Many American consumers assume that the products on store shelves are safe to use, but there are often circumstances when they aren’t. When it comes to whitening products, they are generally safe—if you use them as intended and directed. What risks do these store-bought whitening products pose to you and your smile? What difference does getting professional whitening make? Keep reading to find out!
Tooth Sensitivity
Depending on the concentration of peroxide in the whitening treatment, you could develop a little bit of sensitivity, especially if you whiten your teeth at home too frequently or do not follow the instructions on the box. Before you select an at-home treatment, make sure you do your research and choose one that has less than 10 percent peroxide in it.
When you whiten at the dentist’s office, they use more powerful products, but they are less likely to cause sensitivity because you have a professional monitoring your treatment with higher quality products. In some cases, you may also receive a fluoride treatment to reduce any discomfort.
Tooth Damage
Before you start any whitening treatment, whether at the office or at home with store-bought kits, you should have your mouth examined by your dentist. If you have a cavity or an oral infection and try to whiten your teeth, the gel or solution could actually further damage your smile. Decay creates vulnerable areas in the enamel, and the whitening agent can exacerbate the problem, causing more harm or even pain. In the case of gum disease, the solution can come into contact with exposed tooth roots and sensitive gum tissue.
Once your dentist has given you the all clear, then you can whiten your teeth without having to worry about cavities, gum disease, or other problems standing between you and a brilliant smile.
Uneven Results
Commercial whitening products are made to fit most people, which means that they are not customized to your mouth. Whitening strips allow you to adjust to your teeth, but even then, your teeth may not be equally exposed to the peroxide. As a result, you could have certain teeth or parts that whiten unevenly.
Professional whitening you get from the dentist is even distributed on your teeth, either in the office or through custom-made trays, which means your teeth should be equally whitened.
Although store-bought whitening is perfectly safe in most cases, your best bet is to work with your dentist. Not only can their treatment offer better results, they can make sure the procedure is done correctly and safely.
About the Practice
Since opening doors in 1959, the dentists at Brooks Dental have served the Winthrop and surrounding communities. Over the years, whitening treatment has improved, and we are proud to offer both in-office and at-home options to patients interested in this service. If you want to schedule an appointment and learn more about professional whitening, please call the office at 617-846-1811 or visit our Contact Us page here.