Options For Tooth Whitening At Home

Professional teeth whitening delivers optimum whitening results in a short amount of time. Available under the supervision of a dentist, this method of tooth whitening is gaining popularity, despite the fact that it is considered the most expensive method of chemically whitening your teeth. However, there are also other less expensive methods such as using home whitening kits and natural whitening procedures. Regardless of the method you choose, be sure to learn enough about it to do it properly.

Professional bleaching: It is usually the best method for teeth whitening. First the dentist will put a rubber shield or a gel on your gums to protect them. Then your dentist will apply the whitening product to your teeth, using a specially made tray which fits into your mouth like a gum-shield.

The ‘active ingredient' in the product is usually hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. As the active ingredient is broken down, oxygen gets into the enamel on the teeth and the tooth color is made lighter. The total treatment can usually be done within three to four weeks.

Home Teeth Whitening Options:

• Teeth Whitening Kits - Teeth whitening kits are effective, but the desired results take longer to achieve than with in-office bleaching. Depending on the strength of peroxide in the gel, these clear trays are usually worn a couple of hours a day or ove
ight and could take anywhere from 3 days to a couple of weeks before any results are noticed. There are basically two types of teeth whitening trays and gels: Those purchased from your dentist and those purchased from markets. While they will both whiten your teeth, the two have noted differences.

• Teeth Whitening Strips - Teeth whitening strips are popping up in every drug store across the nation. These whitening strips sold over the counter are fairly inexpensive, easy to use and most of them really work. Teeth whitening strips may take longer to produce the desired results depending on the strength of peroxide that they contain.

• Teeth Whitening Toothpastes - Teeth whitening toothpastes contain mild abrasives to remove surface stains. Some whitening toothpastes may have additional polishing agents and special chemicals that are more effective against stains than regular toothpastes, but teeth whitening toothpastes are not designed to actually "bleach" your teeth.

Natural Whitening Options: There are many natural ways with which one can whiten one's teeth. Eating fruits like strawberries, oranges, apples and lemons help in tooth whitening. They contain malic acid which helps remove stains and make teeth whiter. Charcoal Rub is another method where you take a piece of charcoal and rub against the yellowing tooth or teeth. Rub gently for about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Wash off with water then brush with toothpaste as normal. Mixing baking soda with some toothpaste also helps whiten the teeth. Brush your teeth as normal with this paste once everyday. Rinse out well with clean water.

You can help to keep your teeth white by cutting down on the amount of food and drink you have that can stain teeth. Don't forget, stopping smoking can also help prevent discoloration and staining. Brush your teeth for two minutes, twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste. Visit your dentist regularly, as often as they recommend.