No matter where you are online nowadays, there seem to be so many adverts and posts of people reviewing teeth whitening kits, strips and solutions. In recent years, teeth whitening has become more prominent in the UK; before, it seems that it was more common only in places such as the USA. With growing demand, people are searching high and low for the best products and prices. Let us first look at how teeth whitening works and then what teeth whitening products are out there.
How does teeth whitening work?
Teeth whitening works by bleaching the teeth. This will make your teeth appear multiple shades lighter, using peroxide ingredients to achieve a brighter appearance. The product penetrates the tooth enamel and breaks down the staining that discolours your teeth. Depending on your teeth whitening method and product, the outcome may have a more significant or lesser impact on your teeth. Using natural ingredients to whiten your teeth, it is usually the abrasive texture and the components that will remove staining. This may also make teeth appear brighter.
Natural ingredients for teeth whitening
We all love food, but does it have other uses than just consumption? Some foods contain ingredients that naturally make teeth appear whiter or brighter.
Strawberries- Although they are red and therefore you might assume that this food would stain your teeth, don’t be fooled. Malic acid is the critical component in strawberries that contributes towards whiter and brighter teeth by tackling stains.
Baking soda- Because of its abrasive nature, baking soda is excellent for removing plaque and surface stains. Be careful, though, because it is abrasive; it can also damage and erode your teeth and enamel.
Orange peel- Oranges are acidic and can damage the enamel on your teeth. But contrary to what you would assume, the orange peel itself is not acidic. Components in the white part of the peel can contribute towards naturally whiter teeth.
It is significant to note that these ingredients will not make teeth whiter than your natural tooth colour. Most of these foods work only by removing stains on the teeth and, therefore, uncovering the tooth’s natural colour.
At-home teeth whitening kits
At-home teeth whitening kits can be effective if used correctly. Usually, there is a gel application required and sometimes an LED light. Multiple applications are needed; most commonly, the product will be used weekly. These kits contain a form of peroxide, which works to whiten teeth up to several shades lighter. The problem with these kits is that they do not always have enough of the whitening ingredients to be effective. It is common to find mixed results and reviews with these kits.
Because at-home teeth whitening requires self-application, there is also the risk of sensitivity to your gums. The mouthguards provided are not fitted specifically for teeth, and so the likelihood of the product leaking into your gums and mouth is high.
Professional teeth whitening
Although teeth whitening is not available on the NHS because it is not a medical requirement, teeth whitening can still be done at your local dental practice.
At Oradent, we offer in-house teeth whitening for effective and fast results. Our teeth whitening works by applying a whitening gel and bright light to quicken the process. Within as little as 2 hours, you will be able to see a noticeable difference with a whiter and brighter smile.
Professional teeth whitening is arguably the most reliable method. Because, of course, a certified dentist is carrying out the whitening, gum sensitivity is avoided and minimal. Because teeth whitening at your dentist is so reliable compared to non-certified at-home kits, you will minimise the costs of finding the products that work best for your teeth. You will also avoid the ones that don’t work altogether.
For your teeth whitening appointment, visit oradent.org and book your consultation today.
