White teeth are no longer withheld from the rich and beautiful. For many of us "normalos", radiantly beautiful teeth are part of a well-groomed appearance. Even if the color of our teeth says very little about our oral hygiene or the frequency of brushing our teeth – with a toothpaste smile you always make a good impression.
White teeth: the dream of toothpaste smiles
But what to do if the enjoyment of coffee, tea and wine or our nicotine addiction thwarted the calculation, the teeth yellowed unsightly and we also with a top electric toothbrush just can't get any further? From home remedies to different products for use in the home bathroom to a visit to the professional – the possibilities seem endless.
Everyone has to decide for themselves which treatment is the right one and which one feels comfortable with. If you want to try a natural variant first, you can take a look at an alternative to chemical, professional bleaching products; coconut oil is also said to help.
The causes of yellowed teeth
The reasons that keep us from white teeth can be very different in nature. For example, certain medications (e.g. antibiotics) or the degree of wear of the tooth enamel can also be the cause. Then the problem lies more in the "inside" of the tooth, in other words with the root or the dentin.
Most of the time, the "white teeth" project fails because of our diet or cigarette consumption. The foods known as "white teeth" killers include red wine, coffee and black tea. But ketchup, curry and cola are also not very beneficial for bright white teeth. The good news: these discolorations are only outside and can be removed relatively easily. And so:
Home paths to white teeth
If you want to avoid going to the dentist or an expensive treatment, you can choose from a wide variety of products these days, all of which can be easily used at home. Before we go into the individual methods, here is an overview:
- Whitening toothpaste
- Whitening gel
- Whitening strips
- Whitening pen
- Whitening powder / activated carbon
Whitening Toothpaste: The "Healthiest" Method?
At first glance, toothpaste – whether with or without a promised whitening effect – doesn't make you think bad. A toothpaste is supposed to be good for your teeth, isn't it? For sure! And if you pay a little attention to your "cleaning behavior", so should you Whitening toothpaste not cause damage to your teeth. Instead, small emery particles ensure that discoloration is removed.
It is better not to overdo it with the pressure of brushing your teeth. Otherwise you not only sand the dirt, but also the tooth enamel – not a good idea. You don't have to think about a new "morning routine". After all, regular brushing of teeth is the basic rule for anyone who would like to have bright white teeth.
Per: no additional time
Cons: if there is too much pressure when brushing, the tooth enamel is gradually removed
Whitening gel and splint for individual use
One of the most popular methods on the way to white teeth is definitely whitening gels. Unlike, for example, whitening strips, which we will come to later, the gels are usually accompanied by individually adjustable rails. Depending on the product, the bleaching gel is then – usually once a day – placed in the dental splint – or also called the whitening splint – and the splint is usually worn for around ten to 20 minutes. Various providers supplement it with an LED light to enhance the effect. Not a lot of time, especially when you consider that you can perform other tasks while wearing it. Especially since the application is limited to a few days anyway.
Per: Customizable
Cons: Correct use is important so that no gel gets on the gums
Whitening strips have advantages and disadvantages
If bleaching gels are too expensive for you, it is best to use bleaching strips. These are uncomplicated and quick to use. The finished strips are simply glued to the teeth and removed again after the specified exposure time. You should try not to cover the gums. Otherwise this could lead to irritation.
However, the disadvantage of this method is that the strips cannot be used to bleach the area near the interdental spaces. The strips are often not long enough to treat all teeth at the same time. Advantages and disadvantages remain Whitening strips so the scales.
Per: simple application
Cons: no precise treatment possible
Whitening pen: It is used to "brush" white teeth
Are also popular among fans of white teeth Whitening penswith which the teeth are simply "brushed". The application is simple and tricky at the same time. Because everyone can probably handle a pen – adjust difficulties like a dental splint, etc. omitted. But you also have to reach all (visible) teeth and brush them evenly. And then: If you close your mouth and your saliva and lips quickly remove the product – especially since contact can irritate the oral mucosa.
Tip: If you have enough time and patience, keep your lips away from your teeth for the duration of the exposure and then brush your teeth thoroughly. So the product can work well and nothing can happen to your mouth.
Per: "actually" simple application
Cons: Product may be removed too quickly
Whitening powder: Probably the most controversial method
Activated carbon has been hyped for a long time, especially on social media, which is worth it. In addition to the powder form, toothpaste with activated carbon is a popular attempt to get white teeth. The only difference is that activated carbon toothpastes run the risk of causing damage to your teeth rather than giving you a toothpaste smile. Similar to "conventional" whitening toothpastes, the particles sand your teeth, over time the enamel becomes rougher. The result: the uneven tooth surface becomes the ideal place to deposit unsightly stains.
Many activated carbon toothpastes also do without fluoride – an important helper in combating or preventing tooth decay and the like. You should Activated carbon still want to try it out, take a look at this product. It can be mixed with a conventional toothpaste and thus at least ensures that your toothpaste adds fluoride to you.
Per: Hype
Cons: Danger of permanent tooth damage
You now know the different procedures and products, but before you storm away and jump on one of the procedures, we should first briefly deal with how you can optimally prepare your treatment. Because, as you have already learned in part above, the whitening products can also have negative effects on our teeth. Of course, this varies depending on the product and ingredients. If you are unsure, the best thing to do is to ask a dentist and get professional advice.
What needs to be considered?
A visit to the dentist should be compulsory before every (domestic) whitening. Not only to get advice from a specialist – as mentioned above – but above all to have your teeth examined beforehand. Because healthy, yellowed teeth should not later become unhealthy, white teeth. Especially if you have fillings or fake teeth, you should have a doctor check whether whitening can make sense, i.e. lead to white teeth. So much in advance: You will hardly be able to change the color of your fillings with the conventional bleaching methods.
Professional tooth cleaning is also recommended. As a result, the teeth are optimally cleaned and prepared for treatment with whitening products. Especially since the first whitening effect could already be observed during tooth cleaning. The dentist easily removes light deposits of coffee and the like. Perhaps you will only decide which method you want to use on the way to white teeth after you have cleaned your teeth. Depending on how the result is after visiting the dentist.
Teeth whitening is never completely without risks. Depending on the product, peroxides or emery particles can attack the tooth and especially the sensitive gums and the oral mucosa. If you notice that your teeth are becoming more sensitive during treatment, this is not a reason to panic but rather normal. Nevertheless: If you find something "strange", you are in pain or something catches fire in your mouth, stop treatment or consult a doctor before continuing.
After all, what do white teeth bring you if you can no longer smile because of the pain ?!
The teeth are shining again – will it stay that way?
The bad but understandable news: No, over time the teeth will gradually turn yellow. Because – as long as you don't completely do without coffee and Co. after lightening – the "normal" yellowing process will start again. That means, depending on your own lifestyle and eating habits, the – or another – procedure will have to be repeated. And at the latest in old age, when the enamel becomes thinner and the dentin shines through, you will also have to say goodbye to the ideal idea of "white teeth". This is a natural process and no reason not to shine wholeheartedly. Because that's what matters in the end, isn't it ?!
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