Even if you brush your teeth twice daily as recommended by your dentist and follow up with cleanings in between your meals, there's still a chance that your pearly white smile can lose its luster. Grabbing too many iced coffees before class and late-night snacking on your favorite chocolate bars can make your teeth less white. It's no cause for alarm, though. You can try out a teeth whitening kit whenever you notice your smile becoming a little dull.
Before heading out to find the best teeth whitening kit, it's important to understand how teeth stains and discoloration occur. Pigmented residue from foods, drinks, and things like smoking are "absorbed by the surfaces of the teeth, creating a discoloration," Dr. Kami Hoss, D.D.S, tells Seventeen. In other instances, stain molecules team up with a sticky substance called biofilm in the mouth and when it's not thoroughly cleaned off through brushing and flossing, "the biofilm and stain molecules discolor the teeth." Dr. Jonathan B. Levine, DMD, JBL New York City CEO, adds. It's not just what you chew on that impacts discoloration. Author of If Your Mouth Could Talk, Dr. Hoss also contributes "aging, trauma, certain medications, and dental restorations" to a less bright smile. Understanding why your smile begins to fade can help you decide which whitening method you should choose.
How do teeth whitening kits work?
Hydrogen peroxide is one of the most common ingredients found in whitening kits. It works alongside carbamide peroxide to "partially penetrate the layers of the teeth, removing compounds that cause discoloration" with the help of diluted baking soda, which also helps remove stains, Dr. Hoss explains. It's all about concentration. Dr. Levine says, "the higher the concentration of the gel and the amount of time it is on the teeth, the better the results." He suggests a maximum of 9% to 10% hydrogen peroxide for a short wear time and 27% carbamide peroxide for at-home whitening. Both peroxides work together to generate whitening oxygens, creating ammonia as a byproduct. The gums can dry out and develop sensitivity when exposed to too much ammonia. So it's important to be mindful of concentration and how long you leave it on your teeth. Each whitening kit works differently. If you're using a whitening kit that comes equipped with trays and gels, Dr. Levine advises against using them for longer than 30 minutes.
How fast can you see results?
While you may want to whiten your teeth overnight, it can take days and sometimes a few weeks before you notice a true change. Teeth whitening done by a dentist can get teeth up to five shades whiter "in under an hour," Dr. Levine, GLO Science founder says, but at-home teeth whitening kits take anywhere from "five to seven days to get the five shades" brighter when using up to an eight-minute whitening kit daily.
If you're in a time crunch and need fast results, Dr. Kami Hoss suggests toothpaste enriched with at least 10% nano-hydroxyapatite. Along with being naturally present in teeth, hydroxyapatite "is a calcium mineral that helps restore luster damaged by bleaching agents and naturally whitens teeth."
This may be a well-kept secret, but the foods you eat can also help whiten your teeth. According to Dr. Levine, fruits and vegetables like apples, carrots, and asparagus have an "alkalizing effect on the mouth, and the higher pH creates a better environment for gum health and less decay." These foods also act as exfoliators that remove stains from the teeth as you chew.
Can teeth whitening kits replace dental cleanings and checkups?
While teeth whitening kits can transform your smile when it gets a little dull, both dentists advise that teeth whitening kits cannot replace or substitute routine dental cleanings. "Dental checkups and cleanings are critical for your oral health to get to problems before they become big problems," Dr. Levine warns. Instead of frequent at-home whitening, Dr. Hoss recommends routine cleanings where dentists remove "plaque and stains with professional tools" at least twice a year to preserve oral health and provide a long-term solution.
What are the side effects of teeth whitening kits?
Tooth sensitivity is one of the most common side effects of teeth whitening kits, but other long-term issues may arise. The strength of bleaching concentration found in whitening kits and the duration of use can contribute to potential dental damage. According to Dr. Hoss, excessive teeth whitening can lead to "inflammation of the dental and gingival tissues, which can lead to secondary issues, such as infections." Overbleaching also dulls the teeth and removes their luster over time. Dr. Hoss recommends whitening your teeth with at-home kits between once and twice a year due to "potential risks and long-term damage to teeth."
Having a bright white smile is important, and if your pearly whites begin to fade, there are so many different teeth whitening kits to help. Read ahead for the best dentist-recommended teeth whitening kits to keep your smile stays bright.
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FAQs
The Crest Whitening Emulsion with LED Light stands out as the best overall teeth whitening product due to its ease of use, effectiveness, and comfort.
What is the number 1 recommended teeth whitening? ›
The Crest Whitening Emulsion with LED Light stands out as the best overall teeth whitening product due to its ease of use, effectiveness, and comfort.
What is the best thing to whiten teeth? ›
Using hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is a mild bleach that can help to whiten stained teeth . For optimal whitening, a person can try brushing with a mix of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide for 1–2 minutes twice a day for a week. They should only do this occasionally.
What do most dentists use for teeth whitening? ›
Carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide are commonly used in whitening interventions and can readily permeate dental hard tissues. Temporary tooth sensitivity and gingival inflammation are the most common adverse effects of vital tooth whitening.
Does HiSmile actually work? ›
Whether HiSmile works or not will largely depend on why your teeth are stained, says Professor Laurence Walsh AO, spokesperson for the Australian Dental Association. "If the stains on your teeth are difficult or ingrained, it's unlikely to work," he says.
Are there any teeth whitening products that actually work? ›
Crest 3D Whitestrips are currently the only ADA-approved whitening strips — they also won an NBC Select Wellness Award. The Classic Vivid strips come in a pack of 24, which is enough for 12 treatments.
What whitens teeth really fast? ›
In-office whitening procedures like Zoom Advanced Power whitening can see immediate results because dentists use a 35% solution of hydrogen peroxide in conjunction with a "light source directly on the teeth to break up all the molecules that cause staining and discoloration," he explains.
Does apple cider vinegar whiten teeth? ›
While apple cider vinegar may have many benefits, when it comes to your teeth, it can do more harm than good. It's highly acidic and acidic substances can wear down tooth enamel, making you more susceptible to cavities. And there's really no evidence that it whitens teeth.
Does baking soda whiten teeth? ›
Baking soda can be used with some water to remove the stains on the surface of the teeth. It can also be used with hydrogen peroxide to enhance its whitening effects. Baking soda can be used by individuals with regular toothpastes too. It is also used commercially in some teeth whitening products and toothpastes.
Can I brush my teeth with hydrogen peroxide and baking soda? ›
You simply make a paste out of a teaspoon of baking soda and a small amount of hydrogen peroxide, and then gently brush your teeth as you would with traditional toothpaste. When you are done, rinse your mouth with water.
A simple hydrogen peroxide mouthwash may help remove mild stains. However, a person should avoid leaving hydrogen peroxide solutions on their teeth for extended periods. For people who have darker stains, stronger whitening options are available both over the counter and from a dentist.
Can yellow teeth become white again? ›
What Can Be Done to Whiten Yellow Teeth? If you're looking for a radical change in the coloring of your teeth, you need professional-grade whitening to get the job done. Your cosmetic dentist can provide treatment that penetrates deep into the enamel and removes years of stains with a powerful bleaching agent.
How to whiten teeth over 60? ›
Bleaching Trays
Compared to commercial products, whitening trays from your dentist are stronger and much safer for seniors in particular. As you age, your gums and teeth can become more sensitive. Your dentist can first evaluate your oral health to determine if you are eligible to receive teeth whitening.
Does purple toothpaste really whiten teeth? ›
Purple toothpaste is a toothpaste that's purported on social media to instantly brighten smiles. But despite the hype, the toothpaste doesn't actually bleach teeth or scrub away stains. Purple toothpaste only masks the appearance of yellow teeth.
Does Vicks VapoRub whiten teeth? ›
KTVB.COM on X: "Vicks VapoRub is toxic to consume and should not be used for teeth whitening https://t.co/1qBp0FuIFS" / X.
What toothpaste actually whitens teeth? ›
Crest 3D White Professional Enamel Protect Toothpaste is our favorite whitening pick from the trusted brand. It has a gentle feeling and a mild mint flavor that isn't overpowering. This toothpaste features hydrated silica to remove stains and sodium fluoride to prevent cavities and strengthen enamel.
What teeth whitening is least damaging? ›
At-Home Custom Tray Whitening
For the safest and most effective at-home teeth whitening method, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) recommends you use custom-fitted trays supplied by your dentist.
What teeth whitening do the Kardashians use? ›
Kim Kardashian turns her teeth temporarily purple as she promotes the V34 Colour Corrector Serum from the brand HiSmile.
What is the most permanent teeth whitening? ›
Dental veneers are a great way to permanently whiten your teeth, so no more white strips and no need for whitening treatments. A dental veneer is a thin piece of porcelain material that is placed on top of natural teeth. They are bonded to the tooth with a cement-like material to ensure a stronghold.
