There are a lot of different options when it comes to doing your own teeth whitening at home. You can choose to use an over the counter product that will typically lighten your teeth a few shades over a couple of weeks of use or you can use a home kit that provides the same type of whitening products that your dentist uses.
Options to Consider for Teeth Whitening at Home
These home bleaching kits sold through a dentist, salon or spa offer a more significant whitening effect over the commercially available options. The biggest difference is the use of higher concentrate of the bleaching material which is typically hydrogen peroxide or a carbamide-based gel. This gel may be provided in dental trays that fit either the upper or lower jaw or they can come in syringes that you use to apply the bleaching agent to the tray for use.
For an easier and less complicated method of teeth whitening at home you may want to consider teeth whitening strips. These are applied to the upper and lower teeth, usually for two weeks, for a set amount of time. They do a good job of whitening your teeth if serious stains and discoloration is not an issue.
Maintaining White Teeth
Once you have decided on the best type of teeth whitening at home it is important to carefully read and follow all manufacturers’ instructions. You should also note any reasons listed to discontinue use. Many people experience some sensitivity to the gums or the teeth when using many teeth whitening at home products but watch for anything that doesn’t seem normal and immediately discontinue use.
After you have completed the process for your teeth whitening at home you can also help to keep your teeth white by:
- Avoiding foods that stain such as coffee, colas, sodas, grape juice and the dark fruits such as blueberries
- Brushing your teeth after meals and flossing on a regular basis
- Drinking lots of water with food intake and keeping your mouth hydrated to avoid plaque build-up
Teeth whitening at home is a lower cost option than going to your dentist. You can still speak to a dentist about a home kit, or you may want to consider buying from a salon, spa or an online website.
