How To Whiten Teeth
Medical teeth whitening
Teeth whitening is a form of dentistry that must be performed by a dentist or a specialist therapist according to the doctor's instructions. Some beauty salons do this whitening, but this is illegal and may lead to health damage to the mouth.
Whitening system
Teeth whitening is done using gels that are placed on the teeth for a specific period of time, for a period of two to four weeks. Some gels can be left on for eight continuous hours, which makes the treatment period shorter, reaching only one week. Teeth can also be whitened using a laser, in which case the treatment takes about an hour.
Information about bleaching
Important information about bleaching is as follows:
- Teeth whitening is not permanent; it lasts from a few months to three years, and this period varies from one person to another. The effect of whitening may also end faster if you smoke or drink excessive amounts of tea and coffee.
- Whitening is for real teeth; therefore, it cannot be applied to dentures, veneers, or fillings.
Teeth whitening naturally
baking soda
Baking soda has natural whitening properties; it is included in some commercial toothpastes, and it also provides the mouth with an alkaline environment that limits the growth of bacteria. It is worth noting that science has not proven that brushing teeth with baking soda can whiten them, but many studies have shown that toothpaste containing baking soda has a significant whitening effect, and that it is more effective in removing yellow stains from teeth compared to other toothpastes that do not contain it. To obtain good results, mix a teaspoon of baking soda with two teaspoons of water, and brush your teeth with it and the toothpaste several times a week.
Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has been used for a long time as a disinfectant and natural cleaning agent, as it contains acetic acid, which kills bacteria very effectively. According to studies conducted on cow teeth, apple cider vinegar has a whitening effect on teeth, but it was found that it may also weaken them; therefore, it should be avoided using it daily. It is used as a mouthwash after mixing it with water and then gargling for several minutes, then rinsing the mouth with plain water.
hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is a natural bleaching agent that effectively kills bacteria in the mouth, so it is included in many whitening products available on the market. A study indicated that brushing teeth with a commercial toothpaste containing baking soda and hydrogen peroxide twice daily increased teeth whiteness by 62% over six weeks. You can use a mouthwash containing hydrogen peroxide as a gargle, and you can mix hydrogen peroxide with baking soda to form a paste, then use it to gently brush your teeth. It is preferable to consult a doctor before using it because it may cause irritation to sensitive teeth.