Whitening Teeth from Home
Teeth whitening has got very popular over the last couple of years. Just because the market is oversaturated, it doesn’t mean that it is safe for you to go with any home teeth whitening kits that your favourite influencer gets paid to promote.
More and more people are paying for brighter and whiter teeth. But how does teeth whitening from home work? And is it safe?
Whitening your teeth can give you a confidence boost.
Home teeth whitening kits allow you to whiten your teeth in the comfort of your own home. However, while at-home kits cannot use any concentration stronger than 0.1% of hydrogen peroxide, it will not be the same results as if you were to get your teeth whitened at the dentist. This is because dentists can use six percent hydrogen peroxide.
Some home teeth-whitening kits sold online contain dangerous levels of bleaching chemicals that can burn your gums and cause other unfortunate side effects.
What is teeth whitening?
Teeth whitening is the process of lightening the natural colour of your teeth without removing any of the tooth surface, and can be quite effective. Teeth whitening has become increasingly popular due to many celebrities and online influencers promoting the effects of home teeth whitening kits.
Why would I need my teeth whitened?
There are a number of reasons as to why you might need to get your teeth whitened. Simply just for aesthetic purposes, it is great to have white teeth because not everyone has brilliant-white teeth. Teeth can get discoloured over time and the natural hue of some people’s teeth sometimes isn’t as white as they would like.
The surface of your teeth can be stained by foods and drinks such as red wine, tea or coffee. Smoking can also be a major factor to aid in staining teeth.
The buildup of or tartar can also affect the colour of your teeth. Some people may have staining under the surface, this can be caused by various reasons, however, whitening the teeth can help with this.
How long does teeth whitening take?
A professional teeth whitening treatment at your dentist typically takes up to four weeks and 3-4 appointments or sessions.
Will teeth whitening damage my teeth?
Your tooth enamel is considered the hardest tissue in the human body. While the chemicals in teeth whitening kits and procedures may make your teeth slightly sensitive and in some unfortunate instances, some people’s gums may react badly to home teeth whitening kits, teeth whitening gel will not damage or harm your tooth enamel.
Can any dentist whiten my teeth?
Teeth whitening does not require a specialised dentist, any dentist is able to whiten teeth as long as they are registered with the General Dental Council. Hygienists can also carry out teeth whitening.
Is teeth whitening available on the NHS?
Teeth whitening is not usually available on the NHS unless there is a medical reason for you to get it done. Otherwise, teeth whitening can only be done privately as it is considered as a cosmetic treatment.
What are the risks of whitening your teeth at home or the salon?
Home teeth whitening kits are designed in a one-size-fits-all way. This means that the ingredients in them are not specific to your needs and, therefore, may not be that effective on your teeth. This is the case with many at-home teeth whitening kits.
It is also important to note that it is illegal for any untrained ‘professional’ to carry out any teeth whitening service. This needs to be done by a qualified dental profession. This is illegal and also puts your oral health at risk.
What are the risks of teeth whitening?
Whether you choose to use a home teeth whitening kit or go to your dental practice to get it done (which we highly recommend), there is a chance that your gums will become sensitive to the chemicals used during the teeth whitening process. This is particularly likely if you already have sensitive teeth.
There is also a higher chance for the chemicals in home teeth whitening kits to cause burns to the gums. Some home teeth whitening kits can also be harmful to the tooth enamel. This is why you should be very careful with teeth whitening, especially if you choose to do it at home by yourself.
Teeth whitening – Facts and Tips
- Tooth whitening isn’t permanent whitening of your teeth. It can last from a few months to up to a few years, if it is done professionally. Home kits often last a few weeks.
- You are only able to get your teeth whitening done on the NHS if there is a medical justification for why you need the procedure done.
- Providers offering the service in the UK should be registered with the General Dental Council. Dental hygienists and therapists can carry out teeth whitening on the prescription of a dentist if they have the necessary additional skills.
- Some beauty salons offer teeth whitening, but this is illegal if there’s no dental professional present. The best place to get your teeth whitening done would be in a dental practice with professional dentists.
If you go the DIY route, look to buy home teeth whitening kits from a reputable high-street retailer, as the legal responsibilities to ensure products are safe are stronger there than on online marketplaces.
There are ways you can DIY a teeth whitening recipe at home with normal household items. Check out how to do it here.
Professional stain removal and whitening is the fastest way to get rid of yellow teeth. However, the path to whiter teeth should normally start at home. If you want to reduce the amount of yellow stains on your teeth, you should think about making changes. Make sure that your dental hygiene is as good as it should be, drink less sugar filled drinks such as fruit juices and soft drinks that cause staining and quit smoking, if you are a smoker.
You can read more about how to prevent tooth stains here.
The dental professionals at the Neem Tree are happy to talk to you about how you can prevent yellow tooth staining at home. You can also book an appointment for stain removal, teeth whitening or both. We recommend a professional hygiene treatment, stain removal and whitening combined, for the best results. Contact the team at the Neem Tree about getting rid of your yellow teeth.
Book an appointment with our dental hygienists now to find out more about how to keep your teeth and gums as healthy as possible. Find out more about our dental hygiene services.
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Contact us today to find out more about teeth whitening from home by contacting one of our practices in Esher, Surrey or Wandsworth, South West London.