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Whether it’s at home or through professionals, teeth whitening products are one of the most effective ways to get your teeth whitened. There are a ton of easily accessible teeth whitening products available in the market right now. The question is: How do you decide?
From everyday teeth whitening ingredients to over-the-counter products and medications, there are countless options available for those willing to look for it. However, inherent risks lie in using just any product you can find.
That’s why in this article, we will be diving deep into some of the most common teeth whitening products available. Let’s get started.
Natural Teeth Whiteners
The teeth whitening industry has an abundance of DIY whiteners that you can find online and in magazines. Here are the 3 most commonly mentioned methods:
Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide
Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide mixture is perhaps the most popular natural whitening combination. By mixing one tablespoon of baking soda and two tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide, you’ll end up with a paste that you can use to brush your teeth with daily.
Why does this work? The key lies in the abrasive nature of baking soda and the bleaching component of hydrogen peroxide. If you factor in the germ-killing, bacteria-squelching abilities of hydrogen peroxide, you get a perfect tooth whitening solution.
Unfortunately, this mixture doesn’t work instantly, you’ll only start noticing a difference after multiple days of continuous use.
Oil Pulling
Originating from India, this bleaching method is another effective solution on how to whiten yellow teeth. Put a tablespoon of coconut oil (if you don’t have one, you can use sesame oil or sunflower oil) before pushing and pulling the oil through your teeth. Do this for 15 to 20 minutes prior to spitting it out.
Oil pulling is a known natural teeth whitening method
Take note that this teeth whitening natural method is not scientifically proven to be effective but the same is known to reduce bacteria in the mouth.
Banana, Orange, or Lemon Peels
The peels of these three fruits contain citric acid, which should theoretically help in teeth whitening – though there’s not much research backing this theory up. People with sensitive teeth are discouraged from performing this method as sensitivity is a sign of worn-off enamel. Lathering your enamel-less teeth in citric acid will only hurt your teeth more.
To attempt this method, simply take a banana, orange, or lemon peel and gently rub it on your teeth. Rubbing for at least 2 minutes before thoroughly brushing your mouth and brushing your teeth will allow the citric acid to take effect on our teeth.
Healthy Living
Finally and perhaps the most effective way to naturally whiten your teeth, taking on proper oral hygiene and a healthy diet is the best way to not only maintain white teeth but to also improve your overall health.
Photo by Ella Olsson
A diet rich in fruits and vegetables is an effective way to naturally keep your teeth sterling white. Two fruits in particular, pineapple and strawberry, contain an enzyme called bromelain which has been scientifically proven to remove stains and prove useful in overall tooth whitening.
Over The Counter Teeth Whitening Products
Looking to spend and invest a little more into your teeth? These whitening products may cost more, but they’ve also been manufactured and created to serve exactly one purpose: to give you the brightest smile possible.
Teeth Whitening Kits
Teeth whitening kits look similar to in-office treatment. They make use of the same whitening gel and ingredients used by many other professional whitening treatments. The main difference here is that using the kit does not have professional supervision; you apply it by yourself.
Normally, teeth whitening kits come with an array of useful tools and instruments. These include custom trays, gel agents, LED lights, pen whiteners, and, of course, the set of instructions. Because of how sensitive this process is, make sure to strictly follow the procedure the whole way through.
Teeth Whitening Strips
Teeth-whitening strips are perhaps the most easy-to-apply item on this list. This teeth whitening product is also easy to find and takes less application time than other options.
Charcoal Toothpaste
Charcoal toothpaste is another very popular over-the-counter tooth whitening product. There are tons of dental products that contain activated charcoal because of how effective it is in removing the toughest of tooth stains.
Though more research is needed for conclusive results to be made, charcoal is known to be mildly abrasive and helps to absorb surface stains to some degree, improve bad breath, and prevent future staining.
Unfortunately, its abrasive nature means that continuous use is discouraged as it could wear down enamel.
How Much Do Teeth Whitening Products Cost In The Philippines?
Whitening Toothpaste: These hydrogen peroxide-based items can be purchased for as low as 150 pesos up to more than 750 pesos. The price typically depends on the ingredients used and its brand.
Charcoal Toothpaste: Meanwhile, this kind of whitening toothpaste is available for as low as 90 pesos also up to more than 1000 pesos. You can purchase The Smile Bar’s HiWhite Charcoal Black Mint Toothpaste for 500php and secure yourself a safe and effective whitening product.
Teeth whitening strips: You can get whitening strips for 46 pesos only (the lowest teeth whitening price in the Philippines yet) with 2 non-reusable pieces. Obviously, the offer is not for a long-term commitment but can be conveniently used for on-the-spot application needs. The price, however, can go as high as 2300 pesos with 40 strips which is good for 20 treatments. Normally at this rate, the product gives a better whitening effect with advanced seal technology and other professionally-made features.
Teeth whitening kits: Due to its equipment-intensive procedure, the starting price of this kind of dentifrice is relatively higher than others — starting at 900 pesos. It can even go for more than 3500 pesos depending on the manufacturer or distributor.
In-office Treatment: Whitening treatments administered by dental professionals always come with an extra cost given the intensive procedure used. A session may cost you at least 4000 pesos and may go up as high as 28500 with 12 whitening sessions. This may be the highest teeth whitening price in the Philippines but the services are worth every penny.
Should I Use Natural or Over The Counter Teeth Whitening Products?
You can respond to yellow teeth at home using natural or over-the-counter products. Both methods are accessible and cost-effective but what they make up for financially, you lose in efficiency and efficacy. As we find out more about these at-home practices, it’s scary to consider the possibility that these treatments may only do more harm than good. They might just ruin our teeth more than cleanse them.
The best option, then, is to always consult with professionals. Consider the availability of in-office treatments. Licensed practitioners are significantly better in terms of safety, effectiveness, and speed. You can book at The Smile Bar to see for yourself.
Your teeth will last you a lifetime, so why not give them the best care they deserve?
