Teeth whitening: what is safe and what actually works?

Whitening can brighten natural tooth structure, but results depend on the cause of discolouration. Existing crowns, veneers and tooth-coloured fillings do not whiten in the same way as enamel.

Start with an assessment

Decay, leaking fillings, cracks and gum inflammation should be addressed before whitening. Your dentist can identify whether staining is external, age-related, medication-related or linked to a single damaged tooth.

Professional options

Clinic-based and dentist-supervised home whitening use controlled materials and customised guidance. Temporary sensitivity can occur and should be discussed if you already have sensitive teeth.

Avoid shortcuts

Acidic DIY remedies and abrasive powders can damage enamel or irritate gums. Whitening is cosmetic; healthy gums and stable teeth remain the priority.