What to Look for in a Teeth Whitening Product: A Beginner’s Guide!
Thinking about whitening your teeth but unsure where to start? With so many products on the market, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
If you're exploring whitening for the first time or want to make a smarter choice, you need to be able to view your options with confidence.
In this guide, Dr. Sanjay Patel, a trusted dental expert, breaks down everything you need to know - from the most effective treatments to key safety considerations.
1. What causes teeth to change colour?
Tooth discolouration is a common issue – people are often unhappy that their teeth aren’t white enough.
To understand how whitening works, we first need to understand what causes them to turn yellow.
There are two types of stains. These are:
1. Extrinsic stains: These affect the outer layer of the tooth (enamel) and are typically caused by coffee, tea, red wine, tobacco, and certain foods.
2. Intrinsic stains: These occur deeper within the tooth, often from ageing, trauma, certain medications, or excessive fluoride in childhood.
Sometimes, the discolouration is more superficial, meaning that the stains are at the surface, and you’ll notice results with a good clean.
Other times, with years of wear, the enamel has worn away to expose more of the yellow-coloured dentin (the layer beneath the enamel).
Luckily, both types of discolouration can be treated in various ways.
How does teeth whitening work?
Almost all teeth whitening treatments use active ingredients.
As a general rule, most professional treatments done in the office do, but most over-the-counter options don’t.
The most common active ingredient used in teeth whitening is hydrogen peroxide, although sometimes, carbamide peroxide is also used.
These ingredients break down stain molecules over a short period, making your teeth appear whiter.
Some teeth whitening treatments work on the surface of the enamel without any active ingredients. These are known as abrasive agents.
Instead, they polish the surface of the teeth, helping to remove external stains. These are commonly found in teeth whitening toothpastes.
The effectiveness of each treatment product depends on many factors, like how long they’re applied for and whether the discolouration is extrinsic or intrinsic.
Types of teeth whitening treatments available
If you’re more of a DIY whitening person or prefer the results of a professional treatment, there’s an option for you.
Teeth whitening typically comes in three forms:
· Over-the-counter treatments are more commonly found at registered pharmacies and prescribed by your dentist.
· At-home treatment kits can be bought at any supermarket.
· Professional treatments are conducted by a qualified dentist in an in-office environment.
If you’re searching for treatments, these are the most common ones you’ll find:
1. Whitening Toothpastes
These contain mild abrasives that help remove surface stains, but they don’t change the tooth's natural colour. These are more for maintenance – the results are subtle when used alone because they only remove stains on the outside of the tooth.
2. Whitening Strips
These are thin, flexible strips coated with peroxide gel. These offer moderate results in a few days but will most probably cause sensitivity and uneven whitening.
3. Whitening Pens
Compact and easy to apply to specific spots. Ideal for touch-ups, but results are short-term and less dramatic.
4. At-Home Whitening Kits (Trays and Gel)
Often more effective than strips, these can deliver better results than the above, However, because the trays aren’t custom made to fit your mouth, they are unlikely to provide lasting results and misuse can actually damage teeth.
5. Professional In-Office Whitening
Carried out by a dentist in the dental chair using a hydrogen peroxide gel (sometimes light-activated). It is a fast solution, however not effective. The light dehydrates the teeth making them look whiter but the whiteness does not last.
Carried out by a dentist using high-concentration gel (sometimes light-activated). This is the fastest and most effective option. Enlighten’s treatment gets you the best results that last for years, in just one visit.
6. Professional Teeth Whitening
During professional teeth whitening treatments, the tooth absorbs a specialised gel containing carbamide or hydrogen peroxide. This gel then breaks down the stain molecules within the tooth, resulting in a brighter, whiter smile. The process typically involves a combination of custom-made whitening trays worn overnight for a few weeks.
For more information on the types of treatment available, read our guide that dives into 8 different teeth whitening options.
How to maintain your results
A great teeth whitening product should last a long time, but most treatments require aftercare and a top-up to maintain your perfect smile.
To maximise your whitening treatment and to make it last, follow these steps:
· Avoid stain-causing foods and drinks, or use a straw to minimise contact with teeth. With Enlighten’s treatment, you don’t need to worry about avoiding the things you love.
· Brush and floss daily using a whitening or anti-stain toothpaste.
· Rinse your mouth after consuming acidic or coloured foods.
· Schedule regular dental cleanings to remove plaque and tartar.
· Consider touch-up treatments every few months, especially if you're a coffee or wine drinker.
This advice is most effective for at-home and over-the-counter treatments, as these typically don’t last as long as professional treatments.
For example, Enlighten’s professional whitening treatment gives you the whitest possible B1 shade for a looong time.
And you don’t have to give up the things you love either!!
For the best whitening treatment, visit Enlighten
Our professional whitening treatment is not only effective, but it’s also gentle on sensitive teeth and carried out by trained dental professionals. This ensures better, longer-lasting results compared to over-the-counter options.
Don’t forget to explore our range of professional-grade whitening toothpastes. Enlighten Whitening Toothpaste helps remove surface stains and combat plaque, while our Serum Toothpaste is specially formulated to strengthen enamel and reduce sensitivity.
FAQs
1. Who is not suitable for teeth whitening?
Teeth whitening may not be suitable for:
· Children under 18 (unless otherwise advised by a dental professional under extremely rare medical circumstances)
· Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals
· People with gum disease, tooth decay, or exposed roots
· Anyone with dental restorations (such as crowns, veneers, or dentures) on visible teeth, as these won’t whiten
· Those with unrealistic expectations—for example, whitening won’t work on very deep intrinsic stains in some cases
It’s always best to have a dental check-up before starting whitening to make sure it’s safe and likely to be effective for you.
2. What should I do after teeth whitening?
After whitening your teeth, follow these steps to maintain your results and protect your enamel:
· Avoid strongly coloured foods and drinks (like coffee, red wine, and curry) for at least 24–48 hours
· Brush with a gentle, non-abrasive whitening toothpaste
· Avoid smoking, which can quickly stain your teeth again
· Use a straw when drinking dark beverages to reduce contact with teeth
· Maintain good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups
With Enlighten treatments, you don’t have to worry about avoiding the wine that you like or eating your favourite food. You can get back to your life straight after treatment.
3. Can I get my teeth whitened if I have sensitive teeth?
Yes, you definitely can!
Enlighten’s treatment is specifically tailored to cater to the most sensitive teeth, so you can enjoy a bright, white smile, even with sensitivity issues.
