Teeth whitening

Teeth whitening is the process of lightening or bleaching the color of teeth to remove stains and discoloration. Teeth whitening can be done at home with products purchased over the counter or professionally at a dentist's office. Home whitening kits typically involve the use of an at-home whitening agent, such as a bleaching gel and a mouth tray, while professional whitening treatments involve the use of a stronger bleaching agent. Both methods can help to make teeth appear up to 8 shades brighter.

Teeth can stain due to a variety of reasons, such as consuming foods and beverages that contain dark pigments, like coffee and tea, or due to poor oral hygiene. Poor dental hygiene can also cause staining, as bacteria, tartar, and plaque can accumulate, creating yellowed or browned teeth. Certain medications, such as tetracycline and doxycycline, can also cause teeth to become discolored. Smoking can also contribute to tooth discoloration, as the tar and nicotine found in cigarettes can stain the enamel of the teeth. Consuming acidic foods and drinks can also cause staining, weakening the enamel and allowing pigmented foods to penetrate the surface.

When overseen and administered by your dentist, professional teeth whitening should never cause damage to your teeth. By using the proper whitening products and minimizing the amount of time the whitening agent is in contact with your teeth, your dentist can ensure that you don’t over-whiten your smile.
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Over-whitening your teeth can result in permanent damage, as the peroxide-based whiteners used can weaken the enamel if they are used improperly, or too frequently. For this reason, it’s best to avoid over-the-counter teeth whitening kits from questionable sources, as they may contain dangerously-high levels of peroxide. 

If you don’t want to turn to your dentist for professional teeth whitening services, but still desire a brighter smile, keep an eye out for ADA-approved whitening products like Crest Whitestrips. By sticking to ADA-approved products, you can ensure that you are using a teeth-whitener with relatively low concentrations of peroxide, lowering the risk of enamel damage from over-whitening.