Teeth whitening  is a popular way to brighten your smile. It can be done at home with toothpastes and whitening strips, or by a dental professional using laser whitening or a hydrogen peroxide bleaching gel. Whitening can lighten the color of your teeth by several shades, but it cannot make them completely white. Teeth whitening is not permanent, and touch-ups may be needed every several years, or more frequently if you smoke or regularly drink coffee, tea, red wine, dark sodas or other staining foods and beverages.

The whitening process can cause tooth sensitivity and gum irritation, so it’s important to follow the product’s instructions carefully. You should also be careful not to over-whiten your teeth. When your teeth are too white, they can look unhealthy or unnatural.

There are many online claims that natural methods can whiten your teeth, including cooking oils and apple cider vinegar, activated charcoal powder and the enzymes bromelain or papain found in pineapples and some tropical fruits. However, these claims have not been scientifically tested or proven effective.

Invisalign: A Clear Alternative to Braces for a Perfect Smile

You can safely whiten your teeth at home with a bleaching kit approved by the American Dental Association (ADA). ADA-approved kits typically use peroxide-based gels that are applied directly to the surface of the teeth with a brush, and most can be used up to twice daily for 14 days to achieve a 1 or 2 shade lighter color. When selecting a whitening kit, look for one that allows you to mold the mouthpiece to your teeth rather than using a standard mouthpiece, which can be uncomfortable and cause sensitivity.