Introduction
They say a smile is your best accessory – wear it every day with confidence, and you'll turn heads, melt hearts, and so much more! But have you ever wondered what it takes to get that bright, glowing smile? Back in 2012-13, most people thought it was all natural and good genetics. That’s because, in those days, most of our beauty tips and trends came from TV shows, magazines, or the occasional newspaper article.
Back then, visiting a dentist to ask how to get your teeth as white as your favorite celebrity was uncommon. It's not like people did not notice smiles back then, but there wasn’t the pressure to have a perfect one. Previous generations tended to accept things as they were, with no real reason to seek treatment or feel insecure – mainly because social media does not exist. Dare we say it out loud?
Fast forward to today, a single picture is all it takes to spark a discussion on social media. Just one picture can start a new beauty trend, with smiles now being a key focus.
Now back to your question about how to have a bright celebrity-like smile. Finding the answer to this question is not that difficult. Nowadays, influencers—even doctor influencers—are pulling back the curtain on the beauty secrets of the stars.
They have revealed smile secrets that celebrities and all famous people have been gatekeeping from us for so long. That secret is Teeth Whitening. This simple secret has sparked a massive trend, with people gathering to find the best home kits for teeth whitening or asking experts online for advice.
So we have also decided to take part in this trend but with a little twist. We gathered the top questions buzzing on social media and sat down with a dental expert to dive into the world of Nutrition, Oral Health, and, of course, teeth whitening. Here’s what we learned from the conversation – all your questions answered directly by the expert!
Is Losing That Pearly White Shine Unavoidable?
One big question many people have is whether it's even possible to prevent teeth from getting darker over time.
Here’s the hard truth: to some degree, yes, losing that bright, white shine is unavoidable. As we get older, it's natural for our teeth to darken. Most people will experience a gradual shift toward a yellow or even brownish color as the years go by. It’s not just from things like smoking, coffee, or wine, either. Just like our hair turns gray with age, our teeth change color too – though I think we can all agree it would be nice if it were the other way around!
Some people may also experience teeth that take on a grayish hue. The truth is, there's a wide spectrum of what’s considered normal when it comes to tooth color, and many factors contribute to how our teeth look as we age, said the expert.
What Causes Tooth Discoloration?
The next most asked question about Teeth whitening across the platform is what is the cause of tooth discoloration. According to our expert, it can happen in different ways, and it's important to understand the causes before jumping into any whitening treatments.
Types of Tooth Discoloration:
Intrinsic Discoloration: This happens inside the tooth and is typically caused by aging, injuries to the tooth, certain medications, or even health conditions. Intrinsic discoloration can be harder to treat, as it's deep within the tooth.
Extrinsic Discoloration: This is when the surface of your teeth becomes stained from external factors like food, beverages (hello, coffee drinkers!), or tobacco. Poor oral hygiene can also contribute to these surface stains, which tend to be easier to treat with whitening products.
Whitening vs. Bleaching: What’s the Difference?
When we were gathering the questions for this interview, we stumbled upon this question. We thought that both were the same. But we still have this question to ask our experts. Turns out we were wrong. According to our Dentist, people often use the terms "whitening" and "bleaching" interchangeably, but they’re not the same.
Whitening is a broader term that refers to any method that makes your teeth look brighter while bleaching specifically involves using products that contain bleach – typically peroxide – to remove stains.
Bleaching is especially effective because it can work on both deep and surface stains, sometimes making your teeth whiter than their natural shade. That said, not all teeth respond equally to bleaching. We'll get into that later.
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
Teeth whitening treatments work by using bleaching agents, usually hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, which penetrate the enamel (the outer layer of your teeth) and break down the discolored molecules within your teeth. This process reduces the concentration of discoloration, making your teeth appear whiter.
At-home whitening products like UV teeth whitening kits, typically use lower concentrations of these bleaching agents, which means they work more slowly compared to professional treatments. You can still get great results, but you’ll need to be patient.
What Should You Eat or Drink After Teeth Whitening?
Here's something a lot of people don’t realize: after whitening your teeth, they become especially porous for 24 to 48 hours, making them more susceptible to stains. This means you’ll want to avoid foods and drinks with strong colors that can undo your hard work. Here’s a quick list of what to avoid:
Coffee and tea
Red wine
Smoking
Soda
Tomato-based sauces
Curries
Dark berries
Beets
Balsamic vinegar
Dark chocolate
Sticking to a diet of lighter-colored foods can help maintain your freshly whitened smile for longer.
How Long Do Teeth Whitening Results Last?
This is the concern of many, if they spend money on professional teeth whitening or home whitening teeth kits, how long will the result of it stay? According to our gli gli experts results can last anywhere from six months to two years, depending on factors like your diet, oral hygiene, and lifestyle choices.
Over time, your teeth will naturally darken again, especially if you regularly consume staining foods, drinks, or smoke. So, while teeth whitening isn’t permanent, you can extend the results by maintaining good habits.
Does Teeth Whitening Work for Everyone?
We can't stop ourselves from becoming curious and asking follow-up questions. The question particularly was not directly asked by anyone, but we wanted to know this. Bonus question and information for you all. So is this treatment for everyone? Unfortunately, teeth whitening doesn’t work equally well for everyone.
For instance, people with severe discoloration, particularly those with intrinsic stains or who haven’t maintained good oral hygiene, may not see the same visible and clear results as others. Whitening also doesn’t work on dental restorations like crowns or veneers, so if you have those, it’s something to keep in mind.
Are there any risks to Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening is generally considered safe, and it’s been around for years. Millions of people, including dentists, use whitening products without seeing an increase in issues like cavities or tooth fractures. Our expert points out, “We haven’t noticed any major problems from whitening treatments.”
However, it’s normal to experience some temporary side effects, like sensitivity in your teeth or irritation in your gums. Luckily, these usually fade away quickly after starting treatment.
Wrapping Up - What Should You Know Before Picking a Home Teeth Whitening Kit
Before jumping into any at-home teeth whitening treatment, there are a few things to keep in mind:
1. Understand Your Options: Familiarize yourself with the different types of whitening products. You can choose from at-home professional devices like gel for teeth whitening bleaching kits like UV teeth whitening kits, and over-the-counter options like whitening gels or strips.
2. Know Your Teeth: Be aware of the type of discoloration you have, your teeth condition, age, and oral hygiene.
3. Choose the Right Product: If you have sensitive teeth, look for products that are specially formulated to minimize discomfort, such as teeth whitening pens for sensitive teeth.
We hope this expert interview has given you a clearer understanding of the teeth whitening process and how to achieve that radiant smile. Ready to get started? Explore our top-rated Home Teeth Whitening Kits and take the first step toward a brighter, more confident smile today.
