What Actually Whitens Teeth?
The teeth whitening market is worth billions globally, filled with products making dramatic claims. But from a clinical standpoint, only a small number of approaches have robust evidence behind them.
The Science
Tooth discolouration falls into two categories:
Extrinsic staining — surface stains from coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco. These respond well to mechanical removal (cleaning and polishing) and topical bleaching agents.
Intrinsic discolouration — staining within the tooth structure itself, from tetracycline antibiotics, fluorosis, or ageing. This is harder to treat and may require veneers for dramatic improvement.
What Doesn't Work
Charcoal toothpaste: No clinical evidence for whitening. The abrasive particles can damage enamel over time, making teeth more susceptible to staining — the opposite of the intended effect.
Coconut oil pulling: A wellness trend, not a whitening treatment. It has some evidence for reducing bacteria but zero evidence for changing tooth colour.
Whitening mouthwashes: Contain hydrogen peroxide at concentrations too low to produce meaningful colour change. The contact time with teeth is also far too short.
What Works
Professional in-clinic whitening: Uses hydrogen peroxide at 25–40% concentration, applied under dental supervision with gum protection. This produces the most dramatic, safest results — typically 6–10 shades lighter in a single session.
Take-home trays (dentist-prescribed): Custom trays with professional-grade gel used over 10–14 nights. Produces excellent results with lower risk than over-the-counter alternatives.
Over-the-counter strips: Contain lower concentrations (3–10% hydrogen peroxide). Can produce mild improvement but results are uneven, and cheap strips increase sensitivity risk.
The Sensitivity Question
Temporary sensitivity during or after whitening is the most common side effect. Professional whitening manages this with desensitising protocols. If you experience prolonged sensitivity, stop treatment and consult a dentist.
*Book a professional whitening consultation to find out which approach is right for your teeth and goals.*
