subject: How Safe Are Home Teeth Whitening Products? [print this page] When it comes to home teeth whitening products, people always ask these two questions, Is the product effective? and Is is safe? Even though these two questions hold equal importance, the fact of the matter is few people would want to risk their health with products that are effective but not proven safe to use. This article will talk about the possible risks involved in using these kinds of products as well as ways on how to reduce these risks and how to choose teeth whiteners.
Risks Involved
Tooth sensitivity and mild irritation of mouth tissues such as gums are two of the most common side effects of teeth whitening products. During the early stage of the bleaching procedure, the product user may experience increase in tooth sensitivity that can be quite irritating for some. On the other hand, tissue irritation occurs for users who make use of the whitening tray. This is a teeth whitening product that comes with a mouth guard that contains a tooth-bleaching agent. These side effects do not have to cause much worry, as they are usually temporary and tends to disappear after one to three days after you stop or complete the bleaching treatment.
Reducing and Eliminating Risks
Fortunately, there are certain measures you can undertake to reduce or eliminate these side effects. Here are some of them:
Wear the tray for a shorter period. For example, instead of wearing it for 60 minutes, reduce the time to 30 minutes.
Use high-fluoride products that can help mineralize your teeth.
Use toothpaste specially made for sensitive teeth. This toothpaste contains potassium nitrate that can ease the nerve endings of the teeth.
Consult your dentist if the side effects become too much to bear.
Do not use teeth whitening products if you have weak teeth or have gum problems.
Be sure to follow all the instructions specified for the product strictly.
Do not use a product for more than two weeks without first consulting your dentist.
Take a break in the use of the whitener for two or three days before you resume using it again.
Choosing Safe Products
First, you have to find a reputable supplier for high quality teeth whitening products. If you are going to buy online, choose a store that is run by dental experts. Look around the website to gauge if it is professional, ask questions to see if the stores customer representative knows what he is talking about, and talk to past clients so you can find out about its reputation. Read product reviews before purchasing so you can probe if people are satisfied with the product or if they experienced any adverse side effects. Most importantly, get advice from a reliable dentist.
Now that you know the possible risks involved in using teeth whitening products and measures you can do to avoid these risks and choose safe products, it is up to you to decide if these products are something that you would like to use.
