Teeth Whitening: How to and How Often

Blindingly white teeth are seen in magazines, on TV and even in the mouths of our peers. It used to be, if we wanted super white teeth, we had to make a trip to the dentist, drop big bucks, and sit there for countless hours. Now we can head to the drug store, spend a few bucks and whiten our teeth as we watch our favorite primetime drama.

However, teeth whitening is not for everyone and not all methods are for you. Then there is the main question on many people's minds: "How often should I whiten my teeth?" We will tackle teeth whitening here and everything that goes along with it.

Teeth Whitening Methods

You have a variety of choices, including toothpastes, rinses, gels, strips and dental office whitening. Dental office whitening is a popular choice because it is done by a trained professional. Most people only need one session to see results and safety can be ensured. Treatment takes 30 to 60 minutes.

However, professional whitening is also the most expensive method. Toothpastes and rinses are the least expensive, but also the least effective because they do not remain on the teeth for any length of time. The gels and strips are popular. With strips, most require you to use them for about 30 minutes, twice a day, for 14 days. The results last for approximately four months. You can keep up maintenance with whitening toothpaste.

How Often Should I Whiten My Teeth?

This ultimately depends on the method. For teeth whitening strips, it is generally every six months. Whitening toothpaste can generally be used daily, as can rinses. Dental whitenings will depend, but generally you will need them every six to 12 months. To determine how often you should whiten your teeth, you should talk to your dentist. You do not want to over-whiten or cause issues like tooth sensitivity. Your dentist can help you determine the best teeth whitening schedule for you.

Is Teeth Whitening Safe?

Teeth whitening is not for everyone. Pregnant or lactating women should avoid it. So should anyone younger than 16. If you have allergies or sensitive teeth, your teeth may become more sensitive, or your allergies aggravated by teeth whitening.

You should avoid teeth whitening if you have worn enamel, exposed roots, gum disease or cavities. You may do further damage by whitening with these dental issues. Uneven whitening can occur with crowns, fillings and other restorations.

If you have unrealistic expectations, teeth whitening may not be for you. For example, teeth whitening is meant to bring your teeth back to their natural appearance and not a shocking white. Also, if your teeth are darkly stained, they may not become as white as you would like them to. Purple or gray-stained teeth tend to not respond well. Brown discoloring tends to not respond well, either.

Sources:

WebMD: Teeth Whitening