The Ultimate Guide to Teeth Whitening: Everything You Need to Know

Who doesn’t want a bright, dazzling smile? Despite regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene, teeth tarnish and discolor over time. Teeth whitening is an effective and reliable way to restore your brilliant smile. Here’s everything you need to know about whitening your teeth.

What is teeth whitening?

Teeth whitening brightens your smile by removing stains and discoloration. It’s a very effective way of lightening the existing color and enhancing the appearance of your teeth without causing any damage to the tooth’s surface. 

Learn More: Is Whitening Safe for My Teeth?

Why do teeth change color?

The most common reasons teeth change color include:

• Food and beverages – Food and drinks cause discoloration and impact the appearance of your teeth. What are the biggest tooth-staining culprits? Red wine, coffee, tea, dark sodas, berries, and tomato-based sauces.
• Tobacco -  All forms of tobacco contain black particles that cause visible stains on the teeth. Smoking causes the inside of the mouth to become dry. This dryness makes it easier for tobacco particles to stick to the enamel, staining the teeth more quickly.
• Wear and tear – Over time, wear and tear on teeth can cause them to look discolored. As your enamel wears down and gets thinner, the yellowish-colored dentin underneath shows through, making your teeth look darker and stained.  
• Dental trauma – Falling, chipping, and other dental injuries can damage the enamel and tooth discoloration.
• Medications – Some medications including antihistamines, antidepressants, antihypertensives, and antibiotics such as tetracycline, are known to stain and discolor teeth. 

What are the top teeth whitening options?

Many teeth whitening products and treatments are available, so choosing the right option for you can be confusing. Talk to your dentist if you want the best results from teeth whitening. Here are the most commonly used options:

• Whitening toothpaste – Whitening toothpaste doesn’t change the color of your teeth, but it can eliminate surface stains and make them appear whiter. Small, mildly abrasive particles gently remove surface stains that build up over time.
• Over-the-counter whitening strips – Although professional teeth whitening treatment is more effective in achieving whiter teeth, OTC teeth whitening strips help remove surface stains or discoloration on natural teeth.
• Professional take-home whitening kits – A powerful, prescription-strength whitening gel with a special tray customized to fit over your teeth is the best option if you want a brighter smile. The process only takes two to four weeks, and the gel won’t leak onto your gums. Atkins & Anderson DDS trusts the Opalescence™ tooth whitening system.
• In-office whitening treatment – If you want teeth whitening results quickly, an in-office treatment might be a good option. A high-intensity whitening gel brightens teeth in about an hour. The strength of the active chemicals and the added use of lasers or lights require a dental professional to place a protective barrier over the gum tissues and oversee the procedure.

Facts about teeth whitening

There are several misconceptions about teeth whitening, so here are some things you should know:

• Teeth whitening is safe. If you’re using OTC whitening products, follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. The safest way is to use an at-home whitening tray and gel from your dentist or have your teeth whitened in the dentist’s office. Teeth whitening doesn’t damage your teeth because your teeth naturally remineralize and rehydrate after each whitening treatment.  
• It’s best not to whiten too often. While safe, you shouldn’t whiten your teeth too often. Whitening products use abrasive chemicals or bleaching agents to remove stains. These ingredients can weaken and erode your enamel, causing sensitivity and tooth decay if used frequently.
• Your teeth have pores. Your teeth have tiny pores that absorb color from highly pigmented items like coffee, tea, soda, and tobacco. Teeth whitening products open your teeth’s pores and deactivate the stains to whiten your teeth. 
• The best time to whiten your teeth is before bed. Whitening before bed reduces the opportunity for staining and allows your teeth to remineralize and rehydrate overnight. 

Ready to transform your teeth with teeth whitening?

Professional teeth whitening is a safe and effective way to restore your dazzling smile and keep your teeth bright and healthy! Contact us today for more information about Atkins & Anderson Family and Cosmetic Dentistry or to schedule an appointment.