Is it safe to whiten your teeth?

James Curtis, DMD

Dentistry

Nobody’s teeth are naturally perfectly white, and a mix of age, what we eat, and some other aspects of our lifestyle can cause them to become discolored, yellow or dingy over time. At-home teeth whitening products have become popular and widely available, but are they safe? James Curtis, DMD, answered some essential questions on teeth whitening safety and how to keep your teeth whiter naturally, too.

Is it safe to whiten your teeth?

“Assuming you follow the directions for the product, whether it’s teeth whitening strips or whitening gels, whitening your teeth at home is absolutely safe,” said Dr. Curtis.

There are individuals who overdo it and leaving the whitening agent on too long can make your teeth feel more sensitive and uncomfortable, or potentially lead to some damage to the outer surface. Whitening done within a dental office is even more well-researched than over-the-counter products and is extremely safe.

What causes tooth discoloration?

“To some extent, our teeth will change and lose some whiteness simply through the aging process,” said Dr. Curtis. “But there are other lifestyle or diet choices we make that might stain teeth over time or cause them to appear dingy or discolored.”

Actions that can stain your teeth include:

• Smoking, chewing tobacco or any use of tobacco products
• Drinking coffee and tea products
• Consuming dark sodas like colas
• Drinking red wine
• Not flossing or brushing thoroughly
• Experiencing trauma or illness that affects development of enamel during childhood
• Undergoing chemotherapy or radiation can discolor teeth
• Using some medications, including certain high blood pressure medications or antihistamines

How can you prevent discolored teeth?

“There are some steps you can take to avoid those stains on your teeth in the first place,” said Dr. Curtis. “Of course, this starts with adequate brushing and flossing.”

If you drink iced coffee, tea or dark sodas, drink using a straw. Drinking through a straw mostly bypasses the teeth, making it less likely you’ll develop discolored teeth. However, it won’t prevent it entirely, so it’s not a perfect solution.

Limit red wine consumption and brush your teeth after every meal.

If you use tobacco products in any way, quit! Quitting smoking can measurably improve your life in a number of ways, and one of those ways is making it less likely stains and discolored will develop on your teeth.

Beyond that, make sure that you schedule your annual or twice-yearly visit to the dentist’s office for a regular cleaning. Express your concerns about potential stains on your teeth to your dentist – they may have suggestions that can help.