How often can I whiten my teeth at home? (2024)

FAQs

How often can I whiten my teeth at home? ›

For over-the-counter kits, the results should last for a few months. Don't repeat the process more frequently than three or four times a year or once every three or four months. Always follow the product recommendations for how often you can repeat the process, and do not use the whitening system more often than that.

How often teeth whitening treatments are recommended by dentists. Professional teeth whitening performed in the dentist's office is recommended once every year to every 18 months, depending on how long the results last. At-home kits can be used as often as once every four to six months.

According to our dentist in 48446, one can over-whiten their teeth, and some effects come with it. It is known as bleachorexia. Over-the-counter whitening systems are usually set up to be used for a maximum of ten to fourteen days in a row at a given time.

In most cases, touch-ups are recommended to be done once every 6 months to maintain the whitening results. However, if you are someone who smokes or drinks, you may require a touch-up sooner than 6 months. This is mainly because alcohol and tobacco can cause your teeth to stain faster.

Are At Home Teeth Whitening Kits Effective? At home teeth whitening kits can show some results, but they have their limitations. Teeth whitening kits are effective only at eliminating some stains and help how to get rid of teeth stains.

If you opt for an at-home teeth whitening kit, you can generally expect your results to last for about four to six months with touch-ups as needed. However, if you choose to get your teeth professionally whitened at the dentist's office, your results could last up to a year or even longer with proper care.

While teeth whitening can be a great way to brighten your smile and increase your confidence, it is possible to overdo it. Risks associated with too much whitening include tooth and gum sensitivity, discoloration, and even enamel degradation.

Rehydrating Teeth After Whitening

After your procedure, your teeth will naturally rehydrate themselves in two to seven days. However, there are things you can do to help your teeth during this time. Drink plenty of water – water naturally hydrates every part of your body, including your teeth.

Teeth can become temporarily dehydrated after using whitening strips. Your teeth may appear more yellow as a result of this dehydration because the enamel may become dry and lack moisture. Dehydrated enamel sometimes has a transparent appearance that makes the naturally yellowish dentin underneath visible.

When should you not whiten your teeth? ›

Anyone allergic to peroxide (the whitening agent) should not use a bleaching product. Gum disease, worn enamel, cavities, and exposed roots. Individuals with gum disease or teeth with worn enamel are generally discouraged from undergoing a tooth-whitening procedure.

One of the most common side effects is tooth sensitivity, which can occur during or after treatment. Overuse or misuse of teeth whitening products can also lead to enamel damage, gum irritation, and discoloration.

Is teeth whitening permanent? Teeth whitening isn't permanent. It can last from a few months to up to 3 years – it varies from person to person. The whitening effect won't last as long if you smoke or drink red wine, tea or coffee, which can all stain your teeth.

Using hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is a mild bleach that can help to whiten stained teeth . For optimal whitening, a person can try brushing with a mix of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide for 1–2 minutes twice a day for a week.

Choosing a non-professional teeth whitening treatment can carry a higher risk of adverse effects, including damage to your teeth and gums, and even a worsening of your discoloration. By far, the safest and most effective option is to have your teeth professionally whitened by your dentist.

Adding Peroxide to Baking Soda

Peroxide is a bleaching agent, so if applied properly, it can lighten your teeth. The key phrase here, however, is “applied properly.” Many recommend a mouthguard filled with hydrogen peroxide and baking soda, or they may just use straight hydrogen peroxide.

We recommend to patients that they avoid whitening their teeth too often, as over-whitening can cause sensitivity issues and make your teeth appear translucent. We advise whitening your teeth just once a year, whether professionally or at home.

It's typically not recommended to use whitening trays for multiple days in a row, but they can be re-used over time to whiten your smile. 2-3 times a week is a good rule of thumb.

Use your 3DWhitestrips only as frequently as indicated in the directions printed on the box for best results. In fact, we've done extensive testing and determined that we do not recommend using more than two upper strips and two lower strips per day.

Brushing your teeth is meant to remove harmful bacteria and plaque but not to whiten them. As recommended by your dentist, brushing twice a day is vital because it prevents cavities and tooth decay. Brushing alone will not whiten your teeth, though, and even whitening toothpaste only has a minimal effect on your teeth.