3 Ways to whiten your teeth

Look in the mirror. Now smile your biggest smile. Are you happy with what you see? Or are you someone who attempts to smile with your mouth closed because you’re embarrassed of the colour of your teeth?

“Changes in the colour of your teeth happen gradually,” says Dr Tilesh Bhoola from the Tooth Doctor in Durban North in KwaZulu-Natal, “and there are two types of stain – extrinsic and intrinsic. Intrinsic stains are much harder to remove and include overexposure to fluoride as a child, certain medication, oral trauma, and natural ageing of dentine as your teeth age. On the other hand, extrinsic stains are superficial and easily removed. These are caused by certain foods (like berries), coffee and tea, wine, smoking, chewing tobacco, and poor oral hygiene.”

OTC vs professional treatment

With the number of OTC (over-the-counter) whitening products on the shelves these days, this treatment option has become more accessible. Yes, you do get results, but perhaps the results will not be as dramatic as you would like, or last long. 

On the other hand, if you opt for a professional whitening treatment recommended and administered by a dentist, therapist or hygienist, your smile will be considerably whiter straight away. More importantly, your smile will remain whiter for longer.

“Professional treatment options include in-chair whitening, take home maintenance kits, UV lightening, and laser. These range from R2 000 to R10 000 depending on the treatment plan,” says Tilesh. 

Tilesh explains the three options:

1. In-chair treatments: In-chair treatments can be used in conjunction with UV light and laser to accelerate the whitening process. Generally, a higher concentration of hydrogen peroxide is used than OTC treatments. These processes are quick, and the results are normally long-lasting.

2. Take home kits: Take home kits have a lower concentration of active ingredients and are prescribed to patients who have done an in-chair process and simply need to top-up, or for those who already have white teeth. The results usually last 12 to 24 months when combined with good oral habits.

3. Over-the-counter products: Whitening toothpastes and strips may temporarily help lessen surface stains, but the results may be disappointing on intrinsic stains.
“If professional treatment is not an option, OTC products may help with stain removal. However, one needs to be aware that they may not contain the same level of active ingredients as a professionally administered whitening product, and the desired results may not be achieved,” says Tilesh. 

“I often get asked about home remedies to assist with stain removal – of which there are many – but none will whiten teeth,” adds Tilesh.

Products for DIY tooth whitening:

Colgate Optic White Expert Toothpaste 75ml

White Glo Extreme Whitening Pen With Strips

White Glo Charcoal Powder 30g

White Glo Smokers Toothpaste 125ml

White Glo Diamond Whitening Kit

Pearl Drops Instant Boost Toothpolish 50ml

IMAGE CREDIT: Getty Images