How to Whiten Your Teeth Without Causing Damage

Teeth whitening is a popular treatment for dental discoloration caused by coffee consumption, certain foods, smoking, and the natural aging process. In fact, according to 351 dental professional respondents in a 2015 American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) survey, teeth whitening was among the highest demand and most popular cosmetic dentistry procedures performed.

You can whiten your teeth effectively and efficiently in the comfort of your own home. However, it is critical that you understand the various methods available to you—and how to use them safely. Everything you have to know about at-home teeth whitening is right here. If stained teeth are not an issue, you may consider porcelain crowns in New York City for a more attractive smile.

How Do Teeth Whitening at Home Work?

Stains on teeth can be of two types: intrinsic and extrinsic. Intrinsic stains appear in your teeth’s natural minor porosity or tiny cracks. They affect your dentin, which is the layer of your tooth directly beneath the hard, protective enamel layer. Certain medications, infections, normal aging, inadequate restorations (fillings), and trauma can all cause intrinsic stains. 

Some molecules responsible for intrinsic tooth staining, particularly heavy, dark gray stains, cannot be broken down by whitening agents. While teeth whitening can be effective and safe, using the incorrect method can result in permanent tooth damage. It is always best to get professional teeth whitening, NYC. The following are some of the consequences of whitening your teeth incorrectly or with specific products:

  • Sensitive teeth
  • Teeth etching 
  • Gum irritation
  • Teeth appear darker after whitening than before.
  • Increased possibility of tooth fracture
  • Teeth absorb more stains than before whitening
  • Loss of enamel protection

For example, if your enamel wears away, your teeth will become more sensitive and darker in color. Choose safe at-home tooth whitening products or professional teeth whitening from Chelsea dental clinic to avoid these risks.

DIY Teeth Whitening and Other At-Home Methods

Everyone wants beautiful, white teeth, but avoiding methods that can harm your tooth enamel is critical. There are numerous home remedies for tooth whitening, some of which are safer and more effective than others. Consider the following options if you want to whiten your teeth without harming them:

Baking Soda

While some argue that using baking soda on your teeth is too abrasive, dental researchers discovered it has a rating of seven on the Relative Dentin Abrasivity (RDA) scale of 0 to 269. The RDA level indicates how abrasive (or complex) a substance is on your teeth. Baking soda can help gently remove stains from the surface of your teeth if you brush gently.

Whitening Strips

To whiten natural teeth, these at-home tooth-whitening products mold to the shape of your teeth. Crest 3D White Whitestrips received an award from the American Dental Association (ADA) in June 2017. Glamorous White teeth whitening strips have received their seal of approval for demonstrating safety and efficacy in natural teeth whitening efficacy. It is the first product in this category to be approved by the ADA.

Whitening Toothpaste

Because whitening toothpaste contains low carbamide or hydrogen peroxide, it can lighten tooth shades, but only by one or two. Whitening toothpaste can be abrasive in removing tough stains, resulting in enamel erosion and dentin exposure over time. Typically, whitening toothpaste does not contain bleach.

Whitening Mouthwash

Like whitening toothpaste, it can improve tooth color by one or two shades. To lighten teeth, they contain oxygen sources such as hydrogen peroxide. It may take three months or longer to see a one or two-shade improvement, and it requires you to rinse your mouth twice a day for 60 seconds each time.

Conclusion

While changing your diet, avoiding stain-causing foods, and using at-home teeth whitening methods can all help you achieve a brighter smile, nothing beats the speed with which a professional in-office whitening treatment can deliver results. Contact a professional if you are concerned about visible stains or if your teeth are not as bright as they once were.