One of the most popular ways to whiten teeth nowadays is through the use of whitening strips. This form of smile whitening can be purchased at almost any store and even conveniently online. Your dentist in Cary wants you to know that while whitening strips may be easy to come by and can even be effective in some cases, there are also some ways they can be bad for your teeth.
What Are Whitening Strips?
Over-the-counter teeth whitening strips are thin pieces of plastic that are slathered with whitening gel. The active and inactive ingredients in whitening strips can include:
- Hydrogen Peroxide – The active ingredient that whitens tooth enamel
- Sodium Hydroxide – A type of stain remover
- Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) – Protects enamel from new stains
- Glycerin & Hydroxypropylcellulose – Helps to stick strips to teeth and keeps them in place
Patients place the strips on their upper and lower teeth for a determined amount of time, based on the product instructions. These strips can remove surface stains in as little as two weeks. However, if tooth staining is inside the tooth, whitening strips won’t help brighten your smile. This is why you should always consult your dentist in Caryprior to whitening your teeth so you’re sure to get the results you want.
Can Whitening Strips Be Bad for Teeth?
There’s no one right answer to this as it can depend on a variety of things. For the most part, the proper use of whitening strips is safe for most people. However, if directions aren’t followed and strips are left on for too long or used too often, they can be bad for teeth. Why? The active ingredient of hydrogen peroxide can not only whiten teeth, but it can also damage enamel if not used correctly. Another thing to consider is if your whitening strips use chlorine dioxide. This ingredient will remove tooth enamel, along with stains, but the removal of enamel is dangerous and can result in unwanted side effects. Avoid using products with this ingredient as enamel damage is irreversible.
Side Effects of Whitening Strips
While most whitening strips are safe to use if the directions are followed properly, there can still be side effects. One of the most commonly reported side effects of using whitening strips is increased tooth sensitivity. Tooth sensitivity can be uncomfortable and may show itself in the form of quick zings of pain or discomfort when eating or drinking something hot or cold.
Rules of Thumb
When it comes to whitening your teeth at home using whitening strips, there are some rules your dentist in Cary wants you to follow.
- Don’t brush your teeth immediately after using whitening strips unless the instructions tell you to.
- Don’t use whitening strips more often than recommended in the product’s packaging.
- Don’t leave whitening strips on longer than instructed. Your teeth won’t get whiter, it just increases the risk of damage.
- Don’t use strips that contain chlorine dioxide.
- Don’t use strips that have more than 14% hydrogen peroxide.
If you’re looking to improve the look of your smile by whitening your teeth, talk with your dentist in Caryfirst. They can recommend the best way to brighten your smile in a safe and effective way.
FAQs
However, if directions aren't followed and strips are left on for too long or used too often, they can be bad for teeth. Why? The active ingredient of hydrogen peroxide can not only whiten teeth, but it can also damage enamel if not used correctly.
Can whitening strips damage your teeth? ›
The majority of whitening strips are safe to use; however, if you use whitening strips that contain chlorine dioxide, you could destroy the enamel on your teeth.
Are teeth whitening strips recommended by dentists? ›
Whitening Strips May Damage Your Enamel
That said, most strips available over the counter should be safe as long as they are ADA-approved. Of course, you can always talk to your dentist for a second opinion when in doubt. However, the problem arises when you use a whitening strip with chlorine dioxide.
Why are crest strips banned in the UK? ›
Any teeth whitening strips containing over 6% of peroxides can be harmful to your teeth. Crest's white teeth strips thoroughly surpassed that limit, using levels of 15%, and because of that, this brand of whitening strip has been declared illegal in Europe.
Who should not use whitening strips? ›
You have existing oral health issues like cavities, worn enamel, periodontal disease, or exposed roots. You wear braces. You have crowns, fillings, or other dental restorations that will not be whitened by a home kit. You're allergic to peroxide or any of the other ingredients in whitening strips.
Is there a healthy way to whiten teeth? ›
Baking soda is one common household product that can actually pack some teeth-whitening power, according to the ADA. It's a mild abrasive that can help remove stains from the surface of your teeth. An easy way to try baking soda is buying a toothpaste that contains baking soda as a whitening agent.
What is the disadvantage of whitening strips? ›
Overusing whitening strips can damage or weaken your tooth enamel because of too much bleach. If this happens, your teeth may appear blue, gray, or translucent.
Are Crest whitening strips toxic? ›
The PVP (polyvinylpyrrolidone) and carbomer used in Crest Whitestrips (for sticking to the teeth) are generally fairly safe and non-toxic. However, overuse of these products can irritate the gums and damage enamel.
Which whitening strips are safe? ›
Crest Whitestrips are also proven to be safe, as research demonstrated through extensive clinical trials. Whitestrips use the same enamel-safe ingredient, hydrogen peroxide, which many dentists use in their offices. In fact, Crest Whitestrips Whitening + Therapy also strengthen your enamel with a soothing serum.
Are there any teeth whitening strips that don't damage teeth? ›
Because Lumineux Whitening Strips are Enamel Safe and certified non-toxic, you don't have to think twice about using them whenever you feel your smile could use a glow up!
Seven Ways to Naturally Whiten Teeth
- Eat Strawberries. One of the simplest ways to naturally whiten your teeth is just by eating strawberries. ...
- Eat Plenty of Fruits and Vegetables. ...
- Brush After You Eat or Drink. ...
- Rinse with Apple Cider Vinegar. ...
- Apply Coconut Oil. ...
- Brush Your Tongue. ...
- Use Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide.
Teeth can become temporarily dehydrated after using whitening strips. Your teeth may appear more yellow as a result of this dehydration because the enamel may become dry and lack moisture. Dehydrated enamel sometimes has a transparent appearance that makes the naturally yellowish dentin underneath visible.
Are whitening strips FDA approved? ›
Because teeth whiteners are Class I medical devices, the FDA does not grant them approval.
Is it bad to use crest white strips every day? ›
In fact, we've done extensive testing and determined that we do not recommend using more than two upper strips and two lower strips per day.
Does teeth whitening weaken your teeth? ›
We all want a white brighter smile. But this begs the question “does teeth whitening damage the enamel?” The answer is no. While there may sometimes be side effects, whitening treatment is safe on tooth enamel. The process of tooth whitening is essentially the tooth will become dehydrated, meaning dried out.
What happens to your teeth if you leave whitening strips on too long? ›
Using them for longer than the recommended time can increase tooth sensitivity and lead to unsightly blotches on your teeth. Keep an eye on the clock when using whitening strips and limit their usage to twice a year only.
Can whitening strips mess up your gums? ›
A Cochrane study found that gum irritation is one of two common problems when using teeth whiteners with a higher concentration of bleaching agents like hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide. (Tooth sensitivity is the other problem.) Though, if used correctly, the irritation is temporary and mild.
