Everything You Need to Know About Teeth Whitening

2016-09-23

You find your teeth yellow, gray, or stained? You would like to whiten them but feel hesitant to get started? Here’s everything you need to know about teeth whitening.

Features Digestive & Gut Health

Can Everyone Have White Teeth?

No, tooth color varies from one person to another, whether due to genetics or because teeth have become discolored over time from various factors (diet, smoking, treatments, etc.). Teeth also tend to yellow with age.

Dental professionals use a scale of around fifteen shades to define tooth color (it is the dentin, located beneath the enamel, which is transparent, that gives teeth their color). The more yellow or gray the tooth is initially, the more difficult it is to whiten. Depending on the technique used, it is possible to gain one to several shades.

Do Certain Foods Make Teeth Yellow?

Some foods can stain and yellow teeth. This includes coffee, tea, beetroot (a vegetable rich in antioxidants), sodas, red fruits, and wine.

When consumed excessively, they can gradually alter tooth color over time. Whitening techniques, whatever they may be, can help improve discoloration caused by diet (or smoking).

Can You Whiten Your Teeth Naturally?

This is possible, or at least you can improve brightness and overall appearance. First and foremost, good oral and dental hygiene is essential: brushing your teeth for 3 minutes after meals, scheduling an annual dental visit, regular scaling, etc.

There are also methods that have reportedly been used for centuries: brushing with baking soda (mixed with a little lemon juice), activated charcoal, or coarse sea salt (mixed with water). However, these methods must be used with caution (no more than once a week).

Do Dentists Offer Whitening Treatments?

Dentists provide the most long-lasting treatments, with results that may remain visible for up to 4 years.

One commonly used technique is as follows: the dentist first takes impressions to create custom trays. These are then filled with a gel (most often hydrogen peroxide-based) and applied to the teeth under a special light. One to two sessions are usually needed for satisfactory results, and it is important to follow professional recommendations afterward (such as avoiding certain foods).

Are All Whitening Techniques the Same?

Theoretically, yes. Whether performed by a dentist or using an at-home kit, the idea is to whiten the dentin with an "oxygen-based" gel. However, the concentration of the gel varies depending on the method, which may explain differences in effectiveness and durability.

Over-the-counter kits contain gels with lower concentrations than those used by dentists. Prices also vary widely, ranging from a few dozen euros for kits to several hundred euros for in-office treatments.

Do Whitening Treatments Provide Permanent Results?

No, in all cases, teeth will eventually become discolored again (within a few weeks or months for gentler methods, and a few years for in-office whitening). However, professional treatments generally allow you to permanently gain one to two shades compared to your original color.

Should You Brush Your Teeth Vigorously to Keep Them White?

This is not helpful. In fact, brushing too vigorously (especially with a hard-bristled toothbrush) can damage your gums, potentially leading to gum recession.

It is better to opt for regular but gentle brushing with a suitable toothpaste. Your dentist can advise you based on your specific needs (sensitive teeth, presence of dental work, etc.).

Are Whitening Toothpastes Effective?

Yes and no. While whitening toothpastes can be helpful, they do not have the same whitening power as professional treatments. However, they may be useful as a complement to a whitening routine.

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