Teeth Whitening Tips for a Brighter Smile

There are several teeth whitening tips that you can try to maintain a healthy and brighter smile. The most common and convenient way to whiten teeth is using an over-the-counter (OTC) teeth bleaching product. The most popular of these products are teeth whitening bleaching kits, which are cheap and easy to use. Included in a teeth bleaching kit are a whitening gel and a mouthpiece tray.

To use this product, put the whitening gel on the mouthpiece tray and then place it in your mouth for at least 30 minutes. The treatment should be carried out for 3 to 4 weeks until the desired result is achieved. However, using teeth bleaching kits has several disadvantages.

Disadvantages of Teeth Bleaching Kits:

• It contains a whitening gel that has hydrogen peroxide which is harmful to the gums
  
• Mouthpiece trays come in one size only (will not perfectly fit the mouth)
  
• Few, if any, have the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of approval
  
• Does not work on dentures, jackets and crowns

Another process that is included in most teeth whitening tips is the use of a laser teeth whitening system. This method, which is a lot similar to an over-the-counter bleaching kit, also involves the application of a whitening gel to the teeth. The whitening gel that dentists use for laser whitening is more concentrated than those found in OTC kits. The dentist also customizes a mouthpiece tray to fit the patient’s mouth.

The whitening gel is applied on the mouthpiece tray and then placed inside the mouth for 30 minutes, after which the dentist will use a laser to target the teeth. The light emitting from the laser will cause the whitening gel to react. The results of laser teeth bleaching are better than OTC kits or any other bleaching method because it can make teeth six shades whiter. However, laser bleaching technology also has some disadvantages.

Disadvantages of Using Laser Teeth Bleaching

• Very expensive ($600 to $1000 per treatment)
  
• Hydrogen peroxide in the whitening gel is too strong
  
• Laser could damage enamel of the teeth
  
• Does not work on dentures, jackets and crowns

Many teeth whitening tips also include the use of whitening toothpastes. Whitening toothpastes are available everywhere and are also safe to use. Gentle brushing should be done when using whitening toothpastes because it contains abrasive elements that can harm the teeth’s enamel causing teeth sensitivity.

There are also several simple teeth whitening tips that everybody can try at home. These are the following:

1. Mix lemon juice and salt to make a paste and then apply to the teeth to remove stains.
   
2. Rubbing orange peel to the teeth can reduce stains.
   
3. Apply dried bay leaves with powdered orange peel to stained teeth.

Whatever teeth whitening tips that you try it is still best to seek advice from licensed dentists to ensure safe and effective treatment.