How to Whiten Yellow Teeth at Home and Office

Since your smile is one of the first things you present to the world, your teeth can have a huge impact on your self-esteem. Fortunately, the dental industry has created various at-home and in-office treatments for a dazzling pearly white smile. Heck, there are even home remedies for teeth whitening and teeth whitening tips for those looking for cheaper and/or more “natural” alternatives.

Although many treatments exist, the question remains: which treatments are both safe and effective? To find out, we spoke to a few dentists to get their best tips on how to whiten yellow teeth. Keep reading to find out more.

Why do teeth turn yellow?

Before we dive into the best ways to whiten teeth, let’s first discuss why your teeth might be discolored.

“A person’s genetics and lifestyle are factors that cause teeth to turn yellow,” says cosmetic dentist Jon Marashi, DDS. “(Certain) foods and drinks can cause stains if they sit on your teeth and stick to the surface,” he says. “Drinking beverages like coffee, tea and red wine and eating foods like turmeric and other spices and berries can cause tooth stains. This is what we call extrinsic coloring. Other lifestyle choices and factors that contribute to extrinsic staining include smoking and chewing tobacco as well as taking certain medications.

Then there is intrinsic coloring. “This is the darkening of the inside of the tooth, which makes the overall color of the tooth darker,” explains Dr. Marashi. “This usually happens due to aging.”

At the same time, inadequate dental hygiene and certain medical conditions can also discolor teeth. “Poor dental hygiene habits, such as not brushing, flossing, or not rinsing enough to remove plaque, can also be the cause of yellowing,” says cosmetic dentist Marc Lowenberg, D.D.S. “There are also several diseases that can cause discoloration. And in some people, darker teeth can be caused by genetics. »

How long does it take for teeth to become stained?

Drinking a glass of wine every now and then or missing a night of brushing won’t cause major stains. It’s more cumulative than that.

“The timeline for yellowing caused by poor oral health habits can vary from person to person,” says Kevin Sands, DDS, a Beverly Hills-based cosmetic dentist. “Factors such as diet, genetics, and overall oral health can influence how quickly yellowing becomes visible. In general, however, consistent neglect of oral hygiene practices can lead to yellowing. visible in a few months to a year.

To turn back the clock on yellow teeth or to prevent further discoloration from forming, keep reading to learn the best ways to whiten teeth at home and in the office.

Effective at-home teeth whitening treatments

The most popular at-home teeth whitening treatments include brushing with toothpastes, whitening trays and strips.

These whitening products are made with hydrogen or carbamide peroxide. “If you have sensitive teeth, you’ll want to look for a lower percentage of around 6 percent,” says Dr. Marashi. “If you don’t have tooth sensitivity, there are options with a higher concentration, up to 15 percent hydrogen peroxide. This will provide faster results.

For faster results, Dr. Sands advises opting for whitening strips or trays rather than whitening toothpaste. “These products are applied directly to the teeth and left on for a set amount of time, usually ranging from 30 minutes to overnight,” he explains. However, Dr. Lowenberg adds that these products “provide short-term whitening and will never be as effective as in-office whitening due to the strips’ much lower percentage of hydrogen peroxide.” Still, for a quick clarification before a big event, they are useful.

Although specialized whitening toothpastes, strips, and trays can increase the shine of your teeth, Dr. Lowenberg reminds us that basic at-home oral care is essential. “Brushing, flossing, rinsing and drawing water is the best way to achieve the best hygiene at home and maintain a healthy, bright smile,” he says. “Following these steps daily will help prevent tooth decay, bad breath, and staining and yellowing of our teeth. »

Effective at-home teeth whitening treatments

If you prefer a more natural approach to teeth whitening and beauty in general, you have several options.

To start, you can try trendy oil pulling. “Oil pulling involves swishing coconut oil around the mouth for several minutes,” says Dr. Sands. “Supporters claim it can help remove surface bacteria and stains, leading to a brighter smile. However, scientific evidence supporting its whitening effects is limited.

Another option is to brush with baking soda. “Baking soda is known for its mild abrasive properties that can help remove surface stains,” says Dr. Sands. “Mixing a small amount of baking soda with water to form a paste and brushing gently can potentially brighten teeth over time. However, it is important to use baking soda sparingly, as overuse can erode tooth enamel and lead to sensitivity.

You can also brush with charcoal. “You can make DIY toothpaste by mixing activated charcoal with water or hydrogen peroxide,” says Dr. Lowenberg. “You need to mix it until you get a thick consistency like toothpaste and apply it to your teeth with a toothbrush.”

Additionally, if you wish, you can gargle with hydrogen peroxide. “Some people also use hydrogen peroxide as a DIY whitening treatment,” says Dr. Sands, noting that it acts like a bleaching agent. “This involves swishing a dilute solution of hydrogen peroxide (usually 3%) around the mouth or applying it directly to the teeth with a cotton swab. However, it is essential to follow safety precautions and avoid using concentrations greater than 3%, as higher concentrations can cause irritation and damage to gums and soft tissues.

Effective in-office teeth whitening treatments

While there are many home remedies and treatments for teeth whitening, all the dentists we spoke with agree that nothing compares to in-office treatment. “For a dramatic solution, the quickest way to whiten teeth is with in-office electric whitening,” says Dr. Lowenberg. “In-office whitening treatments use the highest concentration of hydrogen peroxide that remains isolated on the teeth, making it the longest-lasting and best method for whitening teeth overall.” Note that because in-office options are more potent, they may cause discomfort for about a day after treatment.

There are several in-office treatment options. Dr. Marashi recommends Boost from Ultradent. “The Boost by Ultradent procedure uses a powerful peroxide gel, which is applied to your teeth and penetrates through the enamel to penetrate and whiten the darker colors inside the tooth,” explains Dr. Marashi. “It can lighten multiple shades in one visit.”

Dr. Sands and Dr. Lowenberg, meanwhile, rely on ZOOM! “ZOOM! uses a 35 percent hydrogen peroxide treatment,” explains Dr. Lowenberg. “The patient sits under a high-intensity light, which activates the whitening agent to accelerate its penetration through the enamel. “And because it uses an LED light instead of a laser, it’s gentler, making it an ideal choice for people with sensitive teeth.

So now that you know all your options, go out and begin your quest for brilliant pearly whites.