White teeth are the dream of many people. But how do you get them? Is a visit to the dentist mandatory or not? We present you with a summary of the entire range of possibilities.
White teeth are no longer reserved for the rich and beautiful. For many of us “normal people” too, radiantly beautiful teeth are part of a well-groomed appearance. The color of our teeth says very little about our oral hygiene or how often we brush our teeth – but a toothpaste smile always makes a good impression.
White teeth: the dream of a toothpaste smile
But what should we do if the enjoyment of coffee, tea and wine or our nicotine addiction throws a spanner in the works, our teeth turn yellow and we also have a top electric toothbrush just can’t get any further? From home remedies to different products for use in the bathroom at home to a visit to the professional – the possibilities seem endless.
Everyone has to decide for themselves which treatment is the right one and what they feel comfortable with. If you want to try a natural variant first, you can look at an alternative to chemical, professional bleaching products here; Coconut oil is also said to help.
Yellowed teeth? These reasons can be behind it
The factors that prevent us from white teeth can be of very different nature. For example, certain medications (e.g. antibiotics) or the degree of wear of the tooth enamel can also be the cause. Then the problem lies more in the “inside” of the tooth, i.e. in the root or the dentin.
Most of the time, however, the plan for “white teeth” fails because of our diet or cigarette consumption. The foods known as “white teeth” killers include red wine, coffee and black tea. But ketchup, curry and cola are also not very conducive to bright white teeth. The good news: This discoloration is only on the outside and can be removed relatively easily. And like this:
Native ways to white teeth
If you want to avoid going to the dentist or an expensive treatment, you can now choose from a wide variety of products, all of which can be used at home without any problems. Before we go into the individual methods, here is an overview:
Whitening Toothpaste: The “Healthiest” Way to Whiten Teeth?
At first you don’t think anything bad about toothpaste – whether with or without the promised bleaching effect. Toothpaste is supposed to be good for your teeth, isn’t it? Secure! And if you pay a little attention to your “brushing behavior”, the whitening toothpaste should not cause any damage to your teeth. Instead, small emery particles remove discolouration.
The only thing better not to overdo is the pressure when brushing your teeth. Otherwise you not only sand off the dirt, but also the enamel – not a good idea. You don’t have to think of a new “morning routine” for this. After all, regular tooth brushing is the basic rule for anyone who would like to have sparkling white teeth.
Per: no additional time expenditure
Cons: if you apply too much pressure when brushing, the enamel will gradually wear away
Bleaching gel and splint for individual use
One of the most popular methods on the way to white teeth is definitely one whitening gels. Unlike bleaching strips, for example, which we will come to later, the gels are usually accompanied by individually adjustable splints. Depending on the product, the bleaching gel is then – usually once a day – placed in the dental splint – also known as the bleaching splint – and the splint is usually worn for around ten to 20 minutes. Various providers supplement it with an LED light to increase the effect on the teeth. Not a huge time commitment, especially considering you can get on with other chores while wearing it. Especially since the application is limited to a few days.
Per: Customizable
Cons: correct application is important so that no gel gets on the gums
Whitening strips have advantages and disadvantages
If bleaching gels are too time-consuming for you, it is best to use bleaching strips. These are quick and easy to use. The finished strips are simply glued to the teeth and removed again after the specified exposure time. You should try to cover only the teeth and not the gums. This could otherwise lead to irritation.
However, the disadvantage of this method is that the strips cannot be used to whiten the area near the interdental spaces. Also, the strips are often not long enough to treat all teeth at the same time. The advantages and disadvantages remain whitening strips so the scales.
Per: simple application
Cons: precise treatment is not possible
Bleaching pen: With it you “brush” white teeth
Also popular among fans of white teeth arewhitening pens, with which the teeth are simply “brushed”. The application is simple and treacherous at the same time. Because everyone can probably handle a pen – difficulties such as adjusting a dental splint or similar are eliminated. But you also have to reach all (visible) teeth and brush them evenly. And then: If you close your mouth and saliva and lips quickly wear the product away again – especially since contact can lead to irritation of the oral mucosa.
Tip: If you have enough time and patience, hold your lips away from your teeth with your fingers for the duration of the exposure time and then brush your teeth thoroughly. This way the product can work well and nothing can happen to your mouth.
Per: “actually” simple application
Cons: Product may be removed too quickly
Bleaching powder: Probably the most controversial method for teeth
Activated carbon has been hyped for quite some time, especially on social media, like crazy. In addition to the powder form, toothpaste with activated charcoal is a popular attempt to get white teeth. Only with one difference: Activated charcoal toothpastes in particular harbor the risk of damaging your teeth rather than giving you a toothpaste smile. Similar to “conventional” whitening toothpastes, the particles abrade your teeth, and over time the enamel becomes rougher. The result: the uneven tooth surface becomes the ideal place for unsightly discolouration to accumulate.
Many activated charcoal toothpastes also do without fluoride – an important aid in combating or preventing tooth decay and the like activated charcoal still want to try for white teeth, take a look at these products. It can be mixed with a conventional toothpaste and thus at least ensures that your toothpaste gives you fluoride.
Per: hype
Cons: Risk of permanent tooth damage
You now know the different procedures and products for white teeth, but before you rush off and rush into one of the procedures, we should first briefly look at how you can optimally prepare for your treatment. Because, as you have already learned above, the bleaching products can also have negative effects on our teeth. Of course, this varies depending on the product and ingredients. If you are unsure, it is best to ask a dentist and get professional advice from him.
What should be considered when bleaching?
Before any (home) bleaching, a visit to the dentist should be a must. Not only – as mentioned above – to get advice from a specialist if you have any questions, but above all to have your teeth examined in advance. Because healthy, yellowed teeth should not later become unhealthy, white teeth. Anyone who has fillings or fake teeth should have a doctor check whether bleaching makes sense, i.e. can lead to white teeth. So much in advance: You will hardly be able to change the color of your fillings with conventional bleaching methods.
Professional teeth cleaning is also recommended. As a result, the teeth are optimally cleaned and prepared for treatment with bleaching products. Especially since a first whitening effect could already be observed during tooth cleaning. The dentist easily removes light deposits from coffee and the like. Maybe you only decide after cleaning your teeth which method you want to use on the way to white teeth. Depending on how the result turns out after the visit to the dentist. This is how you whiten your teeth naturally
Teeth whitening is never completely without risks. Depending on the product, peroxides or emery particles can attack the tooth and, above all, the sensitive gums and oral mucosa. If you notice during the treatment that your teeth are becoming more sensitive, that’s not a reason to panic, it’s relatively normal. However, if something seems “weird” to you, you have pain or something in your mouth becomes infected, stop the treatment or consult a doctor before you continue.
After all, what good are white teeth if you can’t smile anymore because of the pain?!
The teeth shine again – will it stay that way?
The bad, but understandable news: No, over time your teeth will gradually turn yellow again. Because – if you don’t completely do without coffee and co. after lightening – the “normal” yellowing process will start again. This means that depending on your lifestyle and eating habits, the – or another – procedure will have to be repeated. And at the latest in old age, when the enamel becomes thinner and the dentin shines through, you too will have to say goodbye to the ideal of “white teeth”. This is a natural process and no reason to stop radiating with all your heart. Because that’s what matters in the end, isn’t it?!
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