ne of the most popular cosmetic procedures today is teeth whitening. A bright, white smile makes the face appear more youthful and healthier. Studies show that people with white teeth can be perceived as more professional, confident, and attractive than those with yellow or dingy tooth coloring. Unfortunately time is not on your side—tooth yellowing occurs naturally with age. In addition, antibiotics, excessive fluoride, or an injury to the mouth can cause discoloration. Discoloration is also caused by poor oral hygiene and drinking beverages that stain, such as coffee, tea, and red wine.

Methods of Teeth Whitening

Whitening can be achieved in two ways. A product containing peroxide can be used to actually change the tooth color and remove deep and surface stains. Alternatively, a product containing agents that work by chemical action rather than bleaching can be used to remove surface stains only.

Dentist Prescribed Whitening Methods

One of the most effective ways to whiten teeth is to have them bleached by a dentist over several office visits. A mold filled with a gel containing a 15-35% concentration of hydrogen peroxide and is fitted over the teeth. A laser or light can be used as an accelerator or activator to the whitening process.

Gel treatments for home use are also available through your dentist. These contain a 10% concentration of carbamide peroxide, and are found to be an effective and less costly alternative to office treatments.

Over the Counter Whitening Methods

Tooth Whitening Gels

Over the counter gels are also available. They are easier to obtain and less expensive than what the dentist gives you, but their lower grade formulas are less effective. Brush-on whitening products are simple to apply, but the improvements may be slight as the product is sometimes quickly washed away by saliva. Whitening strips are neater to use than a liquid, but also offer minimal lightening. While drugstore products can get your teeth a few shades whiter, they cannot get your teeth as white as the professional products can. Many report negative side effects from OTC whiteners including tooth sensitivity and pain.

Nuvora White: Teeth-Whitening Lozenge

The latest product on the market is a teeth-whitening lozenge called Nuvora White. The lozenge is held in the mouth, and occasionally moved across the front of the teeth, dissolving within an hour. Taken twice a day for 12-18 days, it is claimed that the whitening effects are comparable to home whitening products. Also, there is no reported tooth sensitivity. The effectiveness is attributed to a consistent level of the active whitening ingredients distributed evenly over a long period of time. It also contains additives to kill bacteria and keep your breath fresh.

How to Maintain the Color of Whitened Teeth

If you’ve had your teeth treated and achieved a shade of white you’re happy with, here are some ways to maintain it on a daily basis:

• Brush, floss, and use mouthwash regularly—try brushing with baking soda.
  
• Drink through a straw so staining agents in beverages pass by the teeth without tinting them.
  
• Chew sugarless gum or eat crunchy foods such as vegetables and fruits to help brush away any stains that may be forming.
  
• Drink water immediately after drinking coffee, tea, or red wine to flush away staining residue.
  
• Stop smoking (as if there are not already enough reasons to stop).
  
• Get regular checkups and cleanings.