Are Teeth Whitening Strips Safe?

Teeth whitening strips are safe as long as the ingredient chlorine dioxide is not present.  These, and many other well-known over-the-counter products, do not contain chlorine dioxide, but be sure to read the ingredients carefully, as formulations change frequently.  Because chlorine dioxide is the same chemical that is used to clean swimming pools, it will eat away at your enamel.  Teeth whitening products containing this chemical will claim to whiten your teeth, but the chlorine dioxide will begin to eat away at your surface enamel, which is a very dangerous technique.

Whitening strips, like whitening pens, are a safe and affordable option if the instructions are followed.  Most whitening strips advise that you only use one box per year.  It is best to stop treatment if gum irritation, tooth sensitivity, or other side effects occur.  If you use the strips for longer than the manufacturer recommends, you risk damaging your enamel.  If at-home whitening methods aren’t producing the desired whitening shade, an in-office treatment can help.

What are teeth whitening strips?

Strip solutions come in a variety of brands and types, but they all have some characteristics in common.  White strips are thin, flexible, transparent or translucent strips that have a tooth whitening gel coated on one side.  The main whitening ingredient in most tooth whitening strips is carbamide or hydrogen peroxide.

Teeth whitening strips are thin plastic sheets coated with teeth whitening agents such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, as well as an adhesive to keep them stuck to your teeth.  They usually come in kits with enough strips to use for two weeks on both the top and bottom teeth.

How Do Teeth Whitening Strips Work?

Surface stains are removed with the help of bleaching strips.  They frequently contain peroxide bleach, which is the active ingredient.  The majority of whitening strips are made of polyethylene, a thin plastic.  These peroxide bleach-coated plastic strips are placed on your teeth to allow the active ingredient to contact the enamel.  Always read the packaging to find out how and for how long to apply the strips.

How To Select The Right Whitening Strips?

With so many different teeth whitening products on the market, you may be having trouble deciding which one is right for you.  So, rather than squandering your money by trying them all out only to discover that many of them do not perform as expected, you might want to look for the best options in a different way.

Tooth sensitivity

If your teeth are normally sensitive to cold or heat, they will most likely react to the chemicals in whitening strips as well.  Too much use of the strips can result in tooth sensitivity and long-term damage to your teeth.  The enamel layer will be eroded as a result of the frequent use of whitening agents, which will not only cause pain but also increase the risk of dental decay.

How to Manage Sensitivity

If the pain and sensitivity associated with using whitening strips is too much for you, the only way to stop it is to stop using them altogether.  If the sensitivity you’re experiencing is minor, however, there are some steps you can take to make it more bearable.  First, make sure you’re using the lowest percentage of peroxide available and that you’re using it for the shortest time possible according to the instructions.  Brushing lightly with warm water after treatment, using a specially formulated anti-sensitivity toothpaste, and avoiding hot or cold foods and drinks after using whitening strips may also help.

Can whitening strips ruin your teeth?

Teeth whitening is safe, but depending on the percentage of hydrogen peroxide used in the whitening treatment, some options may cause more sensitivity and irritation to the gums than others.  There are no long-term effects on the teeth and gums if done correctly.  Of course, you should always consult your dentist before using any at-home product, follow their instructions, and always read the manufacturer’s instructions first.  While most whitening strips are safe, using them too frequently can harm your teeth’s enamel as well as the dentin underneath.

How to Prevent Teeth Stains

Brushing and flossing your teeth before whitening may appear to be a no-brainer, but many people fail to do so! Plaque and food particles stuck between your teeth can obstruct the brightening process.

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