If you are struggling with discoloration, extrinsic (surface) stains, or just want to add in an extra step to your oral hygiene routine, a whitening system may be the answer you're looking for while trying to obtain those pearly whites. And if you're not driven by purely cosmetic reasons, now's the time to find out how whitening compares to cleaning (see also 'How Much Does Teeth Whitening Cost?').
There are a wide variety of teeth whitening products on the market - see the best whitening options here - and these products come in all shapes and sizes, not to mention the varying price points, too. From whitening strips (see here if they really work and how bad whitening strips are for your teeth) and pens to LED treatments, treatments range from simple to high-tech, they can help you step up your dental hygiene by helping you achieve whiter teeth.
Even more, different whitening products contain different ingredients and chemicals, some of which are harsh, abrasive, and can lead to damaged or painfully sensitive teeth.
The right whitening product for you may depend on a combination of factors, including how much money you are looking to spend, how fast you want results, and what kinds of stains you have on your teeth. Certain products may work better for some stains rather than others, and if you know that you have sensitivity to certain ingredients, it can be important to avoid them (see 'What to Eat after Teeth Whitening' post).
Additionally, different whitening products require different time commitments, so the right product for you will also depend on how much time you are hoping to spend on teeth whitening each day or week.
If you are concerned about using harsh, potentially harmful chemicals in order to whiten your teeth, it can be helpful to have a rundown of which types of products may be the safest. This is why we have compiled this list of the safest teeth whitening options available to you. Let’s get into it.
Teeth Whitening: What Are Your Options?
When it comes to the options available for the best teeth whitening options, there is a multitude of products on the market and this can make it hard to choose. Whitening results may vary upon the person and whitening method used.
Some common teeth whitening options include:
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Whitening or stain-removing toothpaste:When it comes to home whitening, whitening toothpaste it is best to opt for products that have minimal, natural ingredients or products with the ADA seal of acceptance. These products are less likely to do damage to your teeth or to cause teeth sensitivity, and will help you gradually whiten teeth over a period of time. There are some bleaching agents such as hydrogen peroxide, carbamide peroxide, and fluoride that are typically found in whitening toothpaste. A perfect smile can still be achieved with home whitening.
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Professional whitening procedures: Office treatment bleaching is a professional teeth whitening procedure done in your dentist’s office by a dental professional. Your dentist will either apply a protective gel to your gums or will use a rubber shield to protect your gums, and then bleach will be applied to your teeth in order to whiten them and remove stains. Alternatively, you may also do a home whitening procedure using supplies provided by your dentist, and this may be helpful if you are more comfortable in your own home but still want some guidance from your dentist. With either of these options, your dentist will be able to give you information about the safety of the products depending on the specific type of bleach they use or give to you.
- Over-the-counter bleaching whitestrips, teeth whitening kits, whitening gel, and whitening trays, or LED lights:Teeth whitening strips are essentially plastic strips coating in a bleaching product that you then apply to your teeth, leaving them on for an allotted amount of time in order to see results. With this type of product, choosing an option with minimal and natural ingredients may be safest. When it comes to bleaching kits, different products will be included for different brands. One brand’s bleaching kit may be entirely different than another, and each may contain a different type of whitening treatment.
Dr. Brite’s Extreme Whitening Kit contains whitening toothpaste, whitening mouthwash, whitening pens, and LED light technology, all for $134.99. This type of system may be ideal, because it contains a whitening product for multiple steps in your oral care routine, and thus may provide you with optimal results.
This kit is also a great option if you are not sure what kind of whitening product you want to try out first- because the kit includes such a variety of options, you have the ability to try a few different products and then decide which one you like the best.
Plus, Dr. Brite’s whitening products are formulated in order to avoid causing teeth sensitivity, and they do not contain harsh harmful chemicals. Dr. Brite works hard to provide effective products with cleaner ingredients that act as great, safe alternatives to more conventional products while leaving you with a brighter smile.
The Risks of Conventional Products
At this point, you may be wondering why conventional teeth whitening products are such a big deal, and why you may want to avoid them.
Products that contain harsh chemicals, especially when these chemicals are very concentrated, can actually damage proteins in the dentin layer of your teeth, and your dentin is the hard tissue that is behind your tooth enamel. These harsh whitening products may also roughen or soften the surface of your teeth, and more research is needed to confirm whether or not these effects have long-term consequences. A side effect that may occur from tooth bleaching over time is tooth sensitivity.
Gingival irritation is another potential risk posed by harsh whitening products, and this is specifically the case when concentrated carbamide peroxide-based gels come into contact with your gums for prolonged periods of time. Fortunately, this type of irritation generally resolves quickly once you halt treatment, but you can also avoid it altogether by opting for safer products- like those offered by Dr. Brite.
Aside from these risks, teeth whiteners made with harsh chemicals can also pose other risks to your comfort and oral health. Products containing very high concentrations of certain chemicals can leave you with painfully sensitive teeth, but products containing lower concentrations of hydrogen peroxide are generally associated with less sensitivity without sacrificing results.
If you have already fallen victim to harsh whitening products that give you intense teeth sensitivity, Dr. Brite’s Teeth Sensitivity Relief Kit may be able to help you get back to being able to enjoy your favorite foods and beverages. The products included in this kit are made with natural ingredients like coconut oil, aloe vera, hemp seed oil, and anise extract so that you can take care of your teeth without the use of potentially harmful ingredients. Dr. Brite’s products are also free from parabens, sulfates, and gluten, and they are also cruelty-free.
How To Whiten Your Teeth Safely And Effectively
When it comes down to it, if you choose safer whitening products, the risks posed to your oral health are much lower than they would be with conventional products containing harsh or harmful chemicals.
With any kind of whitening product or oral care product, it is absolutely essential for you to carefully follow the instructions on the package. Using whitening products incorrectly, such as using products longer than advised, or in greater amounts than advised, can leave you with sensitive teeth regardless of the product. Following the instructions for the specific products you choose can help make sure you get the results you are expecting without running into any health or safety obstacles along the way.
A generally good rule of thumb when it comes to choosing a whitening product is to inspect the ingredients list and steer clear of any very concentrated whitening agents or otherwise very harsh chemicals. Opting for products with less concentrated hydrogen peroxide is a great way to still achieve fantastic results without sacrificing your comfort or health, and Dr. Brite offers a wide variety of whitening products that make use of safe amounts of hydrogen peroxide alongside other natural ingredients.
Additionally, getting your teeth professionally whitened by your dentist may be another safe option, and if you have any concerns before you get the procedure done your dentist will be able to provide you with any information you need. In any event, your dentist is a great resource, and when it comes time to choose a whitening product you can always consult your dentist and ask for clarification or other information about a certain product’s ingredients or instructions.
The Bottom Line
With such a wide variety of teeth whitening products on the market, it can be difficult to know which ones are effective, worth the price, and safe.
Many commercially available whitening products contain harsh, bleaching chemicals that work to remove stains and whiten your teeth, but these harsh chemicals can end up causing extreme teeth sensitivity and may even damage your teeth dentin layer or surface. That said, products containing chemicals in lower concentrations, and products that make use of natural ingredients in order to bring you results, may be safer choices for at-home teeth whitening.
Dr. Brite offers a variety of whitening products, many of which contain safe levels of hydrogen peroxide in order to whiten your teeth without causing sensitivity. Dr. Brite’s products are also free from sulfates, parabens, and gluten, making them a safer, yet still effective, alternative to conventional products that may be chock full of chemicals and unwanted ingredients.
FAQs
1. What is the least damaging way to whiten teeth?
To naturally whiten teeth, baking soda is very often used. The first benefit of baking soda is that it is a moderately abrasive material that helps remove surface staining from teeth without harming the enamel. It also helps to prevent future bacterial growth.
2. Does charcoal really whiten teeth?
A toothpaste containing activated charcoal may remove surface stains from teeth. A moderately abrasive material, charcoal can absorb some stains. No evidence suggests that it has any impact on stains below the enamel, nor that it has a natural whitening effect.
3. Can teeth whitening cause permanent sensitivity?
Bleaching products can damage dental enamel, cause gum inflammation, cause tooth sensitivity, and damage the gums. In addition, there are several persistent consequences; for instance, damage to tooth enamel is permanent and irreversible.
4. Are LED lights safe for teeth whitening?
It is generally regarded as safe. As a side effect of this method of tooth whitening, sensitivity may develop. Sensitivity depends on the type (bleaching agent), concentration, and application of the gel solution.
5. What is the safest method of teeth whitening?
According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), the most effective and safest way to whiten your teeth at home is with customized trays provided by your dentist. The gel might flow out of teeth whitening trays that don't fit correctly, causing some discomfort for your gums.
Sources:
Tooth Whitening | MouthHealthy.org
Is Teeth Whitening Safe? | Health Essentials from Cleveland Clinic
