Contrary to popular belief, the actual color of our teeth is not bright white. There are tiny tubules called dentin under the enamel that connect to the dental nerve in each tooth. The dentin is yellow, causing our teeth to have a natural yellow tinge. Though the enamel has a natural white hue, the yellow dentin tends to show. You can opt for teeth whitening treatment if your teeth have a dark yellow tinge.

Causes of teeth discoloration

It is almost impossible to maintain the natural color of our teeth, as the food we eat and drink, aging, and illnesses cause discoloration. The enamel begins to thin as we grow old and the yellow color from the dentin begins to appear more prominently.

Other causes of discoloration include:

Brushing fast and vigorously

Using toothbrushes with hard or medium bristles

Bruxism

Long term use of activated charcoal

Plaque accumulation

Poor oral hygiene

Excessive consumption of sugar-rich foods and beverages

What happens in a teeth whitening treatment?

Teeth whitening treatments use bleaching agents that contain either carbamide or hydrogen peroxide. The percentage of peroxide may be higher in professional treatments than in home-based products. Using the product longer may produce better results. However, constantly using the bleaching agents can cause tooth sensitivity. If you are using home-based products, read instructions carefully and do not use them longer than the recommended time to avoid side effects.

Different teeth whitening treatments

You can choose from two methods of teeth whitening treatment:

Professional office-based treatment
If you are looking for a powerful, long-lasting effect or want to look your best for a special occasion, you can consider teeth whitening treatment at a dentist’s office. Dentists typically use peroxide-based treatment or combine laser and peroxide treatment once they ascertain that the patient has no allergies, tooth-related issues, or implants or dental bridges. They also advise pregnant and lactating women to avoid teeth whitening treatments.

Home care treatment
If you want a quick and low-cost treatment, you can pick up a teeth whitening kit with a customized mouthpiece. All you have to do is put the whitening agent in the mouthpiece and use it for a few hours every day. There are many other DIY and over-the-counter teeth whitening products like toothpaste, gels, and strips to choose from.

The most popular home care teeth whitening products are:

Teeth whitening trays

Whitening toothpaste

Whitening rinses

Whitening strips

Whitening pens

Best teeth whitening treatments
Before you choose a teeth whitening product or a bleaching kit, talk to your dentist to evaluate your level of tooth sensitivity. A professional would be able to suggest a product with the right level of bleaching agents. A product with 10-12 percent hydrogen peroxide is ideal for home-care whitening kits. You need to leave the treatment for a specific amount of time to have the best impact. Always use products that dentists recommend and research online to confirm before buying anything.

Based on the above parameters, some of the best teeth whitening treatments in no particular order are:

Crest 3D White White Strips with Light
Crest 3D White White Strips with Light contain white strips with a blue light device. You can use the flexible strips with low hydrogen peroxide on your teeth for one hour. Once you remove the strips, you can use the handheld blue light for ten minutes. You have to continue this treatment for ten days without a break. The product is effective, and the results stay for three years.

GLO Science Brilliant Teeth Whitening Device
This is a home care device combing gel and light, promising a result close to what professional treatment can give you. A mouthpiece is fitted with a whitening gel containing four active ingredients, including hydrogen peroxide. Once you fix the smart device on your teeth, both the gel and light activate and start working. GLO Science Brilliant Teeth Whitening Device automatically shuts in eight minutes, but you can repeat the process for seven days without a break. It is a smart device, and you can fix and turn it on using an app.

Opalescence Go 15 Percent Kit
Opalescence Go 15 Percent Kit is a mint-flavored pre-filled teeth whitening tray with 15% hydrogen peroxide. It is convenient to use and does not use lights or active charcoal. However, you have to wear the tray for 30-60 minutes and dispose of them after use.

Bite Whitening Gel Teeth Whitening Kit
This, unlike other kits, is an eco-friendly, plastic-free, and vegan product. Just swipe the serum twice a day for two minutes, and you are done. The product contains enough carbamide-peroxide-based serum to last for two weeks.

As mentioned earlier, it is always a good idea to check with a professional before buying any of these products, as everyone has different sensitivity levels.