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Have you ever wondered how do the teeth whitening products work and give such remarkable results even after they have been used only a couple of times? Well, it is all about the right mix of chemicals and bleaching agents and the way of use. There are several options that you can use at home, and the best part is they don’t cost a small fortune. Sit tight and have a read to find out everything about how to make your smile white and healthy.
What are teeth whitening products?
Teeth whitening products are products that are applied to the teeth and due to their unique formula they cause the teeth to whiten. In the formula there is carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide which are both the main bleaching agents. Of the two, carbamide peroxide is much more common.
What types of teeth whitening products are there?
There different types you can get at the nearest chemist’s. Here are the most popular ones.
Whitening Toothpastes
This is very similar to everyday toothpaste because they remove the surface stains and contain mild abrasives. However, the whitening toothpastes contain polishing agents that make this stain removal a lot more effective. They won’t bleach the teeth because they lack bleaching agents. What they do is remove surface stains more efficiently than the everyday toothpastes. They manage to lighten the color of the tooth by one shade. There are also more powerful ones, but to buy them, you would need a prescription from the dentist.
Whitening Strips and Gels
The gels contain peroxide and are applied directly to the surface of the teeth. Since the percentage of peroxide varies in different products, the instructions for use are also different. The higher the dosage, the more careful one should be when using them because damaging the enamel will be very easy with a high percentage of bleaching agents. However, if they are applied according to the instructions, the results will be fantastic. One such product is the Opalescence teeth whitening gels that come in four percentages – 10, 15, 20, and 35% of peroxide or carbamide. Don’t forget, though. If you decide to use whitening gels, you should get yourself a tray that is necessary for their application.
On the other hand, the strips are thin, almost invisible, and are coated with a peroxide-based gel. They are also applied directly to the teeth, and the results should come in just a few days. The final results are welcomed after a couple of months. Instructions should be carefully followed as well so that it can be ensured that no damage is done to the teeth due to the higher percentage of bleaching agents than necessary.
Whitening Rinses
As there is a mouth rinse, there is also a whitening rinse. It works in the same principle as the mouth rinses, and they not only make the breath fresh and reduce dental plaque, but they also prevent gum disease and whiten the teeth. Using them is easy; you swish the instructed dosage of the whitening rinse in the mouth for about 60 seconds twice a day, in the morning and the evening before brushing the teeth. The results are visible after 12 weeks. Users of both whitening rinses and whitening strips say that the first ones are less efficient because they come in contact with the teeth for only 2 minutes while the strips stay on the teeth for about 30 minutes.
The Most Important Precautions Before Whitening the Teeth
You shouldn’t rely solely on teeth whitening products to keep your teeth white. There are several other things you need to do to avoid staining your teeth. For example, avoid drinking red wine too often, eating sticky food, chewing on hard candy, smoke cigarettes because all of this stains the teeth hard.
Another thing to do is brush your teeth properly and regularly, after every meal or if you are in no condition to do so, brush them at least twice a day – after breakfast and before going to bed. Brushing the teeth will keep the enamel clean and will protect the teeth and gums from bacteria nesting and causing problems. Also, it is a good idea to floss the teeth at least once during the day to get rid of the leftover food particles in between the teeth.
To sum up
Whitening the teeth at home is an easy and efficient way to get the pearly white smile you have always wanted. However, strictly following the instructions is necessary. Always consult with a dentist for which teeth whitening products to use and then make sure that you follow the advice and instructions.
The results will be visible in a couple of weeks, and you will have white, and more importantly, healthy teeth.
