Maintaining pearly whites and a healthy mouth isn’t rocket science – simply brush your teeth twice daily, visit your dentist regularly, and consider flossing and mouthwash as part of your routine.
But how do you achieve a dazzling grin that could make bystanders reach for shades? Amidst a sea of products claiming to brighten smiles and numerous online myths about home remedies, what truly works remains a question.
GQ had a chat with cosmetic dentist Dr Joyce Kahng. She shares her expertise on maintaining oral health social media where nearly 700,000 followers go to her for advice.
“There are so many products that are marketed to be ‘teeth whitening’ and most of them are probably actually not,” Dr Kahng said.
She clarified that while many whitening toothpastes may clean the surface, they don’t tackle the root issue. True whitening transforms tooth colour from within.
“We’re talking about removing those stains, breaking them up, and lifting them out of the teeth,” Dr Kahng elaborated.
How do stains start?
Dr Kahng cautions that everyday culprits – your morning coffee, a glass of red wine, or a cigarette – all have staining potential. “If it would stain my white coat, it can stain your teeth,” she warned.
“They all go in the category of depositing stains on the exterior of your teeth,” she explained. The good news is, these stains can be removed by brushing – but only if done promptly.
If the stain is left for too long, it can seep into the teeth, causing them to dull or yellow. The longer it remains, the more difficult it becomes to remove.
“It’s a lot easier for a teenager to get a good result from basic over-the-counter strips than if you’re 80 years old,” Dr Kahng said.
The best ways to whiten your teeth
Professional whitening treatments
The most effective ways to brighten your teeth include professional whitening treatments, which are performed at a dentist’s office using a gel containing around 6% hydrogen peroxide. In contrast, at-home whitening kits in the UK contain only about .01%.
Procedures typically last around 90 minutes, with dentists taking protective measures to ensure maximum effectiveness, such as blocking off saliva, which can neutralise the effects of hydrogen peroxide.
“It’s really about creating the optimal environment for whitening,” said Dr Kahng. “That’s why it is the fastest way to whiten within a certain time frame.”
At-home whitening strips and trays
When used regularly, at-home whitening strips and trays can also be effective, according to Dr Kahng. She said: “It’s like going to the gym. Doing a little bit every day is better than one intense session.”
She advises patients to use strips daily for a week or two, taking a break if the teeth start to feel overly sensitive.
Home remedies
While there are plenty of home remedies for teeth whitening, such as using baking soda or activated charcoal, Dr Kahng warns that these methods only remove surface stains, similar to regular toothpaste.
The practice of coconut oil pulling, which involves swishing oil around in your mouth, is also touted as a teeth whitener, but Dr Kahng remains unconvinced.
“Anecdotally, people say that helps, but scientifically, I don’t see it actually whitening the teeth from the inside out,” she said.
She also cautioned against using over-the-counter hydrogen peroxide, as it’s only three per cent strength and can potentially harm gums.
Four expert tips to keep your teeth white
1. Don’t expect permanent results – new stains will start to appear almost immediately unless you completely cut out everything that causes them.
2. Find your rhythm – how often you need to use whitening products will depend on your own situation.
3. Sensitivity is normal – it’s common to feel some sensitivity when you first start whitening your teeth. Dr Kahng suggests using a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth, containing either potassium nitrate or nanohydroxyapatite, before or after the whitening process.
4. Whitening isn’t for everyone – according to Dr Kahng, if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, it’s best to avoid this treatment. Similarly, if you have active cavities, these should be addressed first. And don’t expect any changes to veneers, crowns, or bridges – in fact, whitening could potentially damage their surface glaze.