11.05.2012

Ask Elle: Teeth Whitening Routine


How was your weekend? I had planned on recooping from my cold, but it went away, so yay! I'm convinced it was your well wishes! ;) I have company coming this week, so instead I went on a crazy trash-fix-donate spree and made my apt sparkle. Speaking of clean & sparkle, lots of you leave sweet comments and emails about my teeth, like Krystal, who asked what I use to whiten my teeth. Here's what I do:
  • I'm a non-smoker, and try to avoid drinks that stain my teeth. I drink coffee only on the weekends (btw my mom makes the best coffee ever! I can't resist) and rarely do I ever drink red wine, so that helps with staining.
  • Sometimes I use a whitening toothpaste or whitening mouthwash; it depends on if I get them at a great price/coupons.
  • Sometimes I do the natural thing with baking soda and strawberries, especially when traveling or at work. 
  • Occasionally, I mix hydrogen peroxide and baking soda and brush away. I always did this as a kid. I don't feel this really gives me the results I want because it doesn't stay on my teeth. I need a product that has gel in it so the peroxide and other whitening goodies adhere to my teeth.
  • I use white strips once a year.
(without peroxide, with peroxide)
  • When I want to maintain and touch up my whitened teeth, I use Whitening Lightning. I've been a fan and user of their products long before they sent samples to me. They're faves of celebs, too and for good reason! By the way, they're cruelty-free and safe for dental work too. Always consult with Dr. first, but the Zero pens are recommended versus the others if pregnant.
    • They have several whitening products, like the Dial-a-Smile, but I got to review the Whitening Lightning Super Booster Pen. There are two formulas: one with and one without peroxide (Zero). I've used both and had no sensitivities from either. Sometimes whitening products get on your gums, which causes sensitivity, but not with the pens.
    • The Super Booster™ Pen and Dial a Smile™ Professional Whitening Kit are made with 16% hydrogen.  
    • To use, simply paint on your dry teeth right before bedtime. Smile for about a minute to make sure the gel adheres. Then sleep as the Whitening Lightning does its job. Brush away in the morning! Results appear in just a couple of weeks!
    • I like the pens because the it has gel, which is the ingredient to adhere the whitening agents better to my teeth. 
    • I also like them because I can paint just on areas that need whitening, like my lower teeth. And there's a money-back guarantee!
    • They are offering a 70% off coupon! Use the code ELLE70 at checkout.
    • I have had water after applying and drying, although it is not indicated on the directions.
(my teeth after 1 month)

By the way....for those not into teeth whitening products, they also have beauty products, like their Brow Bar to Go and their Color Your Smile™ Lighted Lip Plumper. I was sent the Lighted Lip Plumpers.
(3 richly pigmented glosses)

  • These come complete with a mirror and light built right in. The gloss that contains collagen peptides to increase lip volume and reduce lip wrinkles while doubling as an amazing moisturizer. I can attest to the incredible thickness of the glosses and the colors I was sent are perfect for autumn. I love the idea of the light on the gloss and the mirror! Perfect for touch ups anytime, or for waving the light around and saying, "Lumos!" Just saying.
(I like to spotlight my teeth, as seen with the light!)


What do you use to whiten?

40 comments:

  1. I was just thinking this week that I should try the baking soda thing but now I shall check out this White Lightening too! Thanks for sharing your tips.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Well I have these good braces on right now. But when they come off, I am bookmarking this page and I'm whitening my teeth. Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  3. I tried a colgate whitening product many years back and while it worked, I'm not in a hurry to try it again as it tasted and smelled like bleach!

    ReplyDelete
  4. I used white strips once and it worked but I need to do something again, maybe this. I've heard a lot about these whitening pens. I want your teeth they are so white!! Take care,

    Shauna xoxoxo

    ReplyDelete
  5. i just did a post on whitening too. <_> awful experience. They had hydrogen peroxide in them and dear god my mouth is still hurting so bad. I've never heard of pens though. very neat! :)

    o.o on a side note— you have very straight teeth. *jealous* lol

    -Jae
    aleume.wordpress.com

    ReplyDelete
  6. Us coffee drinkers will find these great ideas very useful, had no idea about the baking soda and peroxide. The Colour Your Smile sounds fantastic, I want to try that out!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Glad your cold went away!

    I usually use whitening strips...but I'm liking the natural way you suggested.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Great post, been actually thinking of using some whitening treatments as its cold in London now and I've been drinking too much tea lol. I really hope to find some of them in the U.K! xoxo.

    ReplyDelete
  9. I don't really whiten my teeth, and this post just made me think maybe I should start! TY for the prod recs, Elle:)

    ReplyDelete
  10. This is such a wonderful and very timely post esp for a coffee addict like myself. :) You've reminded me of an overdue and much dreaded dental appointment. That aside, I used whitening gel once and they worked. I'm interested to find some whitening pens..

    ReplyDelete
  11. I rarely drink colorings too, i have to try to strawberry and baking soda thing!
    Xo Megan

    ReplyDelete
  12. I just got some white strips so I'm about to try those out, wish me luck!

    ReplyDelete
  13. My husband is obsessed with keeping his teeth white so I will pass along your tips to him.

    ReplyDelete
  14. As awesome as these pens are, they are little out of my budget right now. Glad to see that they work!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Teeth leave such an impression and I am all for teeth whitening tricks. Whitening strips and normal toothpaste with whitening have really worked for me. I'll check out the whitening pen right now!

    xoxo,
    Chic 'n Cheap Living

    ReplyDelete
  16. I used to do strips until they made my bottom teeth too sensitive. The pens sound promising though, might look into it. Great post!

    ReplyDelete
  17. That's something I really need to work on--I use whitening toothpaste occasionally, but that's pretty much the only thing I do. (And I love my coffee and red wine, uh oh!) I keep telling myself I'll do the whitestrips again one of these days though!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Always up for whiter teeth! Will have to try this...

    ReplyDelete
  19. I mostly rely on whitening toothpaste. I'm not really a dedicated whitener.

    ReplyDelete
  20. I've never used anything to whiten my teeth. I just stay away from coffee!

    ReplyDelete
  21. I dont really use anything to whiten my teeth though I should probably start.

    ReplyDelete
  22. wow lots of great tips! I am getting free whitening from my dentist on my next visit so now I'm actually excited to go :)

    BTW you do have beautiful teeth :D

    XOXO

    ReplyDelete
  23. I perked up when you mentioned in an earlier post that you were going to address this subject this week. I drink many cups of tea every day and need to whiten my teeth to deal with that. In the past, I've gone to the dentist every 2-3 years but they charge a fortune ($500). Thanks for the tips.

    ReplyDelete
  24. i tried whitening before (lots of methods) but it seems that my teeth are a bit sensitive, so I stopped using them. I do drink wine, coffee, and tea, but I brush afterwards and drink tons of water after too:)
    ♥ laura
    the blog of worldly delights
    the shop of worldly delights

    ReplyDelete
  25. Hi Elle, What a great post. I've got to try that pen. I use White Strip twice a year. I think it is THE most important beauty routine.
    I just switched dentists and they sell professional strength white strips for less money and say you can use them everyday if you wish. Yes, I wish!!

    ReplyDelete
  26. I love these tips! I am definitely going to try them out :)
    I use whitestrips all the time and I love them! But I hear they're not good for your teeth!
    Have you heard anything about using baking soda or have you tried it?

    Thanks for the tips!
    xoxo,
    tiana of l'esthetique

    ReplyDelete
  27. What an awesome post... filled with great tips!

    xxx
    www.ladyalamode.com

    ReplyDelete
  28. Strawberries and baking soda? I'd never heard of it until now... interesting

    ReplyDelete
  29. Once the braces come off, I'll be trying these. :)

    ReplyDelete
  30. I always find out the most interesting beauty secrets on your blog. I love it!!
    XO,
    Zhanna
    www.lifeandbows.com

    ReplyDelete
  31. I use a whitening toothpaste and a whitening mouthwash, but I drink a lot of coffee so it still doesn't do much haha. I totally want one of those pens, how long is the coupon good for?

    ReplyDelete
  32. I use the baking soda/peroxide on my teeth and LOVE it! I actually wrote a post about it on my blog and it's constantly in the top 10 viewed of the month!

    You do have beautiful teeth...I hadn't noticed lol.

    Helen
    Blue Eyed Beauty Blog

    ReplyDelete
  33. Love your nails design, great tutorial!
    What do you think of following each other? It would be great, let me know!
    Kisses and have a great week!

    ReplyDelete
  34. the chemicals in whitening products tend to make my gums sensitive... did you experience any of this? how was the taste?

    ReplyDelete
  35. Teeth whitening is the tool for those people who has short time for any big occasion like wedding , attending a party or reunion party, this method reduces the time which a natural teeth whitening normally takes, but I suggest you all for a daily dose of soft brushing with baking soda

    ReplyDelete
  36. @Kathy - yes this happened to me too!

    ReplyDelete
  37. Can you drink water after this has dried?

    ReplyDelete

I respond to comments via email, so make sure I can respond!
For a faster response, please use Twitter or email: elleseesyou@gmail.com

More ways to keep up with me: Bloglovin, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram , Youtube or email: elleseesyou@gmail.com

You made my day by visiting! See ya tomorrow :)

Disclaimer:

All products mentioned are purchased by me unless stated.
All pics, thoughts, etc, are mine unless otherwise noted. Publishing or redistributing any content from this blog is strictly prohibited. Please seek permission first. Thank you.




Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...