Here across Southern California, teeth whitening is incredibly popular. In fact, it’s possibly the fastest and most inexpensive way to improve your smile.
(RELATED: Teeth Whitening FAQs – What to Know Before You Buy)
From an in-office bleaching treatment to using whitening toothpaste, there are a number of ways you can brighten and whiten your smile. Another option is teeth whitening mouthwash, which often contains bleaching agents, such as hydrogen peroxide.
What is the best whitening mouthwash out there and is using it going to help you get a brighter smile?
Traditional Ways to Whiten Teeth
There are generally two ways to whiten teeth. One option is to actually bleach the teeth using hydrogen peroxide. Bleaching agents work on the exterior of the teeth and the interior. In-office treatments and at-home whitening gels are two examples of products that bleach the teeth.
(RELATED: Addicted to Teeth Whitening? Signs You’re an Over-Bleacher)
The second option is to scrub stains off of the teeth using either abrasives or ingredients, such as peroxide. Whitening toothpastes and mouthwashes don’t provide the deep-down bleaching of an in-office whitening treatments. Instead, these products remove surface stains.
Key Ingredient in a Whitening Mouthwash
Not all mouthwashes are created equally. For example, mouthwashes such as Optic White WhiteSeal mouthwash’s 2% hydrogen peroxide formula whitens teeth as it freshens breath. Those that contain hydrogen peroxide may have a concentration of about 2 percent.
But note, the bleaching products used here at THE SCIENCE OF SMILES® typically contain hydrogen peroxide concentrations between 25 and 40%. So really, an at-home mouthwash isn’t as effective as getting a professional whitening treatment.
(RELATED: The Major Risks Associated with OTC Teeth Whitening Strips)
The best whitening mouthwash will contain ingredients that do more than whiten your teeth. Since many people use mouthwash to fight bad breath, mouthwashes usually contain odor neutralizers or astringents that mask or eliminate unpleasant odors. Some mouthwashes also contain fluoride to help protect against cavities.
The ADA classifies these mouthwashes as therapeutic, since they do more than simply cover bad breath or improve the appearance of teeth.
How to Get the Best Results
Even a mouthwash that contains hydrogen peroxide won’t provide you with noticeable results if you don’t use it regularly. So, if you want to see any change in your teeth’s color, it’s best to swish with the mouthwash daily — or opt for an in-office teeth whitening treatment.
It’s also important to take care of your teeth and gums all around. Mouthwash isn’t a substitute for brushing or flossing. Using a whitening toothpaste when you brush can help improve your whitening results and protect your teeth from cavities and decay.
About THE SCIENCE OF SMILES®
THE SCIENCE OF SMILES® offers affordable cosmetic and laser dentistry and gentle, compassionate general dental care in Pasadena, CA. Our office is conveniently located with extended hours to meet your needs. At THE SCIENCE OF SMILES®, we provide most dental services, from basic preventative care and general dentistry to specialized procedures, complete dental reconstruction and TMJ/Headache management. Patient satisfaction is our top priority and we strive to provide the exceptional, affordable dental care and personal touch that lead to lasting relationships. A smiling patient is our greatest reward and we look forward to keeping those smiles healthy, beautiful, and bright. Discover affordable up-to-date dentistry and a team who truly cares at THE SCIENCE OF SMILES®.