Is teeth whitening safe (and does it work)?

No one wants to flash a set of yellow pearls when they smile. But as you get older, it’s natural for your once sparkling smile to start looking a little dirty as years of eating and drinking take their toll.

Well, maybe you’ve started seeing teeth whitening products on store shelves and wondering if they’re safe and able to make a difference.

Dentist Anne Clemons, DMDhas your answers.

How does teeth whitening work?

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

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

Tooth stains, after all, are simply an accumulation of darker compounds called chromogens. Hydrogen peroxide breaks the bonds within these compounds to lighten stains.

“As these compounds become smaller, the discoloration becomes less concentrated and the net result 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 scrub that occurs 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 home teeth whitening products.

Gel-filled trays work faster, with results sometimes visible in a few days. say the researchers. Whitening strips and gels usually lighten teeth within two weeks. Whitening toothpastes and rinses work more slowly.

“If you follow the product directions and stick to the directions, you’ll start to notice a difference,” says Dr. Clemons. “But don’t expect drastic changes, from quite 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 — can bring faster and more dramatic results. A 30 minute session with you dentist it may be all you need for a much brighter smile.

“You can go in with one shade of teeth and come out with them looking a lot whiter,” she says.

Are there any risks to teeth whitening?

Overall, teeth whitening is considered safe. The products have been around for decades, and millions of people use them — including many 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 kind of treatment, there is a potential for problems.

“It is very common to experience temporarily sensitivity in your teeth or irritation to gum after you start using a whitening product,” explains Dr. Clemons. “Both of those tend to go away pretty quickly, though.”

Laboratory research also shows the potential tooth decay and changes in tooth microstructure through aggressive bleaching. Studies also indicate that bleaches can chemically react with ceramic crowns, sealants and other dental restorations.

But these studies were done in a laboratory setting and not on living teeth, Dr. Clemons points out.

Conclusion; “There are risks with any kind of treatment, but teeth whitening products are carefully designed to make sure they are safe to use on your teeth,” she confirms.

Tips for teeth whitening

If you want to add sparkle to your smile, Dr. Clemons offers the following tips for doing so safely and effectively.

Talk to your dentist

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

For starters, a dentist can help you determine why your teeth may be showing a little faded. This is important because whitening products work best on teeth that have yellowed over time or because of stains from food or drink. (I’m looking at you, coffee and red wine).

But brown or gray discoloration could signal problems that a whitening kit won’t fix. Addressing concerns such as gum disease the cavities before starting a whitening treatment is also important.

“Take steps to keep your teeth healthy before starting any whitening path,” she advises.

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

Buy proven products

Look for it American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance. for whitening toothpaste and other teeth whitening products. It signifies that they have been found safe and effective in independent tests.

I follow instructions

How often you use teeth whitening products varies depending on the concentration of the whitening 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 so important to read and follow the directions 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 to their gums or teeth when using whitening products. While this is not a sign of long-term damage, it can be uncomfortable.

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

Avoid home remedies

Search the Internet and you’ll find some interesting theories about teeth whitening using cooking oils, apple cider vinegar, and other kitchen staples. Powdered activated carbon is also often mentioned.

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

Furthermore, there is little to no evidence to suggest that these methods are effective.

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

“The hydrogen peroxide in whitening products is carefully formulated for use on your teeth,” explains Dr. Clemens. “Taking a bottle out of your cupboard for use will have great danger.”

Final thoughts

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

“If you want a brighter smile, teeth whitening products can be good tools,” says Dr. Clemons. “But they are no substitute for good dental hygiene.”