Health Column by Director Kim Yoo-na Listed at the Korea Economic Culture Research Institute (KECI) - Creating a Healthy Smile with Natural Whitening

Column/Opinion

[Health Column] Creating a Healthy Smile with Natural Whitening

Korea Economic Culture Research Institute ・ 2025. 10. 13. 12:58

White, bright teeth have a big impact on first impressions. When talking with someone, people often look toward the mouth, so the brightness of the teeth goes beyond simple appearance and can also affect confidence and image. That is why more and more people have recently been seeking teeth whitening.

Why Teeth Become Yellow

Tooth discoloration is not only caused by age. Lifestyle habits, food, smoking, and various other factors gradually darken teeth. External staining occurs when strongly pigmented foods or smoking, such as coffee, black tea, cola, and wine, stain the tooth surface. Internal discoloration can also occur when the tooth’s internal structure changes due to aging, trauma, medications (tetracycline), and other causes.

Types of Teeth Whitening

There are several methods of teeth whitening. Professional whitening performed at a dental clinic uses high-concentration whitening agents based on hydrogen peroxide, and it is a method that can produce results in a short time by combining LED or laser treatment. The advantage is fast results, but it should be noted that sensitivity may occur.

Self-whitening, or home bleaching, is a method in which a low-concentration whitening agent is placed in a custom-made tray made at the dental clinic and worn at home for a set amount of time, allowing gradual but natural change. It requires consistent use, but whitening can be done relatively safely.

In addition, over-the-counter products that are easy to buy at pharmacies or supermarkets, such as toothpaste, strips, and patches, are effective at removing surface staining from teeth, but they have limitations when it comes to improving internal discoloration. They are affordable and convenient, but it is good to keep in mind that their effects are limited.

What to Know Before Whitening

There are several precautions to keep in mind before starting teeth whitening. First, if you have cavities or gum disease, you must receive treatment before undergoing whitening. Whitening agents can irritate not only the teeth but also the gums or exposed nerves, so it is important to have a pre-treatment examination.

In addition, artificial teeth such as crowns, laminates, and implants are not affected by whitening agents. Therefore, after whitening, there may be a color difference between natural teeth and artificial teeth, so caution is needed.

The effects of teeth whitening are not permanent. Depending on lifestyle habits, food, and drinks, staining can return within a few months to a year, so ongoing care and repeat treatments when necessary are needed.

Lastly, excessive whitening can instead weaken the tooth structure or cause tooth sensitivity, so it is best to consult a professional and proceed safely.

The beginning of a healthy smile is “natural white.” Overusing whitening toothpaste may make teeth look brighter temporarily, but in the long term there is a risk of tooth damage. Teeth whitening is not simply a cosmetic procedure; it is a way to improve confidence and image. What matters is not teeth that are simply white, but a natural brightness that suits one’s skin tone. With the right information and consistent care, anyone can create a healthy and bright smile.

| ▲ Kim Yoo-na, Chief Director of Gangnam Clare Dental Clinic |

Kim Yoo-na, Chief Director of Gangnam Clare Dental Clinic

Graduated from KAIST, Department of Life Science

Graduated with honors from Kyung Hee University School of Dentistry

Intern at Kyung Hee University Dental Hospital, Specialist in Integrated Dentistry (Ministry of Health and Welfare)

Completed Minish Academy, Full member of the Korean Academy of Esthetic Dentistry

Full member of the Korean Academy of Prosthodontics, Full member of the Korean Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Implantology (KAOMI)

Completed the regular course of the Global Academy of Osseointegration (GAO)

Completed training course on temporomandibular joint disorders

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