Is it okay to whiten your teeth?

[Anonymous]

Besides going to the dentist what types of teeth whiteners do you use like what brand (i.e. Crest)? Does it work? Is it safe? Thanks.

[lelebear]

Bleaching is not harmful to your enamel in the sense that it will weaken it but over bleaching with any product can cause your teeth to become chalky looking and that may or may not go away but if the directions are followed that should not be a problem. The kind that I like to recommend to my patients is the Rembrandt whitening trays. As for baking soda it is fine to use the toothpaste with it in there but it will not do to much to change the actual color of your teeth it is an abrasive material so it will help remove stains from coffee or smoking but not change the inside color. DO NOT swish with hydrogen peroxide ( the peroxide in bleaching materials is different) it can alter your cells and actually cause cancer if you did it often now every once in a while won't hurt you but there is no benefit to it either.

[Anonymous]

i don't use any. but it can't be harmful, a lot of people use them

[ArtistBboy]

Whitening strips actually damage your enamel. A smart alternative is baking soda (believe it or not).. Take some tooth paste and squeeze it on your brush, then brush like regular. At the end be sure to rinse well.

Another great thing to try is to swish with Hydrogen Peroxide but don't swallow it (it'll give you an upset stomach or other symptoms)... This will help to kill germs that form in your mouth that prevent your teeth from being healthy.

~ ArtistBBoy

[Asker]

So ur saying that I should use toothpaste w/baking soda. I use Crest-the mint one. I want to make my teeth whiter. I brush twice a day but it's not as white as I want it. Then again they're not extremely yellow either.

[ArtistBboy]

Exactly, the baking soda is a great method. Just sprinkle the baking soda over your tooth paste (preferably over a sink, so as to not make a mess).. Then after that, scrub like normal. It will taste a little wierd, but it helps a lot.

[Asker]

Great! Thanks. I'm gonna try it.

[ArtistBboy]

My pleasure :) If you're having difficulties with seeing results, try checking it out on google @ https://www.wikihow.com/Whiten-Teeth-With-Baking-Soda

.. That was an eye opener. Apparently that website recommends brushing with baking soda AFTER you brush with normal toothpaste.. Huh... You learn something new every day!

Take care

[lelebear]

Actually whitening in no way harms the enamel on your teeth.

[ArtistBboy]

Using the household kits, yes it does.

[dan_i_am]

Gee... one dentist fitted me for custom bleach trays and gave me gel, assuring me that it would not harm the enamel. I switched to a second dentist and continuted to use the old trays and the second dentist also recommended the peroxide gel and assured me they were safe. After seven or so years I have had: white teeth and no damage to the enamel. I go to the dentist every six months because as a "tooth snob" I insist on perfect teeth! Dan

[only-lonely-me]

DO NOT use baking soda. It's too abrasive & will remove the enamel from your teeth.

[lelebear]

Even the household ones don't hurt your enamel they have even less of the bleaching agent then the professional ones your dentist will give you. And only-lonely-me is right using straight baking soda often is to abrasive for your teeth. I have been a dental hygienist for over 10 years and keep very up to date on the bleaching products they are safe even if abused they don't cause any real harm.

[Asker]

Now I'm confused...

[ArtistBboy]

I hate kids that don't know what they are talking about. The flouride in toothpaste protects your enamel, bleaching your teeth is a fake whitening that doesn't actually refresh / heal the scaring on your teeth already.. Baking soda may be abbrasive but it's much less harsh than staining your teeth and not actually cleaning them. Cleaning your teeth is the only real method to a HEALTHY white smile. If you are too lazy to go to a dentist, your only option is lots of brushing and baking soda.

[only-lonely-me]

These are the ones that I use & my dentist said that my teeth are fine.

link

Ask your dentist.