How do I whiten my teeth?

 

 

How do I whiten my teeth?

 

There are 2 kinds of tooth stains. One is internal, while 

the other is external.

 

External stains are found on the tooth surface.

They may be caused by tobacco, tartar, and colored food 

and drink. Some drinks that cause stains are coffee, tea, 

red wine, and dark-colored sodas.

 

Internal stains are those found beneath the

surface of your tooth. They may be caused by

aging, excessive fluoride intake, and certain

kinds of medicine.

 

 

At-home whitening treatments you can buy at 

the store

 

• Whitening strips get rid of internal stains.

These strips stick to teeth, allowing a whitening

agent to work its way into the tooth. 

 

• Place whitening strips on top and bottom 

teeth

 

• Wear the strips for up to 30 minutes or as

instructed by packaging 

 

• A whitening toothpaste can take away 

surface stains if used often. Every time you 

brush with a whitening paste, you are 

preventing stains that can be caused by food, 

drinks, tobacco, or plaque buildup.

 

 

 

 

Professional whitening At the dentist

Your dental professional can offer you 

helpful in-office tooth whitening options. 

These include gels and whitening lights.

 

The gels contain high levels of peroxide that

penetrate teeth to reduce staining. Talk to 

your dental professional to learn more about 

in-office whitening treatments.

 

• Whitening gel will be put on your 

front teeth.

 

• The gel is left on for 15 to 20 minutes 

and then washed off.

 

 

At-home treatments prescribed by

your dental professional

 

You can also whiten your smile at home 

with products prescribed by your dental 

office.

 

Your dental professional will make a 

mold of your teeth and then give you a 

clear plastic tray made just for you. At 

home, you will fill your custom-

made tray with whitening gel. This gel 

will stay on your teeth for at least an

hour.

 

• Put the whitening gel inside your

custom-made tray

 

• Wear the tray for at least 1 hour

 

 

 

Quick tips for stain prevention

 

 

• Brush and floss twice daily to 

prevent plaque and tartar buildup 

and remove surface stains.

 

• Cut back on dark foods and drinks 

such as berries, coffee, tea, and 

red wine.

 

• Avoid smoking or chewing 

tobacco.

 

• Use whitening products such as 

whitening toothpaste and strips.

 

• Visit your dental professional 

every 6 months for a regular 

dental cleaning.