I have a problem, and I was wondering if someone could help.

The problem is my teeth have become yellow, and I can't get them to go white. My teeth used to be white, but when I had a brace put in they became discolored. I've had the brace taken out now, but normal brushing doesn't seem to be doing anything. My teeth seem to be healthy, and I have no fillings. So I don't know what the problem is. :confused: Is there any type of toothpaste or a certain style of brushing that can help me with this?

Any advice would be much appreciated, thanks.

Unforentely all the whiten toothpaste and things of that nature don't whiten. There are no brushing techinques to help whiten. The best thing to do is to check wiht your local dentist about doing whitening. If money is a factor for you then i would try the crest whitening strips. I have seen them work on patients and they do the best job. That would be the cheapest way to go. Sorry that toothpaste or brushing won't slove your problem. Staining also has alot to do with the types of drinks and food you eat. Coke, tea, red sauces and any food or drinks that could cause stains. Bleaching is the only way you are going to get whiter. So i would to that is it is that big of a concern for you.

So bleach is the only way to go. :confused: That's how most movie stars get their teeth that white isn't it?

The problem with that is they could put the sun out of a job, their teeth are so bright. :D

Where can you purchase teeth bleach? And is it a one off, or do you have to keep applying it forever?

Thanks for the previous advice aswell.

Same thing happened to me...

There are many solutions. Probably one of the most effective techniques (yet most expensive) is bleaching done by your dentist. (laser, home bleaching kit etc.)

If you're looking for something cheap, there are some options too.

First, forget about most of the whitening toothpastes (crest, colgate, aquafresh etc.), those don't work and they are actually pretty abrasive and can damage your teeth enamel.

Other effective ways to whiten your teeth include brushing with peroxide toothpastes, however, you should note its use is controvential and this component has in fact been banned from use in several countries.

Other than those, there is the famous baking soda (sodium bicarbonate). I personally just started using it and started to see results in 2 days. You simply buy a pack (costed me less than a dollar) and brush with it once a day. It is very safe, works for many people and definitely at least harmless (don't over use it, though, it can irritate your gums). Many dentists recommend using it regardless of whitening and claim it helps kill some germs in your mouth. Only drawback is that it tastes real sour, but it's not a big deal. You can also find many toothpastes containing baking soda (such as Arms & Hammer, for example).

Good luck...

From my experience the toothpaste stuff doesn't work. It's not going to get you white like you want.The best whitening is at your dentist office. That whitening is a higher strength then what you can buy in the store. In the office i am in we offer to types. A take home which is impression taken of your teeth and trays made just for you. We give you a bleach solution(we use nite white made by discuss dental) that you put in the trays. You do this every nite for four for 2 weeks. Can cause some cold sens. The other bleaching option we offer is called zoom(you may have seen this used on the extrem makeover show by Dr. Dorfman). This is and in office whitening system that takes only two hours and you are as white as you get and don't have to worry about it for two weeks. Impressions of your teeth are still taken. With both systems you still do touch up bleaching once to twice a year. See you still are going to eat and drink things that can stain your teeth so you can touch those up usually every 6 months to a year. Whenever you want to really. I really don't think a toothpaste is going to get you where you want to be arm and hammer or not. I don't think you would be as happy with your result then if you were to bleach. Bleaching you are going to see a much bigger difference. The take home whitening that your dentist offers i have seen if be any where from $100-$500 and the zoom to be any where from $350-600. Price is going to depend on your area. If money is a concern again i recommend the crest whitening strips. I have seen patient use them and seen them work and patients be extremely happy with the result that they get and it's alot cheaper. I have also used them myself i was happy with the results i got. They recommend that you white the upper first to see your difference and it is really neat to see the out come. I haven't seen or tryed any of the other crest whiten products, but i would use them first over any other over the counter bleaching products. The whitening strips i have seen in store for any where from $30-50. Well good luck. I hope u get the results you want.

I read some patients used a bleaching gel named nite white and were very happy with the results. I also read it can be purchased on the net.I can't give the site name since this board does not allow it, but you can key in nite white and use a search engine I'm sure you will find it on some dentist's supply site. I think the gel is also used in dentist's offices. I also know you have to be very carefull that the trays you use to bleach you teeth must fit your teeth or you could get serious gum damage. You should have a tray made to fit your own teeth at you dentist's office. It may cost a little but you can use the tray over and over and it will be made to fit your own teeth instead of buying a one size fit all tray. Hope this helps, Marti

Other than those, there is the famous baking soda (sodium bicarbonate). I personally just started using it and started to see results in 2 days. You simply buy a pack (costed me less than a dollar) and brush with it once a day. It is very safe, works for many people and definitely at least harmless (don't over use it, though, it can irritate your gums). Many dentists recommend using it regardless of whitening and claim it helps kill some germs in your mouth. Only drawback is that it tastes real sour, but it's not a big deal. You can also find many toothpastes containing baking soda (such as Arms & Hammer, for example).

Good luck...

Thanks for the advice everyone.

As for this baking soda solution, how would I go about using it. How much would I apply each time? And how would I apply it?

Thanks for the advice everyone.

As for this baking soda solution, how would I go about using it. How much would I apply each time? And how would I apply it?


You simply dip your toothbrush in the powder then in some water and brush as you do normally, with or without your regular toothpaste upwards or downwards. Some sites say it's best to add some sea salt too, but I personally do fine without it. As for the amount, well I'm not sure and I don't think it matters, I just dip it in the baking soda powder and whatever sticks is what I brush with.

Anyway, the good thing about baking soda is that its safety is totally noncontroversial. As aforementioned in addition to its whitenining and polishing effect on the teeth, many say it's killing some bacteria in the mouth and is good for the gums too, although it can irritate them if you overuse it until they get used to it.

Overall, the whitening effects from using baking soda aren't instant, but rather accumulative over time if you stick to using it.