Teeth Whitening

 Overview:

Discoloured  teeth are a common source of embarrassment to people. They are typically caused by smoking & the consumption of foods & beverages including tea, coffee & wine.

Another cause of discoloured teeth is the use of certain antibiotics such as tetracycline when taken during childhood when the teeth are forming. In this case, teeth whitening won’t help because

Be aware that some home solutions include products that are acidic (such as lemon juice), and the use of these can erode tooth enamel & as such,  should be avoided.

There are two options. If the staining is minimal, you can try whitening your teeth at home. Advantages are no trip to the dentist & the cost is low. Disadvantages are that they are not as effective as professional treatments. For more stubborn staining your dentist is the better option.

Tooth sensitivity can be an issue with some of these products. If you experience this, seek the advice of your dentist.

Home teeth whitening:

There are several products which can be purchased from your supermarket or chemist that can help with whitening. These include;

Bicarbonate of soda:

Wet your toothbrush then dip in bicarbonate of soda & brush.

Hydrogen peroxide & bicarbonate of soda:

Mix together 3% hydrogen peroxide with bicarbonate of soda & brush teeth. Be aware that hydrogen peroxide can burn mucous membranes so proceed carefully.

Strawberries & bicarbonate of soda:

Add  1 strawberry with half a teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda & mix into a paste. Apply to teeth with a soft toothbrush & leave for 5 minutes. Remove & floss to remove seeds that may have become stuck in between teeth.

Whitening Toothpaste:

There are many brands of toothpaste available to help with whitening. These usually contain bicarbonate of soda.

Whitening Mouthwash:

I have now seen at least one popular brand of mouthwash available in the supermarket that claims to help with tooth whitening.

Dental Strips:

Dental strips contain a whitening product which is placed over the teeth.

Teeth whitening kits:

Available from your chemist, these are thin guard trays you fill with teeth whitening gel (containing hydrogen peroxide) which you then place over your teeth.

Professional teeth whitening:

Laser treatments:

This involves the application of a gel to the teeth (and a protective substance to the gums to avoid damage) & then the teeth are exposed to a laser. This is usually completed in 1 – 2 sessions.

Teeth whitening kits.

Similar to the teeth whitening kits you purchase from your chemist, but a mould is made of your teeth & the trays are custom made to fit your teeth, making a snugger fit & increasing the effectiveness of the method. The trays are filled with some gel containing either carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide which are placed over the teeth for a period of time (usually 15-30 minutes).

Please note:

The medical articles on this site have not been written by a medical professional & should not be considered a replacement for professional advise. The articles are provided for informative purposes only.

While great care has been made in the creation of these articles, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or omissions on these pages. If in any doubt whatsoever, seek professional medical advice.