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What Are the Different Types of Teeth Whitening Products?

Teeth whitening is one of the most popular teeth-related topics on the web, and for good reason. It's natural to want to have teeth that are white and healthy. However, with all the teeth whitening products out there (including over-the-counter ones), it can be challenging to know which one will work best for you.

In this article, we will discuss some of the different teeth whitening products that are available and how they work. We will also provide information on the benefits of each type of product. So, if you are interested in whitening your teeth, keep reading!

Different types of teeth whitening products

Teeth whitening products come in many different forms. Some, like strips or trays, can be worn at home, while others require a visit to the dentist. Here are some teeth whitening products that work well.

Lady is Brushing

1. Teeth whitening toothpaste

Some teeth whitening toothpastes use gentle polishing agents to help remove stains on the surfaces of the teeth. Whilst others contain hydrogen peroxide (e.g. Colgate Optic White). Hydrogen peroxide works by removing extrinsic and intrinsic stains. 

2. Whitening mouthwashes and rinses

Some mouthwashes and rinses can also give you a brighter smile. Colgate Optic White Mouthwash provides daily stain defense when used twice a day. It’s clinically proven formula contains an optic brightener that activates as you swish to reflect light, leaving your teeth looking instantly whiter (temporary optical effect of instant whitening). For best whitening results, use Colgate Optic White Mouthwash with Colgate Optic White Toothpaste. 

3. Teeth whitening chewing gums

Many over the counter whitening chewing gums are also effective and benefit your teeth in multiple ways. While the usual process of chewing the gum stimulates saliva production that rinses away bacteria in your mouth, its whitening ingredients can help reduce surface stains too. When choosing one - be sure that it is sugarless and uses sweeteners like Xylitol or other polyols. 

4. Whitening strips

While different whitening strips come with varying instructions of usage (which must be followed), their usual application time is around 30 minutes. To get visible results, whitening strips need to be applied several times over a few days to weeks.

teeth whitening tray

5. Teeth whitening trays with gels

Whitening trays may be used in conjunction with peroxide-based gels and work in much the same way as strips, with one main difference. Rather than strips applied to your teeth, teeth whitening trays are made of a flexible material that fits around your teeth and  holds the gel in place and/or provides a light to help accelerate the whitening process.

You can buy these kits at the store, or your dental professional will create custom trays for you in their clinic and provide a professionally dispensed gel. Most whitening trays available for general consumer purchase use gels which have lower concentrations of hydrogen peroxide, while dental professionals use a stronger concentration that delivers better whitening results and the custom trays fit exactly to your teeth providing a more comfortable experience.

Colgate Optic White Pro Series LED Kit

6. Indigo LED teeth whitening

Indigo LED teeth whitening kits use the effectiveness of indigo light technology to activate concentrated hydrogen peroxide serum. You can achieve professional-level whitening in just 10 minutes a day* with devices like the Colgate Optic White Pro Series LED Kit. This clinically proven device is enamel safe, and is rechargeable via a handy USB cable! 

*10 minutes a day for 10 days. Use as directed. Individual results may vary.

7. Teeth whitening pens

Some teeth whitening pens use a hydrogen peroxide-based serum or gel to improve appearance. The process is simple and easy. Just paint the whitening serum/film onto each tooth and let it do its thing over the specified amount of time.

Colgate Optic White teeth whitening pen

The Colgate Optic White Overnight Teeth Whitening Treatment Pen works while you sleep, whitening teeth up to 3 shades whiter in 2 weeks.* Apply Colgate Optic White Teeth Whitening Serum to clean teeth right before going to bed, after your normal oral care routine. Once applied, the serum forms a concentrated hydrogen peroxide film on your teeth which will stay on overnight while you catch those zzzs. The next morning, brush normally to remove the film and reveal your brighter, whiter smile.

You might also be interested to know - How To Remove Coffee Stains From Your Teeth?

*Starts working from day 1. Individual results may vary.

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What are the causes of teeth staining in the first place?

You deserve a brilliant smile, so it is also essential for you to know about the cause of tooth discolouration before getting teeth whitening products. Here are a few:

  • Foods & Beverages: certain foods and beverages are known to discolour your teeth due to their dark pigmentation. These include coffee, tea, red wine and fizzy drinks. 

  • Aging & genetics: Your teeth become more prone to discolouration as you age. The outer layer of enamel wears thin, revealing the natural yellowish colour of dentine beneath. At the same time, some people have naturally brighter or thicker enamel than others, thanks to their genes. 

  • Tobacco: Tobacco use can lead to stained teeth. This is because smoke from cigarettes will stain the tooth enamel, making your teeth look darker than they actually are.

  • Poor oral hygiene: The bacteria in your mouth form plaque on your teeth which can become hardened into calculus leading to discoloration of the tooth surface. So regular brushing and flossing are essential to keep this plaque in check and regular dental visits are important to remove any hardened deposits.

To sum up

There are many teeth whitening options available. To find out more about teeth whitening and whether it's right for you, get in touch with your dental professional.

This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.

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