If you enjoy coffee, wine, soda, or other colored beverages, foods like berries and tomato-based sauces, you may have some surface stains that can make your teeth lose their bright, pearly white color, fading into a yellow color. Other daily habits, like poor oral hygiene, tobacco use, and certain medications, can cause teeth to yellow.
One of our most frequently asked questions here at Rhoades Family Dentistry is about teeth whitening, specifically, does teeth whitening work, which products work and which ones to avoid. We’ve been helping patients get back their pearly white smile and restore their confidence for decades, and we’re passionate about helping you achieve your brightest, whitest smile yet. Continue reading to learn whether teeth whitening works and the best products to achieve a brighter smile.
Does Teeth Whitening Work?
In short, yes, teeth whitening does work. However, this is a complicated question as many components determine whether a product will help you achieve a whiter smile, whether it’s safe for enamel, and how deep the patient’s stains are. Not all teeth whitening products are created equal; some contain harmful ingredients that can harm the enamel, while others contain ingredients that can cause sensitivity.
The first step to determining whether a whitening product will work is to consider the staining on your teeth. Are they yellowish in color, caused by smoking, coffee, tea, foods that are naturally pigmented, or from age? If so, you’ll likely be able to remove the yellowish staining and be left with a whiter smile. However, gray or blue stains, stains caused by medications, or staining on veneers, fillings, or crowns, it likely won’t work well on them.
So, if you’re wondering if the tooth whitening kit or product you purchased will work, you’ve come to the right place. To first determine if the product will lift yellowish stains, take a look at the ingredients. Whitening products that contain hydrogen peroxide will lift stains, but you’ll want to be mindful of other ingredients, like carbamide peroxide and PAP+, which can also whiten teeth.
The Best Teeth Whitening Products
Rewind over six decades to the ‘60s when pastes containing peroxide were used to whiten teeth. Fast-forward a couple of decades to the 80s, when teeth-whitening products advanced to peroxide gels and strips. Nowadays, there are many different whitening products, such as mouthwashes, toothpaste, gels with UV lights, and strips that can lift stains. Fortunately, teeth whitening has advanced, and family dentists now use enamel-safe products that help patients achieve a whiter smile.
The best teeth whitening products are those accepted by the American Dental Association (ADA). The ADA accepts teeth whitening products that are safe and effective, never accepting products that are harmful to tooth enamel and gums. Over-the-counter strips and gels that have the ADA seal of acceptance are generally safe to use. However, it’s best to consult with your family dentist to determine if the product is safe for you.
Most family dentists offer in-office whitening treatments that are safe and effective. Rhoades Family Dentistry offers a variety of whitening treatments, from DIY dental kits to powerful in-office treatments. Our in-office whitening treatments use professional strength bleaching agents carefully applied with custom trays to protect the gum tissue and ensure the patient receives great results.
Teeth Whitening Products to Avoid
While purchasing over-the-counter teeth whitening kits and products is convenient, be careful not to buy anything before looking at the ingredients and consulting your family dentist. Avoid the following teeth whitening products:
- Charcoal-based products
- DIY peroxide applications
- Cheap, over-the-counter LED/UV whitening kits
- Any whitening product that claims it doesn’t contain peroxide
- Those that don’t have the ADA seal of acceptance
Many teeth whitening products are available from big box stores and online shops, but be careful before purchasing them. If not accepted by the ADA, they often contain ingredients that are harmful to tooth enamel, causing abrasion and sensitive gums.
Tips for a Whiter Smile
While you can’t remove yellowish stains completely without a whitening treatment, you can take some steps to make your teeth appear whiter naturally. Any of the tips below can help your teeth look whiter without the use of whitening products:
- Consume a healthy diet rich in whole foods, vitamins, and minerals
- Quit smoking
- Brush twice daily & floss to remove surface stains
A great way to achieve a whiter, brighter smile is to schedule an appointment with your dentist to discuss whitening options for your unique needs.
Let Rhoades Family Dentistry Help You Achieve Whiter Teeth
Rhoades Family Dentistry’s team of professionals includes dentists and hygienists who have extensive schooling and training to perform dental treatments, including whitening. Dr. Hahn and Dr. Driscoll are members of the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, and the International Association of Orthodontics, among many other organizations. They can help you achieve the best results with less sensitivity. We offer take-home whitening kits and more powerful in-office treatments.
Rhoades Family Dentistry offers dental care for the entire family, including routine cleanings, preventative maintenance, fillings, and more. Dr. Hahn and Dr. Driscoll care about your family’s oral health and are here to recommend the best oral hygiene practices for your entire family, including Invisalign and braces, cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, whitening, and more.
Book an appointment today by scrolling up and clicking “BOOK AN APPOINTMENT” on the top left of your screen or by calling (913) 782-8900. We look forward to serving you by providing excellent dental care and giving your family healthy, whiter smiles!
