How to Whiten Teeth

Have you ever wanted to brighten your teeth and make your smile stand out? We know that it’s frustrating when you notice your teeth aren’t as white as they used to be, but luckily, there are a lot of ways you can get rid of those pesky stains. We’ll go over some of the best over-the-counter and professional treatments you can try so your teeth sparkle again!

1

Whitening toothpaste

  1. Image titled Whiten Teeth Step 1
    Using a whitening toothpaste daily can get rid of surface stains. Look for a toothpaste that has the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance to ensure that it’s safe to use. Use the toothpaste each time you brush your teeth, or at least twice per day. After 2–6 weeks, you’ll notice some of the stains on the surface of your teeth disappear.[1]
    • Whitening toothpastes don’t penetrate past the surface of your teeth, so it will not work for deep stains or discoloration.
    • Check for an ingredient called “blue covarine” on the packaging. Blue covarine adheres to the surface of your teeth so they don’t look as discolored.
    • Since whitening toothpastes have mild abrasives or hydrogen peroxide as their whitening agents, your teeth may feel more sensitive.[2]
    2. Advertisement
2

Whitening strips

  1. Image titled Whiten Teeth Step 2
    Strips have hydrogen peroxide that penetrate past your enamel’s surface. Choose whitening strips that have the ADA Seal of Acceptance so you know they won’t damage your teeth. Peel the backing off of the strip and press it onto your front teeth. Wrap the strips around your teeth so they stay in place. Keep the strips on for 30 minutes before removing them. Use the strips twice a day for about 2 weeks to see results.[3]
    • Since you leave the whitening strips on for a longer time, you’re more likely to get sensitive teeth.
    • Always follow the directions on the specific brand of whitening strips you buy since they may be different.[4]
3

Whitening trays

  1. Image titled Whiten Teeth Step 3
    Trays are molded to your teeth so they’re more comfortable. Spread the bleaching agent, which is usually carbamide peroxide, inside of the trays and press them onto your teeth.[5] Depending on the trays you’re using, you may wear them at night while you sleep or keep them in for 2–4 hours each day while you’re awake. After about 3–6 weeks, your teeth will look a shade or two lighter.[6]
    • You can buy whitening trays over-the-counter or get custom trays from your dentist.
    • Whitening trays are thin so you’ll still be able to talk and work while you’re wearing them.
    2. Advertisement
4

Whitening rinse

  1. Image titled Whiten Teeth Step 4
    Whitening rinses are perfect for a quick way to clean surface stains. Look for a commercial rinse that has hydrogen peroxide and the ADA Seal of Acceptance. Pour the recommended amount into your mouth and swish it vigorously for about 60 seconds. Keep swishing your rinse twice a day for about 3 months to notice a visible difference in your smile.[7]
    • Avoid using straight hydrogen peroxide as a rinse since it could irritate your gums, tongue, or throat.
5

Whitening pens

  1. Image titled Whiten Teeth Step 5
    Pens with whitening gel work best after you eat foods that stain your teeth. After enjoying a food or beverage that discolors your teeth, take the cap off of the whitening pen and dry your teeth with a napkin or tissue. Apply the hydrogen peroxide gel directly to your teeth. Keep your mouth open for 10–15 minutes so the gel can dry on your teeth. After that, brush your teeth to remove the gel.[8]
    • You may not notice immediate results, but the pen will prevent new stains from forming.
    • Whitening pens are usually meant for your front teeth only since it can be hard to reach your back teeth. Plus, you normally don’t see your back teeth when you smile so you may not need to whiten them.
    2. Advertisement
6

Baking soda

  1. Image titled Whiten Teeth Step 6
    Baking soda is slightly abrasive, so it helps you get rid of discoloration. Put some baking soda on your toothbrush and wet it to form a paste. Gently brush your teeth as you normally would to spread the baking soda evenly over the surface. Be sure to rinse all the baking soda out of your mouth when you’re finished. Use baking soda 2 times every day for about 12 weeks so your teeth look lighter.[9]
    • Be sure to still brush your teeth with regular toothpaste to kill bacteria and prevent gingivitis.
    • You can also get toothpaste that contains baking soda to whiten your teeth while you clean them.
7

Pineapple

  1. Image titled Whiten Teeth Step 7
    Chew pineapple to release bromelain, an enzyme that lightens stains.[10] You can incorporate pineapple into any meal you want to help your teeth. Chew the pineapple thoroughly to help spread the enzyme and produce saliva, which can help remove food particles that might cause additional staining.[11]
    • Very few studies have been done on pineapple’s effects on whitening teeth, so it may not be the most effective.
    • If you keep pineapple on your teeth for a prolonged time, it could make them more sensitive and wear away your enamel.
    2. Advertisement
8

Dairy products

  1. Image titled Whiten Teeth Step 8
    Lactic acid in dairy can help protect your teeth from discoloring even more. Since the lactic acid binds to your teeth, dairy foods like yogurt, milk, and hard cheeses all prevent additional stains.[12] When you’re enjoying food that could stain your teeth, such as tea, mix it with milk or eat a dairy product right before so your teeth stay protected.[13]
9

Professional whitening

  1. Image titled Whiten Teeth Step 9
    Your dentist has the best treatment, but makes your teeth more sensitive. Talk to your dentist to see if they have any bleaching or whitening procedures you can try. Your dentist will usually apply a strong peroxide to your teeth and use special blue lights to whiten your teeth within an hour. You could also be given at-home treatments to follow instead. However, since the chemicals your dentist uses are much more potent, they might increase the sensitivity of your teeth.[14]
    • Dental insurance usually doesn’t cover the cost of tooth whitening since it’s a cosmetic procedure.
    • Follow all of your dentist’s instructions before and after you get your teeth professionally whitened.
    2. Advertisement
10

Dental hygiene

  1. Image titled Whiten Teeth Step 10
    A daily dental care routine prevents new stains from developing. Be sure to brush your teeth at least twice a day for 2 minutes at a time. In addition to that, be sure to floss at least once a day to get rid of food particles that can cause cavities. As long as you keep your teeth clean regularly, you’ll maintain a healthy and bright smile.[15]

Expert Q&A
Did you know you can get premium answers for this article? Unlock premium answers by supporting wikiHow

  • Question
    Is it safe to use teeth whitening strips?
    Tu Anh Vu, DMD
    Tu Anh Vu, DMD
    Board Certified Dentist
    Dr. Tu Anh Vu is a board certified dentist who runs her private practice, Tu's Dental, in Brooklyn, New York. Dr. Vu helps adults and kids of all ages get over their anxiety with dental phobia. Dr. Vu has conducted research related to finding the cure for Kaposi Sarcoma cancer and has presented her research at the Hinman Meeting in Memphis. She received her undergraduate degree from Bryn Mawr College and a DMD from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine.
    Tu Anh Vu, DMD
    Tu Anh Vu, DMD
    Board Certified Dentist
    Expert Answer

    Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

    Yes, it's generally safe for most people. You probably shouldn't use them if you have braces, though. You'll also want to avoid using them if you've had restorative work down, like a crown, filling, or veneer.
  • Question
    Can yellow teeth become white?
    Tu Anh Vu, DMD
    Tu Anh Vu, DMD
    Board Certified Dentist
    Dr. Tu Anh Vu is a board certified dentist who runs her private practice, Tu's Dental, in Brooklyn, New York. Dr. Vu helps adults and kids of all ages get over their anxiety with dental phobia. Dr. Vu has conducted research related to finding the cure for Kaposi Sarcoma cancer and has presented her research at the Hinman Meeting in Memphis. She received her undergraduate degree from Bryn Mawr College and a DMD from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine.
    Tu Anh Vu, DMD
    Tu Anh Vu, DMD
    Board Certified Dentist
    Expert Answer

    Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

    It kind of depends on a couple of factors. If your teeth are yellow, it's because the dentin underneath your enamel is showing through. If your enamel has been worn away, there isn't really a whole lot you can do to get the enamel back. However, you may be able to get your teeth a few shades whiter by brushing regularly, flossing, and seeing your dentist for regular cleanings. Teeth whitening strips can also help, but you shouldn't use these if you have braces or if you've had any restorative work done.
  • Question
    How long will it take for my teeth to go white with baking soda?
    Cristian Macau, DDS
    Cristian Macau, DDS
    Doctor of Dental Surgery
    Dr. Macau is an oral surgeon, periodontist, and aesthetician at Favero Dental Clinic in London. He received his DDS from Carol Davila University of Medicine in 2015.
    Cristian Macau, DDS
    Cristian Macau, DDS
    Doctor of Dental Surgery
    Expert Answer

    Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

    It depends firstly on your regular diet and if you consume colored foods and drinks or if you are a heavy smoker. A good final result requires not just brushing with baking soda but also a balanced diet. You can see good improvements after the first two weeks, but if you are not happy with the result then you should go for a professional whitening treatment
Advertisement

Warnings

  • Any tooth-whitening method might cause increased sensitivity.[20]
    ⧼thumbs_response⧽
  • Fruits like strawberries, oranges, and lemons are all acidic and can cause your enamel to wear away.[21]
    ⧼thumbs_response⧽
  • Avoid using activated charcoal to whiten your teeth since it’s abrasive and could wear away at your enamel.[22]
    ⧼thumbs_response⧽
  • Over-the-counter hydrogen peroxide isn’t an effective tooth whitener, and it could cause pain or inflammation to your gums.[23]
    ⧼thumbs_response⧽
Advertisement

You Might Also Like

How to
Brush Your Teeth
Whiten Teeth With Baking Soda
How to
Whiten Teeth With Baking Soda
Whiten Teeth With Hydrogen Peroxide
How to
Whiten Teeth With Hydrogen Peroxide
Brush Teeth Without Toothpaste
How to
Brush Teeth Without Toothpaste
Care for Your Teeth
How to
Care for Your Teeth
Apply Crest 3D White StripsHow to Apply Crest 3D White Strips: Step-by-Step Instructions for a Radiant Smile (with or without LED Light)
Use Teeth Whitening Strips
How to
Use Teeth Whitening Strips
Use a Whitening Pen
How to
Use a Whitening Pen
Get Whiter Teeth at Home
How to
Get Whiter Teeth at Home
Remove Brown Stains from TeethBest Ways to Quickly Remove Stains from Teeth
Use Activated Charcoal for Teeth Whitening
How to
Use Activated Charcoal for Teeth Whitening
Whiten Teeth with Natural Methods
How to
Whiten Teeth with Natural Methods
Get Rid of Yellow Teeth
How to
Get Rid of Yellow Teeth
Whiten Teeth in an Hour
How to
Whiten Teeth in an Hour
Advertisement

References

  1. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/expert-answers/whitening-toothpaste/faq-20058411
  2. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/10954-teeth-sensitivity/possible-causes
  3. ↑ https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1708-8240.2005.tb00476.x
  4. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/is-teeth-whitening-safe/
  5. ↑ https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-clinic-q-and-a-many-safe-choices-available-to-help-whiten-teeth/
  6. ↑ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/teeth-whitening
  7. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4058574/
  8. ↑ https://youtu.be/FVYJk40zYC4?t=17
  9. ↑ https://jada.ada.org/article/S0002-8177(17)30811-5/fulltext#secsectitle0040
  1. ↑ https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1601-5037.2010.00473.x
  2. ↑ https://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-05-2011/5-foods-that-whiten-teeth-naturally.html
  3. ↑ https://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-05-2011/5-foods-that-whiten-teeth-naturally.html
  4. ↑ https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/idh.12096
  5. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4058574/
  6. ↑ https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/w/natural-teeth-whitening
  7. ↑ Tu Anh Vu, DMD. Board Certified Dentist. Expert Interview. 10 April 2020.
  8. ↑ https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/w/whitening
  9. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4058574/
  10. ↑ https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/w/whitening
  11. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/is-teeth-whitening-safe/
  12. ↑ https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/w/natural-teeth-whitening
  13. ↑ https://jada.ada.org/article/S0002-8177(17)30412-9/fulltext
  14. ↑ https://dentalsmilesatdacula.com/is-hydrogen-peroxide-safe-for-teeth-whitening/

About This Article

Tu Anh Vu, DMD
Medically reviewed by:
Tu Anh Vu, DMD
Board Certified Dentist
This article was medically reviewed by Tu Anh Vu, DMD and by wikiHow staff writer, Hunter Rising. Dr. Tu Anh Vu is a board certified dentist who runs her private practice, Tu's Dental, in Brooklyn, New York. Dr. Vu helps adults and kids of all ages get over their anxiety with dental phobia. Dr. Vu has conducted research related to finding the cure for Kaposi Sarcoma cancer and has presented her research at the Hinman Meeting in Memphis. She received her undergraduate degree from Bryn Mawr College and a DMD from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. This article has been viewed 2,227,764 times.
4 votes - 100%
Co-authors: 149
Updated: December 9, 2021
Views: 2,227,764
Categories: Whitening Teeth

Medical Disclaimer

The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.

Article SummaryX

To whiten your teeth, gently brush them with baking soda and water to remove any stains. If you have hydrogen peroxide, use it as a whitening mouthwash every day before you brush your teeth. Just make sure you don't swallow it! For more dramatic results, try whitening toothpaste or whitening strips from the store. If you want to learn more from our Dental Surgeon co-author, such as dental treatments or how to keep your teeth white, keep reading the article!

Did this summary help you?
Advertisement