Initially, we couldn’t leave the tray in for the recommended 15 minutes because it was so uncomfortable. But over time, we did get used to it. The best part was that our teeth whitened. Even though we only left it in for about eight minutes, our teeth went up a full shade. It hurt, but the pain was worth it in our eyes. We also started with the highest concentration possible, which we wouldn’t recommend if you have sensitive teeth or have never whitened your teeth before (in that case, you may want to start with the lowest concentration and work your way up from there). Read on to learn about teeth whitening, including a guide to teeth whitening products such as whitening toothpaste and strips, teeth whitening at home, and whether teeth whitening is safe to do at home. IS TEETH WHITENING SAFE?

Wheater, M., & Friedl, Z. (2016). Effect of Oil Pulling on Tooth Whitening In Vitro. Journal of Advanced Oral Research, 7(1), 20-23. Full text: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/2229411220160104 When shopping for a mouth guard, there are three crucial factors to take into consideration. These are: 1. Material and type Oil pulling — Oil pulling is an Ayurvedic method that involves swishing oil around the mouth. While the treatment can improve bad breath, it’s not proven to remove tooth stains.

We used the products for the first time in our Verywell Testing Laband continued to use them at home according to manufacturer instructions. In the Lab and at home, we took note of how easy it was to set up and apply the product or treatment, as well as how our teeth felt before and after the treatment (e.g., if there was any sensitivity or discomfort from the appliance or device itself). For your safety, using at-home products for teeth whitening is best. These products may come in the form of whitening kits or whitening strips. Apple cider vinegar — Vinegar contains acid, weakening the enamel and leading to tooth decay. Do not apply any type of vinegar to your teeth.

In testing, this gel was easy to put on and caused no discomfort during or after application (including for those of us with sensitive teeth). The mouthpiece fit well and stayed in place, thanks to the fact that it’s soft and flexible, not rigid. We also loved that the tray could be plugged into our smartphones, so we could get up and move around the house while we waited out the whitening time. There are many ways to whiten your teeth. What is important is the fact that your dentist can provide you the best outcome. Remember that only enamel can be whitened; tooth colored fillings, crowns and veneers can not be bleached out. Active decay must be taken care of before bleaching is done to reduce any possibility of root canals. The most important thing is that your dentist evaluates your situation to give you the professional guidance needed for the most predictable results. Gently place the tray over your teeth, being careful to allow the fit to protect your gums from being exposed to the gel.Only go to a registered dental professional for teeth whitening because whitening by people who aren't qualified, for example in beauty salons, is illegal. Teeth whitening includes various cosmetic treatments to create a brighter smile. Some can be done at home via whitening kits or products, while others can be done at your dentist’s office. Whitening treatments are usually not covered by health insurance. Although hydrogen peroxide can be used, carbamide peroxide is considered the industry standard because it has a much longer shelf life. It is important to use a mouthguard that fits properly. A person should take the time to research and choose one that does the best job of meeting their needs and the shape of their mouth. Finally, we were surprised how much brighter our teeth became in testing this product—we felt the kit more than earns its place on our list and is well worth its cost. We even think it may have been more effective than previous whitening treatments we've done in the past at the dentist's office.

Whitening strips are thin pieces of plastic containing a layer of the whitening agent. Simply apply them to the surface of your teeth, leave them on for a few minutes, and then remove them. Teeth whitening is a form of dentistry and should only be carried out by a dentist or another regulated dental professional, such as a dental hygienist or dental therapist, on the prescription of a dentist. They are all carefully designed and tested by experts and professional dentists to ensure a one-size-fits-all form. The tasteless polyvinyl material allows for the ultimate durability and comfort, while their thin design makes it easy to wear without feeling too bulky. Epple, M., et al. “ A Critical Review of Modern Concepts for Teeth Whitening .” Dentistry Journal, National Library of Medicine, 2019. Casado, B. G., Moraes, S. L., Souza, G. F., Guerra, C. M., Souto-Maior, J. R., Lemos, C. A., …& Pellizzer, E. P. (2018). Efficacy of dental bleaching with whitening dentifrices: A systematic review. International Journal of Dentistry, 2018. Full text: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6232812/

How do I care for my mouth guard?

DIY teeth whitening can be safe and effective. Choose over-the-counter whitening kits and natural, at-home remedies like a baking soda and water paste. Repairing broken fillings and making any necessary bite adjustments is the first step to treating grinding or clenching. After that, a dentist-recommended mouth guard (sometimes referred to as a night guard or splint) can be helpful to wear while you sleep. It acts as a barrier between your teeth, so your enamel doesn't wear down as you grind. Furthermore, it can even help you break the grinding habit itself! Mouth Guards for TMD Problems Extrinsic stains are on the outside of your tooth. These happen due to environmental exposure to things that leave discoloration on your tooth enamel. Coffee, artificial food colorings, and smoking can all cause this type of staining. If you have permanent damage to your teeth, including discoloration that can’t be fixed, talk to your dentist about veneers.