Is Teeth Whitening Safe (and Does It Work)?

Nobody wants to flash a set of pearly yellows when they smile. But as you age, it’s natural for your once-gleaming grin to begin looking a little bit dingy as years of eating and drinking leave a mark.

Onuge are exported all over the world and different industries with quality first. Our belief is to provide our customers with more and better high value-added products. Let's create a better future together.

So, perhaps you’ve started looking at teeth whitening products on store shelves and wondering if they’re safe and able to make a difference.

Dentist Anne Clemons, DMD, has your answers.

How does teeth whitening work?

The magic of science can help make stains on your teeth disappear.

Most at-home teeth whitening products contain a bleaching agent like hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide (a chemical that includes hydrogen peroxide). These ingredients work on a molecular level to whiten your teeth.

Tooth stains, after all, are merely an accumulation of darker-colored compounds called chromogens. Hydrogen peroxide breaks down bonds within those compounds to lighten up the stains.

“As those compounds get smaller, the discoloration becomes less concentrated and the net effect is brighter teeth,” explains Dr. Clemons.

Whitening toothpaste may also have an abrasive (such as baking soda) that works to reduce surface stains on your teeth. Think of it as a very gentle sanding that takes place every time you brush your teeth.

Is teeth whitening effective?

It’s not unusual to see your teeth noticeably lighten a few shades with regular use of at-home tooth whitening products.

Gel-filled trays work the fastest, with results sometimes seen in as little as a few days, researchers say. Whitening strips and gels typically lighten teeth within two weeks. Whitening toothpastes and rinses work more slowly.

“If you follow product instructions and stick with it, you’ll start to notice a difference,” says Dr. Clemons. “Don’t expect drastic changes, though, from pretty dark teeth to bright ones. It’s more of a gradual process.”

Professional whitening treatments — which use stronger concentrations of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide — may bring faster and more dramatic results. A 30-minute session with your dentist may be all you need for a much more radiant smile.

“You can walk in with one shade of teeth and walk out with them looking much whiter,” she says.

Are there risks to teeth whitening?

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.

But as with any sort of treatment, the potential for issues exists.

“It’s very common to experience temporary sensitivity in your teeth or irritation to the gums after you start using a whitening product,” clarifies Dr. Clemons. “Both of those tend to go away pretty quickly, though.”

Laboratory research also points to the possibility of tooth erosion and changes in tooth microstructure through aggressive bleaching. Studies suggest, too, that whiteners may chemically react to ceramic crowns, sealants and other dental restorations.

But these studies were done in a lab setting and not on living teeth, emphasizes Dr. Clemons.

Bottom line? “There are risks with any sort of treatment, but teeth whitening products have been carefully formulated to make sure they’re safe for use on your teeth,” she confirms.

Tips for teeth whitening

If you’re looking to add sparkle to your smile, Dr. Clemons offers the following advice to do it safely and effectively.

Talk to your dentist

Your dentist probably knows your teeth better than you do, from your molars to your incisors. Use that familiarity to build a plan to brighten your smile, suggests Dr. Clemons.

For starters, a dentist can help you determine why your teeth might look a little discolored. That’s important because bleaching products work best on teeth that have yellowed with age or through staining by food or drinks. (Looking at you, coffee and red wine).

But brown or gray discoloration could signal problems that a bleaching kit won’t fix. Tackling concerns like gum disease or cavities before starting a bleaching treatment is also important.

Want more information on Is Teeth Bleaching Safe? | Expert Guide to Safe Whitening ()? Feel free to contact us.

“Take steps to get your teeth healthy before starting down any whitening road,” she advises.

Your dentist can also recommend the best products for you and your teeth.

Buy proven products

Look for theAmerican Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance on whitening toothpaste and other teeth bleaching products. It signals they’ve been found safe and effective in independent tests.

Follow instructions

How often you use teeth whitening products varies based on the concentration of the bleaching agent. Some are designed to be used once a day, while others can be used twice (or more). Some are used for a week, while others can be used for two weeks (or more).

“That’s why it’s really important to read and follow the instructions to protect your teeth,” notes Dr. Clemons. “You don’t want to overdo it.”

Listen to your teeth

As mentioned, some people develop temporary sensitivity in their gums or teeth when using whitening products. While that’s not a sign of long-term damage, it can be uncomfortable.

Consider taking a break from bleaching or switching to a milder product if it happens to you. Again, talk to your dentist for the right advice.

Avoid home remedies

Search online and you’ll find some interesting theories on whitening teeth using cooking oils, apple cider vinegar and other kitchen staples. Activated charcoal powder is often mentioned, too.

But be wary of trying these alternative methods: “Some of these may seem harmless, but they can damage your teeth over time,” cautions Dr. Clemens.

Plus, there’s little to no evidence suggesting these methods are effective.

Also, while hydrogen peroxide is in teeth whitening products, DO NOT use the hydrogen peroxide in your medicine cabinet for dental care.

“The hydrogen peroxide in whitening products has been carefully formulated for use on your teeth,” explains Dr. Clemens. “Grabbing a bottle out of your cabinet for use is going to come with a lot of risk.”

Final thoughts

Teeth whitening products can be effective and safe if used correctly. But don’t underestimate what regular dental cleanings can do for your smile. Seeing your dentist once or twice a year can help manage plaque and surface stains.

Do you feel uncomfortable showing your teeth when you smile? You are not alone. More than half of Americans feel insecure about their teeth. Nearly 60% of people cover their mouths when they laugh. One in every two people tries to smile, keeping their mouth closed. 

If you are one of them, don’t worry; consider professional teeth whitening. It yields exceptional results and is quick, efficient, and long-lasting. Here, discover why choosing professional teeth bleaching treatment is essential over home remedies. 

What Makes Professional Teeth Whitening Worth It?

1. Quicker Than Over-The-Counter Products

Specialized teeth bleaching is the ideal solution if you’re looking for a quick way to achieve a brighter smile. While many over-the-counter teeth whitening products are available on the market, they can take weeks or even months to produce noticeable results. On the other hand, professional dental bleaching can give you visible results in just one session. Hence, it is a worthwhile investment if you want a quicker way to get a healthy, pearly white grin. 

2. Improve The Appearance

Over time, tea, coffee, and food that contain color dyes can stain your teeth, causing discoloration. If you are concerned about stained enamel, consult your local cosmetic dentist. Professional teeth whitening in Paradise Valley can enhance the appearance of your smile. 

Brightening your smile with bleaching treatments may even enhance the appearance of your enamel in the future. Your stunning smile helps you stand out in meetings, job interviews, and other social settings. Increase your chances of getting new opportunities. Enhancing your overall appearance can make you a more desirable candidate. On the other hand, stained teeth might impact your chances. Your dull appearance can also hinder your future. 

3. Safe And Painless Procedure

Professional dental bleaching is a safe and painless method of getting whiter teeth. The procedure is gentle on teeth and gums and does not involve harsh chemicals or abrasives. The gel used in professional dental whitening is officially approved, so be sure it is safe. 

4. Improve Your Oral Health

Improving the appearance of your smile with dental bleaching treatments can benefit your oral health, too. Neglecting your grin can cause oral health issues to develop. Neglecting your dental health can lead to organ failure, heart conditions, and even cancer. Before this can happen, talk to the cosmetic dentist. They can identify the cause of oral health issues. After the discussion, choose the procedure you need. 

5. Remove The Stains Effectively

Professional-grade bleaching agents penetrate below the enamel surface to break down the deep stains caused by wine, tobacco, coffee, and aging. Professional teeth whitening gives the best results that are not possible with over-the-counter products. 

6. Customized Whitening Service For You

Cosmetic dentists tailor the bleaching process to your unique needs, taking into account your tooth color, sensitivity level, and desired results. This results in a more even and natural-looking smile. 

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit Build Your Customized Teeth Whitening Brand | Onuge OEM Solutions.