0
Nowadays, a lot of teeth whitening procedures are circulating the internet, especially at-home methods — from using ingredients from the pantry, applying activated charcoal, to getting whitening treatments. With this wide array of choices, it can be difficult for one to choose what he/she/they want to try to achieve white teeth, but it is not so the case if one has the gist of its fundamentals.
Today, we will talk about the most common (and basic) ways to whiten your teeth that you can perform at the comfort of your home. After researching for the best methods of whitening, we were able to round them up to three distinct procedures:
- using charcoal teeth whitening toothpaste;
- teeth whitening strips; and
- teeth whitening kit
How to use charcoal teeth whitening toothpaste?
We’ve all heard of activated charcoal being used for varieties of reasons like in foods, body washes, shampoos, and now in toothpaste. Some experts believe that this ingredient is useful in removing yellowing substances clinging to our teeth’ enamel.
Answering a query on how to use charcoal teeth whitening toothpaste and its effectiveness, a health website said, “It may improve bad breath…It may help remove surface stains, but the long-term use of this product is still unknown due to limited studies.”
Its direction for use varies depending on its formulation, some may even cause abrasiveness if applied daily. But for The Smile Bar’s HiWhite Charcoal Black Mint Toothpaste, for example, using it twice a day at a pea-sized amount is still tolerable (know more about the product here).
For the best results, look for a charcoal toothpaste that contains fluoride to remineralize the enamel and avoid tooth decay. Some products, especially the charcoal powder ones, do not include fluoride which makes the whitening procedure ineffective. Knowing only how to use charcoal teeth whitening toothpaste wouldn’t do any good if one tends to forget the basic needs of his/her/they teeth.
Also, take note that charcoal-infused toothpaste is not suitable for everyone. It is not recommended for people wearing dental braces nor children below seven years old. This, however, may differ from product to product which is why it is always essential to check their direction for use to have a better understanding of how to use charcoal teeth whitening toothpaste (frequency, size, etc.).
After learning how to use charcoal teeth whitening toothpaste, try to apply it using HiWhite Charcoal toothpastes
How is teeth whitening strips used at home?
Just like the whitening method above, applying teeth whitening strips requires fully understanding the instructions written on the back or side of the product. Though, for most of it, these products have the same directions for use.
First, brush your teeth at least half an hour before putting on the strips. This is to make sure there will be little or no bacteria or food that will be trapped when the strip makes contact with the surface of your teeth. Waiting for at least 30 minutes after brushing lets the saliva remove any excess fluoride and readies the enamel for whitening.
After this, you may now apply the teeth whitening strips. Look for the gel side of the strip that will be used to cover your teeth; the non-gel side does not contain whitening agents. Take note, however, that this gel is not for consumption; swallowing a small or large amount may cause nausea, stomach irritation, or worse.
While applying, make sure the strip is covering your teeth entirely and evenly. If you’re having trouble putting it on, try lessening the moisture in your mouth by drying it with a towel or napkin (this also leads to better results). Do not let the strip touch the gums as this may cause irritation especially to highly sensitive ones.
Then, wait for around 30 minutes before taking the teeth whitening strips off. After applying, peel them off and throw them away. To remove the remaining gel in your mouth, try brushing your teeth or rinsing your mouth and, remember, do not swallow the gel.
It takes weeks or months before you could see the sustained results. To get the desired shade, carefully read the instructions of the product or, better, work with professionals.
A woman holding teeth whitening strips to use
How to use a D-I-Y home teeth whitening kit?
Another at-home procedure in whitening teeth you can use is the utilization of a teeth whitening kit. These kits are available through over-the-counter purchases or by getting them from the professional. Either way, its cost is relatively lower than in-office whitening treatments.
It normally comes with upper and lower trays, a gel whitening solution, a whitening pen, LED light, and a dental chart.
Depending on where you would get your kit, the trays are custom made to fit exactly on your teeth, or, for the cheaper teeth whitening kit, you may mold your own through thermo-fitting trays. Once you get it in shape, put an even amount of gel on the lower and upper trays. (Note: make sure your mouth is clean before the procedure).
Put your trays around your teeth tightly, making sure the gel is having contact with them. While at it, place the LED light in front of the trays. This will speed the chemical reactions that eradicate the stains. After 30 minutes, you may pull the trays off and wash them with cold water before drying and storing them back. Rinse your mouth with lukewarm water to remove the remaining gel.
Certain teeth whitening kits take effect after days of use, if not weeks. For professional kits, the procedure may even require regular visits for specific purposes.
Keep track of your teeth’ shade using the dental chart to see if there’s some improvement. Some products promise 10 shades-up transformations, but unfortunately, this is not always the case. For a sure 2 to 9 shades lighter teeth, you may opt to booking an in-office whitening service session with The Smile Bar to surely have a brighter smile.
A housewife using LED light that came with her teeth whitening kit
These are just some of the whitening procedures you can perform at your home. Feel free to discover other methods that you may find effective and safe and refrain from incorrectly using whitening products.
More than ever, it is now easier to access teeth whitening treatments be it in-office or at-home procedures. Having this privilege, one must understand not only its benefits but also the risks of wishing for white teeth. Carefully read the instructions, avoid being greedy, ask for professional help or advice, verify your source’s credibility, and have contentment. This way you can be more confident with your smile.
