Whitening teeth

[staceyshoe]

I've never felt comfortable using commercial whiteners for teeth. I can't help but think that it damages enamel. Is this true or a misconception?

I drink a lot of tea and didn't have white teeth to begin with. I'm noticing that they are VERY stained. Even in photos, they look BROWN. Maybe I'm vain, but it's so ugly. I use toothpaste with baking soda in the morning and evening. Would it help to sprinkle baking soda on top of my toothbrush as well? What else can I do?

[Toolip]

I'm sure you'll get an answer from someone who knows more...

I know that baking soda is abrasive and can wear down enamel and cause sensitivity. It isn't without it's own risks.

[Liquesce]

As "commercial whiteners," are you including just home bleaching kits, or also regular whitening toothpastes and such? Because just regular Crest whitening toothpaste and their no-alcohol whitening mouthwash in combo have been pretty effective for me.

[feelinghealthy]

Dentist

I had a similar problem with 1 tooth which was a little bit brownish (it had "dead roots" because of an accident - that's what my desntist said to me).

I asked my dentist if he could do something for it and he used a special liquid and since that my tooth is clean and white

I think you should ask your dentist for help

[amcal]

I asked my very conservative dentist and he said Crest Whitestrips are fine. He would only do professional whitening for really bad cases. For general whitening, he recommends the whitestrips.

[lifeguard]

I saw a consumer testing program on tv the other day & they tested 1/2 a dozen whitening toothpastes with no noticeable results from any of them.

Maybe just a cleaning at the dentist will get you back to where you will be happy.

[columbusmomma]

Originally Posted by amcal

I asked my very conservative dentist and he said Crest Whitestrips are fine. He would only do professional whitening for really bad cases. For general whitening, he recommends the whitestrips.

I think they work well

[Barbee]

i rinse with peroxide before i brush. i think it's whitened my teeth a bit and i haven't done it for that long.

[michelle123]

My dentist suggests to drink staining liquids (tea, coffee) with a straw. This keeps them from hitting the front teeth. I don't drink them enough to know if it really works, but you could try it.

[Denvergirlie]

Supposedly people that do oil pulling have noticed whiter teeth as an effect as well.

[riboflavin]

I haven't tried this personally, but some people use strawberries.

[MrsMike]

Yeah to the strawberries. Either eat more of them or try this: Crush a strawberry and mix it with baking soda. Apply the paste to your teeth for 5 minutes and rinse off. Only do it once a week, though, as it's a little abrasive.