Are Whitening Strips Bad for Your Teeth
Whitening strips are an easy, inexpensive way to get a whiter, brighter smile in the comfort of your own home. But many people wonder if they’re really safe to use.
If you want the best smile–and whitest teeth–of your life, we’re here to help!
Today, we’re diving into the world of teeth whitening to see what’s worth it and which products you should avoid.
What are whitening strips?
Whitening strips are popular products you can use to brighten your smile at home. There are many brands that use different active ingredients to achieve the best results. Here’s a bit more information on the basics of whitening strips.
How do whitening strips work?
Most whitening strips use hydrogen peroxide, sodium hydroxide, and other chemicals to remove surface stains from your teeth. With repeated application of these thin, flexible strips, you can see noticeable results in just a week or two.
Are whitening strips safe to use?
Many people worry that whitening strips can damage their teeth by wearing down enamel, the outermost layer of the tooth. However, most whitening strips are completely safe and won’t impact your dental health.
One exception is products that contain chlorine dioxide. This whitening agent is used to clean swimming pools and can strip tooth enamel.
Of course, you’ll want to stick to the instructions on whatever product you choose. Applying these too often or leaving them on too long can cause problems down the line.
What whitening strip brands should you use?
Crest Whitestrips are one of the biggest names in the game. Many consider them the best teeth-whitening strips because they use the same active ingredients that many dentist offices use to get the same results.
Crest’s flagship whitening strips are an easy solution to stains on your teeth, delivering bright, white smiles in days.
Possible whitening strip side effects
Of course, all effective whitening strips come with the risk of side effects. Before you apply them, make sure you’re okay with the possibility of some minor discomfort.
Gum sensitivity
Hydrogen peroxide can cause gum irritation in the days following your teeth whitening treatment. If this happens with Crest Whitestrips, consider applying them every other day instead of daily.
It’s a good idea to visit your dentist before using any at-home whitening system to ensure your teeth and gums are healthy. This can help reduce the chance of discomfort.
Tooth sensitivity
Teeth can also become sensitive after application. In addition to spreading out your applications, you can also try using toothpaste for sensitive teeth, such as Sensodyne.
In the case of both gum and tooth irritation, you should notice these side effects diminish after a few days. If they persist, check with your dentist before continuing treatment.
Whitening strip benefits
Whether you use Crest Whitestrips or another high-quality brand of whitening strips, you can look forward to a brighter smile with few side effects. Here are some more perks!
Whitening strips are cost-effective
If you want to whiten your teeth, you won’t find a more cost-effective way to do it than at-home whitening strips. Basic kits start at around $15 and can give you whiter, brighter teeth in as little as two weeks. Professional teeth whitening can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Remember, the cheapest solution might not cut it. Be sure to check the ingredients and avoid any products containing chlorine dioxide.
The ease of use
Whitening strips are also an easy alternative to professional teeth whitening treatments. For example, the instructions for Crest Whitestrips say to remove the strips from the packaging, apply them to your top and bottom teeth, and leave for 30 minutes.
That’s it!
You should use them daily for up to two weeks and repeat this process every six months to maintain your best smile. Of course, if your gums or teeth are sensitive, you can apply them every other day for one month to minimize any discomfort.
Immediate results
Depending on the level of surface stains on your teeth, you can see results after a single use. Unlike whitening toothpaste, which can take months to remove discoloration, whitening strips are highly effective and can deliver noticeably brighter smiles in a single application.
For proper dental care, come to Coral Reef Dental
Whitening strips can have a profound effect on your confidence, but they can’t support your oral hygiene like a dentist can. Don’t forget to schedule regular cleanings for optimal oral health.
At Coral Reef Dental, we specialize in both general dentistry and specialized treatments to ensure your teeth and gums are at peak performance. We even offer sedation dentistry for patients with anxiety surrounding these visits. Your health and comfort are our top priority!
Contact us today to schedule a cleaning or consultation at our office in Palm Harbor. We look forward to helping you achieve the best oral health of your life!