Teeth Whitening: 7 Options & When to Avoid

Teeth whitening can be done professionally in a dental office or at home with options like whitening toothpaste or custom trays. These treatments often use whitening agents like carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide to help whiten the teeth.

Yellow teeth can be caused by genetics, aging, and enamel wear, which can expose the naturally yellower dentin underneath. Other causes include antibiotic use, high fluoride exposure, certain developmental conditions, smoking, and drinks like coffee or soda.

Safe and effective teeth whitening should always be guided by a dentist. A dental checkup is important before getting started, as whitening can increase tooth sensitivity, irritate the gums, or soften the tooth surface.

How to whiten teeth

Some of the most popular teeth whitening options include:

1. Teeth whitening strips

Teeth whitening strips apply a thin layer of hydrogen peroxide gel through flexible plastic strips that fit over the tooth surfaces. They can whiten the teeth by one or two shades.

The strips are usually used for 30 minutes after brushing the teeth. They should be used under a dentist’s guidance, as they can cause tooth sensitivity, gum irritation, or inflammation.

2. Professional teeth whitening

Professional teeth whitening is performed by a dentist in the office. It involves applying highly concentrated whitening agents to the teeth, which are much stronger than at-home kits. A laser or specialized light may then be used to produce heat and speed up the whitening process.

This is the fastest way to whiten teeth, and results are immediate, as the teeth look whiter after the first session. However, 1 to 3 sessions may be needed to achieve the desired results.

3. Teeth whitening toothpaste

Whitening toothpaste can be used at home every day when brushing and may lighten the teeth by about one or two shades.

Whitening toothpastes usually contain small amounts of whitening ingredients, such as carbamide peroxide, hydrogen peroxide, or sodium citrate, which react chemically with the teeth. They may also contain silica, calcium carbonate, or alumina, which help remove tougher stains through a more abrasive effect.

These toothpastes should be recommended by a dentist, who can also explain how to use them and for how long.

4. Teeth whitening trays

Teeth whitening with trays can be done at home using a custom silicone tray from a dentist or an over-the-counter kit. The tray is filled with whitening gel containing carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide.

This treatment can produce great results, although they appear more gradually. The tray is usually worn for 2 to 4 hours a day or overnight, for about 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the desired level of whitening and the dentist’s recommendation.

5. Whitening gel

Whitening gels contain peroxides, which can whiten the teeth by one or two shades. They may be applied directly to the tooth surface with a toothbrush. According to the American Dental Association, hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide are commonly used in tooth whitening treatments.

Whitening gels can also be used with custom trays, strips, or whitening trays. These should be used individually and according to the dentist’s instructions.

6. Whitening mouthwash

Whitening mouthwashes contain oxygen-releasing ingredients, such as hydrogen peroxide, which gradually whiten the teeth. This option works more slowly than other treatments and may take up to 3 months to whiten the teeth by one or two shades.

Whitening mouthwashes are usually used by rinsing the solution twice a day for about 60 seconds after brushing the teeth.

7. Porcelain or composite resin veneers

Another treatment done by a dentist to make the teeth look whiter is the placement of porcelain or composite resin veneers. These are thin coverings placed over the teeth to improve their appearance, hide imperfections, and provide long-lasting results.

Care tips

During teeth whitening treatment, the following tips can help improve and maintain your results:

• Brush your teeth as usual with toothpaste that does not contain dyes

• Floss every day

• Use a dye-free mouthwash recommended by the dentist

• Avoid citrus fruits, such as oranges, lemons, tangerines, kiwis, or strawberries, as they can cause discomfort during treatment if the teeth become more sensitive

• Avoid smoking to prevent tooth staining

• Avoid using dark-colored lipstick right after treatment, as it can stain the teeth

Avoid foods and drinks that stain the teeth, such as coffee, black tea, green tea, chocolate, red wine, sports drinks, soda, and sauces like tomato sauce, soy sauce, or curry.

For people who drink a lot of coffee or tea, a helpful tip is to mix coffee with milk or drink a little water right afterward to remove coffee residue that may remain on the teeth.

It is also important to see a dentist regularly for professional dental cleanings and checkups, and to consider using an electric toothbrush.

Possible risks

The risks of teeth whitening treatments include:

• Increased tooth sensitivity

• Gum irritation or inflammation

• Roughness or softening of the tooth surface

• Increased tooth demineralization

• Breakdown of dental restorations

• Changes in the color of dental restorations

For this reason, before using any teeth whitening products, it is important to see a dentist. The dentist can recommend the most appropriate treatment for each person and explain how to use it safely.

According to the American Dental Association, temporary tooth sensitivity and gum inflammation are the most common side effects of whitening natural teeth.

Who should avoid

Teeth whitening is not recommended for pregnant people or for people with plaque buildup, tartar, or gum inflammation. These are some of the reasons why it is important to see a dentist before whitening the teeth.