Have you ever considered how to make your teeth whiter, but you don’t know where to start? There are a variety of options available to combat stained teeth, from simple whitening toothpaste to more expensive clinical whitening treatments. However, the results and time it takes to achieve a noticeable change in color may vary depending on the method you choose.
How did my teeth get yellow and stained?
Before knowing how to get rid of those stains, it is best to understand how those stains came in the first place and made teeth look dull and lose their bright, white sparkle. The stains can be internal or external, or a combination of both.
External stains: These are also called extrinsic stains, and they appear due to the consumption of certain food items and beverages over time, such as tea, coffee, wine, and food with red and green spices. Also, habits such as smoking and tobacco use can have an effect. They can stain the enamel, the outermost layer of the teeth. Additionally, plaque buildup on your teeth can cause them to look yellow. The good news is these types of stains or discoloration in the outer layer of the enamel can be removed with regular cleaning and whitening remedies.
Internal stains: If your teeth still look yellow even after following a regular teeth cleaning regime, it is because of internal stains, which are also called intrinsic stains. These occur much deeper in the tooth. They can be caused by multiple factors, such as tooth infection, a high percentage of fluoride use, medications (particularly tetracycline), and genetics. These types of stains are harder to treat because they deal with the dentin on the inside of your tooth.
Age-related tooth stains: These are a combined result of both external and internal tooth discoloration. Teeth become darker as a person ages because the dentin, the core tissue of the teeth, naturally yellows over time. Additionally, extrinsic stains and gradual wear of enamel allow a greater influence on the color of the underlying dentin.
Ways to whiten teeth: Tooth whitening options for you
How to get whiter teeth? People often wonder if the most expensive option is the most effective, but not necessarily! There are a host of options available, from less-priced over-the-counter teeth whitening products to expensive in-clinic teeth whitening treatments. It is important to note that some teeth whitening options are suitable for managing extrinsic stains, while intrinsic stains require extensive dental treatments. Further, each teeth whitening option will not bring the same results, and the time taken to show a difference will also vary based on the treatment type and intensity. The best option is to consult a dentist, who will be able to recommend to you which method or a combination of them, in particular, will be the most beneficial option to brighten your smile.
Here are some commonly used teeth whitening options available in Singapore:
Whitening Toothpaste
Oral care product manufacturers are well aware of the consumer’s strong desire for whiter, brighter teeth. In response, a vast choice of contemporary toothpastes have come to market. Most of them contain basic functional ingredients such as abrasives to remove surface stains, plaque, and food debris, and additional chemical agents to augment the abrasive to aid removal of external stains.
Do teeth whitening toothpastes work?
Whitening toothpastes contain abrasive particles that can remove surface staining. In truth, the toothpaste has a polishing effect rather than achieving a true shade change. Whitening toothpastes remove surface stains only through the polishing effect of the abrasives they contain. Therefore, it is important to have realistic expectations as opposed to the overrated marketing advertisements.
Is whitening toothpaste bad for teeth?
Whitening toothpastes can be obtained over the counter. As per the Ministry of Health in Singapore (MO) directives, only the products that contain the stipulated concentration of chemicals can be sold to the public. Therefore, whitening toothpastes are generally safe for daily use. However, it is important to adhere to the instructions of daily usage. Over-usage and prolonged use may increase enamel roughness and decrease enamel hardness, which in turn may result in unwanted teeth issues.
Natural Teeth Whiteners
Natural teeth whiteners are inexpensive and easy to use. Some popular natural teeth whiteners include baking soda, charcoal, hydrogen peroxide, and apple cider vinegar. The natural acids and abrasives in these substances help to remove stains that are on the surface of the enamel. These are good solutions to add an extra sparkle to your teeth. However, overuse can lead to irritation, sensitivity, and aging of your teeth. Therefore, natural teeth whiteners are recommended only for occasional use. They will not drastically whiten your teeth, and they can do more harm than good if used too often.
Here are some additional things to keep in mind when using natural teeth whiteners:
- Always consult with your dentist before using any natural teeth whitener.
- Start with a small amount of the product and see how your teeth react.
- Do not use the product more than once a day.
- Be sure to rinse your mouth thoroughly after using the product.
If you experience any discomfort or sensitivity while using a natural teeth whitener, stop using it immediately and consult with your dentist.
Scaling at the Dental Clinic
A scale and polish is not primarily designed to whiten teeth, but it can help to remove extrinsic stains (external stains) from tea, coffee, smoking, food, and red wine. These stains can be easily removed by scaling. This procedure can also remove plaque and calculus (tartar), which are hardened minerals that form on teeth. The dentist can also use a powder spray at the dental clinic to clean your teeth more thoroughly. While scaling and polishing will not necessarily whiten teeth in the way that a teeth whitening treatment could, most dentists recommend a scale and polish before teeth whitening treatments.
Here are some additional benefits of scaling and polishing:
- Reduces plaque and tartar buildup
- Improves gum health
- Prevents tooth decay
- Makes teeth look brighter and whiter
If you are looking for a way to improve your oral health and whiten your teeth, scaling and polishing is a great option. It is a safe and effective procedure that can be performed by your dentist.
Over-The-Counter Whitening Products
There are a variety of over-the-counter (OTC) teeth whitening products available, including whitening strips, whitening trays, and whitening toothpaste. These products are generally considered safe, but it is important to use them as directed to avoid side effects.
Whitening strips: Whitening strips are a popular option because they are easy to use and relatively inexpensive. They work by applying a whitening gel to the teeth using a pre-cut strip. The gel contains a bleaching agent, typically hydrogen peroxide, which penetrates the enamel and breaks down stains. Whitening strips can take several days or even weeks to see results, and the effects are usually short-lived.
Whitening trays: Whitening trays are another popular option. They are custom-made to fit your teeth and are filled with a whitening gel. The trays are worn for several hours a day, typically for 2 weeks. Whitening trays can be more effective than whitening strips, but they can also be more expensive.
Whitening toothpaste: Whitening toothpaste contains abrasives that can help to remove surface stains. However, it is important to note that whitening toothpaste will not have the same effect as professional teeth whitening treatments.
Common side effects of OTC teeth whitening products: The most common side effects of OTC teeth whitening products are soft tissue irritation and tooth sensitivity. These side effects are usually mild and go away on their own. However, if you experience any severe side effects, such as pain or bleeding, you should stop using the product and consult with your dentist.
In-Office Tooth Whitening
In-office tooth whitening is the most effective and successful method to get your teeth whitened within a shorter duration. It is carried out under the supervision of a dentist while the patient is seated in the dental chair. The gums are protected with a resin barrier. The whitening gel is then applied to the teeth. Strong light or laser is applied to activate the gel. Treatment can be carried out on both upper and lower teeth at the same time.
Advantages:
- Lightening effect can be seen after one treatment visit.
- Gum is protected from the bleaching agent.
Dentist Teeth Whitening Kits
Dentists are now prescribing at-home bleaching as a follow-up to in-office bleaching to maintain or improve the lightening result.
Dentist Teeth Whitening Kits with gels and custom-made trays: Dentist teeth whitening kits come with a custom-fitted plastic tray with a recommended concentration of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide to be worn for a few hours. Results can be seen 3-4 days after the start of treatment. Trays and gels purchased from your dentist are safer and will give faster results because trays from the dentist are custom-made to fit your teeth and the gels have stronger teeth bleaching agents.
The success rate with at-home methods has been reported to be more than 90%, and the color can be maintained for 2-3 years without any observable changes, after the initial color relapse. Color relapse does occur, with most of the relapse occurring within the first four weeks after cessation of treatment.
Advantages are:
- The ease of application
- Reduced chair time
- Fewer side effects
- Lower treatment cost
Conclusion
The demand for teeth whitening has expanded significantly in Singapore and globally. As a result, the market has made different oral care products and solutions to meet this growing demand. The basic question of how to whiten teeth has so many answers with varying degrees of success. This article brings out various teeth whitening options, ranging from over-the-counter teeth whitening products to professional in-office dental teeth whitening treatments. Each method has advantages and disadvantages, as well as side effects if not followed precisely. Additionally, not everyone is a suitable candidate for teeth whitening, so it is strongly urged by the Ministry of Health in Singapore that you contact a dentist and acquire the right suggestions and instructions beforehand.
Reference:
- Zhao, X., Zanetti, F., Wang, L., Pan, J., Majeed, S., Malmstrom, H., Peitsch, M. C., Hoeng, J., & Ren, Y. (2019). Effects of different discoloration challenges and whitening treatments on dental hard tissues and composite resin restorations. Journal Dentistry, 89,103182. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jdent.2019.103182
- Prathap S, Rajesh H, Boloor VA, Rao AS. Extrinsic stains and management: a new insight. J Acad Indus Res. 2013;1(8):435–42.
- Nathoo, S. A. (1997). THE CHEMISTRY AND MECHANISMS OF EXTRINSIC AND INTRINSIC DISCOLORATION. The Journal of the American Dental Association, 128, 6S 10S. https://doi.org/10.14219/jada.archive.1997.0428
- Alali, J., Alanazi, H., Alyousef, H., Alali, O., & Alzwayyid, S. (2020). Teeth discoloration removal and management: a review. International Journal of Medicine in Developing Countries, 1070– 1074. https://doi.org/10.24911/ijmdc.51-1536444417
- Watts, A., & Addy, M. (2001). Tooth discolouration and staining: a review of the literature. British Dental Journal, 190(6), 309–316. https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bdj.4800959
- Joiner, A. (2010). Whitening toothpastes: A review of the literature. Journal of Dentistry, 38, e17– e24. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jdent.2010.05.017
- Sarrett, D. C. (2002b). Tooth whitening today. The Journal of the American Dental Association, 133(11), 1535–1538. https://doi.org/10.14219/jada.archive.2002.0085
- Rahardjo, A., Gracia, E., Riska, G., Adiatman, M., & Maharani, D. A. (2015). Potential Side Effects of Whitening Toothpaste on Enamel Roughness and Micro Hardness. International Journal of Clinical Preventive Dentistry, 11(4), 239–242. https://doi.org/10.15236/ijcpd.2015.11.4.239
- MOH | Guidelines. (n.d.). https://www.moh.gov.sg/hpp/dentists/guidelines/GuidelineDetails/tooth- whitening-by-non-dental-professionals
- Joiner, A. (2006). The bleaching of teeth: A review of the literature. Journal of Dentistry, 34(7), 412– 419. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jdent.2006.02.002
- Weyant, R. (2007). Home Tooth Whitening Systems Improve Tooth Color Over Short Term but Lack Evaluation of Side Effects. Journal of Evidence Based Dental Practice, 7(1), 6– 7. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jebdp.2006.12.019
- da Costa, J. B., McPharlin, R., Paravina, R. D., & Ferracane, J. L. (2010). Comparison of At-home and In-office Tooth Whitening Using a Novel Shade Guide. Operative Dentistry, 35(4), 381– 388. https://doi.org/10.2341/09-344-c
- Auschill, T. M., Hellwig, E., Schmidale, S., Sculean, A., & Arweiler, N. B. (2005). Efficacy, side-effects and patients’ acceptance of different bleaching techniques (OTC, in-office, at-home). Operative Dentistry, 30(2), 156–163.
- Dahl JE, Pallesen U. Tooth Bleaching—a Critical Review of the Biological Aspects. Critical Reviews in Oral Biology & Medicine. 2003;14(4):292-304. doi:10.1177/154411130301400406
