Teeth Whitening: whiten teeth at home

What is Teeth Whitening?

Teeth whitening is also called teeth bleaching.

Teeth whitening is done when you would like to lighten the color of your teeth. It is done when teeth become yellow over time due to various reasons. It is a practical way of lightening the yellow color of your teeth without removing any of the tooth surfaces and without making any unnecessary changes to the shape, and size of the tooth.

The goal of the bleaching procedure is to get the normal color to a tooth by decolorizing the stain with a powerful oxidizing agent known as a bleaching agent.

Teeth bleaching materials are:

A. Hydrogen peroxide

B. Sodium perborate

C. Carbamide peroxide

D. Over-the-counter (OTC) agents- OTC bleaching agents that are being marketed include tray systems, tray less systems, chewing gums, toothpaste, bleaching strips, and paint-on products. These materials work by removing extrinsic surface stains only.

Teeth whitening is any process that lightens the existing color of your teeth by several lighter shades and we can achieve it by changing the intrinsic or extrinsic color of the teeth in a few minutes by using various teeth whitening options.

1. Teeth Whitening Toothpaste

Herbal Teeth Whitening Toothpaste

Ayurvedic teeth whitening toothpaste is made from natural ingredients like neem, bromelain, Meswak, papain, bromelain, enzymes present in Papaya and Pineapple, Miswak, Menthol, Almond, Papaya, and Clove. Cinnamon, Curcuma longa (turmeric) rhizome juice, coconut oil, stevia, neem leaf extract, pomegranate, vidanga) fruit extract*, amla, salt, citrus fruits, etc.

Examples of Herbal Teeth Whitening Toothpaste- are Glodent, Himalaya Sparkling White, Charcoal Based, Rocksalt based, Glizer, etc.

Chemical-Based Teeth Whitening Toothpaste

Conventional whitening toothpaste contains abrasives and bleaching agents such as silica, pyrophosphates, hydrogen peroxide, or carbamide peroxide, which remove the extrinsic stains, thereby lightening the teeth' color.

Examples of Chemical-Based Teeth Whitening Toothpaste- are Colgate optic white, Sensodyne gentle whitening, etc.

Teeth whitening chemicals are kept less in toothpaste as compared to what is being used in the dental clinic for professional teeth whitening services, you might see the results with these toothpaste if you brush with them three times a day.

But, Regular use of such teeth whitening toothpaste at home can result in teeth sensitivity to hot and cold, and also abrade your teeth.

Also, such teeth whitening toothpaste at home doesn't give the desired results faster.

The benefits are, it is handy, with fewer chemicals.

Herbal vs Chemical Teeth whitening toothpaste

Both have similar whitening effects.
Herbal toothpaste has less surface defect to the enamel (less adverse effects).

2. Teeth Whitening Mouthwashes

Teeth-whitening mouthwashes commercially available as

Hydrogen peroxide mouthwash 3%

To be used in a 3(water): 1(hydrogen peroxide) ratio. Three times daily.

Hydrogen Peroxide Mouthwashes are easy to use on a daily basis and are easily available.

Hydrogen Peroxide is a mild antiseptic as well. It is not only used to whiten the teeth but also to relieve mouth ulcers, and gum irritations (such as due to canker/cold sores, gingivitis, dentures, and orthodontic appliances).

Few teeth whitening mouthwashes examples - Hydroxyl Mouthwash 3 %, Parachem Hydrogen Peroxide 3%, etc

It is advisable to use teeth whitening mouthwashes only 3-4% on a daily basis as a mouth rinse.

If used more than 6% or more, then it may result into

-weakening of the tooth structure

-hot, cold sensitivity

-burning of gums

3. Teeth whitening chewing gums (Optic White)

4. Teeth whitening Bleaching pen (Brite Smile)

5. Teeth Whitening Home Kits

At-home teeth bleaching is the commonly used technique.

Easily done by patients and are less expensive. It uses a custom-fit tray with 10% carbamide peroxide. Carbamide peroxide is more stable than hydrogen peroxide and can be active for up to several hours.

The usual concentration of at-home teeth bleaching is 10% carbamide peroxide, which is relatively safe in contact with the soft tissues. Due to the differences in concentration, at-home bleaching would require more sessions of bleaching than the in-office technique.

Steps in Teeth whitening at home

Step 1-Customized Tray is fabricated by teeth bleaching Dentists.

Step 2-Brush your teeth prior to the application of the tray.

Step 3-Place enough bleaching agent into the tray to cover the facial surfaces (only front surface) of the teeth. After seating the tray, excess bleaching material extruding on to the gums should be carefully wiped away.

Step 4- The tray should be worn for a time period of 4 hours for every session

Step 5- Reduce the time if sensitivity is experienced. Conversely, if sensitivity is not an issue, you can repeat the bleaching session for the second time on the same day.

Step 6- After every teeth bleaching session, rinse off the bleaching agent from the surfaces of the teeth. Wash off the bleaching agent from the tray and store the bleaching material at a cool temperature.

Results can be seen as early as 2–14 days or may take as long as 6–12 months, depending on the level of teeth discoloration.

Home-based teeth whitening kit must be used under the supervision of a dentist.

After Effects of Teeth Bleaching at home kit use

Tooth Sensitivity.
Enamel damage.
Gum irritation.

Note: The usual concentration of at-home teeth bleaching is 10% carbamide peroxide, which is relatively safe in contact with soft tissues. 10% carbamide peroxide is considered a safe teeth whitening system. Due to the differences in concentration, at-home teeth bleaching would require more sessions than the in-office teeth whitening technique.

Who should go for Teeth whitening at home ?

Superficial tooth enamel stains.

Mild yellow stains.

Brown fluorosis stains.

Age-related stains.

Mild fluorosis.

Mild tetracycline stains.

Who should not go for Teeth whitening at home ?

Severe tooth enamel damage.

Hypersensitive teeth.

Bruxism/ severe teeth clenching habit/ severe attrition.

Presence of caries.

Defective fillings.

Allergy to bleaching gels.

Children below the age of 16 years due to a large tooth pulp chamber.

Superficial stains that can be removed with scaling and polishing.

Multiple silver-amalgam fillings.

Pregnant and lactating women.

Exposed root surfaces.

Are there risks of teeth whitening at home ?

weakening of the tooth structure.

postoperative sensitivity.

weakening of the tooth enamel.

surface porosities.

laser or light-based teeth whitening causes severe tooth sensitivity and irreversible tooth pulpal damage.

Gums irritation (burning sensation in gums).

Mercury release from silver-amalgam restoration.

Teeth whitening agent hydrogen peroxide causes a chemical burn. It is especially painful if it comes in contact with the nail bed or the soft tissue under the fingernail.

What to do after Teeth Bleaching at home?

If you experiencing senstivity, Use desensitizing toothpaste like Shynm, sensodyne rapid relief, thermoseal, sentium, etc .

If you experiencing senstivity, Use desensitizing mouthwashes like sanqual-ad , sensodent f, etc.

Use a fluoridated mouth rinse like amflor, etc

For remineralization, Use tooth creme containing amorphous calcium phosphate in casein phosphopeptide (ACP-CPP) like GC Tooth Mousse which is used to promote remineralization of the enamel surface.

Frequently Asked Questions about Teeth Whitening at home

1. What are the risks of home kits teeth whitening?

Home kits don't contain enough whitening products so you might not see the effective change in the tooth shade. Results can be seen as long as 6–12 months.

Bleaching gel may escape out onto gums and into your mouth, causing mouth blistering and teeth sensitivity.

Since the tray is worn for a longer time, there are chances of tooth enamel damage, tooth sensitivity, and gum irritation.

Long-term tooth sensitivity and enamel damage may notice in teeth whitening at-home products.

2. Do teeth whitening at home damage tooth enamel?

On the basis of numerous research studies, carbamide peroxide bleaching materials are considered safe and effective.

Hydrogen peroxide bleaching beyond a point results in the breakdown of the organic matrix resulting in the weakening of the tooth enamel and surface porosities.

3. Do teeth whitening at home damage dental fillings?

10% carbamide peroxide is safe in existing fillings.

4. What is yellow teeth treatment?

Since yellow stains are extrinsic stains they can be easily removed by scaling and polishing.

If you are not satisfied with the color of your teeth after scaling and polishing , then you can always use over-the-counter teeth whitening products like teeth whitening toothpaste, mouthwashes, whitening strips,chewings gums, and pens.

If you are still not satisfied with the color of the teeth and want a faster result then Professional teeth whitening or in-office teeth whitening by the registered dentist near you is recommended.

5. Is herbal whitening toothpaste/ayurvedic whitening toothpaste better than other teeth whitening toothpaste?

If you talk about the whitening effect then herbal toothpaste’s whitening effect is the same as a chemical-based whitening toothpaste.

Adverse effects of chemicals can be minimized or avoided when substituted with herbal products which offer teeth whitening without damage to the enamel

6. What is the quickest way to whiten teeth?

The quickest and fastest way is Professional teeth whitening or In-office teeth whitening.
Only by the registered dentist.
It will take 8-20 minutes of the procedure.

7. Can tobacco stains be removed by teeth whitening at home?

It will be very difficult to remove tobacco stains using home-based teeth whitening products. You may or may not see the result. Also, teeth keep getting stained if you continue taking tobacco.

8. Can I use baking soda or lime for cleaning the yellow stains on my teeth?

No, rather you can buy over-the-counter herbal teeth-whitening toothpaste or ayurvedic whitening toothpaste. They are made from natural ingredients like neem, bromelain, Meswak, papain, bromelain, enzymes present in Papaya and Pineapple, Miswak, Menthol, Almond, Papaya, and Clove. Cinnamon, Curcuma longa (turmeric) rhizome juice, coconut oil, stevia, neem leaf extract, pomegranate, vidanga) fruit extract*, amla, salt, citrus fruits, etc.

A Few examples of Herbal/ Ayurvedic Teeth Whitening Toothpaste- are Glodent, Himalaya Sparkling White, Charcoal Based, Rocksalt based, Glizer, etc.

It has minimal to no side effects and the same whitening effect as any other chemical-based teeth-whitening toothpaste.

9. Which is better herbal or chemical toothpaste?

Both have similar whitening effects.
Herbal toothpaste has fewer surface defects to the enamel (fewer adverse effects).

Author-

Dr. Abi Negi

Dentist

10 + years of experience

Certification in Rotary Endodontics

Associate Fellowship in Laser Dentistry Certification in Practical Implantology

Certification in Laser Treatments Diploma in Practical Occlusion and Restorative Dentistry Course Advanced occlusion appliance therapy, TMD Comprehensive Course in Veneers - Ceramic & Composite Aesthetic Certified - Europe, Germany WHO Health Program Certified Certification in Laser Dentistry Fellow of the Academy of General Education (FAGE) Member of the Indian Dental Association (IDA)

Dr Abi Platinum Dental & Multispecialty Clinic

DENTAL || IMPLANTS || SKIN || LASERS|| HAIR

website - www.platinumdentalcentre.co.in

email me - doctorabi007@gmail.com

contact - 8791864036, 9560223554

Plot 9, Kaling Marg , Sector 5 Vaishali , Ghaziabad UP

References

1. Comparison between the effect of commercially available chemical teeth whitening paste and teeth whitening paste containing ingredients of herbal origin on human enamel.

2. Grossman's Endodontics Practice ed 14 "Teeth Bleaching".