Dental whitening

TOOTH WHITENING

Why do we want to whiten teeth? It is a natural instinct.

As we age, our teeth thin and appear darker due to the dentine within the teeth starting to show through. As our teeth wear and chip and crack, or are restored with fillings, they naturally become darker still.

We also are aware that darker teeth represent disease. Decayed teeth look dark. Teeth that have been knocked or through some level of trauma also appear darker, as do teeth that have had root canal treatment.

We are usually attracted to good health and healthy teeth tend to be whiter.

Of course, we also observe what is around us and we often believe what is seen to be good, and with so many celebrities, sports people, and people in the public eye flashing their amazing set of teeth, we aspire to that and want to be like them - that is what successful people should look like.

So, this blog is designed to give some insight into why teeth may be discoloured and what options we have to make our teeth look whiter.

I hope to cover questions we are commonly asked at the practice, such as “how to whiten your teeth at home”, "is teeth whitening safe", "how to whiten teeth naturally", "how to get rid of yellow teeth", "why are my teeth yellow", "how to remove stains from teeth", "how do dentists whiten teeth", "what do dentists use to whiten teeth", "does dentist whitening work", "can a dentist whiten your teeth in one visit", "how long does dentist teeth whitening last", and give an idea as to the costs.

WHY ARE MY TEETH YELLOW?

Tooth discolouration can occur for various reasons, including:

• Diet: Consuming coffee, tea, red wine, and dark-coloured foods can stain enamel.
• Smoking: Nicotine and tar from cigarettes cause yellow or brown stains.
• Ageing: Over time, enamel thins, revealing the yellowish dentine underneath.
• Poor Oral Hygiene: Inadequate brushing and flossing allow plaque and tartar buildup, leading to discolouration.
• Medications & Genetics: Certain antibiotics and genetic factors can affect tooth colour.

HOW TO WHITEN YOUR TEETH AT HOME

The EU sensibly restricted the strength of whitening products available to dentists so that the materials used are very safe but still very effective. The EU also restricted the sale of whitening products in direct to customer products, limiting the strength of the whitening chemical to such a degree that this effectively rendered at home over the counter whitening kits (ie not from a dentist) totally ineffective.

There are several home-based teeth whitening methods, including:

1. Over-the-Counter Whitening Strips & Gels: Easily available and effective but require consistent use.
2. Whitening Toothpaste: Contains mild abrasives and low levels of peroxide to help remove surface stains.
3. Whitening Mouthwashes: Contains small amounts of hydrogen peroxide for gradual whitening.
4. LED Whitening Kits: These include whitening gel and a blue light device for enhanced results.

PROS:

• Convenient and affordable
• Gradual results with minimal side effects

CONS:

• Results are patchy and nowhere near as effective as professional treatments provided by your dentist
• May cause mild sensitivity

Also, you should beware! Some products, such as stain removing toothpastes, will actually make your teeth darker - thinning the enamel and letting the dentine show through.

HOW TO WHITEN TEETH NATURALLY

It has been reported that people try to whiten their teeth at home. Clearly this is not advised, and in most cases can quickly severely and irreversibly damage teeth.

1. BAKING SODA & HYDROGEN PEROXIDE: A homemade paste can help remove stains, however, this is very abrasive, wearing down the teeth quickly, making them appear more yellow, and will render the teeth quite sensitive. Teeth worn in this way can be very difficult to restore.
2. OIL PULLING WITH COCONUT OIL: Swishing oil in your mouth for 10–15 minutes may help reduce plaque. The plaque will develop into calculus (or tartar) which is porous and picks up stains very quickly. It should be noted that there is no clinical evidence to support this.
3. APPLE CIDER VINEGAR: Diluted vinegar can help whiten teeth but will also rapidly wear the teeth, making them appear more yellow and sensitive.
4. STRAWBERRIES & BAKING SODA: The malic acid in strawberries can aid in whitening, but again this process will very quickly damage the teeth and actually make them appear more yellow.

PROS:

• There are no pros to these methods of whitening teeth and they should be avoided at all cost

CONS:

• Irreversibly damage teeth and make them look darker/more yellow

HOW TO REMOVE STAINS FROM TEETH

There are different types of stains - superficial (or extrinsic) and internal (intrinsic).

Superficial staining can be prevented by meticulous at-home cleaning methods and avoiding items in your diet that may contribute to staining. Teas, coffee, and alcohol (such as red wine) contain heavy, dark colour pigments that can stain teeth quickly. These sorts of drinks also reduce the amount of saliva in your mouth, and having a dry mouth means your teeth will stain quicker. It also happens that we often drink alcohol later at night, when our mouths already produce less saliva and so staining is even more rapid.

Smoking is apparently now back on the increase in younger populations in the UK, and vaping also causes staining and also causes dry mouth. When combined with alcohol the two can cause rapid staining of teeth.

Once your teeth are stained superficially, only your dental hygienist or therapist or dentist will be able to remove the stains. Trying to remove the stains at home may irreversibly damage your teeth. Airflow procedures are very popular and widely available these days and are very effective at removing excessive stains. Be warned though, if you have badly stained teeth, you may need to visit the hygienist for two or more visits.

Internal or intrinsic stains have to be removed by the dentist. There are different techniques such as:

• MICRO-ABRASION - a special slurry is applied to the teeth and used to polish the teeth. Several applications may be needed
• ICON RESIN INFILTRATION - a special chemical is applied to the teeth. Several applications may be needed, and this is very effective at evening out the colour of teeth with many different colours. Please also refer to our detailed blog on ICON
• INTERNAL TOOTH WHITENING - whitening the tooth from within, this applies only to teeth which have had a root canal treatment
• REGULAR (PROFESSIONAL) TOOTH WHITENING

Fillings and composite bonding in particular can also become stained. These can usually be polished off by the dentist.

As a general rule of thumb, new superficial stains can be kept at bay by looking after your teeth well at home, keeping them very clean and attending the hygienist regularly, every three to six months unless otherwise advised.

HOW DO DENTISTS WHITEN TEETH?

Professional teeth whitening is much more effective. The common methods include:

1. IN-OFFICE WHITENING: A powerful bleaching agent (hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide) is applied, often activated by a special light or laser.
2. CUSTOM TAKE-HOME TRAYS: Dentists provide personalised trays with professional-grade whitening gel for use over a few weeks.

WHAT DO DENTISTS USE TO WHITEN TEETH?

• Hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide in high concentrations
• A laser or LED light may be needed to activate the bleaching gel
• Desensitising agents to reduce sensitivity

DOES DENTIST WHITENING WORK?

Yes, professional whitening is highly effective, offering dramatic and immediate results.

CAN A DENTIST WHITEN YOUR TEETH IN ONE VISIT?

Yes! In-office procedures can whiten teeth by several shades in a single 60–90 minute session.

HOW LONG DOES DENTIST TEETH WHITENING LAST?

Results can last from 6 months to 3 years, depending on lifestyle habits and oral hygiene.

Studies show, and it is widely accepted, that the only effective way to whiten your teeth for the long term is the take-home whitening kit supplied by your dentist. You have a great deal of control over how white your teeth become, and you can top up as and when necessary - you just need your dentist to supply you with more whitening gels.

Making the custom made trays is quite simple. A mould or digital scan will be taken by one of the dental team. A week later you will return to pick up the trays and the gel. Even if you already have the custom made whitening trays, or if it is your first time using them, the dentist will need to show you how to use the whitening trays, and place them in your mouth with the whitening gel in the trays. Thereafter you are good to repeat the process at home. The trays can be worn for 2-3 hours in the day time or overnight, though check you have the correct whitening gels as they vary for day and night time. After 7-10 days your teeth will appear much whiter.

Good quality whitening products are only available from your dentist. If anyone else attempts to sell you whitening products, or offers a whitening service, it is not legal in the UK or the EU.

Your teeth and gums will need to be in good order before you whiten your teeth, whichever method you choose. Only a dentist can verify if you are suitable for tooth whitening. In some cases, simple, non-invasive treatments may be required to prepare for the whitening process. In other cases, all fillings and gum treatments will be needed prior to the teeth being whitened.

HOW MUCH IS TEETH WHITENING IN THE UK?

• IN-OFFICE WHITENING: £400–£1,500 per session
• TAKE-HOME KITS: £200–£600
• INSURANCE COVERAGE: Typically, not covered, as it is a cosmetic procedure

POTENTIAL COMPLICATIONS & SIDE EFFECTS

While teeth whitening is generally safe, some risks include:

• TOOTH SENSITIVITY: Temporary discomfort from peroxide exposure, this always resolves.
• GUM IRRITATION: Whitening agents can sometimes irritate gums, but this is extremely rare with the new EU restrictions.
• UNEVEN WHITENING: Fillings and crowns do not whiten like natural teeth if at all

PROS & CONS OF TEETH WHITENING

CONCLUSION: WHICH TEETH WHITENING METHOD IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

You need to consult and discuss this with your dentist. If you are looking for long term, consistent outcomes, the professional take home kit is best. If you need a quick outcome, say for a special day, the in-office whitening may be best for you.