Why do are some teeth more likely to stain than others?

There are numerous reasons for variations in tooth colouration. These can be genetic, or environmental:

Genetic reasons – Your teeth may naturally be pearly white, or with an undertone of grey, yellow or brown. This can also effect how porous your tooth enamel is, and therefore, how likely you are to find discolourations in your teeth. Experts agree that visible discolouration in teeth occurs in the  tooth’s “dentin”, which is the material that lies beneath a tooth’s enamel surface. As a result, teeth whitening can be one of the few remedies to stains in this area.

Environmental causes – Everyday wear and tear, inconsistent dental hygiene and even illness can cause deep rooted tooth discolouration. Sugary drinks like cola, medications, tea, coffee, cigarettes, red wine and other tobacco products may deep staining within the surface of a tooth. This means  an at-home whitening kit can act like a spring clean, helping to budge all those stubborn stains from deep within.

How do I know what teeth whitening procedure I need?

It depends on the cause. But tooth discolouration falls into two categories: extrinsic staining and intrinsic staining. Extrinsic staining is often caused by environmental factors, as these stains are still on the surface of the tooth. Intrinsic staining refers to stains to the dentin of a tooth, which then shows through the enamel.

However, both can benefit from at-home Teeth Whitening kits. For example, if some stains have stayed on top of the enamel for a long period of time, simple abrasion techniques may not be enough.

An at-home kit will contain special bleaching agents which break down in the water, creating radical hydroxyl ions. These work their way through the tooth, attaching themselves to any stained particles and break them down. As a result, your smile can go from dull to dazzling in a matter of minutes!

What are the main differences between Dental Whitening and at-home Teeth Whitening Kits?

As a broad overview, here are the main procedures between at-home and Dental Teeth Whitening

Dentist-Administered or Prescribed Procedures

• Laser or LED-light activated one-hour bleaching
• Non-Light Activated in-office bleaching
• Deep Bleaching (a combination of in-office and take-home whitening procedures)
• Take-Home Teeth Whitening Kits with Custom-Fit Mouth Trays

DIY Whitening Procedures

• Whitening Toothpastes
• Brush-on Whiteners
• Whitening Strips
• Whitening Kits with supplied mouth trays

In terms of differences, the main would be cost and convenience. Whereas at-home whitening can be fitted into your schedule at any time and for a fraction of the cost, a trip to the dentist can be time-consuming, and also, expensive. As a rule, those with very serious staining and other dental problems should consult with a dentist. But for those wishing to spruce up the appearance of their teeth, often an at-home teeth whitening kit can be a fantastic solution.

How much will I expect to pay for an at-home Teeth Whitening Kit?

Generally, you can expect to pay around £40 to £80 in total, but with many companies offering free trials, an at-home Teeth Whitening Kit can cost as little as postage and packing! Be sure to check conditions prior to purchase, but never before have teeth whitening kits been so accessible, and cost so little. And even if you choose to continue with a product, the cost will still pale into the cost of dental procedures, which can run into £1000′s.

How long before I see results?

This depends on the concentration of the bleach, how frequently you must wear the solutions, but in general, after a few weeks, you – and others – will really notice the difference in your smile. And these results will vary, depending on the natural makeup of your teeth. As a rule though, expect to see a few variations in the shade.

What are the active ingredients used in teeth whitening kits?

Teeth whitening kits will be based around a gel or paste solution that will contain some form of bleach, specifically, a peroxide. This is the same type of bleach used to dye hair, but in a much lower, and safer, concentration. Hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide are the two kinds of peroxide used for bleaching teeth. Hydrogen peroxide is a very strong whitening agent, and  Carbamide peroxide is a less complicated, user friendly version of hydrogen peroxide. It has a much more stable shelf life, meaning it can be kept for longer and need not be applied fresh.

What are the side effects to an at-home Teeth Whitening Kit?

Providing you follow instructions, there should be little in the way of side effects. Take care in applying the pastes, and you should find that the only thing you will suffer from is a better smile! But with all procedures involving chemicals, there are certain things to be careful of.

Try not to overuse products and use for the allotted time, as increased exposure to the bleaching agents can leave gums feeling sore and irritated. It can also lead to hyper bleaching, where your teeth take on an almost grey-blue appearance. The key is moderation. Although a tooth whitening kit will not immediately adversely affect your teeth, over time, this can lead to other dental problems. If in doubt, seek the advice of a dental professional.

Equally, you need to be careful not to ingest the product. Although the concentration is low, it is still a bleach, and ingestion can cause nausea or vomiting. As a rule, sticking to the packet instructions and taking reasonable precautions should avoid any of these pitfalls.

I’ve heard some concentrations of bleach are harmful, is this true?

Most experts agree  that bleaching levels that exceed 22% concentration can be harmful if not administered correctly. Most dentists will use a bleaching concentration of between 15% and 22%, and these are completely safe. In terms of long term effects of using a high concentration bleach, you should always consult the product instructions, and if in doubt, check with your hygienist or a dental professional.

The varying concentrations will also determine the speed of your results, as well as how often and for how long you can wear them for. Be wary of any product that claims to have a high concentration of bleach, whilst instructing you to wear for a long period of time.

How long will the results last?

This will depend on the product you are using, as well as your general habits. If you’re stains have appeared from over-consumption of tea, coffee, wine or tobacco and you continue at the same levels, you may find the stains will return, and so you will need touch-ups. Likewise if your discolouration is caused by an illness. But this is likely to be every few years, and the results are more than worth it.

If you are committed to keeping your teeth whiter than white, it is also worthwhile to look at natural preventative supplements. Try to include foods that produce a lot of saliva when eaten, such as  apples, carrots, sugar cane, pears, cucumbers, celery and cauliflowers. These contain plenty of fibres that will act as natural abrasives to remove the stains as they accumulate on your tooth enamel. Also try to limit foods with a high acidity content, like citrus fruits, as these can often erode at your tooth enamel, making it easier for the stains to come back.

See our reviews of the best at home teeth whitening products here