Dental whitening

DENTAL WHITENING

A bright smile is often associated with good health, youth, and confidence. Over time, however, teeth naturally darken as the outer enamel layer thins and the yellow dentine beneath becomes more visible. Ageing, dietary habits, smoking, trauma, and certain dental treatments can all contribute to this discolouration.

This guide explains the causes of tooth staining and explores safe, effective whitening options. It also answers common questions, including how whitening works, whether it is safe, how long it lasts, and which methods dentists recommend.

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

EU and UK regulations limit the strength of whitening products available to the public to ensure safety. As a result, most over-the-counter products have very low concentrations of active ingredients and tend to produce minimal results.

Common Home Whitening Options

• Whitening Strips and Gels: Readily available but require consistent use for subtle improvement.
• Whitening Toothpastes: Contain mild abrasives and small amounts of peroxide to remove surface stains.
• Whitening Mouthwashes: Offer gradual brightening when used regularly.
• LED Whitening Kits: Combine a mild gel with a light device, though effectiveness varies widely.

Advantages: Convenient and affordable, with gradual improvements and minimal sensitivity.

Limitations: Uneven or limited results; overuse of abrasive products may thin enamel and make teeth appear darker.

Tooth staining can be superficial (extrinsic) or internal (intrinsic), and treatment depends on the cause and severity.

Superficial Staining

Superficial stains develop on the enamel surface and can often be prevented with good oral hygiene and limiting stain-causing foods and drinks. Tea, coffee, and red wine contain dark pigments that adhere to enamel, and all can reduce saliva flow, allowing stains to build up faster. Alcohol, especially consumed in the evening, worsens staining as saliva naturally decreases at night.

Smoking and vaping are also major contributors. Both dry the mouth and lead to surface discolouration; when combined with alcohol, staining occurs more rapidly.

Once stains appear, only a dental professional—a hygienist, therapist, or dentist—can remove them safely. Attempting to scrub stains away at home with abrasive products can permanently damage enamel.

Airflow polishing, a treatment using air, water, and fine powder, is an excellent method for removing heavy staining. In cases of severe discolouration, more than one hygiene visit may be necessary.

Internal Staining

Internal (intrinsic) stains develop within the tooth and cannot be removed by brushing or polishing. These require professional treatment using one or more of the following techniques:

• Micro-abrasion: A fine polishing paste gently removes a thin enamel layer; several applications may be needed.
• Icon Resin Infiltration: A specialist material is applied to mask discoloured enamel, ideal for patchy or mottled teeth.
• Internal Whitening: Used to brighten teeth that have undergone root canal treatment.
• Professional Whitening: Once intrinsic stains are addressed, overall tooth shade can be lightened with standard whitening.

Fillings and composite bonding can also discolour over time, but these can usually be polished or refreshed by your dentist.

Regular hygiene visits—every three to six months, or as advised—will help maintain a bright, clean smile.

WHAT DO DENTISTS USE TO WHITEN TEETH?

Results typically last six months to three years, depending on oral hygiene, diet, and lifestyle.

For long-lasting brightness, a dentist-supplied take-home whitening kit remains the most effective option. It allows you to control the level of whitening and top up results when needed with professional gel refills.

Creating custom trays is simple: a mould or digital scan of your teeth is taken, and your dentist will show you how to apply the gel correctly. Trays are usually worn for two to three hours during the day or overnight, with results visible after seven to ten days.

Only dentists are legally permitted to provide professional whitening products in the UK and EU. Your dentist will ensure your teeth and gums are healthy before treatment and recommend any necessary preparation, such as treating decay or gum issues.

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, which 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