Having whiter teeth doesn't just make you look better in photos, it makes you feel better about yourself, too. Things like red wine, tea and coffee can affect the colour of your teeth, and we're just not prepared to give up any of those delights.
Fortunately, you don’t have to book a dentist appointment* for a deep clean to ensure your teeth look fresher than ever before. You could instead invest in a tooth whitening kit, toothpaste or strips to ensure you’re pearly white ready.
Real Housewives of Cheshire star, and real life dentist, Dr Hanna Kinsella talks us through getting the most out of whitening at home.
What are teeth whitening kits?
Teeth whitening involves bleaching your teeth. Other products like activated charcoal can be used. This will lighten the existing colour by several shades.
Are there any risks of teeth whitening at home kits?
Dr Kinsella told us, "The dangers of using at home products with high-strength tooth whitening agents are the risk of tooth sensitivity, gum irritation, uneven whiteness, sickness and mouth infections. Fortunately teeth whitening home kits have come a long way in the last few years. But it’s still important to exercise caution and make sure that you purchase a reputable kit from a reputable seller. At-home kits all vary slightly and some can cause more harm to teeth than good.
"With some treatments there's a chance your gums will be sensitive to the chemicals used in teeth whitening, particularly if you already have sensitive teeth. There's also a chance of burns to gums and some of the whitening kits used at home can harm tooth enamel.
"I would always recommend choosing a teeth whitening brand that contains fluoride as this is essential for fighting decay and protecting against cavities. It decreases demineralisation, enhancing remineralization and inhibiting bacterial activity.
"For those looking for at-home treatments, I’ve developed a revolutionary dental whitening cosmetic brand, Icy Bear."
More products for teeth whitening at home made easy:
The best ways to whiten your teeth at home
1 of 10Professional Teeth Whitening Kit with Activated Charcoal
This kit is easy to use and will deliver results from the first use. It's suitable for those with sensitive teeth and has a handy mouth guard that clips onto the light itself, so you're not stuck doing nothing while it gets to work.
2 of 10Billion Dollar Smile Purple Tooth Polish
Formulated by dentists, this purple tooth polish promises to restore natural whiteness in your teeth. It's gentle enough to use every day and has a lovely, minty taste.
3 of 10Icy Bear Whitening Strips
Are you searching for a whitening strip that will fit alongside your busy routine? The Icy Bear Whitening Strips dissolve in just 5 minutes, leaving you with minty-fresh breath and a glowing smile.
4 of 10Regenerate Enamel Science Advanced Toothpaste
Using clinically proven, patented NR-5™ technology, Regenerate recreates the mineral that tooth enamel is made of, restoring teeth to their original whiteness.
5 of 10Teeth Whitening Strips
These teeth-whitening strips are easy to use, won't break the bank and will give you results from first use. Keep at it for a super-bright smile.
6 of 10Silk'n Toothwave Electric toothbrush
For something a little different, why not try the Silk'n ToothWave. Developed by engineers themselves, it's the first and only electric toothbrush with the DentalRF technology. In other words, it's the real deal. Focusing on cleaning all impurities from the tooth surface whilst being gentle on the gums, the genius of an invention is proven to not only reduce problems such as tartar, plaque and inflammation, but is a great long-term investment for stain reduction and whitening.
7 of 10White Glo White Accelerator Blue Light Kit
Used once or twice a month, this blue light device helps to keep teeth whiter for longer.
8 of 10Beverly Hills Formula Professional 2 in 1 Whitening Kit
After a super simple teeth whitening kit and touch up pen that ensures professional white results? Beverly Hills Formula have got you sorted. No messing around, the pack includes 28 whitening strips which you can leave on during a Netflix episode of your choice. Less than a season later, you'll see your teeth sparkle.
9 of 10Glo32 Teeth Whitening System
This kit comes with a 14-day treatment of Advanced Whitening Strips to lift your smile, and the Advanced Whitening Stilo for on the go whitening. The Glo32 Whitening Stilo formulated with coconut oil is a healthier alternative if you are trying to make your teeth whiter. On the go and very straightforward to use, it's a quick and effective tool that gives your smile that extra glow.
10 of 10Teeth Whitening Strips with Activated Charcoal
These strips contain activated charcoal to get results in the comfort of your own home. Simply apply the strips for 30 minutes and get ready to shine bright.
£9.99
*If in doubt, seek advice from your dentist before undertaking any new treatments.
What are teeth whitening strips?
Whitening strips bleach off surface stains on your teeth and can make your teeth look whiter.
Are there any risks with teeth whitening strips?
Always check the labels for the list of ingredients. Avoid any products that use chlorine dioxide. As this can erode tooth enamel and damage teeth. Never use the product longer or more often than stated. If these are not used correctly, they can be harmful to your teeth.
What is teeth whitening toothpaste?
Teeth whitening toothpaste typically contains more abrasive ingredients, such as silica. These scrub the surface of the teeth and help with surface stains.
Are there any risks with teeth whitening toothpaste?
Dr Kinsella told us, "Usually teeth whitening toothpastes include one of a number of whitening ingredients such as hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide is an active bleaching agent. It is a weak acid with strong oxidizing properties so it steals the electrons that hold the atoms together, causing the staining molecules to fall apart. So it will change the colour of your teeth rather than just removing stains on the surface. Carbamide peroxide is another bleaching agent similar to hydrogen peroxide. The quantities of these in teeth whitening toothpastes will be significantly less than the quantities you would find in single-use whitening products such as strips or trays."
How long will teeth be whitening last?
Teeth whitening can last anywhere from a few months up until three years.