People seem to be hypnotised by the lure of having teeth that are whiter than an Oscars ceremony. Studies show that over half of us are dissatisfied with the colour of our teeth. The seemingly insatiable desire for whiter teeth is welcome news for makers of tooth whitening products, judging by the huge array of over-the-counter kits on offer. They will certainly be cheaper than going to the dentist – at least in the short term. But they could end up being expensive in the long term, especially if they result in damage to the surface of the teeth and expensive dental procedures are needed to fix the problem.
Genetics and diet play a large role in why some people’s teeth differ in colour. A lifetime of smoking and consuming strongly coloured foods and drinks, such as curries, tea and coffee, contributes to the effect. If you can resist these foods and drinks, and give up smoking, the effects are not just cosmetic but could also improve the health of your teeth and gums. If you wish to pursue the option of tooth whitening, you should visit your dentist.
Hydrogen peroxide is regarded by the EU Council Directive 2011/84/EU as the most effective and safest way (although alternatives do exist) to whiten teeth, which is why dentists use it. But in the wrong hands and in the wrong concentration, these harsh chemicals can irritate the tender tissues inside the mouth, as well as the gums.
Before 2012, when the European Directive came into force, the market was poorly regulated, as the amount of hydrogen peroxide used in products sold over the counter varied widely across Europe, as was the amount that could be used by dentists in their surgeries. After an extensive review of the safety and effectiveness of hydrogen peroxide by an expert scientific panel, the EU restricted the amount sold over the counter to 0.1% and up to 6% by dental professionals.
Home bleaching products are marketed as quick and easy to apply and cheaper than having your teeth whitened by a dentist. But there are two major problems. One, there’s no guarantee that the legal ones work. And, two, the illegal ones put the consumer at risk of damaging their teeth.
The strict laws governing the amount of hydrogen peroxide that can be used in over-the-counter products means that manufacturers look to other chemicals to whiten teeth. Some of these chemicals are questionable as there is a lack of research into their use for this procedure and they may damage teeth, according to a study published in the British Dental Journal.
The study looked at the safety of five commonly available over-the-counter products. Three used sodium chlorite as the active ingredient, which breaks down to chlorine dioxide in the acidic environment of the mouth. The whitening effect of sodium chlorite is not fully understood.
Four of the products contained citric acid as the “accelerator”, which will soften and dissolve the enamel. This may lead to a large whitening effect, but over time the enamel will be lost. Once enamel is gone, it cannot be replaced. A serious side effect is yellowing teeth as the underlying dentine, which is naturally yellow, comes to the surface.
As this was a laboratory study, we don’t know what effects these products have on the gums. It is known that bleaching products can cause sensitivity and irritation to the gums and teeth. In a dental practice, these symptoms are closely monitored by the dentist who will advise the person if it is safe to continue. Or they will stop the process until the person’s mouth returns to health.
Safe, cheap and effective: pick two
Over-the-counter whitening products are self-administered and so are open to misuse. The product may not be applied correctly, and it seems almost inevitable that some people will apply more, hoping to increase the whitening effect.
While the EU strictly governs the use of hydrogen peroxide, regulation in other countries is more relaxed. In the US, these products are classified as cosmetic – not medical. It is possible to buy products with either high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide (up to 25%) or other unregulated ingredients.
There are documented cases of damage occurring to teeth, gums and the mouth from their use, but as they are regulated as cosmetic products, manufacturers don’t have to submit reports of injury or other problems to the US Food and Drug Administration. Thanks to the internet, it’s possible to buy products with higher concentrations from anywhere in the world.
Given that you only have one set of adult teeth in your lifetime, there are easy steps you can take to protect your oral health that will also help with whitening. Avoid tooth decay by cutting down on sugar and make sure you brush your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, including last thing at night. And you can always ask your dentist for advice if you are worried about the appearance of your teeth.
It is known that bleaching products can cause sensitivity and irritation to the gums and teeth. In a dental practice, these symptoms are closely monitored by the dentist who will advise the person if it is safe to continue. Or they will stop the process until the person's mouth returns to health.
Crest is a household name in oral care, and the Forbes Vetted team ranked the original version of these Crest 3D strips one of the best teeth whitening products. With roughly half the peroxide content of the original, Crest's 3D White Strips Sensitive is a more gentle approach to brighter teeth.
What are the risks of teeth whitening? No matter what treatment you use, there's a chance your gums will be sensitive to the chemicals used in teeth whitening, particularly if you already have sensitive teeth. There's also a chance of burns to gums and some of the whitening kits used at home can harm tooth enamel.
Overall, teeth whitening is considered safe. The products have been around for decades, and millions of people use them — including plenty of dentists, notes Dr. Clemons. “And we haven't seen an increase in problems like cavity risk or tooth fractures after whitening,” she adds.
Additionally, the strips should fully adhere to your clean teeth, which should improve your teeth whitening efforts. If you want to brush your teeth first, wait at least 30 minutes before applying the strips. Using whitening strips right after brushing might cause gum irritation.
Fortunately, there are ways of making your yellow teeth white, from improving your oral hygiene and diet to visiting the dentist and having them professionally whitened. There's no need to feel ashamed of your smile anymore.
Custom-fitted trays and in-office treatments are the safest and most effective ways to whiten teeth. ADA-approved over-the-counter toothpastes, gels, and strips are more affordable and convenient options.
Children under 16 years of age. Patients with periodontal disease, tooth decay, cavities and exposed roots. People who are allergic to teeth bleaching whitening agents like peroxide. Individuals with sensitive teeth.
While teeth whitening is considered safe, you may experience some side effects from treatments: Teeth sensitivity. Your teeth may become more sensitive following teeth whitening. You may experience this on your first or second treatment, and it may diminish with time.
One of the most common side effects is tooth sensitivity, which can occur during or after treatment. Overuse or misuse of teeth whitening products can also lead to enamel damage, gum irritation, and discoloration. Additionally, some types of tooth discoloration may not respond well to teeth whitening treatments.
Baking soda can be used with some water to remove the stains on the surface of the teeth. It can also be used with hydrogen peroxide to enhance its whitening effects. Baking soda can be used by individuals with regular toothpastes too. It is also used commercially in some teeth whitening products and toothpastes.
Depending on the type of discoloration you have, Crest whitening kits may or may not work for you. If you have yellowing due to aging, poor nutrition, smoking, this whitening method may work for you. But if you have dark and greyed teeth, Crest Whitestrips may not work for you.
Out dentist in Clermont recommends using the whitening trays at night before you go to bed. This is because the teeth have pores, and when you apply a whitening gel to your teeth, those pores open very slightly. While they are open, your teeth are at an increased risk for staining if you eat or drink.
Acidic foods and beverages open the pores of your enamel, allowing stains to penetrate your teeth more easily. They also contribute to the erosion of your tooth enamel. Drink acidic beverages with a straw to minimize exposure to your teeth.
Custom-fitted trays and in-office treatments are the safest and most effective ways to whiten teeth. ADA-approved over-the-counter toothpastes, gels, and strips are more affordable and convenient options.
Lumineux products don't include hydrogen peroxide and instead use a combination of dead sea salt, essential oils, coconut oil and aloe vera. The fit and coverage were great, although they did slip around a bit. Lumineux products are also cruelty-free.
Whitening can really make sensitivity issues worse. Limiting very cold or very hot food and drinks during treatment can minimize your symptoms. Don't overuse whitening products. It's important to follow instructions and not leave whitening products on your teeth longer than recommended.
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