Tempting Smile: 4 Ways to Get Gleaming White Teeth

Tooth whitening has become a huge market in the past decade. In fact, according to Dr. Oz, around 100 million Americans have tried some type of tooth whitening agent in an attempt to get that coveted bright smile. However, with so many options on the market and with such a wide range of costs, individuals must evaluate which of these four options are best for them.

Toothpastes

Most of the whitening toothpastes can be easily found over-the-counter and in almost any brand imaginable. The best whitening toothpastes have baking soda in them, and some include hydrogen peroxide. Those who are willing to put up with the strange foaming and unique gritty feel can use their own budget-friendly option by brushing with a small amount of baking soda along with a cheap bottle of hydrogen peroxide.

At-Home Whitening Strips

The gold standard for home whitening is over-the-counter whitening strips or gels that can be put in trays. These should not be used more than twice per year to avoid stripping too much enamel from the tooth or irritating the gums. They should be kept away from heat and out of the light to avoid breakdown. Strips take around two weeks to whiten while trays and gels take even longer.

Activated Charcoal

Activated charcoal is a new trend for at-home teeth whitening. Using it is simple. It is often sold in a large jar or in individual capsules. Users simply need to dip a wet toothbrush in the jar or empty a capsule over the brush before scrubbing in slow, soft circles for two minutes. Finish by rinsing thoroughly. This method can be used up to four times per week.

In-Office Treatments

In-office treatments are the way to go for the best results. While these treatments may cost more, a dentist from Jay A. Hollander DDS can tailor the treatment time and strength to the patient’s teeth and gums. Some dentists also make use of whitening lights along with peroxide-based gels for quick whitening in two days or less. Of course, remember that not every tooth-whitening agent is for everyone. Some can cause tooth sensitivity or gum sensitivity while others will not seem to make much of a difference even with frequent use. As with everything tooth and gum related, check with a respected dentist first before using new chemicals in the mouth.