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Do Over-the-Counter Teeth Whitening Products Work?

August 4, 2022

Filed under: Uncategorized — dentondental @ 10:53 pm
Woman smiling after teeth whitening

Are you eager to enhance the natural beauty of your smile? Teeth whitening could be the solution that you’ve been looking for! After all, everyone wants to have bright, white teeth. Discoloration occurs naturally over time, but it’s still a trait that makes people feel self-conscious. There are a variety of different teeth whitening options out there, with over-the-counter options being the most cost-effective, but do they actually work? Read on to learn more.

Do Over-the-Counter Teeth Whitening Kits Work?

Over-the-counter teeth whitening products don’t tend to be very effective when it comes to brightening teeth. The truth is that they can also be harmful to your smile. Here are some of the negative effects that they can have on your oral health:

  • Harms Gums: Teeth whitening kits that you find over the counter contain peroxides that can cause severe damage to your gumline. Both whitening strips and gel trays can cause unnecessary contact with your gum tissue.
  • Damaging to Enamel: Your enamel is the protective layer that is on the outside of your teeth. When you use over-the-counter whitening kits, they often contain bicarbonate and hydrogen peroxide. Both of these chemicals can cause enamel erosion when they aren’t applied properly. Over time, this can expose the yellow dentin beneath your enamel, therefore causing pain, sensitivity, and additional discoloration.
  • Aggravates Dental Issues: If you already have a dental problem, using an over-the-counter whitening kit can make it much worse and more painful. For example, if you have a deep cavity, the bleaching agent can seep into it and travel to the root of the tooth. In the end, you may require a root canal.

How Can You Whiten Your Teeth Safely?

Instead of risking the health of your smile for little-to-no results, ask your dentist about professional teeth whitening. After a thorough examination to ensure that you aren’t currently dealing with any oral health issues, you will be able to choose between an in-office whitening treatment and a take-home whitening treatment. If you opt for in-office whitening, you can leave the practice with noticeable results in just about an hour! If you would rather whiten your teeth in the comfort of your own home, your dentist can provide you with custom-made whitening trays and a gel that is stronger than anything you can find over the counter. Because both of these treatments are customized, they are perfectly safe!

Don’t settle for mediocre results and potential dental issues. If you’re interested in a brighter, whiter smile, talk to your dentist about your options. You will be showing off your pearly whites with pride in no time!

About the Author

Dr. Todd Balington is an experienced dentist who has been working in the field for well over a decade. He earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine. To learn more about your teeth whitening options or to schedule a consultation at his office in Denton, visit his website or call (940) 383-3300.