The beginner’s guide to at-home teeth whitening
Here’s how to perfect your pearly white smile at home, according to dental experts
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All the good things – coffee, tea, red wine – are not so good for your teeth. They can cause discolouration and staining, which let’s face it, is not your best look. Luckily, in the 21st century, we can do something about it: teeth whitening will help get your smile sparkling again, and we’ve got the lowdown on just how to do it.
If you don’t have time for a professional treatment at the dentist, there are plenty of at-home teeth whitening products to get your teeth stuck into (sorry, we couldn’t resist). From over-the-counter strips, toothpastes and powders to mouthwashes and pens (yes, pens), achieving pearly whites from the comfort and convenience of your own bathroom is probably easier than you think.
Keen to get rid of the wine-stained look, but new to the teeth whitening scene, and wondering how exactly it works, whether it’s safe, and how long the results will last? Fear not. We called in two dental experts – Dr Vanessa Creaven, dentist and co-founder of Spotlight Oral Care, and Dr Hanna Kinsella, founder of premium oral care brand Icy Bear Dental Care – to explain what to expect. Together with their knowledge, top tips and recommended products, we’re here to help kickstart your journey to a snowy white smile.
How does teeth whitening work?
As obvious as it sounds, teeth whitening involves bleaching the outer surface of your teeth (the enamel) to make them lighter, brighter and whiter. A simple chemical reaction, Dr Creaven explains that whitening works in two main ways: “One by breaking down the stains that have been adsorbed onto the tooth surface and secondly by penetrating the upper layers of the enamel, brightening and whitening the overall shade.”
Dr Creaven adds that most whitening products contain active ingredients, typically hydrogen peroxide, carbamide peroxide or PAP (phthalimidoperoxycaproic acid), which react with the molecules that cause discolouration via an oxidation process, eventually eradicating them.
There are several different types of teeth whitening products available to use at home, all aiming to banish stains and yellowing and achieve a Hollywood-ready smile. Whether toothpaste, strips or powders, find your perfect solution below.
Teeth whitening toothpaste
The simplest way to add a teeth whitening product into your daily routine is with a specialist toothpaste. Used in the same way as any normal toothpaste, brush your teeth twice a day with a whitening toothpaste containing hydrogen peroxide to remove stains and brighten your teeth.
Dr Kinsella emphasises the importance of making sure it’s a fluoride-based toothpaste. “Tooth decay is a big issue at the moment. An increase in sugary snacks and alcohol for many people will result in damage to the tooth enamel and decay. Using fluoride toothpaste helps to repair the teeth in the first stage of decay when the damage is only produced in the enamel of the tooth.” When considering different whitening toothpastes, make fluoride a non-negotiable, as it will also help prolong the effects of treatment. (Pro tip: it can take a couple of weeks to see the full effects of a whitening toothpaste, so be patient).
Spotlight Oral Care Advanced Action Whitening Pro toothpaste
A new launch developed by dentists at Spotlight Oral Care, this toothpaste contains active whitening ingredients – hydrogen peroxide, PAP, and diamond powder – to provide advanced stain removal while effectively whitening and polishing your teeth. Dr Creaven recommends it as an “effortless upgrade to your daily whitening and oral care routine” which “contains all the ingredients you would expect from your regular toothpaste, such as sodium fluoride, proven to help prevent cavities.”
Icy Bear Sensitive Teeth Whitening toothpaste
A proactive but gentle formula, Icy Bear’s teeth whitening toothpaste will strengthen, repair and whiten teeth for effective, long-term results. Designed by Dr Kinsella for those with sensitive teeth, she explains that the toothpaste has a “rare ingredient combination containing the finest diamonds which gently clean and reduce stains with no damage to the tooth surface.” Removing surface discolouration efficiently while addressing tooth sensitivity, make this part of your daily routine.
Teeth whitening strips
According to Dr Creaven, “Teeth whitening strips are also a safe and effective way to whiten your teeth in the comfort of your own home.” Typically delivering quicker results than whitening toothpastes, whitening strips can bleach your teeth a few shades lighter within the first week. Thin plastic strips coated with whitening gels containing hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, apply across the top and bottom sets of teeth for 30 to 60 minutes for the most efficient results. However, it’s important to note that teeth can become very sensitive when using this method.
Spotlight Oral Care Ultra Teeth Whitening strips
This set of whitening strips provides a 14-day treatment and includes the brand’s Ultra Whitening toothpaste. Gel lined with hydrogen peroxide to break down stains, as well as containing hydroxyapatite to strengthen and protect your teeth, apply for an hour a day, then use the toothpaste as normal, and watch for rapid, radiant results. Once you’ve finished the 14 day course, Dr Creaven recommends doing a top-up once a week to maintain the brightness.
Icy Bear Teeth Whitening strips
Icy Bear’s teeth whitening strips promise to make teeth up to six shades whiter in just 14 days. Working to eradicate stains and yellow discolouring thanks to their powerful but non-harmful formula, they’re perfect for even the most sensitive teeth. Dr Kinsella explains that they are “kind to enamel and can be used as part of your daily oral health routine.”
Teeth whitening powder
Similar to toothpaste but in powder form, dip your toothbrush into teeth whitening powder and brush as normal. Always read the instructions as different brands work in slightly different ways but, in general, teeth whitening powders should be used a couple of times a week alongside your normal toothpaste. Gradually lifting stains from the enamel, these powders promise brighter, polished results.
Spotlight Oral Care Anti-Stain tooth powder
Designed using hydrogen peroxide to target stains and build-up on the teeth, this anti-stain powder will polish and whiten your smile without damaging its enamel. Easy to use, simply dip your toothbrush into the pot, brush it into your teeth and watch it work its magic.
My Sweet Smile Teeth Whitening powder
Tackle tough stains with My Sweet Smile’s whitening powder, packed with enamel-safe ingredients including calcium carbonate and pentasodium triphosphate to dissolve marks for a smooth, polished, white finish. Dentist approved, use twice a week for noticeable results.
Teeth whitening mouthwash
Another simple step to improve your teeth’s natural white shade is a mouthwash containing active ingredients, such as hydrogen peroxide. Helping to remove surface stains post brushing, swirl the solution around your mouth for up to 60 seconds, twice daily for optimal, professional-looking results. Again, Dr Kinsella recommends choosing a fluoride-based product.
Icy Bear Brightening mouthwash
The perfect finish to your teeth brushing routine, Icy Bear’s mouthwash will help you achieve that extra white smile. A fluoride-enriched ‘shake to activate’ formula, it targets plaque bacteria, enhances gum health and encourages a brighter, whiter aesthetic.
Waken Whitening mouthwash
Encourage whiter-looking teeth by adding Waken’s whitening mouthwash to your oral care regime. With an active, fluoride-packed formula containing natural plant enzymes, it aims to eliminate stains for a more radiant smile, while freshening the breath and protecting against plaque buildup.
Teeth whitening pens
Perhaps a slightly more obscure option, teeth whitening pens are great for on-the-move touch-ups. Typically containing a whitening gel with hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, colour in any obvious stains or darker patches with the tip of the pen and the active agents will break down discolouration. A slick innovation which is easy to use (and perfect for your handbag), you can improve your teeth’s natural pearly colour in just a few strokes.
Spotlight Oral Care Teeth Whitening pen
Featuring a brush tip for easy and precise application, this teeth whitening pen is super efficient in not only covering up stains but actually banishing them. Containing a gel enriched with hydrogen peroxide, it dissolves discolouration, bringing back a natural white sparkle to your smile. Compact and fast-working, it’s the perfect companion when travelling or on the go.
Icy Bear Teeth Whitening pen
Eliminate stubborn stains with Icy Bear’s whitening pen. Designed with a fine brush tip for accurate application and containing sodium bicarbonate, hydroxyapatite and hydrated silica to safely remove darker discolouration and strengthen enamel, you’ll notice the difference in just a few minutes. Always have it on hand to add instant brightness.
How long does teeth whitening last?
There is no one answer when it comes to how long the effects of teeth whitening products will last – it’s all dependent on how well you maintain them. Factors such as diet and lifestyle can have an impact too. Dr Creaven explains, “If you are a smoker or regularly drink tea, coffee, red wine, consume curries and turmeric flavoured foods, you are more prone to staining of the teeth.” She suggests using a whitening toothpaste twice daily and a whitening mouthwash after meals to help to maintain the whiteness longer.
Dr Kinsella recommends using teeth whitening products in tandem with an electric toothbrush. She explains, “Using a sonic electric toothbrush can provide a powerful dynamic cleaning action that helps to keep teeth and gums healthy by removing plaque, as well as effective stain removal which helps to brighten teeth and restore them to their natural whiteness.”
Does it work for everyone?
It’s important to know that whitening products will only work on natural teeth. “They won’t change the colour of existing fillings, crowns, or veneers,” explains Dr Creaven.
Is at-home teeth whitening safe?
Regulated teeth whitening products are safe to use, but following instructions properly for each is a must. It is also best to look for whitening toothpastes, strips, and powders that contain active agents that have been specifically formulated to whiten teeth gradually and safely. Dr Creaven explains: “Research shows that toothpastes and teeth whitening products that are hydrogen peroxide free and contain abrasives such as charcoal, for example, can cause irreversible damage to the tooth surface. They can physically remove tooth structure permanently and roughen the outer layer of the tooth surface.”
Read more: How to keep your teeth healthy, according to the experts
