A Dentist Explains: How to Whiten Your Teeth at Home

If there is one thing in this world we’d all like to do more, it’s smile; yet nothing dissuades us from smiling like yellow teeth. Fortunately, whether your teeth are stained from consistent consumption of coffee or tea, antibiotics or trauma to tooth enamel, discoloration can be reversed. Better yet, you can whiten your teeth at home in favor of both cost and time. We decided to strip away all the chatter regarding teeth whitening and get to the root, talking prevention and treatment with Jordan Hubbard, DDS.

At-Home Whitening vs. The Dentist

The difference between whitening your teeth at home and at the dentist, according to Dr. Hubbard, lies in the strength of the chemicals used in the treatment and, thus, the time involved. But that doesn’t mean at-home treatments are ineffective. “At-home whitening products and professional whitening products typically contain the same chemicals and, therefore, yield the same results,” she says. "However, when you get your teeth whitened professionally by visiting a dentist, the strength of the chemicals is greater and you can see results more immediately than you would with something you can buy over the counter."

Risks of Whitening Your Teeth at Home

According to Dr. Hubbard, the risks of whitening your teeth at home parallel those from dentist treatments and include: sensitivity of the teeth, discoloration of the gums, bleached gums and a sensation of burning gums. And while many experience no symptoms, many will experience extreme sensitivity, especially with bleach products. Dr. Hubbard explains: “Your teeth have two layers: enamel, or the outer hard layer, and dentin, the inner soft layer. The bleach actually whitens the color of your dentin, or the inner layer.”

How to Prevent Yellow Teeth

At the end of the day, the goal is always prevention. So, how do you prevent yellow teeth? If giving up coffee sounds like a terrifying feat, you may wish to sip coffee and other dark liquids through a straw, allowing it to pass by your pearly whites. In addition to typical stains, grinding can lead to premature aging and yellowing of enamel, so see your dentist if you suspect you grind your teeth in your sleep.

Dr. Hubbard points out that the ultimate prevention is routine hygiene, recommending diligence with brushing (for two minutes at a time) and flossing twice a day. She also warns against overuse of abrasive whitening toothpastes: “Don’t use them more than recommended as they can actually damage your teeth,” she says.

Products for Whitening Your Teeth at Home

While, for some, these may take longer than a dentist-administered treatment, a number of at-home oral care products can effectively counteract yellowing, restoring the natural white hue of your teeth and allowing you to feel confident in your smile.