Then, of course, there are foods and drinks that stain our teeth over time. Lovgren points to the prime culprits: pomegranate and cranberry juice; the classic one-two punch of coffee/tea and red wine; plus blackberries, beets, dark chocolate and even iron supplements. She notes that when you are in the middle of teeth-whitening, the enamel may become dehydrated, which aids the whitening process but also leaves teeth more vulnerable. When in a whitening cycle, it is especially important to avoid these foods and drinks because, she says, “the dehydration helps teeth to whiten well, but that also can cause them to absorb colour more easily.”
Social media is flooded with instant whitening products and DIY strategies. These may be dangerous to your tooth health. Lovgren says you should always talk to your dental professionals before you order online. Health Canada regulates safe dental products and equipment. Says Lovgren: “Be cautious of unregulated whitening products that may contain unsafe levels of peroxide or other harmful chemicals.” Products provided by your dental professional or reputable companies have undergone extensive research, clinical testing and regulatory review to ensure they are safe and effective for use.
Kitchen-cupboard solutions can also be a risk. Lovgren warns to be wary of DIY or extremely acidic whitening methods (such as lemon juice or baking-soda mixtures), which can erode enamel and expose dentin, worsening sensitivity and damage.
The good news is that modern over-the-counter drugstore staples do an effective job, typically offering one to two shades of lightening. Whitening toothpastes also contain mild abrasives, says Lovgren, and chemical agents like hydrogen peroxide, silica or carbamide peroxide for surface stain removal. “A product like Crest 3D Deep Stain Remover Daily Toothpaste works great on newer stains as well as stains that have been there for many years because of the active ingredients like silica. This sort of whitening is safe to use daily and provides some great results.”
The next step up are whitening strips, which, says Lovgren, contain higher concentrations of peroxide to penetrate stains below the enamel and are more effective for noticeable whitening – you can see results within three to seven days. Most require nightly wear for 30 to 60 minutes during that lightening period. “This can be done as needed, for special occasions,” she advises. “Or just a touchup to refresh your smile.” Rembrandt Whitening Strips is an over-the-counter brand often noted by dental professionals for its use for sensitive teeth.
Our reader was concerned about sensitivity, and this can also occur because of gum irritation. “If you do experience sensitivity, try alternating days on and off, or add in a sensitivity toothpaste,” she says. Crest has a gum-specific option, Crest Gum & Sensitivity. Sensodyne is another toothpaste that dentists often recommend as an over-the-counter treatment for what’s known as the “zingers” associated with tooth-whitening chemicals and, in particular, lasers. “Zingers refer to the sharp, shooting nerve pains some people experience during whitening,” explains Lovgren. “They’re caused by peroxide penetrating too deeply and irritating the dental pulp.”
The gold standard of whitening remains in-office laser or light-activated treatments, which run in the $500 to $1000 range depending on equipment used and where you live. The process can whiten teeth by up to eight shades. “This is done in the dental office over a couple of hours, with immediate and impressive results,” says Lovgren. However, it also comes with a higher likelihood of sensitivity. The heat of the laser speeds up the process of absorption of hydrogen peroxide, but can make the enamel more porous, which means hot or cold can penetrate irritating the nerve inside the tooth.
You can also go the route of professional trays (which I use), made for your upper and lower teeth. These cost a couple of hundred dollars initially and you can get gel refills to use at home. Because the gel is professional-grade, it has higher concentrations of hydrogen peroxide than you find in over-the-counter products. Back in the ’90s in Los Angeles, just as the science around whitening was hitting the product market, there was an outbreak of people known as “trayers” – individuals who became obsessed with tooth whitening. Too much of a good thing can be both harmful and look weird.
As with anything in life, moderation is key. “Excessive or incorrect use of whitening treatments can cause enamel erosion, gum irritation and nerve sensitivity. Always use products as directed, and consult a dentist if you experience pain,” says Lovgren. The best time to start a whitening program is after your hygienist’s appointment – you don’t want to be whitening your plaque!
A makeup artist will tell you that another great way to up the wattage of your smile and make your teeth appear whiter is to apply a bright and bold lipstick. Choose a colour with a cool blue undertone, such as blue-red or blue-pink, to maximize the illusion of whiter teeth. Avoid warm yellow undertones that enhance the natural yellowness of your teeth. The contrast will serve you well. After all, a Hollywood smile is often more illusion than reality.
Always asking questions,
—Leanne Delap
