Teeth Whitening Guide

Teeth Whitening Guide

Published 29/03/2021

Last Reviewed 07/06/2023

White teeth have become a symbol of a beautiful, attractive smile. In fact, we see teeth whitening products like toothpaste, strips, and mouthwashes almost everywhere, but many people fail to stop and ask if it is possible to over whiten your teeth.

Some whitening procedures and products are safe for use, but it’s always important to discuss the products with your dentist first to ensure you will not damage your teeth in any way. There are a lot of products on the shelves today that will do just that, cause permanent damage to your teeth.

 

Does Hydrogen Peroxide Whiten Teeth?

The simple answer is yes, hydrogen peroxide does whiten teeth.  However, what you need to know about hydrogen peroxide and teeth whitening isn’t so simple. Most of the hydrogen peroxide you buy in bottles at the grocery store are diluted to about 3%. Whereas hydrogen peroxide in commercial whiteners is about 10%. The problem is higher concentrations can actually cause damage to your teeth’s enamel. Hydrogen peroxide can cause oxidation (free radical attack) in the mouth. PerioSciences antioxidants Phloretin and Ferulic help combat oxidation.

 

What Causes Stained Teeth?

There are several reasons why your teeth stain over time. Food and drink, especially coffee and wine, tobacco, tooth injuries, and aging, will discolor your teeth with time. Certain medications, especially the ones with tetracycline, can also sometimes take that white smile away from you. Read our post Are Yellow Teeth a Sign of Poor Oral Health? to learn all about the causes and solutions for yellow teeth.

 

How to Whiten Teeth Naturally?

Here are some effective tips for a healthy smile:

●     Quit Smoking

You might be tired of hearing it, but it’s true! Smoking won’t just stain your teeth. Other than spoiling the appearance of your teeth, it’s also detrimental to your overall dental health.

The whitening procedures of smokers are quickly undone with the adverse effects of tobacco. It’s time to quit smoking to keep your teeth brighter for longer.

●     Keep Hydrated

Drinking water regularly washes away the staining chemicals present in food and drink. Remember to keep yourself hydrated throughout the day to keep that shine on your teeth. Water also improves your overall health. Another effective practice is to rinse your mouth with water after you’ve had coffee or wine.

●     Brush Regularly

You've heard it forever, yet, we'll say it again - brush your teeth after every meal. And not just with any toothpaste. If you want to keep those teeth white after an in-house bleaching session, use a whitening toothpaste. AO ProToothpaste White Care is designed using natural ingredients, including apple and citrus, to prolong the effects of whitening procedures.

●     Avoid Foods That Stain Teeth

Other than tobacco, there are other things too that lift that whiteness off your teeth. Coffee stains teeth more than we'd like to believe. Here are some of the products you should cut down on if you want to see your teeth white longer after a treatment:
    • Coffee
    • Wine
    • Certain types of teas
    • Marinara sauce
    • Berries

As long as they’re consumed in small quantities occasionally, they won’t cause harm. Rinse your mouth each time you’ve had any of these items to make sure the staining compounds don’t linger too long in your oral cavity.

 

How Often Should You Whiten Your Teeth?

There’s no exact frequency for teeth whitening since it really depends on your diet and lifestyle. Those who regularly consume foods that stain teeth or are on some kind of medication will need the procedure more often than others to maintain a healthy, fresh smile.

So how often should you whiten your teeth? In general, most people should sit for in-office bleaching once a year, with regular touch-ups at home between the sittings. Regular teeth whitening will keep your smile white and sparkly.

For home touch-ups, you can use teeth whitening products and kits according to the frequency and procedure mentioned on the package. However, as already pointed out, not all of these products are safe to use. It’s important to take your dentist’s opinion on the products each time you return for in-office bleaching.  Can you over whiten your teeth?

 

How To Extend The Results Of Teeth Whitening?

Using teeth whitening products more often than recommended may cause harm. Instead of relying entirely on in-house bleaching and whitening products, it’s important to take care of your teeth.

Between the whitening procedures, there are some healthy practices you’ll need to adopt to make the whitening effects last longer and keep your smile bright.

 

What Teeth Whitening Products To Use?

The choice between the exhaustive line of whitening products in the market can be a challenging one. That’s exactly why you need your dentist’s advice on what products to use.

PerioSciences White Care is a line of teeth whitening products carefully formulated to help repair and soothe the tissue after whiting with traditional treatments either in the dental office or at home.

PerioScience whitening products include stain lifters to polish your teeth and freshen your smile, along with powerful antioxidants that nourish your oral tissues and restore the pH balance in your oral cavity after exposure to strong whitening agents.

 

Visit The Dentist Regularly

Teeth whitening products should never be used as a replacement for dentists’ visits. Discuss the home touch-up options with your dentist before following a treatment. Regular visits to the dentist can also help spot problems that are concealed by the regular whitening procedures. Teeth whitening makes your teeth appear healthy, but you might not be aware of the cavities or tooth damages occurring behind that sparkling smile.

 

How to Make Your Teeth White at Home

Besides whitening products and in-house bleaching, there are also natural ways to whiten your teeth at home. Here are some effective tricks to make your teeth white at home:

 

Oil Pulling

Take one tablespoon of coconut oil and move it around your mouth. Repeat the process for 15 to 20 minutes.

 

Baking Soda

Make a paste using 1 tsp baking soda and 2 tsp water and brush your teeth with it. Repeat the procedure 2 to 3 times each week.

 

Potential Risks of  Whitening Your Teeth

Although the packaging of a product may say it’s safe for at-home use, if used beyond what the recommended treatment calls for, there can be irreversible damage to your teeth. Many dentists caution against products to keep teeth white because they may cause the following:

    • Tooth Sensitivity: With at-home products, chemicals may make your teeth more sensitive to hot and cold drinks and food. If you undergo teeth whitening procedures in a dentist's office, you will probably have less sensitivity. And, your dentist may be able to alleviate some of the sensitivity by recommending specific products like antioxidant toothpaste. However, even with professional teeth whitening, there will almost always be sensitivity.

    • Root Damage: Teeth whitening can also cause damage to the root of your teeth if you whiten your teeth too often or for too long. Your dentist may be able to lessen this damage, but it is difficult to address once it is already present.

 

Overall, teeth whitening is not harmful to your teeth unless you overdo it. Be sure to always use the guidance of your dentist or read the directions on the box extensively to be sure you are following the directions exactly.

 

Try PerioSciences’ Antioxidant Toothpaste Today!

If you are interested in changing your oral hygiene routine, try PerioSciences’ antioxidant white care toothpaste today. While focusing on the mouth’s natural antioxidant salivary properties, we’ve designed products to boost your mouth’s already present defenses against bacteria. With natural ingredients and a handful of antioxidants, we are positive you will love the PerioSciences products. Shop today!