• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Home
  • BLOG
  • Meet Sarah
  • Shop With Me
    • My Amazon Store
    • LIKEtoKNOW.it
    • Buy Plexus (the pink drink!))
    • Buy Arbonne
  • Contact
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
The Fashionable Housewife

The Fashionable Housewife

Because Moms Should Look Good, Too!

  • Fashion
    • Today’s Outfit
    • Outfit Ideas
    • Spring Fashion
    • Summer Fashion
    • Fall Fashion
    • Winter Fashion
  • Beauty
    • Hair
    • Skin Care
    • Makeup
    • Nail Polish
    • Organic or Eco-Friendly
    • Hair Removal
    • Sun Protection
    • Cosmetic Surgery
  • Health
    • Fitness
    • Weight Loss
    • Pregnancy
    • Vitamins & Supplements
    • About The Dukan Diet
    • Review of i-Lipo Laser Liposuction Treatment
  • Home Life
    • Home Improvement
    • Home Decor
    • Outdoors
    • DIY & Crafts
    • Homesteading
    • Travel
    • Finances
  • Marriage
  • Faith
  • Parenting
    • Baby Gear
    • Babywearing
    • Breastfeeding
    • Cloth Diapers & Diapering
    • Pregnancy
    • Natural Birth
    • Story Land in Glen, NH
  • Homeschooling
  • Recipes
    • Food & Snacks
    • Baby Food
    • Gluten Free
    • Keto
    • Coffee
    • Cocktails
  • Shop My Looks

Sink Your Teeth Into These Tooth Whitening Techniques

Modified on December 22, 2021 at 11:21 PM

Sharing is caring!

1 shares
  • Share
  • Tweet

Believe it or not, the practice of whitening teeth dates back to ancient Egypt, at least according to an article in Seattle Times about the history of teeth whitening. Whiter teeth were believed to be a sign of affluence, wealth and social status — which isn’t much different from today.

Over the last decade or more, teeth whitening has become a $6 billion industry, according to research shared on Statista, and it’s expected to exceed $8 billion over the next decade. You can see it happening as more and more celebrities and influencers across social media promote a bevvy of tooth whitening products.

With so many products vying for your smile, how do you know which tooth whitening product is right for you? Here’s what you need to know about the best methods for whitening your teeth.

Types of Tooth Whitening Products

There are several options for whitening your teeth, and they fall into two major categories: in-office dental procedures and over-the-counter DIY products.

teeth

In-Office Tooth Whitening

This is the most expensive and most complicated type of tooth whitening. Although it is effective for whitening your teeth, the risks and side effects can make it less attractive. 

The way in-office whitening works is, your dentist uses expensive equipment specifically designed to whiten your teeth. They apply a solution to your teeth — typically containing peroxide and other ingredients. The dentist then uses light-accelerated technology to whiten your teeth. Depending on your situation and how many levels you want to whiten your teeth, your dentist may recommend several applications for your whitening process.

The downside of this method is that for the time the procedure takes, it’s a little uncomfortable. Your mouth has to remain open with the whitening equipment, which can be uncomfortable, especially if you have a weak gag reflex. Some patients report having an electrical “zap” feeling in their teeth for a day or two after the procedure.

Your dentist might also prescribe at-home whitening treatments to touch up and maintain the effects from your in-office whitening treatments.

Your dentist might also caution against consuming foods and beverages that are known to stain teeth:

  •     Coffee and black tea
  •     Colas
  •     Red wine
  •     Berries and fruit juice
  •     Tomato-based sauces
  •     Candy

At-Home Tooth Whitening

Drug store, department store and grocery store aisles are filled with tooth whitening options, most of which come in the following formats:

  •     Whitening toothpastes
  •     Tooth whitening strips
  •     Whitening trays

You can also use  hydrogen peroxide to whiten your teeth. This whitening treatment is safe and natural because it consists of water and oxygen. It helps sanitize and whiten your teeth. 

At-home tooth brightening, bleaching or whitening solutions typically use hydrogen peroxide as the main ingredient for lightening teeth. The results can be effective, although some report a chalky and unnatural whiteness from the bleaching effect.

Whitening toothpaste takes longer to produce desired results. Another option is tooth whitening strips, which are worn for 30 minutes once or twice daily, avoiding contact with the gums. Use teeth whitening strips moderately to avoid gum irritation and tooth sensitivity.

Dentists usually prescribe at-home whitening kits containing about 10% carbide or hydrogen peroxide worn within 3 to 4 hours. It’s advised not to eat or drink anything when you’re wearing trays. For day whitening trays, patients should wear them for at least 1 to 2 hours, while night whitening trays can be worn overnight during sleep. Rinse your mouth after the recommended time and rinse the trays with cold water.

Alternatively, a newer product on the market uses natural mineral crystals to instantly brighten teeth. This WX Formula tooth brightening gel is peroxide-free and gentler than some of the other over-the-counter options. It can whiten teeth up to 10 shades without stripping the enamel.

Which Is Best for Whitening Teeth?

Tooth discoloration can be caused by taking medications for prolonged period, including antibiotics and antipsychotic drugs. Poor dental hygiene may cause accumulated and stubborn plaques, that are hard to remove. On top of that, your lifestyle can also affect your dental health, because smoking and alcoholism can stain the teeth.

If you have a tooth infection or you suffered oral trauma, the teeth can be affected as well, possibly causing tooth discoloration. 

By knowing the possible causes of tooth discoloration, you’d probably have a good idea on how to choose the best teeth whitening treatment for you.

Before you undertake any tooth whitening process, see your dentist if you have any tender areas or sensitive teeth.

The best method for whitening your teeth depends on your own personal preferences, as well as your budget. If you opt for the in-office tooth whitening procedure, ask to see before-and-after photos from other people who’ve had teeth similar to yours.

If you have a weak gag reflex, for example, the DIY over-the-counter methods might be preferable with the exception of the tooth whitening trays.

If money is no object and you are willing and able to give up foods and beverages that stain teeth — and you don’t mind the painful zaps post-procedure — then in-office tooth whitening might be your best choice.

If you care about sustainability and want to incorporate tooth brightening into your daily routine, then the tooth brightening gel might be your best bet. It’s also safe enough to use on dental work and as a post-in-office way to maintain the work you’ve had done with your dentist.

Related posts:

How To Improve Your Smile in 5 DaysHow To Improve Your Smile in 5 Days 4 Shocking Signs that You Need Full Mouth Rehabilitation4 Shocking Signs that You Need Full Mouth Rehabilitation 7 Ways To Take Care Of Your Teeth When You’re Addicted To Coffee7 Ways To Take Care Of Your Teeth When You’re Addicted To Coffee

Posted By The Fashionable Housewife
on September 16, 2021 at 3:34 PM
Filed Under: Dental
Tagged With: dental, Dental Care, dental health, dentist, dentistry, Health, Teeth Whitening, white teeth, Whitening, whiter teeth

About The Fashionable Housewife

Sarah-Jean Ballard is the Editor in Chief of The Fashionable Housewife blog and Founder of Fashionable Media. Married to a sexy Molecular Biologist, housewife, mom to 5, homeschooler, Certified Personal Nutritionist and entrepreneur who's mission is to help moms just like you look and feel GREAT! Other interests include dancing, yoga, positive intactivism, natural birth and breastfeeding support, babywearing, paleo & gluten-free cooking, and promoting an overall healthy lifestyle to all.

Disclaimer

The Fashionable Housewife is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for blogs and websites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We also participate in various other affiliate programs, and we sometimes get a commission on purchases made through our links. There is no extra cost to you! For more info, please see our Disclosure & Privacy Policy.

Previous Post: « Best States For New Parents To Raise A Family In 2021
Next Post: What Makes a Strong Daycare Website? »
You do not find a happy life. You make it. 

That’s the biggest lesson that grief has taught me. If I just wait around to be happy again, I’ll die sad. 

You don’t get through grief and come out the other side. That’s not how it works. You learn how to grow around it like a tree grows around a rock that’s in the way. You don’t wait for the rock to move. Cause it’s not gonna. 

Choose happy. And then make it happen. 

#choosehappy #joyinthejourney #griefjourney #healingfromtrauma
8 billion smiles in the world, but his is my favor 8 billion smiles in the world, but his is my favorite. 

Happy Valentine’s Day, @daeinexplains 🥰

The last 20 years with you have been my favorite years on this earth. ❤️ 

If I did anything right in my life, it was when I decided to give my heart to you.  You are my best friend, my soul mate, my better half, my rock, my everything. 

I love you.

#couplegoals #marriedlife #motherhoodthroughinstagram #weddingday #marriagegoals #yourestilltheone
Kids love helping if you just let them!💁🏼‍ Kids love helping if you just let them!💁🏼‍♀️

This little guy always asks to help when he sees me cleaning the house, washing the floors, doing laundry, or emptying the dishwasher. That’s what I love about Montessori parenting - it allows kids to do  big jobs and in turn makes them eager to help! 

He was over the moon when we gave him the @lovevery floor mop that actually works! He uses it daily now. The mopping pad is machine washable and you can refill the fluid container on it. I usually just do water and a drop of essential oils because he loves it when everything smells clean! 😜 

Definitely recommend! If you want to grab this mop for your little helper, it’s in the Storyteller Play Kit from Lovevery for 3 year olds. 

LlNK is in my bio to get FREE shipping! 💃🏼

#lovevery #loveverytoddler #loveverypartner #montessoriathome #montessoriplayroom #montessoritoddler
Stop trying to fit your square self in a round hol Stop trying to fit your square self in a round hole. 

Sometimes we outgrown relationships. Sometimes we realize someone else isn’t a good influence on our lives. Sometimes we realize we aren’t a good influence for someone else. Sometimes we need to let things go that aren’t good for us in order to grow. And that’s ok. 

Stop trying to sit at a table you are no longer welcome at. Just be yourself, focus on God, love your family and friends, and the right people will gravitate to you. ✌🏻 

#raisingsaints #momlife #motherhoodunplugged #selflovejourney #growingpains #selfcaresunday
When your toaster breaks from a power surge you ta When your toaster breaks from a power surge you take that as a sign that it’s time to upgrade! 🤪

It wasn’t hard to pick a new 4 slice toaster. As soon as I saw this one from @haden_usa I added it to my cart. I bought it from @lordandtaylor because it had the fastest shipping and I didn’t want to wait! 

No fancy electronics, screens, or extra features we don’t need. Just simple, straight forward functions and perfect results everytime. Plus it matches all my @cafeappliances too! 😂👍🏻

What do you think of this 4 slice toaster?! 

#toasters #kitchenappliances #kitchendesign #kitchendecor #whitekitchen #farmhousekitchen #farmhousestyle #whiteappliances
I’m obsessed with these leather booties from @en I’m obsessed with these leather booties from @enjoiya! 💃🏼 

The “Steffi” in green are the perfect boots for ushering in spring weather with their delicious vintage leather and worn-in look right out of the box. I love the chunky lug soles and inside zippers to get them on and off easily. 

These are the boots you’ll want to wear again and again. And again. 

Use my coupon code BALLARD20 to get 20% off your order! Find them on www.enjoiya.com

#leatherbooties #enjoiya #italianshoes #realmomstyle #momstyle #momstyletips
All the poop shoveling doesn’t seem so bad with All the poop shoveling doesn’t seem so bad with the prices of eggs right now! 🤪 🐔 🥚 

Guess it’s ok to be a crazy chicken lady and have a homestead now! 🤣

#momlife #crazychickenlady #homesteadlife
  • Home
  • Meet Sarah
  • Contact Us
  • Disclosures & Privacy Policy

[Est 2005] Copyright © 2023 Sarah-Jean Ballard and Fashionable Media | Beloved Theme

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.Accept Reject Read More
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT
1 shares