How quickly do tooth-brightening treatments work, anyway?

“There’s a difference between chemical teeth whitening and mechanical teeth whitening,” he says.

Intrinsic discoloration is because of genetics, trauma, or medication side effects.

A woman smiling with bright white teeth

Stocksy

“These kinds of stains are best treated with mechanical teeth whitening,” he explains.

Byrdie Tip

After drinking coffee or tea, rinse your mouth with water to prevent stains from setting in.

And when possible, brush your teeth within 30 minutes.

“Whitening toothpaste is going to take at least 30 days,” says Dr. Harris.

We like Hello NaturallyWhitening Fluoride Toothpaste.

“Within a couple of days, you will start to see results,” he says.

You might see instant results with this product, but they will be slight," says Dr. Lowenberg.

And they often don’t cover the full “arch of teeth,” adds Dr. Harris.

According to Dr. Lowenberg, the longer the active peroxide stays on the teeth, the better the results.

However, this doesn’t mean you should keep products designed for at-home use on longer than directed.

Combine two tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide with one tablespoon of baking soda.

Mix it until it becomes a paste and use it to brush your teeth.

Leave it in place for three to five minutes and then brush your teeth and rinse out your mouth.

You should talk to your dentist immediately.

For those trying out an in-office procedure, just beware that teeth will be sensitive afterward.

Still, experiencing general sensitivity and sensitivity to the temperatures of food and drink following your appointment is common.

The Final Takeaway

If you’re looking to whiten your teeth, you’ve got options.

Of course, results will vary depending on the teeth whitening method you choose.

If you have any doubts or questions, always speak to your dentist for advice.

According to Dr. Lowenberg, the most effective whitening agent is hydrogen peroxide.

No, there is no evidence to support that coconut oil can whiten teeth.

Still, it can make them appear brighter after tool, albeit temporarily.

And swishing coconut oil in your mouth (a.k.a.

oil pulling) can act as a natural mouth wash.

Since they’re not porous like natural teeth, porcelain veneers will not absorb stains.

However, their tone can fade over time and you should still brush them to remove surface-level stains.