If you want to whiten your teeth, you may feel overwhelmed when it comes to figuring out where to start. Countless products promising brighter teeth line grocery store shelves. Heck, there are even numerous versions of Crest Whitestrips to choose from. It’s a lot.

Research studies have explored the connection between tooth color and perceived attractiveness, age, and other social judgments. Understandably, you might want to whiten your teeth. To determine what you need to know about this treatment, we talked to Dr. Tricia Quartey, dentist and CEO of Noble Dental Care in Brooklyn, New York, and a spokesperson for the American Dental Association.

Is it OK to whiten my teeth?

Not everyone should whiten their teeth. According to Quartey, people who have cavities, active infections, and areas of gum recession can experience issues like severe irritation and increased sensitivity if they whiten their teeth. Also, certain tooth colors and stains may not be responsive to whitening and need a different treatment. You also want to get a cleaning before whitening your teeth to remove stained plaque and tartar. For these reasons, Quartey recommends you see a dentist first. If your dentist clears you, then you are safe to whiten your teeth.

How to whiten my teeth

There are two ways to go about whitening. You can either get a professional treatment at your dentist’s office or try an at-home product. According to Healthline, in-office whitening uses higher concentrations of bleaching agents for quicker results compared to over-the-counter products. The downside is that these sessions can be expensive and may not be covered by insurance.

If you choose to whiten your teeth at home, Quartey has a couple of recommendations. She suggests looking for products with the ADA Seal of Acceptance. These products have been submitted to the American Dental Association for approval concerning safety and efficacy. She also emphasizes looking for products whose active ingredient is hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. These will bleach your teeth from the inside out rather than only remove superficial stains. Whitening strips and gels are more likely to have these active ingredients compared to toothpaste and mouthwash.

Not all products are good for your teeth. Stay away from charcoal or even some baking soda products. According to Quartey, these ingredients are too abrasive. “Yes, your tooth immediately looks whiter, but it’s really because it’s stripping off a part of your enamel,” she says. “And that, of course, is not safe.” Enamel loss will make your teeth sensitive, more susceptible to cavities and, in the long run, even yellower as the inside of your tooth is exposed.

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How do I whiten my teeth permanently?

There is no whitening treatment that will give you permanent results. According to Quartey, it’s possible to see results for a few years with a professional treatment. This is much longer than at-home products like whitening strips, which can last for up to six months, according to Healthline. Other options like veneers and crowns can give you longer-lasting results, but these items may still need maintenance.

The best thing you can do to keep your teeth white? “Oral hygiene,” says Quartey. “Brushing twice a day … and cleaning between your teeth once a day. Because a lot of what people see is plaque and tartar that has been stained.”

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