Are Teeth Whitening Kits Safe?

The cosmetic industry has been rapidly growing for years, but has seen a dramatic increase in the past year, with more people than ever opting for teeth whitening procedures. To keep up with the ever-growing demand, teeth whitening kits are more readily available than ever before, at affordable prices, and to people all over the world. In fact, many teeth whitening products are now far cheaper than visiting your dentist, making them a desirable option for many.

However, despite the popularity of teeth whitening at-home kits and how many of them are backed by dental professionals, there is still a lot of controversy surrounding their use. So, in this article we will be looking at teeth whitening kits, whether they are effective, and whether they are safe for use.

What is a Teeth Whitening Kit?

Teeth whitening kits are an alternative option to visiting the dentist for a whitening procedure. Many teeth whitening kits include a whitening gel, LED light, and a mould tray. These few pieces of equipment are all that’s required to whiten your teeth, yourself, at home.

Are Teeth Whitening Kits Safe to Use?

It’s important to remember that there is a correct way to whiten your teeth, so always be sure to consult your dentist or orthodontist if you’re thinking about having your teeth whitened. After all, there are many teeth whitening kits claiming excellent results but actually producing harmful results.

However, generally speaking teeth whitening kits are approved by dentists and will effectively whiten your teeth, enhancing their appearance and making your smile brighter. The main bleaching ingredient found in teeth whitening products is carbamide or hydrogen peroxide – both of which are extremely successful whitening agents. These ingredients both produce great results and are approved by dental professionals, you can rest assured they are not only effective to use but they are also safe.

What Else Whitens Teeth?

Teeth whitening kits aren’t the only thing that can help you achieve your dream smile. Instead, there are numerous other methods and techniques you can try first. For example, you can opt for whitening toothpastes, mouthwash, in-office whitening treatments, and even a trip to the dentist. Always speak to your dentist first to discuss the best options for your and to ensure your dental hygiene is prioritised, as at-home treatments are often more time-consuming and require more patience.

Are there Side-effects to Teeth Whitening?

Many of us want to achieve that Hollywood smile but we’ve all seen celebrities on the television who’ve taken their teeth whitening to a whole other level, becoming obsessive and ending up with teeth that practically glow in the dark. Therefore, rightly so, many people become concerned about the side effects of teeth whitening. After all, are there any?

It is important to realise that the ingredients within teeth whitening kits that have been approved by dentists will not cause any problems, but incorrect use of them can. Therefore, if you experience any negative side effects, such as greying or overly-sensitive teeth, you consult your dentist,

Points to Remember

When using teeth whitening products or at-home kits, it is important to remember the following points:

Consult your dentist: If you are worried about teeth whitening kits or unsure which one you should use, always consult your dentist first. Your dentist will be able to advise you on the best teeth whitening solution for your teeth.

Follow the instructions on the label: Especially important when applying whitening gel, following the instructions on the label ensures you do not leave the product on for longer than necessary (causing damage to your teeth). Prolonged use of teeth whitening product won’t make your teeth whiter, instead it will damage the enamel, causing your teeth to become more sensitive.

Avoid Teeth Staining: Many people have a couple of teeth that are a little darker than the rest. However, once you’ve perfected whitening your teeth and evened out your tooth colouring, you want to avoid re-staining. Be sure to avoid foods that will stain your newly whitened teeth, such as coffee, fizzy drinks, and red wine. This will ensure your teeth stay whiter for longer.

Do Teeth Whitening Products Damage Your Gums?

Many people prefer having their teeth whitened by a dentist or healthcare professional, as it gives them peace of mind that they’re being seen to by a professional. What’s more, having your teeth whitened by a professional often sees better results much faster, as they use higher concentrations of bleach and bleaching lamps.

What Happens if Bleach Touches Your Gums?

If whitening bleach makes contact with your gums, they may become irritated. However, the level of irritation depends on the concentration and amount of bleach, the higher the concentration and amount, the worse the irritation. However, if your teeth are being whitened by a professional, a special protective layer will be applied to your gums to avoid any problems.

The Effect of Teeth Whitening on Your Teeth

Tooth sensitivity is always something to consider when it comes to teeth whitening, as everyone responds differently. If you already have pretty sensitive teeth, this may be worth addressing with your dentist before you undergo the teeth whitening process.

Similarly, it is worth considering problems such as broken fillings and decaying or damaged teeth, as these will need to be addressed before whitening as the bleach could cause significant irritation. However, while bleaching damaged teeth can cause some discomfort for the patient, it won’t damage the enamel underneath.

When Shouldn’t You Whiten Your Teeth?

Whitening teeth is a fairly straightforward procedure, whether carried out in the dentist or at home. However, there are some circumstances where you may want to avoid teeth whitening until the problems are fixed, such as:

If you have crowns of bonded teeth: Teeth whitening is not successful on bonded or crowned teeth. However, if these teeth are situated at the back of your mouth, there is less need to worry as they are far less noticeable than your front teeth.

Whitening during pregnancy: There is a debate about whether or not teeth whitening affects women during pregnancy. Although there is not enough conclusive evidence to suggest teeth whitening is harmless to pregnant women, you should always speak with your doctor first before commencing treatment.

Always Speak with Your Dentist

Ultimately teeth whitening isn’t a procedure that should be taken lightly, and the rise of illegal teeth whitening on the market is risking our oral health. Teeth whitening is a worthwhile procedure for many people, however, it is always important to consult your dentist about any teeth whitening procedures to discuss the options and possible risks for you. Understanding the risks of excessive bleaching is just as important as ensuring your teeth are properly looked after during the whitening process.

If you are considering a teeth whitening procedure, then contact us today for an appointment.