At-Home Teeth Whitening
When it comes to whitening your teeth at home, there are many options available to you. These include trays, toothpastes, strips and mouthwash. Looking for a brighter smile? Then take action, starting with good oral health!
Can I really whiten my teeth?
The colour of your teeth depends on many factors – some you control, others you don’t! For example, you cannot do much about the following:
- Age, aging and heredity
- Antibiotics taken before or during the development of teeth
- Excessive use of fluoride during childhood
- Root canals
That being said, there are actions you can take to get a sparkling smile:
- Maintain good oral health on a consistent and regular basis.
- Avoid foods and beverages that stain teeth.
- Quit smoking.
- Choose foods that eliminate deposits from your teeth by stimulating the production of saliva.
You can also turn to over-the-counter teeth whitening products. Before using any one of these, just be sure to carefully read the instructions to see if it is right for you, or talk to your dentist.
Whitening toothpastes
The toothpaste aisle features a wide selection of whitening toothpastes. They usually contain abrasives or chemicals (e.g. sodium bicarbonate and silica) that improve the appearance of teeth by gently polishing away surface stains or through other actions that do not alter the colour of teeth.
Other products are similar to those used by dentists. They contain peroxide, a colour-altering agent that reduces both deep and surface stains. The concentration of peroxide in over-the-counter products is lower than in those used by dentists.
Whitening toothpastes are recommended as beneficial for adults (although the Ordre des dentistes du Québec suggests pregnant women delay teeth bleaching until after giving birth) and children 12 years and over. These products:
- Are safe for enamel
- Fight cavities
- Freshen breath
- Prevent tartar
- Reduce plaque
Good to know!
You should never swallow toothpaste, including whitening toothpaste.
Pharmacy services
To learn more, visit your local Uniprix!
The pharmacy services presented in this section are offered by pharmacist owners who are affiliated with Uniprix. The pharmacists are solely responsible for the professional activities carried out during the practice of pharmacy. These services are offered in participating pharmacies only. Certain fees and conditions may apply.
* The information contained herein is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide complete information on the subject matter or to replace the advice of a health professional. This information does not constitute medical consultation, diagnosis or opinion and should not be interpreted as such. Please consult your health care provider if you have any questions about your health, medications or treatment.