Is teeth whitening safe?
According to most research studies, teeth whitening has proven to be both safe and effective. Gels that contain 10% of carbamide peroxide (or 3.6% of hydrogen peroxide) are considered safe as they have not been shown to cause damage to tooth enamel. While dentists may sometimes provide gels with higher conentrations, the formulas that they recommend also contain fluoride which helps offset this potential side effect.
Over-the counter whitening
If you can’t afford cosmetic dentistry, over-the counter whitening may be an option for you. This option is to be used in conjunction with visits to the dentist, however, because it is not a replacement for getting your teeth professionally cleaned.
We recommend the following product for over-the-counter whitening:
Crest Whitestrips
According to most customer reviews of this product, Crest Whitestrips did follow through with the promise to ‘whiten teeth within two weeks’; some people did not enjoy the process but they do enjoy its rewards.
Why do teeth darken?
According to the American Dental Association, there are a few reasons why teeth darken. These reasons include medications, smoking, and certain foods such as coffee and tea. In addition, as you age, the outer enamel gets worn away revealing the darker tooth beneath. According to the American Dental Hygienists’ Association, 96% of patients experienced some lightening effect as a result of teeth whitening if their teeth had been stained by coffee, tea, or tobacco.
Are there any side effects of teeth whitening?
In some cases patients have reported short-term side effects that included sensitivity due to the nature of the teeth whitening gel or procedure.
Resources
American Dental Association
http://www.ada.org
American Dental Hygienists’ Association
http://www.adha.org
How Stuff Works: Tooth Whitening
http://health.howstuffworks.com/tooth-whitening4.htm
Above Average Health 