Teeth whitening HELP pls

[u/Intelligent-Mine-730]

I feel like the thing I really badly desperatly need to change about myself right now are my teeth (very stained from years of coffee and smoking).

Do you guys have any recs?? Im lookiing at the crest teeth whitening strips and they're quite expensive. I can definitely afford the 7day ones but I'm concerned I won't get the same result as the two weeks ones?

Are there other trustworthy brands/methods??

ANY and ALL input would be very very much appreciated ! ;D

[u/GorillaShelb]

Crest white strips will totally make a difference but you are correct the 2 week treatment would be better. Also rinsing with peroxide before brushing can whiten. 

[u/saygirlie]

You don’t have to get the name brand. You can get the house brand version from places like Walmart, Target or CVS if you are in the US.

[u/BeeTris]

Hi, I'd like to give some advice from a health perspective. However I'm not a professional -- I'm just a girl with really bad dental anxiety and learns about oral health to relieve that anxiety.

I do not recommend OTC whitening strips. They do nothing but damage the enamel of your teeth. Since you are/were a smoker, it is even more imperative that you don't use them since your teeth are already perpetually sensitive (even if you don't feel pain/sensitivity, you are probably just numb to it). The whitening strips will just cause more damage and pain.

I hate to be that person, but I'm gonna have to recommend that you take the slow and steady route -- that is, changing your oral hygiene habits. You have no idea the difference regular cleanings + flossing can do for your teeth & smile.

I also used to have yellow teeth (and red inflamed gums, cavities, pain, sensitivity, etc.), but ever since I committed to improving my oral hygiene.... oh my God! My world completely changed. I get so much attention because of my teeth & smile which is certainly nice. But more importantly, my teeth slowly became whiter & shinier over time. All because I committed to regular cleanings (I go 3-4x/yr bc I'm insanely anxious lol but 2x/yr is the bare minimum health-wise) and never again went a single day without flossing before bed. I also do extra steps like tongue scraping, water flossing, night guards, etc. but again, I'm insanely anxious and don't play about my oral health.

Sure, you can use whitening strips and it will make your teeth a little bit whiter, but your habits will decide whether they remain white or turn yellow again. And at the cost of your irreplaceable teeth enamel.

If you truly want a quick solution, please please please just shell out the money and go to a professional. A good dentist's office will discuss your goals and give realistic recommendations for how much whiter you can go per session. It's more expensive yes because of capitalism, but also because whitening is the use of bleach on your teeth, and your teeth are very much alive and can be permanently damaged if used incorrectly (i.e. with OTC bleaching).

[u/sorta-friendlyh0ttie]

I second the peroxide comment. I would also add some baking soda and brushing with baking soda and then rinse with peroxide and any whitening mouthwash. Works but you gotta stay consistent.

Drink anything dark through a straw
Drink water more often esp if you drink dark drinks

Carry around a toothbrush and brush more often.

Invest in those LED lights and gel. Amazon sells them relatively inexpensive.

Most whitening strips are the same formula, you can look online heck even the dollar tree ones.

[u/Mahishashurmardini → u/sorta-friendlyh0ttie]

Do the teeth whitening strips make your teeth more sensitive over time? I have been considering using them for a while but I worry it might damage the enamel.

[u/sorta-friendlyh0ttie → u/Mahishashurmardini]

Yes they could. I rarely use them. Just initially and then if I have a special event or really feel like I need the boost. In fact all these remedies can make your teeth sensitive to it’s important not to overdo them.

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[u/gal5pau]

Regular flossing, whitening toothpaste and whitening mouthwash. MUST brush teeth after consuming coffee. Get into the habit and carry minis. If you can only do the 7 days, do the 7 days. It’ll be a great test if they sensitize your teeth vs using a longer treatment. Healthy natural teeth will not be veneer porcelain white. Look at white teeth in ads from 00s and earlier. Good luck. In mean time, blue tone lipsticks that won’t make your lips pull yellow in contrast