Looking for a smile makeover? On top of visiting the dentist, there're plenty of teeth whitening solutions for you to get sparkling white teeth in the comfort of your home. But what are the things to consider when choosing the best products?
How to whiten your teeth at home?
Over-the-counter teeth whitening
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Tool |
How does it work? |
Pros |
Cons |
How to Use |
Cost |
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Whitestrips |
A disposable plastic strip is used directly onto the teeth that contains an enamel-safe whitening gel to remove yellow and heavily stained teeth |
Easy to use, more affordable |
The effect can be uneven as the whitestrips might not be perfectly fit |
Apply the whitestrips after brushing your teeth. Use it for one to two weeks, 30 minutes each time |
$10 - $30 /piece |
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LED Light Teeth Whitening Home Kit |
A bleach-based treatment, the LED Light Teeth Whitening Home Kit comes with an LED light system, mouthpiece and whitening gel. It’s believed the light can speed up the whitening process |
Convenient, instant effect |
The kit can be expensive. Teeth may become more sensitive after the treatment; the whitening agents might also irritate your gum or tongue |
Insert the light source's mouthpiece between upper and lower teeth, hold for 15- 20 minutes. Use daily for around a week |
$300-$2000 |
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Teeth Whitening Gel |
Teeth whitening gel usually contains carbamide peroxide, a bleaching agent that helps remove discoloration |
Easy to use, more affordable |
Some people might experience sensitivity |
Wear the trays with a small amount of gel placed inside it while you sleep at night for around 2 weeks |
$100 - $200 / 100 ml |
Natural teeth whitening
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Tool |
How does it work? |
Pros |
Cons |
How to Use |
Cost |
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Coconut Oil |
This natural ingredient attacks harmful bacteria in your mouth, preventing plaque, tooth decay and gum disease |
Natural, inexpensive; a traditional Indian remedy to improve oral hygiene |
Gargling with coconut oil can be an unpleasant experience |
15 - 20 minutes oil pulling |
$40 - $100 / 100 ml |
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Baking Soda |
Baking soda is an alkaline and mildly abrasive natural ingredient that helps eliminate tooth discoloration due to food and drink consumption |
Natural, inexpensive, convenient |
Excessive use can harm the enamel; it takes time to see the effect |
Mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda with 2 teaspoons of water and use as your toothpaste |
Less than $10/50g |
What causes yellow teeth?
Poor at-home oral hygiene, diet and unhealthy lifestyle contribute to tooth discoloration. Fortunately, one can simply reverse teeth discoloration by changing their routines. Below are a few tips to keep your smile healthy and bright again.
- Practice Healthy Dieting
Tanni-rich foods and beverages, such as red wine, coffee, soda, citrus fruits, get into the enamel of your teeth and cause long-term discoloration.
What to do: Avoid these or brush every time after you consume these foods.
- Quit Smoking
One of the top culprits of yellow teeth, smoking causes - not only cancer - but stubborn stains.
What to do: Quitting smoking is always a good idea. - Practice Good Oral Hygiene
Skipping daily brushing and flossing is one of the causes of yellow teeth and various dental diseases. If the gums are inflamed due to the bacteria, this might cause periodontal disease. Also, the enamel that covers the tooth grows thinner as we age, revealing the natural color of dentine, which is yellow/pale brown.
What to do: Follow a complete oral care routine of twice-daily tooth brushing and daily flossing. Visit the dentist at least twice a year. While aging cannot be reversed, we can slow down the discoloration by practicing good oral health.
Whitening and bleaching should not damage teeth nor gum, always check with a dentist if you're experiencing irritation or discomfort when trying the above methods.
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