Some reports indicate at home teeth whitening can actually cause damage to your teeth.   Read this information before you attempt any at home techniques to whiten your teeth.

A Caution about Home Remedies

Many of the products suggested as home remedies for teeth whitening such as oranges, strawberries, and lemons, are acids.  Therefore, they are going to eat into the enamel of your teeth if not used in the right way.  Since it is very difficult to know for certain the right quantities of these ingredients to use, caution is advised before attempting to whiten your teeth in this way. 

 

Hydrogen peroxide is another ingredient recommended for teeth whitening at home.  It is an ingredient that is found in many over the counter products, and also one that dentists use.  The problem again lies in knowing the strength to safely use, and how long to leave it on your teeth. 

Over the Counter Options

The other options available to you to whiten your teeth at home are in the form of gels, strips and trays.  All of these use chemicals which have been tested to react with the stains within the enamel of your teeth.  They do not attack the enamel, just the stains.  These products are already prepared in the right strength and give you written instructions to follow, so they are definitely a safer option than mixing up something for yourself at home. 

 

There are also whitening toothpastes, of course.  They work to differing degrees for different people.  They are certainly a good option for keeping your teeth white between whitening sessions. 

Be Careful

Be careful about what you use to whiten your teeth.  A beautiful smile is a very valuable asset, but it is not worth creating long term damage to your teeth, afterall, you need your teeth to last a lifetime. 

There have been reports of gum sensitivity, even changes to gum color after teeth whitening.  Is it possible that whitening your teeth is actually at the expense of damage to your gums?  Since chemicals are used to bleach the stains on teeth during this process, it is understandable to come to the conclusion that gum damage might occur.  So, is whitening your teeth harming your gums….

Is Whitening Your Teeth Harming Your Gums?

There are various ways to have your teeth whitened, either using at home treatments or by a dentist.  It is important to make sure you understand the procedure correctly and get all your questions answered before going ahead.  If you are doing the treatment yourself at home, make sure you follow the instructions to avoid unnecessary problems, including damage to your gums.

 

If you get your teeth whitened by a dentist, the chemicals used for the procedure will be stronger than those you can purchase for at home treatments.  The strength of the professionally used stain remover does increase the possibility of sensitivity of both teeth and gums during the procedure.  Make sure you let your dentist know if you have sensitive teeth so that you get the best treatment for you. 

Teeth Sensitivity

When whitening your teeth at home, only apply the product as directed.  If your teeth or gums become oversensitive, you will need to apply the treatment less frequently.  Teeth whitening today is a safe procedure.  There are no abrasives used in the products, only chemicals which react with the actual stains on the teeth. 

 

Some people have gums which are more sensitive to teeth whitening agents, but usually this only occurs if the product is being used too often.   Spacing the frequency of the whitening applications should solve this problem. 

 

When done correctly, teeth whitening does not cause damage to gums.  Do your research, decide which teeth whitening procedure is best for you, and follow the directions carefully.  You will have a beautifully white smile and healthy gums as well.

You’ve decided you want to whiten your teeth.  How do you know which treatment is the best for you.  They all claim to be the best method, how do you avoid disappointment…

 

You could purchase the treatment that uses the most persuasive sales pitch, or has the most convincing before and after photos, or, you can do some basic research for yourself and decide what is best for you.  Lets have a look at what you need to look for to get the best teeth whitening results.

How Much Does it Cost?

Cost is one of the main considerations for many people.  Cosmetic dentistry is the most expensive option for whitening your teeth.  Some would conclude that because it is the most expensive it must be the best, but it is possible to get very good results with teeth whitening at home treatments as well.  If you prefer to have someone do the treatment for you, and you have the time and money to spare, then cosmetic dentistry may be the choice for you.

How Much Time Does It Take?

If you are looking for a treatment that is more time effective, then a home teeth whitening kit could be more suitable.  You have the options of trays using gel, strips and solutions applied with tips.  All of these can be done at home while you are doing other things, so it is definitely a good option if you need to get your teeth whitened around your other responsibilities.

What Results Are Others Getting?

As far as getting the best teeth whitening results is concerned, look for testimonies from people who have already used the treatment you are considering.  Happy customers are the best form of advertising, and you are going to feel much more confident using a product that others have also used successfully. 

Follow the Instructions

Remember, to get optimal results, you need to follow the directions.  Whether they are the instructions of your dentist for care of your teeth after teeth whitening, or the directions on the over the counter teeth whitening kit you have purchased, you need to follow the instructions.  You won’t get optimal results if you don’t.

So, the answer to what teeth whitening technique gets the best results is:  probably most of them, as long as you are comfortable with the cost involved and follow the instructions, you will get a whiter smile.