Millions of people every year take action to whiten their teeth, and there are so many ways to remove stains and discoloration from your teeth. From professional sessions with your dentist to at-home whitening kits, it bodes the question - what is the best way to whiten teeth? Join us as we explore your options so you can decide which method to opt for this year for a brighter smile.
The best way to get white teeth - 5 options
As there are so many teeth whitening products and options out there, we reveal five of the best options available to you in 2024 to help you decide:
1. Laser whitening - The best way to whiten teeth professionally
One of the most effective teeth whitening approaches is in-office laser whitening, which is done by a professional dentist. As it is a professional approach, it is costly, but it tends to deliver the best results, particularly when compared with DIY, natural, or over-the-counter options.
How it works
Your dentist will use lasers and a peroxide-based whitening agent to remove the discoloration from your teeth and restore their shine. The exact approach varies from clinic to clinic, so be sure to book an initial consultation to find out more about laser whitening.
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Pros |
Cons |
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✅ Highly successful at removing discoloration from your teeth |
❌ Expensive - laser whitening starts at around $500 |
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✅ Low risk, as it is carried out by a professional dentist |
2. Sensitive teeth whitening kit - The best way to whiten sensitive teeth
There are so many teeth whitening products on the market and it can be overwhelming when conducting your research. One of the best for sensitive teeth is Crest's 3D Whitestrpis, which are specifically made for sensitive teeth and come with 14 treatments. It has a lower peroxide level than other products, which is great for people with particularly sensitive teeth.
How it works
The strips contain 5.25% hydrogen peroxide and should be attached to your teeth once a day for 30 minutes. After about 2 weeks of use, you should see significant improvements in the way that your teeth look.
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Pros |
Cons |
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✅ Widely available at most supermarkets and pharmacies |
❌ They don't work well for people with high levels of discoloration |
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✅ Low cost, compared to professional teeth whitening procedures |
3. Baking soda - The best way to whiten teeth at home
One of the best ways to whiten teeth at home is to use baking soda, and this is a popular method for people looking for a DIY solution. Studies show that baking soda creates an alkaline environment in your mouth, which prevents the growth of bacteria.
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30409952/
How it works
Baking soda is a commonly used mild abrasive, which can be effective when it comes to brushing away surface stains and discoloration on your teeth. You can create a simple baking soda paste to add to your toothbrush, and you should see results in a few weeks.
Make sure you're using the best toothbrush for this method. The Laifen Wave is a game-changing electric toothbrush that oscillates up to 60 degrees, providing a much deeper clean and enhancing your oral hygiene.
If you're planning to brush your teeth with baking soda or any teeth whitening paste, for that matter, the Laifen Wave is the best brush for the job.
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Pros |
Cons |
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✅ Affordable and widely available |
❌ Baking soda paste doesn't taste great |
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✅ Doesn't contain any potentially harmful ingredients |
4. Oil pulling - The best natural way to whiten teeth
One of the best ways to naturally whiten teeth is to use a centuries-old method known as oil pulling. This method has been popular in India and other countries for generations, and is the act of swishing oil around your mouth each day. The idea is that swishing oil removes bacteria and plaque from your mouth, which has been shown by a study on its effectiveness.
Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5198813/
How it works
Choose an oil like coconut oil, which is high in lauric acid for killing bacteria, and swish it around your mouth for 15-20 minutes each day. You should use approximately 15 ml of coconut oil each time you do this to see results.
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Pros |
Cons |
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✅ Studies show that oil pulling is a viable way to whiten your teeth at home |
❌ As you need to pull oil for 15-20 minutes per day, it's not the most convenient teeth whitening method |
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✅ You can use several different oils that are widely available, including coconut oil |
5. Change your toothpaste - The best way to get teeth white on a budget
We've already mentioned the benefits of switching to the Laifen Wave toothbrush to improve the way you look after your teeth, but you should also consider changing to a teeth-whitening toothpaste. Look for brands like Crest and Colgate that offer specific teeth-whitening pastes, which tend to have high concentrations of peroxide to remove stains from your teeth.
How it works
The reason we like this approach is that you don't need to change much in your daily oral routine. Simply buy a different toothpaste with whitening properties and continue brushing your teeth thoroughly 2-3 times per day.
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Pros |
Cons |
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✅ You can find whitening toothpastes from numerous brands online and in stores |
❌ This is a long-term solution and you need to be patient to see results |
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✅ These products only cost a few bucks more than standard toothpastes |
The bottom line
As you can see, there are several ways to whiten your teeth. Undoubtedly the best way to whiten your teeth is to visit your dentist and sit for a laser whitening session. But given that this treatment starts at $500, it's not accessible to everyone.
You can opt for one or a combination of any of the approaches above. But make sure you're looking after your teeth well, by flossing, brushing, and using mouthwash several times each day for the best results.
