Bright white teeth are a symbol of youth and vitality for many people. But as the years go by and the consumption of products, such as tobacco or caffeine, the teeth can get stained on the surface and appear more yellow and dirty. Although some commercial products and hydrogen peroxide home remedies can make your teeth sensitive, there are hydrogen peroxide solutions for sale that you can use safely, otherwise you can make safe mixtures yourself.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Use Commercially Available Whiteners
Step 1. Brush your teeth with whitening toothpaste
Buy one made with hydrogen peroxide at a drugstore or supermarket. Use it to brush your teeth at least twice a day for two weeks to see results.
- Buy a product containing at least 3.5% hydrogen peroxide, which is the standard amount. Keep in mind that the higher its concentration in the toothpaste, the more sensitive your teeth will be.
- Brush your teeth with this product at least twice a day. You will have to wait 2-6 weeks before seeing results.
- Know that toothpaste only removes surface stains caused by smoking and alcohol.
- If you want to get better results, you should use another hydrogen peroxide product to get rid of stains in depth.
- Ask your dentist or search online for dental association sites to learn about the risks you face if you use products that are not safe for oral hygiene.
Step 2. Put on a mouthguard with whitening gel
Some research showing that this device filled with a 3% hydrogen peroxide gel is capable of whitening teeth significantly. You can buy it at the pharmacy or have your dentist prescribe one.
- In the pharmacy there are ready-made models in which there is the whitening gel or kits that you have to fill yourself. Know that these devices adapt to the shape of most mouths and are not custom printed.
- If you want to get better results, you need to ask your dentist to make a custom-made mouthguard for you and provide you with a hydrogen peroxide solution at a higher concentration.
- Keep the device in your mouth for as long as indicated on the product packaging. Most mouthguards require a 30-minute application three times a day for two weeks.
- Discontinue use if you experience severe sensitivity, although it generally almost always disappears after treatment is finished. Talk to your dentist about whether or not to continue using them.
- Before buying a mouthguard, always ask your dentist or do some research online on the websites of dental associations, to avoid buying products that are dangerous for the health of the oral cavity.
Step 3. Apply the whitening strips
They act similarly to mouthguards, but are much more flexible and the hydrogen peroxide solution is already on the product. Before attempting the remedy with the mouthguard try putting on these moldable whitening strips, which do not necessarily touch the gums. In fact, the mucous membranes can be sensitive to hydrogen peroxide.
- Know that they are safer than mouthguards and provide better results than just using a toothbrush.
- You should use these strips if you experience sensitivity to the gums with mouthguards; you simply have to apply them under the gum line.
- Purchase them based on how much you want to whiten your teeth and how sensitive your mouth is. On the market you can find different models that offer different results, from faster and deeper whitening to strips for sensitive teeth.
- Follow all package directions carefully and discontinue use if you experience severe sensitivity.
- Always do research to make sure it is safe.
Step 4. Use a whitening pen
On the market you can find hydrogen peroxide-based pens or brushes with which you can brush or "paint" your teeth. They are available in different formats, sometimes they look like pens, or there are vials containing the gel solution that you have to rub on the teeth with a brush.
- Compare the different formats and see which one works best for your needs. For example, you may find that it is easier for you to use a pen applicator rather than the vial product to spread with the brush.
- Apply the product for two weeks before going to sleep.
- Follow the instructions on the package and discontinue use if your teeth and / or gums become very sensitive.
Step 5. Consider getting professional whitening treatment
Dentists provide a whitening service with hydrogen peroxide combined with laser or blue light. Consider this option if your teeth are heavily stained or if you prefer to whiten your teeth with hydrogen peroxide under your doctor's supervision.
- Be aware that the dentist uses hydrogen peroxide solution in a concentration of 25-40%, which is not available for sale in the pharmacy.
- You should consider this if your gums are particularly sensitive. Before proceeding with the treatment, the dentist will protect them with a gel or a rubber dental dam.
- Ask your doctor if this is the best solution for you. It could be quite expensive and the surgery is not covered by the NHS.
Method 2 of 2: Try Natural Hydrogen Peroxide Bleaches
Step 1. Learn about the risks associated with the use of hydrogen peroxide
There are conflicting opinions about the use of this substance in home whitening solutions. If you use blends that have not been tested or analyzed, you may develop tooth sensitivity and other gum disease.
- Talk to your dentist before trying to whiten your teeth with hydrogen peroxide or making blends with this product.
- Keep in mind that while these natural methods are quite inexpensive, they can cause damage that will require much more money to repair.
- Remember that these solutions only remove stains on the surface of the teeth and are not as effective as similar commercial products.
- Make sure you use the lowest possible concentration of hydrogen peroxide to protect your gums and mouth.
Step 2. Rinse with a hydrogen peroxide-based mouthwash
Studies have found prolonged use of these products to be safe; they also whiten the teeth and prevent the formation of stains. Rinse your teeth daily with this mouthwash to whiten your teeth while killing bacteria.
- Use 2-3.5% hydrogen peroxide, which you can easily find at the pharmacy; higher concentrations can be dangerous for the oral cavity.
- Pour equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water into a glass.
- Rinse with this mixture by holding it in your mouth for 30-60 seconds.
- Spit it out when you are done or if it causes pain; at the end rinse your mouth with water.
- Avoid swallowing mouthwash, as it can cause health problems.
- You can purchase a commercial mouthwash that contains hydrogen peroxide.
Step 3. Make a paste of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda
This remedy can whiten your teeth and relieve gum pain. Brush your teeth with this paste every day or apply it a couple of times a week, as if it were a dental mask.
- Make sure the hydrogen peroxide has a concentration of 2-3.5%.
- Put a couple of teaspoons of baking soda on a plate. Add a small amount of hydrogen peroxide and mix the two ingredients. If necessary, add more peroxide until the mixture becomes a thick paste.
- Rub the paste into your teeth for two minutes in small circular motions. If you wish, you can also apply it with your fingers to stimulate blood circulation in the gums.
- For best results you can brush the mixture for a few minutes or leave it on for the same amount of time.
- Rinse your mouth by taking a sip of water from the bathroom sink faucet.
- At the end, rinse your teeth well to remove the mixture.
Step 4. Prevent blemishes if possible
In addition to using natural products to remove them, you should also avoid anything that can stain your teeth. Brush or rinse them after consuming these foods. Among the substances that can stain the teeth or promote the formation of stains are:
- Coffee, tea, red wine;
- White wine and clear sodas, which make teeth more susceptible to stains;
- Berries, such as blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, and raspberries.
