We all want to have whiter and brighter teeth. In fact, studies have shown that 18 per cent of the population actually tends to hide their smile during social events and photographs due to the stains that are present. There are many different ways to restore the allure of our smile and many of these involve gels, at-home treatments and office-related procedures.
One of the most overlooked areas that we should address centres around whitening mouthwashes. Not all formulas are created equally and there are some factors to consider. Let us go ahead and take a look at how to determine what brand is the best whitening mouthwash for your needs.
The Active Ingredient
Nearly every mouthwash on the market contains a chemical known as hydrogen peroxide. This is the primary bleaching agent that will help to remove those pesky stains from the surface of your teeth. However, the compound is diluted enough so that it will rarely cause pain to sensitive gums. This is not always the case with more powerful treatments such as professional bleaching.
Before we move ahead, there are two important points to make clear. When you begin to take this type of mouthwash, visit the dentist to make certain that you do not have any cavities. The hydrogen peroxide could actually make them worse. Secondly, this mouthwash should not be used by children who are less than 12 years old.
Brand Names
As with any over-the-counter dental treatment, it is ALWAYS important to choose brand names. These will be backed up by thorough laboratory testing and the ingredients are all clearly labelled. According to recent studies, many consumers feel that the top three whitening formulas are:
- Listerine Whitening
- Crest 3D White Arctic Fresh
- Rembrandt Deeply White
Of course, we should note that these are not the only options and depending upon the availability in your area, there could be other brands worth examining. If you have any doubts, be sure to perform some research online. As opposed to navigating to the website of a specific company, it is best to take a look at third-party review sites. These will provide objective opinions and it is common to encounter feedback from individual users. Word of mouth is the best way to make an informed choice.
The Amount of Time in the Mouth
Another way to gauge the effectiveness of a mouthwash is to read how long it is required to remain in your mouth. For example, Crest 3D White Arctic Fresh states that only two minutes per day (one minute in the morning and another in the evening) will be required. This can help you to understand the potency of each formula.
Remember that it will take time to see results; normally between a few weeks to a month. Finding the best whitening mouthwash could also involve a bit of trial and error. Still, the results are well worth the patience and dedication!