From ancient remedies involving charcoal and pumice to cutting-edge laser technology, methods for teeth whitening have undergone a fascinating evolution. Teeth whitening refers to a variety of processes that aim to make someone’s natural teeth appear brighter and whiter. Teeth whitening methods include sanding down stains, bleaching, ultraviolet (UV) light therapy, and more. Before we take a look at the different methods of teeth whitening, it is important to understand the types of stains.

Intrinsic stains – Intrinsic stains, which permeate the inner layers of your tooth enamel, are referred to as intrinsic stains. Interestingly, intrinsic staining may be apparent even before your teeth emerge from the gums during childhood. This type of discoloration can be attributed to various factors, including the use of antibiotics, prolonged exposure to high levels of fluoride, and the natural thinning of tooth enamel that occurs with age. Additionally, intrinsic staining may have a genetic component, making some individuals more predisposed to this form of discoloration. 

Extrinsic stains – Extrinsic stains manifest on the external surface of your teeth, arising from exposure to environmental elements that impart discoloration to the enamel. Various substances, such as coffee, artificial food colorings, and tobacco, contribute to the development of these stains. The porous nature of tooth enamel allows these external agents to penetrate and leave noticeable discolorations. Individuals who frequently consume coffee or engage in smoking activities may find themselves particularly susceptible to the accumulation of extrinsic stains over time.

Teeth whitening options range from toothpaste with whitening ingredients to professional teeth whitening sessions overseen by your dentist. Many over-the-counter (OTC) and in-office treatment options use hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide to break down and minimize stains on your teeth. Talk with your dentist about any sensitivity you may experience after using whitening treatments at home or when receiving them at the dentist’s office. The different methods of teeth whitening are listed below.

• Brushing with baking soda – Baking soda has natural whitening properties, which is why it’s a popular ingredient in commercial toothpaste. It’s a mild abrasive that can help scrub away surface stains on teeth. Additionally, baking soda creates an alkaline environment in your mouth, which prevents bacteria from growing. This isn’t a remedy that will whiten your teeth overnight, but you should notice a difference in the appearance of your teeth over time.
• Whitening products – OTC whitening products include whitening toothpaste and mouthwash. These products may contain baking soda, which works as a mild abrasive to scrub stains away. Some whitening toothpaste also contains charcoal, which also has abrasive properties. Whitening formulas also may contain low concentrations of carbamide and hydrogen peroxide. Some abrasives can damage your tooth enamel if used too often or in the long term.
• Use Hydrogen peroxide – Hydrogen peroxide is a natural bleaching agent that also kills bacteria in your mouth. In fact, people have been using hydrogen peroxide for years to disinfect wounds because of its ability to kill bacteria. Many commercial whitening products contain hydrogen peroxide, although at a much higher concentration than you will use at home. Studies have shown that toothpastes containing a higher amount of  hydrogen peroxide have been effective in whitening after 12 weeks of use.
• Eat fruits and vegetables – A diet high in fruits and vegetables may be good for both your body and your teeth. While they’re no substitute for brushing them, crunchy, raw fruits and vegetables can help rub plaque away as you chew. Strawberries and pineapple are two fruits that have been claimed to help whiten your teeth.
• Get plenty of calcium in your diet – Some tooth discoloration is caused by enamel eroding and exposing the dentin underneath, which is yellow. Therefore, anything you do to strengthen the enamel of your teeth will help keep your teeth pearly white.
• Home whitening kits – Home whitening kits may take the form of a gel or paste that is applied to your teeth using a brush or in the form of sticky strips. Some home whitening kits involve covering your teeth with a whitening agent before placing a mouthguard on your teeth. Certain at-home kits have a heat lamp, blue light, or UV light within the mouthguard to “radiate” the whitening paste. 
• Teeth whitening at a dentist – Teeth whitening procedures offered at dental clinics have become a popular and effective way to enhance the brightness of one’s smile. Among the various techniques available, Zoom teeth whitening stands out as a leading option. Zoom is an in-office whitening procedure that utilizes a special light to activate a hydrogen peroxide-based gel, which penetrates the tooth enamel and breaks down stains. This process is known for its efficiency in delivering noticeable results in a short period, often within a single appointment. The procedure is supervised by dental professionals, ensuring safety and precision. Patients appreciate the convenience and effectiveness of Zoom teeth whitening, making it a sought-after choice for those seeking a brighter and more radiant smile under the expert care of a dental professional.

We at Rekha Dental Center offer a Zoom Teeth Whitening treatment which can provide up to 8 shades of whiter teeth in 45 mins. The procedure is gentle, employing an LED light-activated gel to ensure minimal to no sensitivity throughout and after the treatment. If you opt for the do-it-yourself approach, we gladly offer whitening gels and a personalized whitening tray after making sure that you are dentally fit to do the procedure.