Genuine tooth whitening ideas?

kloana

My teeth could do with a good whitening. I'm an ex-smoker and a regular coffee drinker, neither of which has been kind to my teeth. The situation isn't severe - I just want them whiter (without being ridiculously brilliant white).

I'm open-minded as to what this process could entail, so long as it's physically safe (I've heard some horror stories). As far as cost is concerned, I'd just expect to get my money's worth out of whatever process/product I used.

My current regime (or lack thereof) is just brushing twice daily with a 'normal' (medium/firm) non-electric toothbrush, with 'normal' toothpaste...I'm not a firm believer in whitening toothpastes, but am happy to be told otherwise!

My teeth are healthy and strong, and are all correctly aligned. I find dentists'/hygienists' scale and polishes really uncomfortable (too ticklish).

I'd rather buy a product/some kind of equipment to use at home, than go to a salon or surgery-type place.

Any suggestions?

torbrex

use a baking soda toothpaste

foolofbeans

I got a tooth whitening kit from my dentist for about £350. It consisted of a plastic mould of my teeth and gel to squeeze into it. It has to be worn for at least an hour, preferably overnight and can cause temporary sensitivity.
I felt more reassured getting it from the dentist as they are the ones who look after your teeth and I was worried about some of the scare stories.
I confess I have barely used it though as I need some work on my teeth before whitening takes place (and the times I did use it made my teeth throb and I'm just not that dedicated I will give myself toothache for a white smile!)

imho

You could try Charcoal tablets. I get mine from Amazon about £3.50. Just put half a tablet or one tablet in your mouth but on front of teeth and rub in with finger and leave for 10/15 mins. I usually do it in shower and use a toothbrush as well. It's a bit messy so I find it easier in the shower.
Have you thought about buying a electric toothbrush ? Braun electric toothbrush are usually half price.

kloana

torbrex wrote: »

use a baking soda toothpaste

Oh I tried some of that a while back and it tasted so bad, I didn't persevere. Does it actually work? As I'd give it another go.

kloana

foolofbeans wrote: »

I got a tooth whitening kit from my dentist for about £350. It consisted of a plastic mould of my teeth and gel to squeeze into it. It has to be worn for at least an hour, preferably overnight and can cause temporary sensitivity.
I felt more reassured getting it from the dentist as they are the ones who look after your teeth and I was worried about some of the scare stories.
I confess I have barely used it though as I need some work on my teeth before whitening takes place (and the times I did use it made my teeth throb and I'm just not that dedicated I will give myself toothache for a white smile!)

Is it the kind of thing you could use for temporary results, for a few days/weeks/whatever? I'd expect the discolouring to return (?) if I didn't stick with it, but could put up with it if I had a special occasion on the horizon...

kloana

imho wrote: »

You could try Charcoal tablets. I get mine from Amazon about £3.50. Just put half a tablet or one tablet in your mouth but on front of teeth and rub in with finger and leave for 10/15 mins. I usually do it in shower and use a toothbrush as well. It's a bit messy so I find it easier in the shower.
Have you thought about buying a electric toothbrush ? Braun electric toothbrush are usually half price.

Might try the charcoal for that kind of price!

torbrex

kloana wrote: »

Oh I tried some of that a while back and it tasted so bad, I didn't persevere. Does it actually work? As I'd give it another go.

it is what I have used since I stopped smoking, I use the Arm & Hammer WOW toothpaste.
I checked with my dentist and he said that it was OK to use and constant use would reduce the yellowing and it did, I actually like the taste so I've carried on using it

imho

Charcoal link.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B001DZVPVO/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Other link. http://wellnessmama.com/3662/whiten-teeth-naturally/

surveyqueenuk

I don't bother with the toothpaste, I just use bicarb itself. Get a teaspoon full, dip damp brush into it and use to clean teeth. Now it does taste rank but by jove, it works! Also dirt cheap. Don't use more than once a week though. HTH.

Kynthia

Getting an electric toothbrush, visiting the hygienist, or using bicarbonate of soda or whitening toothpastes are all ways of cleaning stains off your teeth which can make them look brighter. Things like smoking, tea, coffee and red wine are all known for staining. This might be enough for most people.

However to lighten your actual tooth colour you need to use bleach based products and this is where you can do damage if you don't use safe products. Going through your dentist is safest. What they use might take a few weeks but the effect lasts a year and doesn't cause you harm.