The Best At-Home Teeth Whitening Products (And What The Experts Think)

Let's talk at-home teeth whitening. There are myriad teeth whitening kits on offer; you only have to scroll Instagram for a minute or two to find at least one reality TV star flogging a kit. Has there ever been more confusion surrounding which products actually work?

Perhaps not. It may well be why TikTok users are trying every trick in the book to try and get their whites pearlier. Their latest venture? Whitening teeth with purple shampoo. Needless to say, do not try this one at home.

Watch: TikTok Users Are Whitening Their Teeth With Purple Shampoo (Do Not Try This At Home)

We need not remind you that purple shampoo should come nowhere near your mouth. Ingesting purple shampoo can have serious implications on your health, and there's also the comparatively minor fact that it really won't help you to remove stains and discolouration from your teeth, either.

But just why are Gen Z going to such lengths to whiten their teeth? It could have something to do with the expense of booking in for a professional teeth whitening appointment. One professional whitening session at the dentist starts at £150* - that's hardly pocket money. Or, is this merely a craze to get their spot on the coveted FYP?

If there's one lesson to be learnt from this, it's that the desire for whiter teeth has never been stronger. Luckily, there are some at-home whitening products that do promote whiter teeth. Scroll on down to read the professionals' take on at-home teeth whitening, and shop the products worth buying.

Why Are My Teeth Going Yellow?

According to dentist and co-founder of PÄRLA Pro Toothpaste tablets, Dr Rhona Eskander, teeth can become discoloured for a number of reasons. 'There are two main sources of discolouration,' Dr Eskander says. 'Intrinsic and extrinsic. Extrinsic refers to an outside source such as tea, coffee, smoking and red wine, all of which affect the outside surface of the teeth. Intrinsic staining is caused by factors that affect the internal colour of the teeth.

Things like trauma to teeth can cause this, making the teeth or single tooth turn dark, natural ageing of teeth causes this too, as the enamel thins to expose underlying dentine. People can also be predisposed to yellowing teeth through genetics. It is always important to see a qualified dental professional to determine the reason for your dental discolouration, as the source of the discolouration will determine the course of treatment.'

What Does Teeth Whitening Involve?

'Teeth whitening is a process that involves the use of a peroxide based product to change the colour of the teeth,' explains Dr Eskander, 'during a teeth whitening appointment your dentist or dental hygienist will take moulds of your teeth and have trays made that you can wear at night or during the day with a teeth whitening gel placed in each tray.'

What Should I Look For In An At-Home Teeth Whitening Kit?

'Look for hydrogen peroxide,' says Dr Cornelia Scheffel, senior technical associate at Colgate-Palmolive. Which sounds obvious, 'you'd be surprised at how many products that promise to whiten teeth don't contain it. Hydrogen peroxide is well known to be the leading ingredient in dental de-colourising technology.'

'Hydrogen peroxide can be combined with other ingredients to boost its efficacy too,' says Dr Scheffel, 'Colgate, for example, combine hydrogen peroxide with enzymes. It creates a clever blend, known as peracetic acid, which safely budges surface stains (and the stains deeper down into the enamel, too)'.

What Should I Be Wary Of When Shopping For An At-Home Teeth Whitening Kit?

'Teeth whitening is better thought of as a cosmetic procedure and the best results are seen when a proper professional gives you the right treatment and advice,' cautions Dr Eskander, 'there are several causes of dental discolouration so it is best to ensure that your assessment and diagnosis is determined by a dentist before you start any form of treatment.'

As for at-home kits? 'These products are not administered by dentists and the trays provided are not tightly fitting and bespoke to your mouth, they're not recommended.'

Can Teeth Whitening Toothpastes Really Make A Difference?

When it comes to coconut and charcoal based products, Dr Eskander is dubious too. 'There is limited, if not no evidence to show that these products actually whiten teeth. They may help to dislodge particles and stains but they will not noticeably whiten teeth. Moreover whitening toothpastes may even contain abrasive particles that can behave like sand paper and remove precious tooth enamel when used.'

How Much Can I Really Whiten My Teeth At Home?

According to Dr Eskander concentrating on oral hygiene is the key to success. 'Hardened plaque turns to tartar, which can make teeth appear more yellow over time,' says Dr Eskander, 'seeing your hygieniest biannually keeps your teeth looking whiter for longer too.'

Shop: Our Pick Of The Best At-Home Toothcare Products To Buy Now If You're Concerened About Discolouration

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