A bright smile has been a symbol of beauty for centuries, so it is a pursuit for many people. Before the development of modern technologies, baking soda, lemon, salt, and other natural remedies were used to achieve maximum whiteness. Today, when there are high-tech and effective whitening methods, it is useful to know their advantages and disadvantages, as well as the pros and cons of alternative natural remedies.
Some of the most common and popular ways to whiten today among patients are whitening toothpaste, strips for home use, and professional systems in which the quantity and quality of ingredients used in the whitening agent are carefully refined to ensure maximum effect with minimal risk of sensitivity. When used properly and under the supervision of a specialist, these methods provide a long-lasting effect and do not damage teeth.
In this article, we give you all the information you need to decide which is the best way for you if you want to whiten your teeth. Our advice is not to risk damaging your teeth with unproven methods.
What are dental stains?
Each of our teeth is made up of an inner layer – dentin and an outer hard layer – enamel, which protects the teeth. Over the course of our lives, with the constant intake of various foods and beverages, and in smokers – and cigarettes, another layer is gradually formed on the enamel – foreign elements accumulate and form a pellicular film on the enamel of our tooth. It can be cleaned by regularly removing tartar and subsequent polishing in a dentist’s office. Combined with good oral hygiene – teeth will be protected for a longer period of time.
Types of bleaching
There are two ways for patients to get a whiter smile: office whitening or whitening at home.
Both types of whitening require a dental examination and a visit to a dental specialist.
1. Bleaching methods at home
Whitening splints – One of the methods of home whitening is done by placing specially made whitening splints, which are made individually for each patient in the dental office. They are filled with liquid or gel and are worn in the evening when the patient is sleeping.
It is necessary to apply the most balanced dose of peroxide preparations in order to get a faster and stronger effect of whitening, but also to be healthy and to prevent the development of hypersensitivity of the teeth or to dry them too much.
Tapes and gels – Another method of home whitening is through tapes and gels that are applied to the teeth. The time it takes for this method is about 10-14 days.
2. Bleaching in the dentist’s office
Best Dentist recommends this method of whitening.
With it, the procedure is performed only in the dentist’s office and within one or two visits, even a few hours, patients get the desired white color of teeth.
Stages of the teeth whitening in dentist’s office
The procedure is always preceded by a consultation and review, which establishes:
- what shade are the patient’s teeth
- what type is their coloring
- what can be expected as a result after bleaching
Because each patient has a specific color of their teeth, the dentist offers an optimally suitable method of whitening.
One of the modern and widely used techniques is the use of a laser. This type of professional whitening is not only surface whitening, but also entering the dentin. This guarantees an even more lasting and successful result, with excellent color correction.
Preparation of gums for laser whitening
Stages of the procedure:
- Cleaning plaque and tartar
- Polishing
- Applying a protector (gingivoprotector) to protect soft tissues from the laser light and from the whitening gel that is applied to the teeth.
- Applying the whitening system. Depending on its type, it is activated by laser or otherwise.
- After bleaching, the whitening gel and gingivoprotector are removed.
Natural ways to whiten teeth at home
If you want to whiten your teeth at home, you can try some natural remedies. There are many ingredients you can use to restore a pearly white smile. Home teeth whitening products include:
Baking soda
Baking soda is one of the best home remedies you can use to whiten your teeth. It will help remove plaque and your teeth will acquire a pearly white shine.
Mix a quarter teaspoon of baking soda with a little toothpaste. Brush your teeth with this mixture and rinse with warm water. Use 1-2 times a week.
Alternatively, you can combine baking soda with lemon juice, white vinegar or hydrogen peroxide. You can make a whitening mouthwash by mixing one tablespoon of baking soda and one and a half tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide with a glass of cold water. Rinse with this mouthwash 2-3 times a day.
You can also lightly brush your teeth for at least two minutes with diluted baking soda. Do this twice in the first week and then every 15 days. It is important to note that excessive use of baking soda can damage the natural enamel of the teeth.
Hydrogen peroxide
The whitening effect of hydrogen peroxide can make yellow teeth white again. Rinse and gargle with mouthwash containing hydrogen peroxide. Do not swallow water. You can also make baking soda paste with hydrogen peroxide and gently brush your teeth with it. Then brush your teeth with your toothpaste.
Use hydrogen peroxide with caution as it can irritate the gums to make teeth more sensitive.
Salt
Salt is one of the main dental cleaning agents that has been used for centuries. It helps to restore the lost mineral content in the teeth and helps to whiten teeth. You can use salt regularly every morning as a powder paste. You can also mix salt with baking soda and gently rub it on your teeth. Be especially careful when using salt, as it can damage gums and tooth enamel if used harshly.
Neem
You can use neem to enjoy white, healthy teeth. Due to its antiseptic properties, regular use of neem also helps eliminate bad breath and prevents tooth decay. Chewing neem twigs helps to solve the problem of teeth and remove yellow discoloration. You can also mix neem oil with your toothpaste and then brush them.
Turmeric
Turmeric can help whiten teeth. Take some turmeric powder and dip the toothbrush in it. Then apply on teeth and wait a few minutes. Rinse your mouth, then use plain toothpaste. The whitening properties of turmeric give the teeth a brighter appearance and keep the gums healthy.
We all dream of the perfectly white Hollywood smile, but not all of us can afford the expensive teeth whitening therapies used by celebrities. Not only do they take a lot of time and money, but they are not always very good for the health of our teeth. That is why it is always best to turn to natural remedies that certainly protect our teeth and preserve their enamel as much as possible.
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