Blog

Teeth whitening 101: Is there a safe way to whiten your teeth?

Everyone dreams of having shiny pearly whites to wow others whenever we smile. But over the years of eating foods and drinks that degrade the luster of our teeth, our smile can become less than dazzling.

That’s why many resort to professional and at-home teeth-whitening methods. But these days, it’s commonly thought that any and all forms of teeth-whitening can be harmful to your dental health. Is that true? Are we doomed to accept our less-than-white smiles if we don’t want to harm our teeth?

The short answer to that second question: no! There are safe ways to whiten your teeth, but they may not be what you think. Keep reading to learn how you can achieve a brighter, whiter smile without damaging your dental health.

How do teeth become yellow?

First things first: let’s explore the root cause (no pun intended) of teeth discoloration.

Simply put, there are two ways teeth can become discolored or “yellow.” There are outside, or extrinsic, and inside, or intrinsic, causes. External causes include the long-term consumption of foods and drinks that can stain teeth, such as red wine, coffee, tobacco, and foods with dyes. Smoking can also cause teeth discoloration.

Teeth yellowing can also stem from within. A person’s health and age can cause discoloration of the teeth. Certain medications, illnesses, and long-term damage to teeth can cause them to lose their luster.

It’s essential to determine which kind of discoloration one has before deciding on a method of teeth-whitening. Extrinsic discoloration can usually be mitigated with lifestyle and dietary changes and the use of dentist-approved whitening toothpaste. Intrinsic discoloration may require professional whitening treatment.

How can teeth be whitened safely?

The three primary means of whitening teeth include:

• In your dentist office
• At home with professional advice
• At home with over-the-counter or homemade methods

Which method you choose should be decided with the help of your dentist. Multiple factors should be considered, including the severity of your teeth discoloration, your budget, and your dental history.

A standard method of teeth whitening is the use of carbamide peroxide to bleach the teeth. When administered by a dentist, this is considered safe. Usually, these treatments take no more than an hour, and the results can last you for years. Your dentist may also be able to provide you with custom-fit trays to give yourself the treatment at home.

As for all do-it-yourself teeth-whitening products or home remedies, always consult your dentist before use.

Schedule an appointment with Dr. Liberman today!

Concerned about your oral health during the age of coronavirus? Schedule an examination with Dr. Liberman today! Proactive dental care is the best defense against cavities, tooth decay, gum disease, and other threats to your dental and overall health. To schedule an examination or learn more, contact us today!