Online options are cheap, but as with most things in life, you get what you pay for.
Buying cheap bleach products from non-professionals sites online could lead to gastrointestinal damage and burns in your mouth. It is important to remember that only professional teeth whitening will give you long lasting brightening results.
What Is Wrong With Online Products?
While most home teeth whitening kits include hydrogen peroxide, some have more than 0.1%. If the chemical concentration is too strong, the whitening process can cause burns to the soft tissue of your gums and even irreversible gum recession. This tissue damage causes tooth sensitivity, while gum recession could expose the gum enough to cause tooth loss.
For example, when tested, one bleaching gel kit sold on AliExpress, had 300 times more hydrogen peroxide than is legally allowed in home kits – 30.7%.
This is also 5.12% more than is legally allowed in products used by professionals.
As for the “bleach-free” tooth whitening products you see online, advertised with a fancy UV light tray, these do absolutely nothing (supported by the fact that most of the celebs who promote these products have veneers which cannot be whitened).
Teeth whitening is suitable for most people, but there are some instances when it must be avoided or postponed. For example, extensive dental restorations such as crowns, bridges, veneers, and composite fillings can’t be whitened. Thus, if you’ve had an ample amount of restorative work, it might not be the best treatment for you.
Additionally, if you have any tooth or gum health issues – think cavities or worn-down enamel – they will need to be treated beforehand.
What About Charcoal Toothpaste?
As for the charcoal products on the market, use them as you wish. The charcoal is abrasive and may remove minor tea/coffee stains but will not whiten. Please remember that with the use of abrasive tooth products comes the risk of damaging and wearing your teeth away.
Activated charcoal, as you may imagine, is an abrasive substance, which can remove the outer layer of the teeth. This outer layer, called the enamel, is what gets whitened when you use a whitening toothpaste. Using an abrasive material such as charcoal in toothpaste can actually remove enamel and expose a more yellow, and sensitive, layer of the tooth called the dentin.
The American Dental Association has not found any evidence that charcoal toothpaste is safe or effective, and it may actually harm the teeth and gums.
Modern toothpaste and toothbrushes are designed to gently clean the surface of the teeth, and you don’t want something abrasive scraping your teeth and removing precious enamel. Removing enamel actually makes it more likely that your teeth will get stained.
Your BEST Option: Professional Teeth Whitening
Whether you have a big event coming up or want to enhance your smile, professional teeth whitening is a great option for you! This simple cosmetic dental procedure is safe and speedy but can facilitate a major transformation in your appearance and confidence.
Your dentist will be able to access if you are an ideal candidate for teeth whitening and also address all possible issues such cavities, gum disease and others before your treatment.
If you are decided to whiten your smile come and see us dental professionals! We’re always happy to help, and ready to give you plenty of options for your concerns in a safe environment with proper equipment/products.
Ask All Questions Upfront
If you still have any doubts or concerns about Professional Whitening, be sure to ask Dr. Shurova at your next appointment. Call to schedule today!
CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION
MyDentalTampa.com wants to make you smile.
mydentalflorida@gmail.com
Office Call: 813-908-3636
Office Text: 813-624-5036
Or find us on Facebook or Instagram
Instagram: @mydentaltampa
Office Text: 813-624-5036
Or find us on Facebook or Instagram
Instagram: @mydentaltampa
