Teeth Whitening

Teeth Whitening Products at Walgreens

Most people develop some staining and discoloration on their teeth over time, but knowing that the problem is common doesn't make it any less embarrassing. Many people feel self-conscious about having a less-than-white smile. If you're one of them, you can take steps to address staining and boost your self-confidence with teeth-whitening products. Walgreens carries a diverse assortment of products for whitening your teeth at home as part of your oral care routine. Your dentist can help you decide which type is right for you, and then you can purchase the best tooth-whitening product for your needs online or in one of our stores.

What Causes Discoloration?

Tooth discoloration can have a number of causes. Coffee, tea, red wine and other drinks and foods can leave behind pigments that discolor the dental enamel. Tar and nicotine in cigarettes can also leave the teeth appearing yellow or dark. With age, the softer, inner material in the tooth often shows through the enamel, creating a discolored appearance.

Performing Whitening Treatments at Home

One way to address staining is by using at-home teeth-whitening treatment kits. These products are milder versions of the bleaching kits that are used by dentists to whiten teeth in the office. Teeth-whitening treatments typically use either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide as an active ingredient. When the whitening gel or liquid is applied to the teeth, the key ingredient creates a chemical reaction, helping to break down the stain. Typically, teeth-whitening treatment products must be left in place for a set number of minutes daily for a certain period of time, such as one or two weeks.

Solutions for Spot-Treating Stains

For minor discoloration that is confined to one or two teeth, you can try using a teeth-whitening pen. A tooth-whitening pen uses the same types of ingredients present in a teeth-whitening treatment but allows you to precisely apply the bleach to the stain. Like teeth-whitening kits, pens must be used repeatedly over an extended period of time to produce noticeable results.

Toothpaste for Whiter Teeth

If you're looking for an easy approach to tooth whitening, you can use stain-removal toothpaste. These products typically contain abrasives that lift away stains by producing friction as you brush. While teeth-whitening toothpaste can be effective at minimizing stains, they take longer to produce results. Keep in mind that teeth-whitening toothpaste can only address surface stains caused by smoking, food and drinks, as they do not contain bleaching agents.

Mouthwash for Maintenance

Whitening mouthwashes are another tooth-whitening product that you can use at home to promote a whiter smile. These products usually feature a small amount of hydrogen peroxide that bleach the dental enamel. Generally, whitening mouthwashes are not effective at addressing widespread staining. Instead, dentists typically recommend them for maintaining a whiter smile after you have used an at-home teeth-whitening treatment or received a clinical-bleaching treatment in the office.