It seems like some people will do anything to achieve the beauty standards they desire. But what is the cost? Of course you want to get a dazzling white smile, but you probably have some concerns about how safe some of these whiteners are for your teeth. How do these products transform a yellow smile into a white one, and are you doing any damage to your teeth when you use them? Read on to learn more about what teeth whitening products are made of, and how safe they really are to use on your teeth.
What is in Whitening Products?
First, it is good to know what ingredients are typically used in tooth whiteners. The American Dental Association (ADA) has the following to say “Whitening products may be administered by dentists in the dental office, dispensed by dentists for home-use, or purchased over-the-counter (OTC), and can be categorized into two major groups:
- Peroxide-containing bleaching agents; and
- Whitening toothpastes (dentifrices).”
These two types of products make up the majority of whitening methods. However, there are also some recipes for making your own at-home whitening pastes that do not require any chemicals at all, including making pastes from activated charcoal. Not all whitening methods contain chemicals, but how safe are teeth whitening products?
Are These Products Safe?
For the most part, the whitening products on the market have been proven to be safe as Colgate explains, “Teeth whitening techniques have been well evaluated over the years, and the results obtained both in the dental office and at home are virtually guaranteed.” These products and methods have undergone extensive studies and evaluations into their effects on teeth before they reach the homes (and mouths) of consumers.
The products are safe because they are not designed to impact the structure of your teeth, as the Dear Doctor website explains, “Generally speaking, whitening is safe because the chemicals used to attack the organic molecules do not materially affect the mineral structure of the tooth itself.” Most whitening products are designed to erase surface stains on your teeth caused by years of acidic and staining foods and drinks that leave your teeth dull and yellow. These stains are on the tooth’s surface, and are easily whitened away without harming the integrity of your teeth.
If you are especially concerned about the safety of whitening, then consider going to your dentist to get their professional advice on whether or not your teeth are suitable for bleaching.
Potential Issues
An unfortunate side effect of the whitening process is tooth sensitivity. While using the products is typically safe, they might still cause some tooth pain. Luckily, the sensitivity should not last long and will fade in time once you stop using the whitening product. If you are experiencing some dental pain, avoid beverages that are served at extreme temperatures and hot, spicy foods. As always, if your teeth are causing you a lot of pain, then you should visit your dentist to make sure everything is all right.
While the sensitivity is an unpleasant part of teeth whitening for some people, it is likely only temporary. Once you finish your treatment method, it should subside. The Pearly Whites Professional whitening kits come with desensitization gel to help replace minerals, seal your results and soothe after whitening.
Make an Informed Choice
If you want to whiten your teeth and have any concerns regarding your dental health or sensitivity issues, then talk to your dentist first. After all, no one knows your teeth better than they do! If you do the research and choose your whitening product and method wisely, then you will be able to safely and effectively whiten your smile.
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