DEAR MAYO CLINIC: What is the most effective way to whiten teeth? Is it worth it to pay the extra expense for treatment from a dentist, or do the over-the-counter options work just as well? Are they safe for your teeth?
ANSWER: There are quite a few choices available if you want to whiten your teeth. The approved products — both those you can buy at drugstores and those available from your dentist — are safe. Just make sure you follow the directions carefully. Many teeth whiteners are quite effective, particularly if you use them for an extended period of time. If cost is a concern, try the over-the-counter options first. If those don’t give you the results you want, then talk to your dentist about other choices he or she offers.
One of the simplest options is whitening toothpaste. It whitens teeth by removing surface stains, such as those caused by drinking coffee or smoking. Some whitening toothpastes contain the chemical blue covarine. It stays on the surface of the teeth and makes them appear less yellow.
When used twice a day, whitening toothpaste takes about two to six weeks to make teeth appear whiter. Whitening toothpaste that contains blue covarine can have an immediate effect. The effects of whitening toothpaste usually are not dramatic. It can’t change the natural color of your teeth or lighten a stain that goes deeper than a tooth’s surface.
Many of the other products you can buy without a prescription, such as whitening strips, involve bleaching your teeth. They are generally safe and often provide better results than just using whitening toothpaste.
If you would like your teeth to be whiter than can be achieved with these products, several choices are available from a dentist. These whitening methods tend to be more effective and last longer than nonprescription products, but they are also more expensive.
One possibility many dentists offer is an at-home treatment. The dentist makes an impression of your teeth and uses it to create a tray in which you place a solution that contains a bleaching agent called carbamide peroxide. You wear the tray on your teeth at night. After about two weeks, many people see a significant difference in the whiteness of their teeth. The results usually last about two years.
The other choice is a treatment performed in the dentist’s office. This typically involves using a solution that contains hydrogen peroxide to bleach your teeth. The whitening can often be accomplished in a series of about four visits to your dentist, with the appointments usually lasting less than 30 minutes. One drawback is that the solution can burn your gums, so your dentist needs to carefully protect your gums with a barrier during the procedure.
Another risk associated with all bleaching options is that they can make your teeth more sensitive. Many manufacturers have tried to minimize this problem, though, by adding substances such as potassium nitrate and fluoride to their products that help minimize tooth sensitivity.
It is important to understand that none of the teeth whitening options currently available are permanent. Over time, food and drink, along with the natural process of aging, will cause your teeth to darken again. That means whatever whitening method you choose, eventually you will need to repeat the process if you want to maintain the whiteness of your teeth long-term. — Phillip Sheridan, D.D.S., Dental Specialties, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn.
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FAQs
Custom-fitted trays and in-office treatments are the safest and most effective ways to whiten teeth. ADA-approved over-the-counter toothpastes, gels, and strips are more affordable and convenient options.
What teeth whitening product do dentists recommend? ›
Opalescence is also a favorite brand of dentists, particularly Dr. Velayo. “More clinical studies, articles, and reviews have been published on Opalescence whitening than any other professional whitening brand. It's part of the reason why it's so highly trusted,” she says.
Why do dentists not recommend teeth whitening? ›
However, teeth whitening treatments can cause damage to the enamel if not done correctly or overused. Enamel damage can lead to increased sensitivity, pain, and white spots on your teeth. It's essential to consult with a dentist before using any teeth whitening products to ensure they're safe for your teeth.
Is there anything that really works to whiten teeth? ›
Tooth whitening is most often done using peroxide-based bleaching agents. At-home systems contain from 3% to 20% peroxide (carbamide or hydrogen peroxides). In-office systems contain from 15% to 43% peroxide. Generally, the stronger the solution and the longer you keep it on your teeth, the whiter your teeth become.
What is the least toxic way to whiten your teeth? ›
Brush with baking soda and hydrogen peroxide paste:
It helps in rubbing off stains from the tooth surface due to its mildly abrasive nature. Hydrogen peroxide, on the other hand, is a natural bleaching agent. It also helps in killing bacteria.
How to whiten teeth over 60? ›
Whitening yellowing teeth can be achieved through the use of bleaching trays or whitening toothpaste. Most whitening toothpaste brands have low-concentration bleach in them. This approach can work but takes an extended period of time to show a change in the color of your teeth.
Is there a teeth whitening that doesn't harm teeth? ›
- 5 Teeth Whitening Products Designed for Sensitive Teeth.
- Crest 3D White Whitestrips Gentle Routine Teeth Whitening Kit. ...
- Sensodyne Extra Whitening Toothpaste. ...
- Oral Essentials Lumineux Whitening Kit. ...
- TrueWhite Teeth Whitening Pen. ...
- In-Office Professional Whitening Treatments. ...
- 115 Broadstreet Rd Suite C,
If you have a lot of fillings, dental bonding or crowns, you may not be a candidate for dental whitening. This is because restorations will not respond to whitening, and a whitening treatment could result in a very uneven appearance.
How long does hydrogen peroxide take to whiten teeth? ›
Generally at this concentration you would need to have your teeth in contact with the 3% hydrogen peroxide for about 5 hours a day for about 2-3 weeks to have meaningful tooth whitening, which is very difficult to do with a watery liquid.
Can apple cider vinegar whiten teeth? ›
Takeaway. ACV can whiten teeth, but it can also damage tooth enamel. There are also other concerns regarding ACV use, such as interaction with certain drugs. If you're considering using ACV for health purposes, such as whitening teeth, consult your dentist or doctor before trying it.
In-office whitening procedures like Zoom Advanced Power whitening can see immediate results because dentists use a 35% solution of hydrogen peroxide in conjunction with a "light source directly on the teeth to break up all the molecules that cause staining and discoloration," he explains.
Does turmeric whiten teeth? ›
Unfortunately there's no scientific evidence that turmeric can whiten your teeth. Many turmeric toothpaste includes ingredients like baking soda, hydrated silica, or calcium carbonate, which are known as natural whitening agents and might be what's actually contributing to a brighter smile.
Is there a way to whiten your teeth without damaging them? ›
Baking Soda: As long as you are careful to brush gently, baking soda can eliminate stains from the surface of your teeth without damaging them. Whitening Strips: Whitening strips mold to the shape of your teeth to whiten them. Whitening strips are both safe and effective.
What is the least painful way to whiten teeth? ›
But if you're nervous about the pain, all of the dentists I consulted said professional whitening is the way to go — and it's not just because they want your money. The newest professional treatments feature desensitizing agents and a neutral-pH bleach that minimizes “zingers,” the electric-shock pain unique to teeth.
Which teeth whitening method lasts the longest? ›
Chairside bleaching (in-office tooth whitening)
If you maintain good oral hygiene, a chairside (or in-office) procedure should provide long-lasting results for 1 to 3 years. This procedure is done in your dentist's office. It usually requires only one visit.
