Teeth whitening refers to any process that lightens the colour of your teeth, by several shades, to make them appear whiter and give you a charming smile. Teeth whitening techniques are quite popular and commonly used worldwide to temporarily reverse discolouration of teeth due to either external stains and plaque buildup or thinning of the enamel layer caused by acidic foods, gum disease, and ageing.
There are various ways in which one could attempt to whiten their teeth and brighten their smile. Some of these techniques can be performed at home by yourself, while others must be done professionally in the dentist’s office.
At-home solutions to whiten your teeth
At home, natural products and techniques to whiten teeth are mainly targeted to remove external stains that cause the teeth to appear yellow. These include:
- Regularly brushing your teeth is the easiest and most important measure one can take to ensure not only cleaner and whiter teeth but also optimal dental hygiene and gum health. To prevent yellowing teeth, make sure to brush consistently every day, especially after meals. However, you should avoid brushing immediately after consuming acidic foods and drinks to reduce the risk of tooth erosion. It is also important to use the right toothpaste while brushing. Fluoride toothpaste is essential, whilst the toothpaste should also ideally have hydrogen peroxide and baking soda.
- Hydrogen peroxide is a popular tooth whitening tool commonly found in toothpaste and mouthwash. It is a natural bleaching agent that breaks down and removes, or sometimes changes, the colour-causing molecules in teeth to make them appear whiter. There are also hydrogen peroxide gels and whitening strips available that can yield safe and satisfactory results. However, hydrogen peroxide products should be used cautiously, and instructions should be followed to avoid damaging your teeth.
- A healthy diet goes a long way to preventing teeth staining and keeping them white. The first step is eliminating foods and drinks containing tannins or breaking down the enamel. These include coffee, tea, wine, dark sodas, and acidic foods. In addition, reducing the consumption of tobacco products helps avoid nicotine stains and prevents tooth decay and gum disease. Instead of these items, one should add fruits and vegetables to their diet, which when chewed, are known to rub off plaque from teeth. In addition, some fruits such as pineapple and strawberry are also believed to have teeth whitening properties stemming from the enzyme bromelain.
- Baking soda is a household pantry item that is useful in whitening teeth. Baking soda helps remove stains from the tooth surface but is less abrasive than other ingredients, so it does not damage the tooth as much. Many kinds of toothpaste and teeth whitening products contain baking soda in combination with hydrogen peroxide to yield the most effective results.
- Oil pulling is a widespread, traditional teeth whitening practice that entails squishing and swirling around any type of oil, usually sunflower, sesame, or coconut oil, in your mouth. It is believed to remove stains from teeth and improve oral health and hygiene. However, there is no scientific support for oil pulling as a functional teeth whitening technique.
- Rubbing banana, orange, or lemon peels is another teeth whitening remedy many people use worldwide. It involves gently rubbing the banana, orange, or lemon peel on your teeth for about 2 minutes before brushing. The citric acid in the peels helps with teeth whitening. However, people with sensitive teeth should avoid this technique as it could further erode and damage their enamel.
When opting for at-home chemical teeth whitening solutions, make sure to carefully read all instructions and apply the bleaching solution for the recommended amount of time. It is always wise to consult your dentist, and in-office treatments are safer and more effective.
Teeth whitening procedures at the dentist
If natural and at-home teeth whitening remedies fail, going to the dentist and receiving one of the following treatments at a dental clinic in Dubai is your best option:
- Professional teeth whitening treatment can be done by your dentists at a dental clinic in Dubai in about an hour and yield immediate, although temporary, results. The procedure involves the application of hydrogen peroxide gels, using heating lamps, and in some cases, even laser treatment to whiten teeth quickly and effectively. The treatment may be followed by the dentist giving you a custom whitening tray for bleaching at home.
- Veneers and dental implants may be your only option if your teeth are in poor health and have extreme discolouration. Veneers are custom shells of tooth-coloured material placed on the front surface of your teeth to improve their look.
- Regular dental checkups and cleanings play a considerable role in maintaining the health and colour of your teeth. Dental cleanings remove plaque and surface stains that not only uplift the colour of your teeth but also prevent infections, gum disease, and enamel erosion. Visiting your dentist at a dental clinic in Dubai can also help you promptly spot any dental conditions and receive immediate treatment.
These dental procedures can be quite expensive, so it is essential to continue taking care of your teeth even after receiving these treatments. Brushing daily and maintaining good oral hygiene, coupled with visiting your dental hygienist at your dental clinic in Dubai, is the most effective way to keep your teeth healthy and your smile bright and shining.
