching agents won't work on all their teeth,' says Dr Coyle.

    'It is also worth bearing in mind that, while teeth whitening is completely safe when conducted properly, it can lead to temporary sensitivity to temperature, pressure and touch, as well as temporary gum irritation. With that in mind, it's important for you to visit your dentist to assess the status of your teeth and gums prior the treatment.'

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    Can your own dentist whiten your teeth?

    To get the best results, you don't necessarily need to invest in private dental care. 'The Zoom! Whitening treatment performed at the practice is a quick and effective way to whiten your teeth in a short space of time,' says Dr Coyle.

    To get the best results, you don't need to use products at home, or invest in private dental care.

    'Zoom! Whitening can mean you see visible results after just one hour, whereas the Home Whitening can take a little longer than this,' he adds.

    'However, the comfort of being able to whiten your teeth at home is an important factor for many of my patients. The result will eventually be the same, so patients can just pick the treatment that suits them and their needs best.'

    How long does teeth whitening last?

    The good news is the effects of whitening can last for up to three years. 'However, this will vary from person-to-person,' says Dr Coyle. 'The effect is less likely to last as long if you smoke, or eat or drink things that can stain your teeth.

    'It is also important for patients to brush and floss regularly throughout the day, to maintain a good oral hygiene and a whiter shade. Ask your dental team for their opinion before you start the treatment,' he adds.

    Is it safe to whiten your teeth at home? (3)

    Yuri_ArcursGetty Images

    What causes teeth staining?

    The biggest culprits for teeth staining include the following:

    Tea and coffee

    Drinking several cups of black tea or coffee per day can cause the chemicals contained in those beverages to turn your teeth yellowish, or a darker shade.

    Red wine

    This is staining because of the dark purple colours found in the grapes used for its production.

    Cigarettes

    Tobacco is highly staining and the number of cigarettes smokers have every day cause their teeth to be continually exposed to the staining process.

        'When it comes to staining factors, cigarettes are most certainly one of the worst,' says Dr Coyle. 'Dark carbonated drinks also pose a risk to the colour of our teeth. In fact, the food colouring contained in these products can have a major staining effect.'

        'Drinking tea, coffee or other dark drinks through a straw works as it may help to reduce the time that your teeth are in contact with these beverages, meaning they should be less likely to stain - although this is not a fool-proof solution and ideally you should aim to reduce your consumption overall.'

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        How should you look after whitened teeth?

        Following a whitening treatment, avoid dark-coloured foods and beverages for at least 48 hours after the procedure, including coffee, tea, red wine and pasta sauce.

        'The enamel remains porous for this period of time making it easy for the above mentioned items to penetrate the outer surface of enamel and stain your teeth,' says Dr Coyle.

        'It is also essential to practice excellent oral hygiene – this includes, not only brushing but also flossing, after meals and before bedtime.'

        Does teeth whitening affect your enamel?

        Contrary to popular belief, your tooth enamel is safe. 'I get asked this a lot,' says Dr Coyle. 'The conclusive answer is no. Dental whitening products only remove surface stains that are in the microscopic pores of your teeth. The bleach does not penetrate deeply within the tooth.'

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        Teeth whitening risks

        It pays to shop around when finding the perfect teeth whitening service to suit you. 'It's important that only dentists registered with the General Dental Council carry out teeth whitening,' says Dr Coyle. 'Nobody else is qualified to do so. I cannot stress this concept enough.

        It is vital that your dentist confirms there are no issues requiring treatment in your mouth first.

        'If a dental professional is not doing the whitening, the mouthguard provided may not fit properly so some of the bleaching gel may leak out onto your gums and into your mouth, causing blistering and sensitivity.'

        Additionally, when it comes to DIY teeth whitening, home kits also come with health concerns. 'Online products may not be safety-approved and unregulated kits can contain higher and dangerous levels of the bleaching agent,' says Dr Coyle. 'It is vital that your dentist confirms there are no issues requiring treatment in your mouth before thinking about whitening your teeth. If something seems too good to be true – it usually is!'

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        Is it safe to whiten your teeth at home? (2024)

        FAQs

        Is it safe to whiten your teeth at home? ›

        This is a terrible idea – in some cases it can do permanent damage and make the enamel extra-thin and sensitive. A safer way to whiten your teeth at home is by using whitening toothpastes, which doesn't have fast results, but it is more gentle to your enamel.

        How safe is home teeth whitening? ›

        A long-term and unwarranted use of teeth whitening products can severely affect dental health. These products should never be used without the advice of a trained dental professional. Also, they must be applied for the recommended time frame only which usually lasts for 14 days.

        Is there a safe way to whiten teeth at-home? ›

        Brush with baking soda and hydrogen peroxide paste:

        Baking soda has teeth whitening properties; that's why it's prevalent in toothpaste commercials. It helps in rubbing off stains from the tooth surface due to its mildly abrasive nature. Hydrogen peroxide, on the other hand, is a natural bleaching agent.

        Should you whiten your teeth at-home? ›

        Only go to a registered dental professional for teeth whitening because whitening by people who aren't qualified, for example in beauty salons, is illegal. Home kits also carry risks. Talk to your dentist first, before using a home kit.

        Do DIY teeth whitening work? ›

        Well, there are several issues with DIY teeth whitening, including the following: Many kits must be used every day to see results. At-home kits can only make your teeth a few shades whiter. You may have to use these kits for several months to achieve visible results.

        What is the safest method to whiten teeth? ›

        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.

        What is the least damaging way to whiten your teeth? ›

        Baking Soda: As long as you are careful to brush gently, baking soda can eliminate stains from the surface of your teeth without damaging them. Whitening Strips: Whitening strips mold to the shape of your teeth to whiten them. Whitening strips are both safe and effective.

        What is the fastest home remedy to whiten your teeth? ›

        Combine about two tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide with one tablespoon of baking soda. Stir it into a paste and start brushing. Let the paste stand about a minute and then rinse thoroughly with water. It is safe to use this teeth whitening home remedy 2 or 3 times a week.

        Can yellow teeth become white again? ›

        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.

        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 do people get their teeth so white? ›

        Follow good oral hygiene practices. Brush your teeth at least twice daily, floss at least once daily to remove plaque, and rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash at least once a day to kill bacteria that cause plaque. Use a whitening toothpaste (once or twice a week only) to remove surface stains and prevent yellowing.

        What is the difference between teeth whitening at the dentist and at home? ›

        Professional solutions used by your dentist are typically stronger than those in over-the-counter kits, so your teeth may whiten more quickly. They can also make sure that sensitive gums don't get more irritated. Whiteners work only on the tough outer surface of your teeth, enamel.

        Is hydrogen peroxide safe for teeth? ›

        Several studies suggest that using hydrogen peroxide — whether in a commercial product or at home — can cause damage to your teeth. The risk of damage increases when you: use a very strong hydrogen peroxide solution, such as concentrations above 3 percent.

        How fast does baking soda whiten teeth? ›

        But, how long the baking soda takes to work depends on the severity of the stains. Generally, it takes about two weeks of daily use before you start seeing results. If you're looking for a quick fix, other options are available, such as professional teeth whitening in the Colony, TX, or take-home kits.

        What actually whitens your teeth fast? ›

        Strawberries and Baking Soda

        Malic acid is typically an ingredient in many different teeth-whitening products, so it can be a good option as a quick whitening solution. To follow this method, take one large strawberry and crush it up. Then, mix it with one teaspoon of baking soda to make a paste.

        Does swishing hydrogen peroxide whiten teeth? ›

        A simple hydrogen peroxide mouthwash may help remove mild stains. However, a person should avoid leaving hydrogen peroxide solutions on their teeth for extended periods. For people who have darker stains, stronger whitening options are available both over the counter and from a dentist.

        Is it possible to whiten your teeth without damaging them? ›

        Many at-home tooth whitening methods have the potential to cause harm but your dentist can give you trays and gel containing carbamide peroxide. The trays are custom-fitted to protect your gums and your dentist makes sure that your mouth is healthy enough before you get started.

        Who should not use teeth whitening? ›

        Gum disease, worn enamel, cavities, and exposed roots.

        This is because the whitening solutions penetrate into any existing decay and the inner areas of the tooth, which can cause sensitivity. Also, whitening procedures will not work on exposed tooth roots, because roots do not have an enamel layer.

        Is it safe to whiten your teeth every night? ›

        However, the results of take-home whitening kits or store-bought whitening strips do not last that long. It is important not to whiten teeth more often than what your dentist recommends. Doing so can damage the enamel and cause gum irritation, especially if the whitening agent is not properly applied.

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