What You Will Learn

Hi! Do you want white teeth? Tooth whitening gels can make your teeth 4-8 shades whiter! This big guide tells you all about tooth whitening gels. It is simple and easy to read.

How Tooth Whitening Gels Work

Tooth whitening gels use peroxide. Peroxide breaks the stains on your teeth.

There are two main types:

• Hydrogen peroxide (works fast)
• Carbamide peroxide (works slow but lasts longer)

Peroxide makes tiny bubbles that clean your teeth. The oxidation process makes stains go away. This gives you a brighter smile!

Types of Whitening Gels

1. Over-The-Counter (OTC) Gels

• You can buy these at the store
• Cost: $20-$50
• Have less peroxide (up to 10%)
• Brands like Crest 3D White
• Good for light stains

2. Professional-Grade Gels

• From the dentist or online kits
• Cost: $80-$200
• Have more peroxide (up to 40%)
• Brands like Opalescence and Philips Zoom
• Better for dark stains

3. Natural/Charcoal Gels

• Made from plants and charcoal
• Less strong but more gentle
• Only make teeth 1-2 shades whiter
• Good if you have very sensitive teeth

How to Pick the Best Gel

Pick a gel that is right for you! Look at:

1. Peroxide amount
   • 6-10% for home use
   • Higher amounts need a dentist
2. ADA approval
   • Look for the ADA Seal
   • Only 12% of gels have this seal
3. Sensitivity helpers
   • Look for potassium nitrate
   • Look for fluoride
4. Tray fit
   • Will it work with your trays?
   • Does it need a light?

Best Whitening Gels Chart

How to Use Whitening Gel

Using whitening gel is easy! Follow these steps:

1. Brush and floss your teeth
2. Put a small dot of gel in each tray spot
3. Put trays on your teeth (don’t push hard)
4. Wait the right time (check the box)
5. Take trays off and rinse your mouth
6. Don’t eat or drink for 30 minutes

Important: Do not use gel for longer than told! This can hurt your enamel and make your teeth hurt!

Safety Tips

Tooth whitening is safe if you do it right. Here are safety tips:

• Never use old gel – it won’t work
• Stop if your teeth hurt – use less next time
• Keep gel away from gums – it can make them red
• Don’t use every day – take breaks
• Use custom trays from your dentist for best fit

If you get sensitivity, try a special toothpaste like Sensodyne. 22% of people get some sensitivity when using whitening gels.

Common Questions

Other Ways to Whiten Teeth

Gels aren’t the only way to get white teeth. Here are other ways:

1. Whitening strips
   • Easier but don’t last as long
   • Good for quick whitening
2. Dentist whitening
   • Costs $500+
   • Works in one visit
   • Gets teeth very white
3. Whitening toothpaste
   • Only removes surface stains
   • Good for keeping teeth white
   • Does not make teeth much whiter
4. Custom whitening trays
   • Get perfect fit for your teeth
   • Work better with whitening gels
   • Last for many years

Best Whitening Gels to Buy

Here are the best whitening gels to try:

For People on a Budget

Crest Whitening Emulsions ($25)

• No trays needed
• Works in 5 minutes
• Good for busy people

For Sensitive Teeth

Opalescence PF 10% ($45)

• Has potassium nitrate
• Less pain and sensitivity
• Works while you sleep

For Fast Results

Philips Zoom NiteWhite ($80)

• Strong gel (22% carbamide peroxide)
• Works in 3-7 days
• Used by dentists

How to Keep Teeth White After Whitening

After you get white teeth, keep them white!

• Brush twice a day
• Don’t drink lots of coffee, tea, or wine
• Use a straw for dark drinks
• Get custom whitening trays for touch-ups
• Use whitening toothpaste once a week
• See your dentist for cleanings

Special Tips

1. Use LED light with some gels to make them work faster
2. Don’t eat dark foods for 48 hours after whitening
3. Take a “before” picture so you can see the change
4. Use a teeth shade guide to track progress
5. Try a dental guard at night if you grind your teeth

Who Should Not Use Whitening Gels

Some people should not use whitening gels:

• Kids under 16
• Pregnant women
• People with gum disease
• People with many fillings in front teeth
• People with very sensitive teeth

Talk to your dentist if you are not sure if whitening is right for you!

The Science of Tooth Stains

There are two types of tooth stains:

1. Outside stains (extrinsic)
   • From food, drinks, and smoking
   • Easier to remove with whitening gels
   • On the surface of teeth
2. Inside stains (intrinsic)
   • From medicine, injury, or age
   • Harder to remove
   • Need stronger whitening or dentist help

Whitening gels work best on yellow stains, not as well on gray or brown stains.

What to Expect When Using Whitening Gels

When you use whitening gels, you might feel:

• Tingling on your teeth
• Gum sensitivity (if gel touches gums)
• Tooth sensitivity to hot and cold
• Uneven whiteness at first (will even out)

These feelings are normal and go away when you stop using the gel.

Natural Whitening Agents

Some whitening gels use natural things like:

• Charcoal (pulls stains away)
• Baking soda (scrubs stains)
• Coconut oil (makes teeth shiny)

These work less well than peroxide but some people like them better.

Whitening Gel Storage Tips

Keep your whitening gel working well:

• Store in a cool, dark place
• Don’t freeze or leave in hot car
• Close cap tight after using
• Check expiration date before using
• Throw away after 1 year

Old gel won’t hurt you but it won’t whiten your teeth either!

Best Times to Whiten

The best time to whiten your teeth is:

• After a dental cleaning
• 2-3 months before a big event
• Evening time (so you don’t eat after)
• When you have 2 weeks to complete treatment
• When you’re not traveling or very busy

Whitening for Special Cases

Whitening for Smokers

Smokers need stronger gels and longer treatment. Smoking makes teeth yellow fast.

Whitening with Crowns

Whitening does not work on crowns or fillings. They will stay the same color.

Whitening for Old Stains

Old stains need more time and stronger gel. Be patient!

Summary

Tooth whitening gels are a great way to get a brighter smile! Remember:

• Choose the right gel for your needs
• Follow the directions carefully
• Don’t overuse whitening products
• Talk to your dentist if you have questions
• Use custom-fit trays for best results

With the right gel and method, you can have a beautiful white smile in just a few weeks!