Philly’s Top Cosmetic Dentists Share Their Teeth Whitening Tips

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The global teeth whitening market is expected to exceed $10 billion by 2030. And no wonder: A brighter smile can boost your confidence and make you look younger. In the US, one in five adults has had professional teeth whitening done — and that doesn’t even account for all the people who use over-the-counter products.

There are two main types of tooth stains: external and internal. Extrinsic stains are surface-level stains that form on tooth enamel, the result of drinking acidic and dark-colored beverages and other lifestyle habits. Intrinsic stains, however, are found within the tooth and can be the result of injury, antibiotic use or excessive fluoride use, or even just genetics. Additionally, as we age, our enamel naturally thins and the inside of our teeth darkens, leading to a yellowed smile. When we talk about teeth whitening, this usually means using chemicals like hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide to whiten external stains.

Ready to get a 100 watt smile of your own? We polled the top cosmetic dentists of the year and asked them all our teeth whitening questions — like what to do when your gums start burning from a whitening product. Here’s what they had to say.

What is causing my teeth to stain in the first place?

When it comes to the worst culprits for dulling your smile, dentists are pretty unanimous: coffee, red wine, tea and smoking all take a toll on your teeth. “Highly acidic foods and drinks cause the surface of the teeth to soften, making it easier to spot stains,” explains dentist Jenkintown. Andrew Cohen. Can’t kick the latte habit? Try to consume your drink within half an hour and drink some water before and after, suggests the Center City prosthetist Eva Anadiotis. This way, you don’t leave acidic substances on your teeth for long periods of time during the day, worsening the results. As for smoking, try to brush right after to “reduce the amount of time that nicotine and tar from smoking sit on your teeth and gums,” suggests the South Jersey dentist. Hurrum Sheikh. And be sure to prepare properly if you’re going to invest in teeth whitening. A good rule of thumb? If it might stain a white T-shirt, don’t swallow it for two hours before or after each whitening session, says dentist Erdenheim Gilles Moniz.

Ouch! What can I do about tooth sensitivity?

Ah, that uncomfortable, wrinkle-inducing sting that comes with bleaching rounds. To manage the discomfort, dentists recommend using toothpastes that reduce sensitivity, such as Sensodyne, starting two weeks before starting treatment and continuing for two weeks afterward. A fluoride mouth rinse before and after each whitening session can also help. Still feeling the sting? Try swapping daily whitening treatments for a daily routine to give your teeth time to adjust.

How white can my teeth get?

“One of the most common misconceptions about teeth whitening is that everyone’s teeth can become super white, which is not the case,” explains the Center City dentist. Leily Razavi. While whitening treatments can certainly help brighten your teeth, everyone’s base tooth color is different, which can limit how bright your teeth become. “It’s not an exact science. Many factors play into your ability to whiten your teeth,” says the Center City dentist Rade Kaminski. “The base color of the real teeth plays a big role in who gets the best result.”

Another thing to consider? Any restorative work — fillings, crowns, veneers — won’t lighten like your natural teeth, which could lead to a smile that looks like stains.

Karolina Grabowska’s photo

Are at-home whitening strips worth a shot?

As a cheap experiment to see if they help you achieve your whitening goals? Of course, go for it — especially if you’re younger (think: 25 and under), with stains that may require less effort to lift. “Younger people can benefit from over-the-counter whitening products, especially since they are much less expensive,” says Kaminsky. “Seniors are going to get a lot less from these kinds of products.”

For faster, safer results? Dentists are big fans of sending clients home with custom-made trays. First, they’re designed to fit your teeth so you know you’re getting a more even distribution of whitening gel. “White strips do a decent job on the edges of biting teeth, but give poor results at the gum line. It’s easy as a dentist to tell when a patient is a white strip user,” says dentist Chalfont Brian Wilk. Another consideration: Professionals tend to have a higher concentration of bleaching agents, which can help speed up the process.

Ouch! I put whitening gel on my gums and now they burn.

Do not panic! Remove the gel with a cotton swab and rinse with warm salt water. If you still have pain, a Center City dentist Alan Atlas suggests a pain reliever such as Orajel. While your gums may be pale and sensitive, they should return to normal in a few days. (But feel free to contact your dentist if it doesn’t.)

My teeth are newly whitened. How long will it last?

Although it will largely depend on lifestyle factors — will you be drinking black coffee all day and red wine all night? — Professional whitening can last anywhere from a few months to a year. Like many other cosmetic treatments, teeth whitening is not a stand-alone service. Regular treatments once or twice a month with at-home products—like custom trays made by your dentist—can help keep your smile bright.

What really works?

There are a million different whitening products on the market, from toothpastes to rinses to chewing gum (yes, chewing gum). But do any of these actually work? Here’s what dentists say.

Do whitening toothpastes* really work?
Yes very well ……. 0%
Yeah, kinda……. 94%
Not at all ……. 6%
*In terms of whitening toothpaste brands, Colgate Optic White was a top choice among dentists, with Crest 3D White a close second.

Does whitening mouthwash* really work?
Yes very well ……. 6%
Yeah, kinda……. 50%
Not at all ……. 44%
*While the majority of dentists did not have a preferred brand, as they do not typically recommend whitening mouthwashes to patients, Colgate Optic White was the most popular choice, followed by Crest and Listerine.

Does Whitening Gum Really Work?
Yes very well ……. 0%
Yeah, kinda……. 25%
Not at all ……. 75%

Published as “Shine On” in its March 2024 issue Philadelphia magazine.