Is Teeth Whitening Safe? Products to Use and How they work

Is teeth whitening safe? You've probably done plenty of research on how to get that million-dollar smile, but is it good for your teeth? The short answer is that teeth whitening is not inherently bad for your teeth, but you do need to take precautions and do it the right way to avoid damage.

We're going to dive deep into the safest teeth whitening products and what you need to know before you brighten your smile.

Causes of teeth stains

Maintaining a bright white smile may not always be easy; however, the good news is there are safe ways to whiten teeth. There are two key reasons why your pearly whites may have yellowed, namely intrinsic (internal) and extrinsic (external) staining.

Extrinsic staining

Extrinsic stains affect the external layer of the tooth (i.e., tooth enamel) and are caused by long-term activities such as smoking, and drinking foods and drinks such as coffee, cola, and wine.

Extrinsic discolouration is easier to remove than intrinsic stains. This type of staining can be treated with teeth whitening options such as whitening toothpaste, whitening strips, and safe whitening at-home products.

Intrinsic staining

These stains are deep inside the tooth and affect the tooth's dentin, the tooth layer below the enamel. Intrinsic staining may result from medications, fluoride overexposure, infections, childhood diseases, old age, or oral trauma such as internal bleeding.

Internal staining is harder to treat and requires some professional intervention. Some safe teeth whitening options include veneers and dental bonding.

The following explains the difference between just stain removal and bleaching:

How do teeth whitening products work?

Most teeth whitening products contain hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), released as hydrogen peroxide or carbon peroxide. When applied, the peroxide reacts and leads to a lighter surface colour.

Some safe teeth whitening products may also contain sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), which has a similar reaction process.

Teeth whitening products will not have an adverse effect on your oral health if you use them correctly. However, for some, whitening treatments may cause some teeth sensitivity.

Don't worry though, having sensitive teeth doesn't mean that you can't have whiter teeth. There are enamel safe teeth whitening and whitening products formulated specifically for people with sensitive teeth.

Dentists do not recommend whitening for children younger than 14.

Safe teeth whitening methods

There are many effective and safe ways to whiten your teeth.

Monitor your diet

The safest way to white teeth is to monitor your consumption of food and beverages that can lead to teeth discolouration. Tannin, a chemical commonly found in coffee and red wine, may cause staining. Acidic foods might wear down the protective covering of your teeth, leaving them susceptible to stains.

Some of the most common staining culprits are:

• Red wine: This contains tannins, acids, and natural dyes, which may leave behind a soft purplish hue that can turn brown over time.
• Coffee and tea: Tannins in tea and coffee result in a yellowish hue.
• Cola: Acids in cola wear away teeth enamel.
• Fruits: Dark-coloured fruits such as cranberries, blueberries, and purple grapes may cause stains.

Brush regularly, and rinse your mouth after consuming acidic or staining food.

Whitening toothpaste

Whitening toothpaste contains hydrogen peroxide or other compounds that oxidise and break down stains. Brushing twice a day with whitening toothpaste for a few weeks may show results. However, whitening toothpastes only affect extrinsic stains. Stubborn intrinsic stains will require a more robust whitening treatment.

Whitening strips

A common question is: are teeth whitening strips safe? Yes, they are if you follow the manufacturer's guidelines properly. If you have sensitive teeth, you may find that whitening strips can trigger pain and discomfort. However, there are products available specifically for sensitive teeth.

Whitening strips are transparent strips that adhere to your teeth and dissolve slowly while releasing peroxide gel, which whitens your teeth — but not right away. There are teeth whitening strips that don't include peroxides as the key ingredient, including PAP whitening strips.

Some whitening strips have more natural ingredients, but they don't always work as well as peroxide options.

You have to wear teeth whitening strips for the prescribed amount of time every day for one to two weeks. Some brands have you wear them for 10 minutes a day, while other brands have you wear them for up to 30 minutes.

Whitening gels

Whitening gels are clear and peroxide-based, although there are peroxide-free whitening gels available, such as PAP whitening gel. They are applied directly to the surface of your teeth with a small brush or pen-like device. Some can also be applied straight into a mouthpiece for use, such as those that come with whitening kits.

Directions can vary based on the product and the strength of the whitening product.

Whitening rinses

One way to reduce dental plaque and gum disease is by using a whitening rinse or mouthwash. These rinses reduce the number of bacteria in your mouth, freshen your breath, and gradually whiten your teeth.

Tray-based whiteners

Tray-based tooth whitening techniques involve filling a mouthguard-like tray with peroxide-based gel or PAP whitening gel. The trays are worn for a certain amount of time every day until the recommended treatment time is complete.

What are the side effects of teeth whitening?

Side effects from teeth whitening products are rare as long as products are applied correctly and without overusing them. Overuse of teeth whiteners might cause some mild side effects.

Gum irritation

The most common active components in tooth whitening solutions are hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide. Treatments prescribed by your dentist usually have higher doses, whether it's an in-office procedure or take-home whitening trays. If the bleach comes into contact with your gums, it may irritate them.

Extra precautions are taken to protect your gum tissue during in-office procedures, and a protective gel is used. On the other hand, at-home trays will be customised for each patient so minimal gel touches their gums.

Tooth sensitivity

Many people experience tooth sensitivity as a side effect of tooth bleaching. This is because peroxide can cause inflammation in the pulp, leading to pain and swelling at the application site. Other factors include restorations and product concentration. Sometimes this sensitivity is temporary and because of dehydration.

Dental restorations

Research shows that whitening treatments may have adverse effects on dental restorations. Teeth whitening is an effective way to make your smile brighter, but it's also important that you follow the manufacturer’s or dentist’s recommendations with any whitening product.

How to maintain results

Teeth whitening is not permanent. After you’ve completed any whitening treatment, your teeth are still susceptible to staining from beverages like tea and coffee and certain foods, which leads us back toward maintaining good oral hygiene habits.

Conclusion

Teeth whitening is a safe and effective way to brighten your smile. Use dentist-approved methods and always follow directions for any products you buy. And enjoy whiter teeth!