Whitening your smile can be achieved through teeth whitening options available in a dental office, but the ease of at-home teeth whitening products makes it a popular choice for many people. An exclusive Health Digest survey has discovered the ways that people prefer to whiten their teeth at home.
There are two ways that teeth can develop stains and lose their shine, which are extrinsic stains and intrinsic stains, as reported by Forbes Health. Extrinsic stains affect superficial, outer tooth enamel. They are frequently caused by beverages like red wine, soda, and coffee, along with colorful foods like curries, the dark juices of berries, and the rich hues of beets. Smoking and other tobacco products can lead to teeth developing extrinsic stains. Intrinsic staining of teeth occurs when the inner layers of teeth are afflicted. This form of internal staining of teeth can result from trauma, cracks in enamel, medications, and aging.
The good news is that many at-home whitening products can combat extrinsic and intrinsic staining of teeth and restore bright smiles. Health Digest surveyed 612 people and asked about their preferred method of teeth whitening. Of the answers, 36 people said that they like to use at-home LED light kits. This at-home whitening technique favored by 5.88% of participants is conducted by applying a bleaching agent to teeth and then utilizing an LED light, though this option can be harsh on dental health (via WebMD). Read on for more of the most popular at-home teeth whitening methods.
At-home teeth whitening options are more affordable
Over-the-counter (OTC) teeth whitening options are favorites among those surveyed by Health Digest, with 7.84% of participants reporting that they favor whitening rinses and 101 people, or 16.5% of participants, stating that they choose to use OTC whitening strips and gels. According to Medical News Today, over-the-counter whitening strips are an affordable way to brighten your smile — and their easy application makes them even more enticing. OTC whitening strips and gels are generally safe to use, though some people may experience irritation and gum sensitivity following usage. Some sensitivity following whitening strips or gel usage can be normal. But if the pain is too severe then another method may be better for you.
Nearly 90% of people surveyed chose at-home teeth whitening products as their favored method for brightening their pearly whites, though 10.46% of those surveyed said that they choose to utilize professional treatment options. At-home whitening techniques tend to be cheaper than professional treatments. However, if you want a stronger concentration or have pre-existing dental concerns, then seeking in-office techniques that can be customized to your unique teeth may be preferable, per WebMD. Between at-home methods and professional treatments, Health Digest found that the most popular teeth whitening option is the use of whitening toothpaste. 363 people (making up 59.31% of all people surveyed) responded that their preferred method of at-home teeth whitening is the regular application of whitening toothpaste, which can be easily incorporated into daily brushing.
