Coffee, tea, and red wine are some of life’s little pleasures, but they can also cause teeth discoloration and staining. While this can affect your smile, the good news is that teeth whitening can help restore its brightness. Fortunately, if you don’t have time for a professional whitening treatment at the dentist, you can try a variety of at-home products designed to give you a sparkling smile from the comfort of your bathroom.
There’s no need to worry if you’re new to teeth whitening and unsure how it works, if it’s safe, or how long the results last. To help guide you, we spoke with two dental experts – Dr. Vanessa Creaven, a dentist and co-founder of Spotlight Oral Care, and Dr. Hanna Kinsella, founder of Icy Bear Dental Care. Together, they’ve provided tips, insights, and product recommendations to help you achieve a bright smile.
How Teeth Whitening Works
Teeth whitening involves bleaching the outer enamel of your teeth to make them lighter and brighter. According to Dr. Creaven, the process works in two key ways: first, by breaking down the stains that have adhered to the surface of your teeth, and second, by penetrating the enamel layers to brighten the overall shade of your teeth.
Most whitening products use active ingredients like hydrogen peroxide, carbamide peroxide, or PAP (phthalimidoperoxycaproic acid). These ingredients work through a chemical reaction that breaks down the molecules causing discoloration, leaving you with whiter teeth.
There are many at-home teeth whitening options available, such as toothpaste, strips, powders, mouthwashes, and even pens, all designed to help you remove stains and achieve a brighter smile. Whether you’re looking for a simple, daily solution or a more targeted treatment, there’s an option for every need.
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