White teeth have always been sought after throughout history, however, have only recently become more popular and attainable for everyone. The only way to whiten teeth for many years was to visit a dentist, but now there are many options available for those who want a whiter smile or just want to lessen the stains on their teeth. 

What is Teeth Whitening?

Teeth whitening is the process of using chemicals to remove stains on the teeth. A variety of foods and drinks can cause permanent stains on your teeth. Some of the most common include:

• Wine
• Coffee
• Tea
• Soda
• Juice

The goal of teeth whitening is to restore the teeth to their original color. Oftentimes, some people can go overboard and unnaturally whiten their teeth. This is not recommended because it can damage the enamel on the outside of your teeth.

Teeth Whitening Options

While teeth whitening used to be exclusive to dentist offices, teeth whitening products are not available in a wide array of products that can fit into any budget. The most popular teeth whitening options are:

• In-office whitening- If you want immediate results and aren’t worried about a higher price, going to your dentist’s office and getting a whitening treatment there may be perfect for you. Many people like this option because it takes less time and effort on their part and the treatment is completed in an hour or so. 
• Teeth whitening trays and gels- This treatment applies a tooth whitening gel to a tray to almost bind the gel to your teeth for a period of time. If the peroxide in the gel is strong, it is recommended that it not be left on for a long time, but if the peroxide level is low or moderate, the trays can safely be worn overnight. This treatment can take up to a few days before results are revealed. 
• Whitening strips- These are sold at most drug stores and grocery stores. They are a less expensive way to receive drastic results. These strips need to be worn consistently for anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour every day in order to see results. Results may take a week or so to notice. 
• Whitening toothpaste- Every brand has its own teeth whitening toothpaste that claims to remove dark stains. This whitening option is made with abrasive chemicals that try to remove light staining, but there is no evidence to suggest that they can remove intense or old staining. 

What To Avoid While Undergoing a Teeth Whitening Treatment

There are many foods and drinks that should be avoided during the extent of your teeth whitening treatment. If consumed, they could lessen the results of the treatment or irritate your teeth while they are sensitive. Some food and drinks that you should avoid during your teeth whitening treatment are:

• Dark-colored drinks- Any drink with a dark consistency, the most common being coffee and tea, can stain your teeth during your treatment, skewing your results. 
• Acidic drinks- Drinks such as soda, alcohol, and fruit juice may irritate your teeth. The acid may cause your teeth to feel overly sensitive or uncomfortable. 
• Sugary foods- Foods like ice cream, cake, and so on can cause tooth decay, and, similarly to acidic drinks, some sweets like ice cream can cause sensitivity to your teeth during treatment. 

If you are undergoing a tooth whitening treatment and want to know more about what you should and shouldn’t eat, this article has great information to help you.