From Yellow to White: How to Get Whiter Teeth?

Teeth whitening treatment has become increasingly popular as people strive for a whiter smile. While over-the-counter teeth whitening products are available, many people prefer to visit a dentist for professional teeth whitening. It’s because treatments at the dentist’s office can produce better and longer-lasting results. This is especially true if your teeth stains are severe and difficult to remove.

When considering teeth whitening, you must understand the process to make an informed decision. This blog post will discuss this cosmetic dental procedure’s methods, alternatives, and more.

What Is Teeth Whitening?

Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental procedure that aims to lighten the colour or shade of your teeth. It involves using bleaching solutions containing hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide to remove stains and discolouration on your teeth.

What Are the Methods of Teeth Whitening?

There are different methods of teeth whitening, such as:

In-Office/In-Chair

This is the most popular method of teeth whitening because it is the most effective. It is performed by a dentist or certified dental professional and usually takes an hour to complete. Dentists use bleaching solutions with higher concentrations than over-the-counter products. As such, in-office teeth whitening can produce better results. Depending on how you take care of your teeth after the procedure, the results of in-office teeth whitening can last up to 2 to 3 years or as few as six months. Sometimes, you may have to return for touch-ups after several months (usually six months).

Note that professional teeth whitening procedures are not for everyone. Some people may not be a good candidates for this treatment due to the condition of their teeth or overall oral health.
Below is what to expect during an in-office teeth whitening treatment:

Your dentist will examine your teeth and surrounding structures and check for oral problems, including gum disease or tooth decay. If you have these conditions, they need to be treated first before you can undergo teeth whitening. Sometimes, if the oral problems are severe, your dentist may also recommend other alternatives to teeth whitening.
Once your dentist determines that you are a good candidate for in-office teeth whitening, they will start by recording your initial tooth shade using a shade guide. This will be kept for comparison purposes after the treatment.
Your dentist will apply a rubber dam or barrier gel and a cheek retractor to keep the bleaching agent from coming in contact with your gums, lips and cheeks.
The bleaching gel will be applied to your teeth. This gel contains hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, which will help break down the stains on your teeth.
A special light will be used to activate the bleaching gel. This light can either be laser or LED light.
Your dentist will remove the rubber dam and rinse your mouth with water once the bleaching cycle is finished.
Your dentist will record your final tooth shade using a shade guide and compare it with your initial tooth shade.
Your dentist may also perform a fluoride treatment to help reduce any sensitivity you may feel afterwards.
Before you go home, your dentist will give specific instructions on taking care of your teeth and gums.

At-Home Teeth Whitening Kits

At-home teeth whitening kits are a more affordable and convenient method of teeth-whitening because these kits can be used by patients in the comfort of their homes, and they can be found in different varieties over the counter.

The following are some types of at-home teeth whitening kits:

Whitening strips and gels.
These are the most common type of at-home teeth whitening products. They usually come in a kit that contains both the strips and gel. The strips are placed on your teeth, and the gel is then rubbed on top of the strips. The gel usually contains hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, which will help break down the stains on your teeth.
Whitening toothpaste.
Whitening toothpaste contains polishing agents and low concentrations of bleaching agents, which can help remove surface stains on your teeth.
Whitening pens.
These are similar to whitening strips, but they come in the form of a gel placed on your teeth with a small brush.
Whitening trays and mouthpieces.
These kits include custom-made trays that fit over your teeth. The whitening gel is placed inside the tray and worn for a certain period, usually 30 minutes to an hour. Your dentist can supply these kits, and they will also fabricate the custom trays for you.
Whitening rinses.
These mouthwashes contain low concentrations of bleaching agents, such as hydrogen peroxide. They can help remove surface stains on your teeth.
Home remedies.
These products usually contain fruits like strawberries, pineapple, or baking soda. While some of these home remedies may be effective for a few, the science behind them may still be insufficient or lacking.

What Causes Tooth Discolouration?

Depending on one’s diet and habits, the teeth are constantly exposed to staining agents like coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco which causes tooth discolouration. Also, as we age, our teeth become yellow or less white because the tooth enamel, which is white, becomes thinner, making the yellow-coloured dentin more visible.

Below are the two types of stains that cause tooth discolouration:

1. Extrinsic Stains

These are the type of stains on the surface of your tooth, also known as tooth enamel. Our teeth have tiny pores on the enamel. Over time, these stains can penetrate these pores and become trapped. Extrinsic stains usually appear yellow or brown.

The most common causes include:

Drinks:
Coffee, tea, red wine, soda and sports drinks.
Acidic foods and condiments:
Berries, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar and curry.
Smoking:
Tobacco products can cause both intrinsic and extrinsic stains.
Poor oral hygiene:
Failing to brush and floss regularly can cause plaque buildup, which can lead to staining.

2. Intrinsic Stains

These types of stains are inside your teeth, involving the inner part of the tooth called dentin. These stains may appear yellow, brown, grey, or orange. The most common causes are:

Aging:
As we age, our teeth can appear more yellow due to the thinning of the enamel.
Trauma:
An injury to the tooth can cause it to become discoloured. Teeth that have lost their vitality or those with non-functioning nerves slowly become grey-coloured over time.
Medications:
Some antibiotics, such as tetracycline and doxycycline, can cause intrinsic stains when children take them during their formative years. Fluoride treatments can also cause intrinsic stains in some children.

Am I a Good Candidate for Teeth Whitening Procedure?

Good oral health is one of the most important criteria for being a good candidate for teeth whitening. Because of this, teeth whitening may not be suitable for everyone, especially if you have the following conditions:

Sensitive teeth or gums
Gum disease
Worn down tooth enamel
Existing crowns, veneers, or bridgework
Pregnant or breastfeeding
Children below 16 years of age
You have unrealistic teeth whitening goals

To be a good candidate for teeth whitening, your dentist may recommend that you address your oral health problems before proceeding with a teeth whitening treatment. They may recommend other treatment alternatives depending on your condition, preferences, and budget.

How Do You Maintain Your Whitened Teeth?

Once you have achieved your desired level of whiteness, it’s crucial to take measures to maintain it. You can do this by:

Brushing and flossing regularly.
This can help remove any plaque or bacteria that can cause staining.
Avoiding tobacco products.
These contain nicotine and tar that can cause staining.
Limiting your intake of food and drinks that can cause staining.
Berries, tea, wine, and coffee can contribute to staining.
Using whitening toothpaste and mouthwash.
These can help reduce any surface stains on your teeth.
Visiting your dentist regularly for dental cleanings.
This can help remove any plaque buildup that can cause staining.
Getting touch-ups.
Depending on your lifestyle and habits, you may need periodic touch-ups.

How Can You Whiten Your Teeth Naturally?

Although these products do not have enough scientific evidence to confirm their efficacy, many people have tried and tested these products to help reduce tooth discolourations. Some home remedies can help reduce tooth stains, such as:

Baking Soda
According to studies, baking soda is a mild abrasive that can help reduce stains on teeth. That’s why it is often used in toothpaste and whitening products.
Oil Pulling with Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce gum disease and plaque buildup, resulting in staining. Oil pulling is a traditional Indian folk remedy that involves swishing oil in your mouth for about 20 minutes.
Strawberries
Some claim that strawberries can help improve yellow teeth because they contain malic acid, a natural astringent. After rubbing strawberries on them for an hour, your teeth may create an illusion of brighter teeth. But aside from the fact that there are limited studies about this claim, strawberries are found not to contain hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, which are bleaching agents that are commonly used in whitening products.
Other Unproven Methods
There are other unproven methods that people claim can help whiten teeth, such as:
- Rubbing lemon peel
- Activated charcoal
- Apple cider vinegar
- Kaolin clay

Side Effects of Teeth Whitening

The side effects of teeth whitening are usually mild and temporary. These may include:

Tooth sensitivity
Gum irritation
Mild stomach upset

These are often associated with the products used in teeth whitening and the application method. Some products may contain more bleaching agents than others, which can increase the risk of tooth sensitivity or other side effects. Also, teeth whitening products can damage your gums or cause other problems when applied improperly.

Talking to your dentist before using any teeth whitening product is important. They can recommend a safe and effective product and method for you.

Can Teeth Whitening Damage Your Teeth?

In general, teeth whitening is safe for your teeth. However, it can damage your teeth or gums if done too often or with too strong products.

To avoid this, only use teeth whitening products that your dentist recommends, and follow the instructions carefully. If you can, it’s always best to have your teeth professionally whitened by a dentist or certified dental professional.

What Are the Treatment Alternatives for Teeth Whitening?

If you’re not interested in teeth whitening or are not a good candidate, there are other options for improving the appearance of your smile. These include:

Bonding.
A tooth-coloured resin is applied to your teeth and then hardened with a special light. To whiten teeth, your dentist may use a resin that is lighter or whiter in colour than your natural teeth, and before hardening it, your dentist can mould the resin to change the shape and size of the tooth.
Veneers.
These are thin pieces of porcelain custom-made to fit over the front surface of your teeth. They can be used to change the shape, size, or colour of your teeth.
Crowns.
A crown covers the entire surface of a tooth like a cap. These crowns can be customised to change a tooth’s shape, size, or colour.

Final Thoughts

Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic treatment used at home or by a dentist. Several products and methods are available, but not all have the same level of effectiveness. Also, this procedure is not for everybody.

If you’re considering professional whitening treatment, call us at 08 9399 2037 to know your options. We will help you find a safe and effective way to achieve your desired results.

e are Prospect Road Dental. Our team comprises four warm and experienced dentists and friendly staff members. We are located at Unit 4/26 Prospect Road Armadale, W.A 6112 and our services include general, cosmetic, children’s, restorative, laser, and orthodontics dentistry. We also offer various payment options for your convenience.

Disclaimer – Use At Your Own Risk :- The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as advice for any individual case or situation. Any action you take upon the information on these blogs are strictly at your own risk. We will not be liable for any losses or damages in connection with the use of the information from these blogs.

By Dr. Abhi Singh | August 4, 2022