Teeth Whitening at Home: A Complete Guide

Teeth whitening is the most consulted dental treatment, accounting for 32% of all dental visits. The worldwide market for teeth whitening was valued at 6.9 billion dollars in 2021 and is only expected to grow.  

These stats come as no surprise – teeth are a huge part of our personality, and having them shine pearly white is an important issue for many of us. 

Clinical teeth whitening treatments are for when you feel like those chompers are getting a little dull or turning yellow. But if you don’t want to go that route, there are always time-honoured home remedies you can turn to. 

Before we go all in on these DIY solutions, make sure you understand these remedies so that your choice is well-informed and suits your best interests. 

Types of Teeth Discolouration

Teeth discolouration can be classified into two types: Extrinsic and Intrinsic stains. 

Extrinsic Stains 

Classified by their place of occurrence, extrinsic stains crop up on the outer part - the surface - of the tooth enamel. They are surface discolouration and do not have one particular colour of occurrence - they vary from yellow, black or brown, based on the cause of the discolouration.

Since they are very visible, they can negatively affect a person’s appearance to a large extent. Often, these stains are caused by environmental factors and can be easily treated.

Poor Oral Hygiene

Not brushing or flossing your teeth properly will result in plaque accumulation on the teeth. This will, over time, result in the teeth becoming stained. This is because of the chromogenic bacteria that reside in plaque. 

Food and Beverages

Certain foods, regardless of whether they are healthy or not, are known for discolouring the teeth. Coffee and tea, not excluding green tea, are leading causes of yellowing as they contain tannins which stain the teeth. Several kinds of sauces, soft drinks, and red wine can also discolour your teeth. 

However, it doesn’t mean that you should completely avoid them. Making sure you consume them in moderation is very important. 

Use of Tobacco

Smoking and/or chewing tobacco is shown to contribute to yellowing or browning teeth. This is because tobacco products have tar and nicotine in them. Tobacco stains are known to be adamant and in concerningly increasing cases, they require professional treatments or over-the-counter medication to get rid of, and at-home remedies might just not be enough. 

Metallic Compounds

Excessive intake or exposure to iron, copper or any such compounds may cause a severe discolouration. They can be unintentionally ingested through medicines as ingredients or contaminated food. 

Intrinsic Stains

Intrinsic stains, which occur inside the tooth, could be harder to reverse than extrinsic stains. Intrinsic stains usually show up on teeth as a continual discoloration pattern which can be grey, brownish or blackish. They differ from extrinsic stains since they are not confined to the surface and might necessitate the services of a dentist for their removal through whitening techniques. These stains can be attributed to different internal factors and might happen during teeth formation. Some of them include: 

Medicines

While still developing, during childhood, certain medications - particularly antibiotics such as tetracycline - could result in intrinsic staining.

Fluorosis

Dental fluorosis is a condition caused by an excess amount of fluoride in children that leads to white patches or lines appearing on the body of teeth.

Trauma

Colours may change as a result of injuries inflicted on the teeth. In this case, for instance, a tooth that has suffered trauma would become darker eventually due to bleeding inside it or damage inflicted on its pulp.

Genes

Dentinogenesis imperfecta could affect a person’s appearance in terms of tooth colour. Whitish, greyish or brownish teeth are typical characteristics with related conditions.

Old Age

The thinning of the enamel layer on older teeth reveals the darker dentin layer underneath which is typically a darker colour than enamel, thus making them appear yellower.

Over the Counter Treatments

There are various over-the-counter alternatives, each differing in terms of effectiveness and safety levels. Here is a list of some popular options:

Whitening Toothpaste

Whitening toothpaste has mild abrasives and chemical agents which aid in the removal of surface-level stains. While it can do some lightening on teeth, it does not compare with other much stronger forms of whitening treatment, only reducing the shade by about one. Some brands even have peroxide in them for added benefits but those lightening effects hardly affect deeper stains.

Whitening Strips

Whitening strips are thin plastic strips coated with a peroxide gel, flexible enough to bend around the teeth as they sit on them. They are applied directly on the teeth and used for about half an hour daily for a period between 10-14 days.

They can be purchased over-the-counter at affordable prices, bringing some people great relief due to the price sensitivity. Results can be expected to be about two shades lighter after a certain period.

Tray-Based Bleaching Systems

Tray-based systems involve custom or over-the-counter trays filled with a peroxide gel. These trays are worn for several hours a day or overnight, depending on the product’s instructions. This method can effectively lighten teeth by several shades and usually requires a commitment of up to four weeks. While custom trays can cost a pretty penny, over-the-counter options are less expensive.

Whitening Rinses

Whitening rinses contain hydrogen peroxide and are used as mouthwash. Users rinse their mouths for about 60 seconds twice daily. Results may take longer to appear, often requiring up to three months of consistent use to notice a difference.

Whitening Pens/ Serums

Whitening pens are portable and comfortable to use, especially for spontaneous touch-ups. They contain a bleaching gel that users apply directly to their teeth. The gel needs to remain on the teeth for about 20 to 30 minutes to be effective. While they are easy to use, results may vary based on the concentration of the whitening agent. Or, you could use serums on your teeth - apply them on your brush like you would your toothpaste and brush your teeth with it. You can rinse it off as usual. 

Take Masofta’s Teeth Whitening Pen for example. It is a substitute for toothpaste as you can use this twice a day. Apply it like a gel on your teeth and rinse it off after letting it sit for 30 minutes. This will work wonders on your teeth and you will see a huge difference in less than 2 weeks! It has a clinically tested formula with Phthalimido Peroxy Caproic Acid (PAP) and Hydroxyapatite both of which remove teeth stains effectively. It is sleek, easy to carry and so affordable!

Along with the pen, the Masofta Teeth Whitening Serum is the perfect combination! Drawing from colour theory and using the colour purple, the serum mars any dark stains, giving an instant whitened effect. A bright smile is minutes away. It also has active enzymes that are scientifically proven such as Bromelain and Papain - they land on your teeth to fight stains for long after you rinse the serum off. 

Natural Teeth Whitening Remedies

Some people prefer to use natural teeth whitening remedies while other people like other methods like professional whitening treatments and over-the-counter products that can be effective. Here are some options proven scientifically:

Oil Pulling

Oil pulling is a traditional Ayurvedic method where one swishes oil around in their mouth to improve oral hygiene and eliminate toxins from the body. A popular choice is coconut oil because of its pleasant taste, anti-inflammatory properties and ability to kill bacteria.

Studies have demonstrated that oil pulling every day can reduce plaque, gingivitis, and bacteria in the mouth. One study found that swishing with coconut oil for 15 minutes every day significantly reduced Streptococcus mutans (which is the main bacteria responsible for producing plaque and discolouration of teeth) after two weeks, making it almost as effective as an antimicrobial mouthwash.

Pour a tablespoon or 15 ml of coconut oil into your mouth and swish it inside, between your teeth for about 15 minutes. Make sure to spit the oil into a bin as it may solidify in drain pipes causing blockage.

Baking Soda

Usage of sodium bicarbonate for teeth whitening is based on its mild abrasiveness that can get rid of stains from the surface of teeth. It is an ingredient in a lot of major toothpaste brands too. An article in the Journal of the American Dental Association states that brushing with sodium bicarbonate toothpaste is efficient for the extrinsic tooth stain removal process and whitening process within six weeks.

Do NOT use this method very frequently, definitely not more than thrice a week, as baking soda in high frequency can erode the enamel and cause more problems than it solves. 

Strawberries

Malic acid is present in strawberries and is capable of removing discolouring plaque build up thus acting as a teeth whitening agent. Citric acid in the berries erodes enamel therefore there is a need for caution when they are being used. 

If you want to use the strawberry whitening method, limit usage to a few times alone; and rinse well afterwards. Brushing should be avoided immediately due to these acids' softening effect on the enamel layer.

A Few Fruits And Vegetables That Are Crunchy

Chewing sugary fruits and vegetables can help remove plaque on teeth. Some of these may have smoothing benefits include:

• Apples: They are rich in malic acid, and therefore apt in removing surface stains
• Celery and carrots: They are high-fibre foods that increase saliva production to wash away food particles
• Pineapple: Contains bromelain, an enzyme that can remove stains.

Although they assist in cleaning teeth, they do not substitute for regular brushing or flossing; they do supplement the habits. Check out this link to learn more about how food can play a huge role in helping whiten your teeth. 

It should be noted that although these natural remedies might provide some level of whiteness, research supporting them is scarce. Therefore, they should never be considered as an alternative to experts’ dental treatment or evidence-based whitening procedures. Consult your dentist before starting any kind of whitening procedure, especially if you have existing dental problems.

Research shows that home-based whitening techniques may be safe and effective when used as directed. When used according to manufacturers’ instructions, hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide - the main ingredients found in most bleaching products -  have been observed to give a reasonably fast outcome without causing much harm.

Side Effects

Teeth Sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity is one of the most common side effects of teeth whitening treatment. It can happen during or after treatment and might get worse because of the concentration of whitener used. Usually, it disappears soon after the end of treatment.

Gum Irritation

Whitening agents tend to irritate gums, especially if they touch the soft outer tissues of the gums. The result may be a red, swollen gum or one that is painful and throbbing. No one wants swollen gums so be careful on the application. 

Inconsistent Effects

Not all whitening products are created the same. If you have restorative work done on your tooth like a crown or enamel filling, understand that the home remedy substances will not have an impact on the appearance of those teeth. This can lead to inconsistent whitening. 

Deterioration of Enamel

 Overusing or wrong application of such products leads to degradation of tooth enamel; thus increasing susceptibility to later decay and hypersensitivity.

How to Maintain Your Whitened Teeth

Every person who has ever had some form of teeth whitening may know that keeping the whiteness is as important as getting it. There are several ways to make sure your teeth keep looking at their best:

Maintain Good Oral Hygiene

Brushing and Flossing: Use fluoride toothpaste to brush your teeth at least two times a day; this will help eliminate plaque buildup and also prevent any future stains from visiting that perfect white smile.

Use a Soft-Bristled Toothbrush: If you want to avoid hurting yourself, always use a soft bristle toothbrush because it is less abrasive on enamel or gums which could easily lead to irritations or even damage.

Dietary Choices

Limit Staining Foods and Drinks: Coffee, tea, red wine and other dark sauces contribute greatly towards staining hence limit their intake when looking for how to keep your pearly whites shining.

Rinse After Eating: On top of this when taking meals with pigments have some water at hand so that after eating rinse with it to remove all colours from your mouth.

Regular Dental Check-ups

Every six months, make an appointment with a dentist for regular cleaning sessions so that the dentist may remove plaque accumulating on the surface enamel, thus preventing the formation of stains.When you note that there are new stained patches on the teeth you should visit a dentist and seek guidance on good treatments and preventive measures.

Touch-Up Treatments

It is advisable to use an at-home whitening product from time to time to maintain brightness. Do not overuse them to avoid having negative effects. Always take care to follow manufacturer’s recommendations for ideal results. Speak with your dentist about whether it would be possible for you to have some professional touch-ups done.

Lifestyle Adjustments

Quit on tobacco entirely. Quitting smoking or tobacco can help immensely by reducing the risk of staining and improving oral health as a whole. Your teeth (and the rest of your body) will thank you. A person should drink enough water throughout the day such that food particles and bacteria contributing to yellowing will be washed away.

Final note

There are many ways of whitening teeth at home to make the smile brighter. By knowing what alternatives exist, their safe usage and how to maintain the results, one can achieve and maintain a whiter, brighter smile without a dreaded dentist visit.

If you do not have serious underlying conditions, opting for affordable over-the-counter treatments (other than changing your lifestyle) is better than chemical treatments or surgery. This is why Masofta’s Teeth Whitening Range is the perfect solution for you! With dermatologists-approved, safe ingredients, you can be rest assured of a beautiful, bright smile devoid of any stains!