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. Chlorine dioxide is the same acid used to disinfect swimming pools. It whitens teeth by eating away the surface of the enamel.
Some experts recommend using whitening strips in moderation to avoid adverse side effects. Applying these products too often can actually cause severe and permanent damage. The whitening agent can erode the protective enamel of the teeth, increasing your risk of tooth decay. Eventually, tooth loss can occur.
The ADA Council on Scientific Affairs Acceptance of Crest 3D White Whitestrips is based on its finding that the product is safe and has shown efficacy in whitening natural teeth when used according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Bleaching products can have multiple side effects such as damaging the dental enamel, causing irritation to the gums, tooth sensitivity and more. Some of these effects are lasting; for example the damage to the dental enamel is permanent and irreversible.
For the safest and most effective at-home teeth whitening method, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) recommends you use custom-fitted trays supplied by your dentist. Ill-fitting teeth whitening trays can cause the gel to ooze out and irritate your gums.
Research shows that hydrogen peroxide products might damage proteins in your teeth's dentin layer. Dentin is the hard tissue that lies beneath your teeth's surface enamel. Another study shows that whitening products might also roughen or soften your teeth's surface.
Never use teeth whitening strips before brushing your teeth, but do not use toothpaste at this time. Before you apply white strips, it is critical that you brush your teeth with a wet toothbrush (without fluoridated toothpaste, or without toothpaste at all).
Teeth whitening strips use peroxide to remove stains. So what happens is that the peroxide temporarily increases your enamel's porosity. This allows the peroxide to reach the discolored molecules in your teeth. However, it can be a disadvantage for some people since it creates an avenue for your teeth to be stained.
Crest 3D Glamorous Whitestrips is approved by the American Dental Association, and are considered safe when used occasionally and in moderation. If used incorrectly or too frequently, this product may cause damage to your gums and teeth.
Teeth whitening strips should be applied to the teeth on a daily basis. Do not skip a day! Continue to apply your teeth whitening strips across the entire period of time noted in the instructions. In most cases, teeth whitening strips are meant to be applied every day for at least two full weeks.
From Whitening Strips: Potential teeth whitening side effects associated with whitening strips include irritated gums and tooth sensitivity. From Whitening Pens: Like whitening strips, whitening pens may cause some tooth sensitivity or gum irritation.
Since tooth enamel can't regrow spontaneously, the underlying dentin can be exposed, with results ranging from hypersensitivity to cavities or even gum disease. The lozenge, on the other hand, strengthens, rebuilds, and protects teeth. While fluoride can also fortify tooth enamel, it does not actively rebuild it.
Teeth whitening strips contain chlorine dioxide, which is the same chlorine you find in swimming pools. The chlorine strips the enamel from your teeth, causing tooth sensitivity, cavities, and tooth decay.
How often teeth whitening treatments are recommended by dentists. Professional teeth whitening performed in the dentist's office is recommended once every year to every 18 months, depending on how long the results last. At-home kits can be used as often as once every four to six months.
As the enamel continues to erode, your teeth might turn a gray or yellowish color. If your teeth change shape, it's a good indicator that you have enamel damage. Your teeth may begin to appear rounded, develop ridges, and often the gaps between teeth will become more substantial.
Their Permanent Teeth Are Starting to Come in
If your child is about 6-7 years old and their permanent teeth have started to erupt, you may notice that their permanent teeth look quite a bit more yellow than their baby teeth.
Consuming Certain Foods and Drinks
“Certain foods that are high in tannins, such as red wine, are potential causes of yellow teeth,” notes Crest. Other teeth-staining foods include coffee, citrus fruits and juices, soft drinks, teas, berries, tomato-based sauces, curry, balsamic vinegar, and soy sauce.
CAN I WEAR THE WHITESTRIPS LONGER THAN THE INSTRUCTED WEAR TIME? We recommend following Crest's usage instructions for each product. Longer wear time may result in increased tooth sensitivity and/or gum discomfort.
Potential Damage and Tooth Sensitivity
To be on the safer side, use whitening strips in moderation, as overuse will not only cause tooth sensitivity over time, but it will also permanently damage your tooth's enamel and the surface below.
We recommend that with any form of whitening that teeth are brushed beforehand. This is to ensure that any plaque (this sticky surface layer on your teeth) is removed and that any whitening agent present in the strips or gel gets the closest contact with the teeth.
Most tooth whiteners use one of two chemical agents: carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide (the same stuff that will bleach your hair). When used in the mouth, carbamide peroxide breaks down into hydrogen peroxide and urea, with hydrogen peroxide being the active whitening ingredient.
Carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide are commonly used in whitening interventions and can readily permeate dental hard tissues.
Patients with the following conditions or circumstances may not be the best candidates: Pregnant and lactating women. People who have restorations such as fillings, implants, crowns and dental bridges. Children under 16 years of age.