Have you ever noticed that there are so many different teeth whitening ways nowadays? The hashtag #teethwhitening on Instagram and TikTok has billions of views and is full of videos and reels showing people whitening their teeth with everything from rinses and gels to trays and strips. Plus, those shiny results are enough to make you want your own pearly white teeth. But is teeth whitening safe?
Well, not all teeth whitening products are created equally. Most options contain a whitening agent mixed with a mild to moderate abrasive. ‘Carbamide peroxide’ and ‘Hydrogen peroxide’ are two of the most common ingredients used to whiten teeth, and the reaction from these free radicals masks the stains from teeth, making them appear whiter.
Teeth whitening tools are safe but can lead to tooth sensitivity. You can damage your enamel and increase your risk of cavities by leaving the product on too long. You should stop using the whitening products if you feel pain. It is normal to feel transient sensitivity or a few seconds of ‘zingers’ here or an area is not. It would be best if you communicated this to your dentist right away.
If you wonder, “Is teeth whitening safe?” Keep reading to learn everything about teeth whitening.
What is Teeth Whitening?
Bleaching your teeth to make them lighter is known as teeth whitening. It doesn’t make your teeth brilliant white, but it can lighten your existing color by several shades.
Is Teeth Whitening Permanent?
Teeth whitening is not permanent and may last from 3 or 4 months to 3 years, varying from person to person. The lifespan of the whitening effect is short if you smoke or drink red wine, tea, and coffee, which can stain your teeth.
Is Teeth Whitening Safe: Why Whiten Your Teeth?
Earlier teeth whitening was the domain of movie and rock stars, but not anymore. Teeth whitening is now available to the masses for less money than you may expect because of technology advancements.
Following are a few of the reasons why people whiten their teeth:
- To create a more uniform look: Some people get stains only on the tops or bottoms of their teeth and therefore desire them all to be the same shade with the help of teeth whitening.
- Want a brighter smile: Bright white teeth can vastly impact your appearance.
- Wish to change your look: Teeth whitening is much cheaper than other cosmetic procedures, like a facelift or Botox, and is an easy way to achieve your desired look.
- Eliminate the embarrassing spots: Aging teeth may make some people self-conscious about their smile, especially since the teeth tend to turn yellow with age. Teeth whitening can help restore your bright smile and help you feel young again.
Is Teeth Whitening Safe?
It all depends on the different ways of teeth whitening, as discussed below:
At-home Treatments
At-home teeth whitening options include products such as sticky strips and gel-filled trays. They are easily available over the counter and help lighten your teeth and remove stains.
You just need to place strips or a tray on your teeth and leave them on for the amount of time according to the recommendation of the description, which can vary per product, so ensure to follow the instructions carefully.
Most at-home teeth whitening products contain hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide (a chemical containing hydrogen peroxide). Hydrogen peroxide is a natural bleaching agent that breaks down molecules that cause discoloration by tea, red wine, coffee, and smoking. Carbamide peroxide works similarly, except it releases about 50% of its whitening ability in the first few hours and may even remain active for hours after. However, the overall effects of hydrogen peroxide and carbamide are the same. You are required to use at-home products daily for at least a week to achieve results, and still, it is difficult to answer ‘is teeth whitening safe?’.
Compared to at-home teeth whitening products, professional teeth whitening is a better and safer option. The dentist uses a stronger concentration of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide.
In-office Treatments
This can give you longer-lasting results over a shorter amount of time. Even though a professional treatment may be more expensive than at-home products. It is still a better option as it whitens your teeth without damaging them or increasing tooth sensitivity. It only requires one treatment or just a few visits to achieve the bright pearly smile you want.
Still, Wondering Is Teeth Whitening Safe? Clear All Your Doubts with Valley Ridge Dental Today!
You can consider using strips and gels for teeth whitening. But the best bet is to get it under the supervision of an expert dentist. Alternatives, such as whitening toothpaste or pens and tools like trays or lights, can lead to more sensitivity and aren’t always as user-friendly.
Keeping this in mind, always consider what feels best for your teeth and when in doubt, Contact Valley Ridge Dental for advice immediately.
