When you want a smile that dazzles, give teeth whitening gel a try. There are several different types of teeth whiteners on the market today and many of them are very affordable. Most gels come with a kit that includes a tray that goes in your mouth. The tray helps keep the gel on your teeth. Without it, your saliva may wash the gel away and then your teeth would not get as white as they could have.
Most whitening gels are made of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. These are the chemicals that whiten the teeth. The strength of the whitening gel varies with different kits, but a solution that contains at least 15% of these ingredients is a good one. Anything stronger may make your teeth too sensitive to hot and cold food or drinks.
You can purchase teeth whitening gel at almost any drug store. Whether you buy a kit, or a whitening toothpaste gel, make sure you read the directions carefully before using the product. If whitening gel is left too long on the teeth, it can damage the enamel and make your teeth very sensitive.
A dentist can also provide you a whitening kit with gel or they can do the whitening procedure right in the office. The dentist will use the same type of gel that you can buy over the counter, but might have a few tools to help the process along. Sometimes a light is used to speed up the whitening process. The dentist will also consult with you first to determine the exact shade you want your teeth to be. When the dentist looks at your skin tone, he or she can determine what shade would look best for your teeth. A shade that is too white might look unnatural, so it’s a good idea to listen to your dentist when he or she makes suggestions.
After your teeth have been whitened, they will usually stay that way for several months. Especially if you take extra good care of your new white teeth. Avoid drinks that stain teeth such as coffee or tea. Or brush immediately after drinking them. If you notice that your teeth have a bit of sensitivity to hot or cold drinks or food, consider brushing with toothpaste that is specifically made for sensitive teeth.
Whether you get your teeth whitened from a dentist or a “do it yourself” teeth whitening gel kit, you are sure to be pleased with the results. You will look forward to smiling and showing off your pearly whites.
Editor's Note: Peter Morgan is a health writer on teeth whitening kits, teeth whitening gel as well as the latest technology and information on teeth whitening methods.