One of the most common questions I am asked is, “How can I get my teeth whiter?” and “Is teeth whitening safe?” It might be tempting to get swept up in the whitening craze that’s currently happening. Fortunately, whitening is completely safe for your teeth. It’s simply important you understand?these teeth whitening basics.

Why Teeth Bleaching?

The color of your teeth is unique to each individual, like?different shades of skin color. You get what you are born with. As part of the aging process, skin gets wrinkly, hair gets more grey, and teeth get darker or yellower. It’s inevitable. Many of us are making the move to live longer, healthier lives and to look better while doing it. Teeth bleaching?is a fairly affordable, simple and safe way to improve our appearance as we age.

Bleaching & Hydrogen Peroxide

The teeth bleaching process uses?a natural and safe ingredient: hydrogen peroxide. This substance had been around for hundreds of years. Its many uses range from bleaching hair, cleaning agents, and even fighting infections in the gums like periodontal disease.

For decades, dentists used variations of hydrogen peroxide to successfully treat patients with gum disease. While treating the periodontal tissues around the teeth with hydrogen peroxide, dentists encountered an unexpected result: teeth were getting whiter. Researchers then studied hydrogen peroxide as a teeth whitener by applying it directly to the enamel. They discovered that a process called oxidation occurs, which takes the intrinsic color out of the tooth to actually whiten it internally. Cool, huh?

How Does Hydrogen Peroxide Work on the Teeth?

The teeth bleaching?process takes time.The peroxide ingredient needs to remain on the tooth for at least half hour at a time, for a period of days, typically 10-14?days. This is why toothpastes and mouthwashes that claim?”extra whitening power” don’t seem to work as expected. I don’t know anyone brushing for more than a couple minutes! ?This process will vary between individuals. It depends how dark your teeth are when you start, how white you want to get them, and how well you follow the regimen.

Maintaining Your Pearly Whites

Once you have successfully whitened your teeth one to three shades lighter, they will remain this color for a period of time. Obviously we are all still aging. Your habits will?also play a factor into?your?results as well as how well you?maintain your newly whitened teeth. Smoking, coffee, tea, red wine, and dark berries all stain teeth over time. Even if you bought new white carpet and used optimal care, eventually time will show dinginess, wear and tear. This is how whitening toothpastes help to keep your white shade a little longer.

In order to keep them as white as you like, maintenance will be required. ?It is your personal choice to keep your smile as bright as you want. ?I have personally done some home teeth bleaching on my own teeth. Using dental supervision is essential for the best, most long-lasting results.

So, if you “Ask Jeannie?”: The whitening craze is understandable. Whiter teeth will have your friends saying, “What a beautiful smile!” Not sure which route to go for bleaching your teeth? Check out our Ultimate Guide to Teeth Whitening Treatments!