Is Teeth Whitening Safe?

A gleaming smile that shows off the pearly whites is what everyone wants. Today, getting a great smile is easier than ever with a wide range of whitening options available. Among the most popular at-home treatments available are:

Whitening Toothpaste

Many kinds of toothpaste claim to whiten teeth. Since all kinds of toothpaste have a mild abrasive effect, they do help in rubbing away some amount of discoloration. Some pastes contain additional chemical agents that work to remove stains or they polish the teeth to reduce the appearance of the stains. On average, whitening toothpaste can lighten teeth by about one shade, which often does not make any significant difference.

Also Read: Why you must say 'yes' to Fluoride

Whitening Rinses

These are among the latest entrants into the teeth whitening market. Most mouthwashes freshen breath, rinse off plaque and help to fight against gum disease. Whitening rinses have in addition, whitening agents like hydrogen peroxide that help to lighten teeth. However, many dentists feel that they are not as effective as whitening gels or strips because they are in contact with the teeth for a very short time so their whitening function is limited. Also, they have to be used regularly for some months for results to become apparent.

Whitening Gels and Strips

Whitening gels are applied directly on the teeth with a special brush. The time the gel must remain on the teeth and the frequency of application vary from product to product and depend on the chemical makeup of the gel and the strength of the whitening compounds present. A typical course will be for about 10 to 14 days, but the results can vary. Whitening strips are thin almost invisible strips that have a coating of whitening chemicals. The way they are applied and how long they should be used depending on the products. The results can often be seen in about one week.

In Office Treatments

These are the safest and most effective ways of whitening teeth. A dentist will expertly evaluate the amount of discoloration, the condition of the teeth, and your overall oral health and then use a treatment that will produce the best results which will also be long-lasting.

Consult Your Dentist

Teeth whitening is safe and not a major procedure. However, that does not mean that there will not be unwanted side effects if care is not taken. The American Dental Association advises that you talk to your dentist about teeth whitening in San Jose (or any other location you may live in) before you try anything. This is especially important if you have:

• Lots of crowns or fillings
• Stained teeth
• One or more dark teeth
• Have had dental restoration work done
• Sensitive teeth

Also Read: What happens if you Do Not go for Dental Checkups?

Even if you do not have any dental issues, it is best to consult with your dental office and ask a professional about which method will be right for you. A dentist will examine your teeth and gums and based on her findings, advise you on the right choice, whether it is an at-home treatment or one that is done in her office. Remember that while white shiny teeth are a blessing, if the procedure is not done the right way, the side effects could be the opposite of what you want. Your dentist will also give you advice on how to avoid tooth discoloration in the future.