We all know that a white, sparkling smile can boost confidence and improve our overall appearance. However, if you are someone who loves coffee, wine, soda, or other stain-causing substances, you may have noticed that the shade of your smile is darker than it used to be — even if you are still brushing twice daily. Fortunately, there are a variety of teeth whitening options available today that can provide professional-quality results without a visit to the dentist. The KeyGlam team is here with the inside scoop about achieving a whiter, brighter smile at home.

For Gentle Whitening, Try a Whitening Toothpaste

If you’re looking for the easiest, most convenient way to gently whiten your teeth, then whitening toothpastes can offer an affordable solution. You are probably already aware that almost every toothpaste brand now offers a “whitening” option among its list of products, which can make it difficult to decide which is best. The majority of whitening toothpastes on the market work by using peroxide or other chemicals to help break down stains on the outer surfaces of teeth. Some even include abrasive particles that work by essentially “scrubbing” stain-causing particles away.

If you’re looking for a natural option, you can try a whitening toothpaste that features activated charcoal as its main whitening ingredient. However, according to HealthLine.com, there currently isn’t strong scientific evidence yet that toothpastes with activated charcoal actually whiten teeth. So, be sure to read the labels, and we also recommend consulting with your dentist if you have any concerns. No matter which brand of whitening toothpaste you choose, the most important thing to remember is that these products are only intended to remove surface stains — so you shouldn’t expect to see dramatic changes in the appearance of your smile. Additionally, you may need to use them regularly for several weeks for the results to truly show.

To Lighten Your Smile By Multiple Shades, Try Whitening Strips

Since they were first introduced a few decades ago, over-the-counter whitening strips have become one of the most popular options for achieving a whiter smile at home. Whitening strips come in different shapes and colors, but they all typically work in the same way — thin, flexible strips coated with a whitening substance are applied to the surface of teeth and left on for an extended period of time. After use, the single-use strips are removed and thrown away.

Whitening strips are typically more expensive than their toothpaste counterparts, but strips can help achieve more dramatic and longer-lasting results — whitening teeth by multiple shades, in some cases. Based on our research, we’ve found that Crest 3D White Professional Effects Whitestrips have some of the best reviews. If you have sensitive teeth, or are looking for an option with non-toxic ingredients, you might want to consider Lumineux Oral Essentials Teeth Whitening Strips.

For the Boldest Results, Try Whitening Gels

If you’re looking to whiten your smile by several shades and achieve more dramatic results, you may be glad to know that many professional-strength whitening products are now available over-the-counter. Most whitening gels available today utilize a bleaching agent that can penetrate beyond the surface of teeth to help achieve a more noticeable, longer-lasting whitening effect. The majority of these products require users to apply the concentrated whitening gel to the inside of plastic trays (similar to an old-school retainer), which are then placed over your teeth. Some whitening gel products even come with a special light that is used to activate the whitening ingredients, similar to how professional teeth whitening is done at many dentist offices, so just be sure to follow the directions closely. After use, the trays are removed and cleaned for future use. Users can often see noticeable results after only a few days.

Key Whitening Facts

It’s important to keep in mind that the bleaching ingredients in many whitening products can  cause some users to experience teeth sensitivity or gum irritation. If you experience these symptoms, you should discontinue use and consult with your dentist. We also recommend those who are pregnant or nursing avoid using products with whitening ingredients. Regardless of what whitening option you choose — toothpastes, strips, gels, or something else — you’ll need to use them regularly to maintain the results over time.

No matter if you use whitening products or not, you can help to achieve a brighter smile by brushing and flossing regularly and avoiding food and drinks that are high in acid (such as juices and sodas), or those that contain stain-causing particles (such as coffee and red wine). Additionally, quitting smoking or the use of other tobacco products can also help, since tobacco can stain and darken teeth significantly.

If you have any recommendations on whitening products, or any DIY teeth whitening ideas — please share them with the KeyGlam team in the comments below. We would love to hear from you!