^

Health

Whitening teeth at home

, medical expert
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
Fact-checked
х

All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.

We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.

If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.

Teeth whitening at home, despite the abundance of methods of professional procedures that offer to make your smile snow-white, still causes interest among many. It should be noted right away that it is hardly worth waiting for some unbeatable effect from these methods, but you can still try some methods.

Who to contact?

Whitening teeth at home with hydrogen peroxide

Whitening teeth with hydrogen peroxide

Whitening teeth with hydrogen peroxide involves the use of modern, effective means - teeth whitening with a pencil. In addition to the whitening pencil, the same effect is given by special strips. Pencil for teeth whitening contains a small, safe percentage of hydrogen peroxide (up to 8%), in addition, polishing, soft substances that give shine, and oils of natural origin. Pencil should be used no more than twice a day for two weeks. As a rule, during this period, the desired whitening effect is achieved. If you want, after taking a break, the procedure can be repeated. 

Before starting the procedure, it is recommended that the teeth be cleaned thoroughly with paste containing fluoride. Then, within one minute, rinse the oral cavity with a 3% peroxide solution in equal dilution with water. When finished, spit out the solution and rinse your mouth with water, do not drink water and food for half an hour. You can conduct this procedure every day.

If peroxide is added to baking soda to form a thick mass, you can clean the resulting mixture. It is recommended to apply the mixture on the surface of the dentition and leave there for one and a half to two minutes. After the procedure, rinse the mouth with water. Also, whitening teeth at home can be done using a 1% peroxide solution in dilution with an ode and salt, after which you should clean your teeth with a soft brush. When using peroxide, the following points should be considered: children under the age of twelve years are not allowed to use peroxide; when burning and flushing occurs, the use of this method is also contraindicated. For the procedure, use only a fresh solution of peroxide, since when it comes into contact with oxygen, it loses its active properties. Also, do not forget to hold a test for an allergic reaction before starting the procedure - apply a little peroxide to the skin.

Whitening teeth at home with activated charcoal

This tool is known since ancient times, when in order to clean teeth, they used wood ash. The tablet of coal should be thoroughly chewed, after which continue the procedure of cleaning with a dry brush. Alternatively, a small amount of coal can be added directly to the toothpaste.

Use of soda

Soda - the next tool that allows you to whiten teeth at home. At once it is necessary to make a reservation that soda has a destructive effect on tooth enamel and gums, therefore it should not be used more than once in seven days. It is better to use soda as an auxiliary, keeping reasonable proportions. The procedure is carried out in much the same way as in cases with peroxide and charcoal, you can use soda together with toothpaste.

Whitening strips

Bleaching strips - a unique tool in the form of a thin film with a gel, which allows you to whiten your teeth at home. This process is rather simple and does not take much time. The strip is glued on the teeth for twenty-five to thirty minutes two times a day. Repeat the procedure daily for a week. The positive effect of the application becomes visible about the third day after the start of use, in total, this method allows you to whiten your teeth for three or four tones. This tooth whitening at home does not damage the structure of the enamel.

Juice or lemon peel

Juice or lemon peel allows you to not only lighten your teeth, but also to prevent bleeding gums. White side of the lemon skin wipe your teeth and gums, then rinse your mouth with water. To chew the enamel in hard-to-reach places lemon crust is recommended to chew for two to three minutes. If your teeth are hypersensitive, it is better to refuse such a method. To rinse your mouth, you can also use water with the addition of a few drops of lemon juice.

Silicone caps

Silicone caps are professional teeth whitening at home. They can be chosen in a pharmacy or ordered from a dentist. The doctor will help you pick the right kapy and tell in detail how to use them correctly. Before use, a special gel is applied to the gums, then they are put on the teeth and left for six to seven hours. If the gel gets on the gums, there may be discomfort, which usually passes afterwards.

Whitening toothpastes

Whitening toothpastes are the most simple and acceptable method for home use. Such pastes can contain both chemical and abrasive substances. It should be borne in mind that they can not be used in cases of hypersensitivity and periodontal disease. The range of these products is quite large and is widely represented by such brands as Colgate, Blend-a-med, Aquafresh, Lakalut.

Application of special pastes

The paste should contain fine abrasive substances that scrape off the primary coating and polish the surface of the tooth enamel. Also, substances that ferment protein deposits can be included in the paste. The size of the abrasive particles is regulated by the international standard and the RDA index. The most effective and safe for hard dental tissue are the means with RDA from 100 to 250 units. Sensitive teeth require a lower index - from 25 to 75 units. It should be noted that the use of whitening pastes does not always give a positive effect, rather, it is a preventive tool that does not allow the accumulation of tartar and plaque from nicotine, tea or coffee.

Teeth whitening with active shines

The procedure can be carried out with the help of special, active glosses. Glitter is used in exceptional cases, when you need to urgently get the effect of a "Hollywood smile." Frequent use of gloss is unacceptable, as this remedy is extremely aggressive towards tooth enamel. 

The most popular means are bleaching kits, thanks to which teeth whitening at home has become almost a habitual procedure, the same as the periodic hair coloring or depilation. The course of application of funds from the dental whitening kit can last about a month. The gel included in the kit is applied to special kappas, which in turn are dressed for the night (more convenient than during the day). Kappa can be ordered in dental salons if there is an incorrect bite or other problems.

If you decide to do tooth whitening at home, you should first prepare your teeth for this process. To do this every day, eat dairy products, fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as brush your teeth with fluoride-containing pastes. The process of preparing for a procedure such as tooth whitening at home should last about twenty-five to thirty days. In order to keep the effect obtained as a result of all the above listed procedures as long as possible, it will be advisable to refuse the use of nicotine, coffee, wine, sweet soda, and also other products containing dyes. To save a snow-white and beautiful smile, visit the dentist at least once every four to five months.

You are reporting a typo in the following text:
Simply click the "Send typo report" button to complete the report. You can also include a comment.