Do you want to have whiter teeth by trying an at-home method? Here is what you need to know about various ways you can whiten your teeth so that you know which ones to try as well as which ones to avoid.

Charcoal

You may have heard that charcoal can be a cheap and fast way to whiten your teeth, but is actually one technique that you should avoid completely. Charcoal has the potential to ruin the enamel of your teeth over time, which may cause your teeth to appear whiter at first, but is actually very dangerous to the structure of the tooth. This is because enamel has a white tint to it, and if you scrub away a stained layer of enamel, it is going to reveal a white layer behind it. If you continue to whiten your teeth by using charcoal, it will eventually wear away enough enamel that it will reveal the layer of dentin behind it that has a yellow tint. Consider other alternatives and avoid going this route. 

Whitening Strips

Whitening strips can be very effective if used properly, but the key part of doing so is making sure that you use them in the right way. You need to make sure that those strips stick to your teeth for them to work. One trick that helps ensure that this happens is to dry your teeth when you apply the strips.

You may not be aware that talking actually promotes saliva production in your mouth. Instead of talking while wearing the whitening strips, stay silent for the treatment to keep your teeth dry. You'll also want to keep your mouth open, which may help to use a mouth retractor to keep your mouth in a good position. It may seem silly, but it helps to be effective. 

Custom Gel Trays

If your saliva is preventing those whitening strips from sticking to your teeth, you should consider asking your dentist about custom gel trays. This allows you to put a peroxide gel on your teeth, and the tray holds them in place. You don't have to worry about saliva making the strip wet or not having the gel come in contact with your teeth; the trays do all of the work for you. A cosmetic dentist can make these trays based on the specific shape of your mouth, and even provide you with a stronger strength whitening gel.

For more information about teeth whitening options, contact a cosmetic dentist.