The Secret to A Brighter Smile: All Natural Teeth Whitening at The Dentist

Who doesn't want a bright, white smile? While store-bought whitening strips may seem tempting, natural teeth whitening methods performed by your dentist are the most effective way to safely whiten your teeth.

Read on to learn the best natural whitening techniques and why you should have them performed by a professional.

Most Effective Forms of Natural Teeth Whitening

Whether you’re looking for teeth whitening at a dentist or all natural teeth whitener at home, there are options outside of the potentially harmful strips or mouthwash.

Let’s take a look at some of the best all natural teeth whitening solutions.

Traditional Brushing and Flossing

While it seems simple, properly brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day is the foundation of good oral health and a bright smile.

Brushing gently buffs out surface stains, while flossing removes food particles and plaque that can discolor teeth over time. Invest in whitening toothpaste for extra polishing power.

Oil Pulling

This ancient Ayurvedic practice involves swishing oil like coconut or sesame around your mouth for up to 20 minutes. The oil "pulls" bacteria from your teeth and gums. While oil pulling is great for oral health, there's no evidence it naturally whitens.

Baking Soda

Baking soda is a mild abrasive that scrubs away stains when used as a paste. For best results, switch to a whitening toothpaste with baking soda. Taking this gradual approach helps remove surface stains over time without damaging enamel.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide can effectively change the color of teeth as it penetrates underneath the enamel.

Painting an over-the-counter 6% hydrogen peroxide gel onto teeth for 2 weeks can make a noticeable difference. However, higher concentrations found in professional whitening gels work faster.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Despite its health benefits, there's no science backing claims that swishing apple cider vinegar whitens teeth. It may help kill bacteria before brushing, but won't remove stains or change tooth color. Any positive effects on tooth shade are likely temporary.

What do Dentists Use to Whiten Teeth?

Dentists have access to stronger concentrations of hydrogen peroxide, typically between 25-40%, for in-office whitening treatments.

They apply a protective gel around your gums before painting the whitening solution directly onto your teeth. Some also use specialized UV or laser lights to activate and enhance the whitening gel.

These professional hydrogen peroxide formulas work quickly, lightening your smile up to 8 shades in one visit. Dentists can also provide custom-fitted whitening trays to take home if you require gradual treatment over time.

At Smiles of Cary, we offer a wide range of services that include plenty of natural teeth whitening options.

Why are my Teeth Still Yellow After Whitening?

If your teeth remain yellow after a whitening treatment, the cause may be intrinsic staining rather than surface stains. Intrinsic discoloration happens gradually as substances penetrate the inner structure of your teeth, usually due to:

• Medications like tetracycline
• Excessive fluoride consumption
• Trauma that causes internal bleeding
• Aging over time

Surface stains can be corrected through professional bleaching, but intrinsic stains require more advanced cosmetic treatments. Consult your dentist if whitening doesn't give you the results you hoped for.

Final Thoughts

For best results, opt for natural teeth whitening from a dentistry professional.

Not only are clinical-grade whitening solutions safer, but dentists can safely administer higher peroxide concentrations for dramatically whiter teeth after one visit.

And if you require ongoing maintenance, custom trays allow you to gradually whiten from home over time.

It’s important to understand that yellow or stained teeth aren’t always a sign of poor oral hygiene or “bad” teeth.

But, if it’s impacting your self-esteem, it could be time to do something about it.

Looking for a dentist in Cary, NC? Browse our different dental services today!