Tooth whitening - is it safe/worth the money?

moneylover

Thank you Toothsmith for above comments. I notice you help people out quite a lot with dental questions which is very kind of you.

I agree with comments about getting used to whitening but even allowing for this there is loss of whiteness. Will see how teeth look after next polish at end of month but since last whitening and polish I have used colgate max white one and listerine advanced white mouthwash twice a day. Are these a waste of time and, in fact, if someone has a heathy mouth do we even need a mouthwash after brushing and flossing?

I notice my top teeth are less white than bottom now so maybe it's because my top teeth get dipped more into my cups of teeth!!! Am going to give up tea after next whitening.

Now am retired am at home a bit more - is it worth cleaning teeth after lunch as well to try and reduce staining? Does standing get impervious to brushing within a few hours or is there a good window of opportunity to remove it?

I don't drink Rd wine but I do like aspberries and other health giving berries which I don't suppose my teeth like much!

Toothsmith

Mouthwashes are a complete waste of time. They can often increase staining!

A few have a use if specifically recommended by your dentist or hygienist for a specific time, but no one should buy any of them for 'regular use' Ignore the TV adverts!!

There is no harm to brushing your teeth more. But as well as doing front and back with the toothbrush, time spent with the fiddly little interdental cleaners (like Tepes or Flosspicks or whatever your hygienist has recommended for you) is just as important.

It really wouldn't surprise me, though, if that Listerine 'Whitening' was the cause of the dull teeth! But the effects should polish off.

Toothsmith

I should probably just add that when you have them whitened, there is a little bit of 'fallback' from the whiteness you have right on the day you finish treatment. So within the first few days after finishing you might notice a slight change, but nothing much, and it shouldn't get much worse after that.

moneylover

Toothsmith- massive thanks. Mouthwash hovering over the bin....
Yes, I knew you get some fallback from whitening. Going to hygienist end of month so will re-evaluate after that.