Can Store-Bought Teeth Whitening Products Be Dangerous?

People have sought to make their smiles whiter for thousands of years, and today they can find more teeth whitening options than they ever could before. A quick trip to the store or pharmacy might lead you to find a plethora of products that claim to give users a whiter smile, but can they deliver? Here’s what you should know about these store-bought solutions and why you’re better off getting a teeth whitening treatment from a dental professional.

What Are the Dangers of Store-Bought Teeth Whitening Kits?

Not all teeth whitening products sold in stores are approved by the American Dental Association, and while some of them can make teeth whiter, they don’t always do so in the healthiest of ways. Do-it-yourself remedies using things like lemon juice, baking soda, and charcoal powder work by wearing away surface stains along with the rest of the enamel, which weakens the teeth over time. This can cause tooth sensitivity and can eventually cause teeth to appear yellow as the enamel becomes thinner and the dentin begins to show through more.

Other kits offer more sophisticated whitening solutions, but these can cause injury due to poor manufacture or user error. One-size-fits-all dental trays can cause irritation by exposing the gums to the whitening agent, or they might not cover the teeth sufficiently, leading to uneven whitening. In some cases, people leave the whitening solution on their teeth for too long, which can thin the enamel and cause sensitivity.

Why Are Professional Teeth Whitening Services Safer?

When you go to your dentist for teeth whitening treatments, you know you are getting a medically sound solution. Your dentist can whiten your teeth through two methods, and both of them will deliver superior results to those of any product you could buy at the store:

In-office treatments

An in-office professional teeth whitening treatment from your dentist delivers extraordinary results in about an hour’s time. Your dentist will place barriers in your mouth to protect the soft tissues from the professional-grade whitening gel that they will apply to your teeth.

Take-home kits

Your dentist can also provide you with a take-home professional teeth whitening kit that includes professional-grade whitening gel and customized dental trays designed to fit your teeth. All you need to do is apply the gel to the trays and wear them for an hour every day for two or three weeks.

These professional teeth whitening solutions can make your teeth up to ten shades whiter without any of the risks that come with store-bought whitening products. Consulting with your dentist can determine if a teeth whitening treatment is right for you.

About the Author

Dr. Julia Karpman earned her dental degree from the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine before completing a one-year residency at Danbury Hospital. She proudly serves as a member of organizations like the American Dental Association, the Connecticut State Dental Association, and the American Academy of Clear Aligners. Her office in Rocky Hill, CT offers general, cosmetic, restorative, and emergency dentistry. For more information on professional teeth whitening treatments, contact her office online or dial (860) 563-3766.