A bright white smile is a common beauty goal. While there’s nothing wrong with wanting a brighter smile, it is important to understand how teeth whitening works before trying any home bleaching products. Teeth whitening is a type of lightening that changes the color of natural tooth enamel. Most teeth whitening is accomplished using peroxide, which breaks down and releases oxygen molecules that make the teeth appear whiter. The results vary from person to person and may be temporary. In general, it takes several treatments to get the desired level of whiteness.

Teeth Whitening: Brighten Your Smile with Professional Treatment

Over-the-counter (OTC) teeth-bleaching agents use hydrogen peroxide as the active ingredient. This agent breaks down stains on the surface of the teeth, making them less noticeable. Whitening products should be used according to the product directions, and only on healthy teeth. If a person has dental restorations, such as fillings or crowns, they are not candidates for OTC whitening and should see their dentist to discuss alternative methods for lightening those teeth.

The most common side effects from OTC whitening are tooth sensitivity and irritation of the soft tissues of the mouth, particularly the gums. The irritation usually occurs during the early stages of bleaching and disappears after a few days.

Some people try a variety of home remedies to whiten their teeth, but most of these have no scientific basis for their effectiveness. For example, brushing with a scrub that is too rough can actually wear away the outer layer of the tooth (enamel), which can reveal the yellowish underlying dentin. Rubbing a paste of powdered charcoal or kaolin clay on the teeth to remove stains is also unproven.