How Bad Is It Really? dispels prevailing truths regarding your lifestyle habits, potentially deemed unhealthy.
When your shiny chompers start losing their gleam, whitening strips readily available in stores serve as an accessible and easy solution to restore the sparkle.
Whitening strips have indeed seamlessly carved a niche for themselves as a quick fix against teeth discoloration. If you are drawn towards caffeine-rich beverages such as coffee or tea, you must be well-acquainted with their staining aftermath on your smile.
Yet one wonders if teeth-whitening strips pose any harm besides being beneficial?
In this context, Tina Saw DDS; a dentist and oral health coach based in California elucidates the functionality of these whitening strips along with potential side effects they may induce.
Understanding the Functioning of Teeth-Whitening Strips
Contrary to belief, teeth-whitening strips do not work by magic. It's actually a result of the chemical reaction taking place in them that makes your dentition gleam brighter.
Considerable number of commercially sold teeth bleaching strips are inclusive of substances like hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. According to Dr.Saw, these chemicals have properties that allow them to pervade through the outer surface level layer of your dental structure.
"Upon putting on these strips, the peroxide content in their composition interacts with stains present on and within our tooth enamel." she states.
She further explains how this process unfolds: "The oxygen atoms coming from the interaction during this procedure aid in deteriorating and liquefying molecules responsible for tinging our teeth. The resulting chemical reaction initiates lightness and helps eliminate superficial blemishes."
However, consequential results will not be apparent straightaway - it requires some amount of patience along with multiple sessions. Typical home usage whitening mechanisms may require roughly around three days before they start showing any enhancement effect on your teeth coloration; obtaining full-grade effects could extend up to approximately two weeks.
Possible Risks Of Using Teeth Whitening Strips
Using bleach-based products in your oral hygiene routine may bring up the question, "Is it even safe to use teeth whitening strips?"
Typically, they are safe but Dr. Saw mentions a few potential side effects such as sensitive teeth or possible harm to your tooth enamel.
1. Sensitivity in Teeth or Gums
Dr. Saw notes, "Prolonged wear or contact with exposed dental surfaces such as dentin or root surface can lead to tooth sensitivity."
Under certain circumstances, gum sensitivity might also be noticed. This could happen if your gums are receding, or accidentally exposing your gums to the whitening solution.
2. Deteriorated Enamel
Harm inflicted by teeth whitening strips is fairly uncommon. Nevertheless, it's contingent upon their frequency of use. They should be employed judiciously like most things.
Dr. Saw reassures that "With proper usage as per instructions, these strips are generally harmless and do not cause lasting harm to the teeth or enamel." However, he does mention that overusing these can lead to issues such as tooth sensitivity, irritation in the gums or transient weakening of enamel.
When Is It Not Ideal To Use Whitening Strips?
If you desire to brighten up your smile, teeth whitening should not be on top of your list especially if you have ongoing dental issues like cavities or gum disease. These strips should also be avoided when wearing braces.
Dr Saw emphasizes on the importance of attaining optimal oral health prior to teeth whitening, "Untreated dental problems such as cavities and gum diseases can make these conditions worse and bring about substantial discomfort."
Ignoring dental matters aside, if you are allergic to some ingredients incorporated in the whitening strips or take specific medicines that may react with the whitening compounds (seek advice from your doctor regarding this), then it's best to avoid using these strips. Be sure to thoroughly review the product details before use.
Different Approaches to Teeth Brightening
The radiant appeal of your smile isn't reliant solely on whitening strips. These insightful teeth-brightening suggestions come from Dr. Saw that can help guard you against stains:
- Make use of a straw while drinking coffee.
- Avoid continuous consumption of dark-pigmented foods, tea or sipping coffee all day.
- Control the regularity with which stain-causing substances are consumed.
- Brush daily using toothpaste designed for teeth brightening purposes.
- Opt for an electric toothbrush over manual ones as they clean teeth more effectively, says Cleveland Clinic.
- Consider pro teeth-whitening treatment at a dentist's clinic.
Let's Discuss: Are Whitening Strips That Harmful?
Even though teeth-whitening strips incorporate bleaching elements, they are considered safe when used sparingly.
However, if you suffer from sensitive gums/teeth, gum disease, cavities or any other dental health issue, you may want to restrict or completely ditch the use of these whitening strips.
Before attempting to use whitening strips, it is imperative that you consult with your dentist and confirm all potential oral health concerns have been thoroughly examined and addressed.
