Whitening Teeth the Safe Way

What is the best way to whiten teeth? Is teeth whitening safe? What is the fastest way to whiten teeth?

What is teeth whitening?

Teeth whitening (or teeth bleaching) is the process of lightening the color of your teeth. Most of us have teeth stains from day-to-day life, coffee, wine, smoking, infections, and genetics. There are many different types of whitening procedures and different types of teeth stains you might be targeting. This is essential because different stains respond differently to various treatments.

It’s also important to note that any kind of teeth whitening only works on natural teeth. No current products can whiten dentures, veneers, or other replacement teeth.  

What is the fastest way to whiten teeth?

The fastest way to whiten teeth is usually through a procedure done at a specialist’s office, but it’s not the only way.

The best way to whiten your teeth depends on your health history and the types of stains you want to get rid of. You’ll want to speak to a dentist to determine the best whitening procedure for your teeth. Some of the most common whitening methods include:

●      Whitening toothpastes and mouthwash: These contain abrasives (such as baking soda) that scrubs away at stains on the outside of your teeth.

●      At-home whitening gel kits: These contain a whitening agent that acts as a bleach against teeth stains.

●      Whitening procedures at the dentist: There are several possible procedures ranging from power bleaching to laser treatment.

Is teeth whitening safe?

When done correctly, teeth whitening is safe. However, using the wrong products or over-using products can result in serious side effects, including permanent damage to your enamel (the outer protective layer of your teeth). You can also experience gum burning or even stomach issues from accidentally swallowing the whitening product.

If you naturally have sensitive teeth or gums, it’s crucial to speak to your dentist before trying out any whitening products. Remember, teeth whitening is usually cosmetic, not medically necessary.

Talk to a caring dentist at SAC Health Dental to see if teeth whitening is a safe option for you. Visit www.sachealth.org/service/dental or call (909) 382-7100 to make an appointment.

Dentistry services are now available at SAC Health's new Brier Campus in San Bernardino.