How to whiten your teeth: 4 home remedies

How to whiten your teeth: 4 home remedies

A smile expresses your feelings. But if your teeth are yellow, stained, or discolored, you may feel uncomfortable showing your grin to the world.

And you are not alone. More than 37 million Americans and over 10% of Germans used teeth whitening products in 2022.

There are a whole range of new products and home remedies that you can use to give your teeth a shine. We reached out to dentist Anne Clemons to learn what treatments you can try at home.

Can you whiten your teeth at home?

Yes, there are a handful of methods that can make your teeth appear whiter. Dr. However, Clemons warns that some treatments have side effects.

“Most effects are temporary,” she says. “You may experience gum tenderness or irritation.

It is also important to know what type of discoloration you have. Most at-home products treat extrinsic stains – stains on the outside of your teeth. These types of discolorations are caused by things like red wine, tea, coffee, and smoking.

Intrinsic discoloration is the result of discoloration of the tooth itself, either the enamel or the dentin. Sometimes this can be caused by genetic disorders or medications you took as a child. Age also has a lot to do with it.

“As we age, the outer surface of the tooth, the white enamel, becomes thinner and the underlying dentin turns yellow,” says Dr. Clemons.

If you want to whiten your teeth, here are a few popular at-home treatments.

Hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide, a natural bleaching agent, can be used to whiten teeth. Bleaching is a chemical process in which the color-causing molecules are broken down through oxidation and the bonds are changed or removed. This can lead to tooth sensitivity and gum inflammation.

“Bleaching is all about changing the perception of how white your teeth are,” says Dr. Clemons. “Bleaching is what changes the intrinsic discolorations.

Hydrogen peroxide is generally safe when found in products like mouthwash and toothpaste, but be careful about how much it is used.

“The concentrations can be very different,” says Dr. Clemons. “Look for products that are specifically formulated for use in dentistry because then you have a more controlled percentage of it.

Instead of using pure hydrogen peroxide at home (which isn't recommended), Clemons says using a gel or bleach strips will give you safe and effective results. Just be sure to follow the instructions and not leave the application for longer than directed.

“A good result depends on how long the peroxide is in contact with the tooth,” she says. “Something like a gel or strip that stays on the tooth longer will give better results than toothpaste or mouthwash.

Baking powder/baking soda

The trusty pantry ingredient has many uses, including whitening teeth. But here too, Dr. Clemons to look for dental care products that contain baking soda.

"The good thing about baking soda is that it's less abrasive than many other ingredients," she says. “If you compare it to other tooth whitening pastes, it doesn't have the same grit, so it's a little gentler on the teeth.

In fact, Dr. Clemons said toothpaste containing baking soda is more effective at removing stains than some other types of toothpaste.

"With any of these toothpastes, you want to make sure you're still getting fluoride," she says. “One of the main benefits of toothpaste is that you get fluoride on your teeth at least twice a day.

Oil pulling

Oil pulling, a traditional Indian method, can be time-consuming and may not produce the results you hope for.

"I haven't seen any good evidence that it whitens teeth," says Dr. Clemons.

The procedure consists of swishing a tablespoon of oil such as sesame, coconut or sunflower oil in your mouth for 15 to 20 minutes daily. The idea is that the oil not only cleans the teeth, but also the spaces between the teeth.

“Oil pulling is not a substitute for cleaning your teeth,” says Dr. Clemons. “It is not a replacement for brushing and flossing, but can be used in combination with these.

Bleaching strips or trays

Bleaching strips or trays are a popular way to whiten teeth and can have a positive effect on your smile.

Most products contain carbamide peroxide (a chemical that contains hydrogen peroxide) or hydrogen peroxide. Typically, you need to keep the solution on your teeth for 30 to 45 minutes every day.

“If you use carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide, you will get the real bleaching result,” says Dr. Clemons. “These chemicals break the bonds of the color-causing molecules, and you will actually see a result.”

With the many options available for use at home, the most important thing to pay attention to is the fit. Customization, especially with spoons, gives you more control over where the gel or formula goes and how long it stays. Not only does this contribute to the effectiveness of the treatment, but it can also protect your gums and teeth from side effects such as sensitivity and gum irritation.

How long do the results last?

The path to a great smile depends on which treatment you use and how long you use it, says Dr. Clemons.

“It may take a few weeks to get the same results with one type of strip, while a slightly stronger treatment might take seven days,” she says.

However, before you begin any whitening treatment, you should ensure that your teeth are healthy.

“If tooth decay or gum disease is present and you apply a bleaching solution to your teeth and gums, you are more likely to experience negative effects,” says Dr. Clemons.

Tips for preventing tooth discoloration

While there are claims that other products like activated charcoal, kaolin clay, apple cider vinegar, and fruits like pineapple and strawberries can remove stains, Dr. Clemons has seen no evidence of their effectiveness. In fact, the acidity of apple cider vinegar and fruits, as well as the abrasive effects of activated charcoal, can attack tooth enamel.

However, since preventing tooth discoloration can be a constant battle, in addition to a whitening treatment, you can tackle stains before they start:

• Schränken sie zahnfärbenden Lebensmitteln und Getränken wie Kaffee, Tee und Wein ein
• Hören Sie mit dem Rauchen auf
• Putzen Sie Ihre Zähne zweimal täglich mit und verwenden Sie Zahnseide
• Regelmäßige Zahnreinigungen, um mehr Plaque und oberflächliche Verfärbungen zu entfernen

“The most important thing is to keep your teeth clean and healthy by brushing and flossing every day and having regular dental hygiene to remove the external stains from your teeth,” says Dr. Clemons.
Topic: Tooth discoloration, tooth discoloration, tooth discoloration, tooth discoloration, tooth discoloration, tooth discoloration, tooth discoloration, tooth discoloration, tooth discoloration
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