How Whitening Strips Can Damage Your Teeth

With the start of a new year, your resolutions may include improving your oral health and the appearance of your smile. Quick fixes like teeth whitening strips can seem like an appealing option for brightening your smile without having to visit the dentist, but are they really consequence-free? At-home whitening strips may provide an immediate solution to whitening your teeth, but the reality is that they can potentially cause damage to your teeth over time.

Wearing Down Enamel

The main active ingredient in dental whitening strips is hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide is also commonly used as a color-lightening agent to bleach hair, which can cause serious damage to your scalp and hair. When it comes to whitening your teeth, whitening strips containing hydrogen peroxide also pose potential threats to tooth enamel - the outer layer of your teeth. Behind the enamel is the dentin layer, followed by the inner layer containing connective tissue. The danger of hydrogen peroxide on teeth is that it can easily wear down your enamel and quickly move on to attacking the dentin.

How Whitening Strips Can Soften Teeth

So, what is the problem with hydrogen peroxide in whitening strips reaching the dentin layer of your teeth? Once dentin is affected by the peroxide, you can expect a breakdown of the layer’s primary protein, collagen. This breakdown causes a fragmentation of the collagen and a loss of overall collagen mass. Research still needs to be conducted to determine if the body can regenerate or reverse the effects of lost collagen proteins once they have been exposed to hydrogen peroxide. The loss of collagen and softening of your teeth in the essential dentin can potentially cause your teeth to soften or become less hard, thus possibly leading to many other dental conditions.

Not Safe for Kids

When it comes to teeth whitening for kids and teens, it’s important to be cautious of whitening treatments, especially whitening strips. While low concentrations of hydrogen peroxide in whitening strips are generally safe for adults when used occasionally, it is uncertain if the same holds true for children, as very little research has been conducted.

Other areas of concern include the increased likelihood of your child improperly following directions when using the strips - possibly resulting in your child keeping the strips on for too long (and therefore increasing risk of tooth damage) or accidentally swallowing the bleaching product. Many adults experience tooth sensitivity after teeth whitening, so keep in mind that your child could experience the same discomfort.

Because of the previously mentioned lack of research on the effects of whitening strips for children, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) claims that whitening strips are unsafe for children and teens under the age of 15. The best way to naturally improve the color of your child’s teeth are to help them avoid food and beverages that cause staining, along with ensuring your child brushes twice a day. If you have further concerns about the color of your child’s teeth, talk with his or her dentist about treatment options.

Professional Teeth Whitening

If you want to brighten your smile safely, talk to your dentist about in-office teeth whitening treatments. NK Family Dental provides safe, effective teeth whitening services for our Chicago patients, offering both the Zoom and Opalescence brands of teeth whitening treatments. Contact us today to schedule your teeth whitening treatment and other dental services.

How to Whiten Teeth Faster

When you speak or smile, you want people to see your entire face - not just focus on your teeth. Teeth whitening is one of the easiest ways to boost confidence in your smile! While you can certainly receive teeth whitening services from your dentist, there are many actions you can take in your daily life to whiten your teeth and maintain that pearly white smile even after professional teeth whitening.

Fight Food Stains with Food

As humans, we consume food and beverages throughout the day, which provides many opportunities for our teeth to become stained or to maintain their brightness. Whiten teeth faster by becoming more mindful of your diet!

You may be familiar with some food and drinks that can stain your teeth, but some may surprise you. Consider avoiding these foods if you are trying to prevent stains on your teeth:

Coffee
Soda
White or red wines
Black and green tea
Pomegranates
Blackberries and blueberries
Foods high in sugar
Balsamic vinegar
Turmeric
Paprika
Curry
Marinara sauce
Barbecue sauce

While these stains can be whitened away, you can also prevent them from getting worse. Be sure to rinse your mouth with water up to 30 minutes after having any of these foods or drinks to wash away any remaining particles that are likely to cause stains. It may surprise you, but brushing your teeth immediately after consuming stain-prone foods and beverages can actually increase the likelihood of stains. Therefore, try to rinse with water immediately after while maintaining your usual brushing schedule.

Foods that can help you fight stains in order to achieve whiter teeth include:

Milk, cheese, and yogurt (to increase calcium and strengthen enamel)
Strawberries (to remove stains with malic acid)
Apples (to increase saliva and boost gum health)
Raw onions (to deter plaque with sulfur)
Nuts, carrots, broccoli, and celery (to scrub away stains)

Aside from food, smoking cigarettes and using other tobacco products cause your teeth to yellow and stain very quickly. Do your teeth and your overall health a favor by quitting smoking!

Benefits of Brushing and Flossing

Another essential component to keeping your teeth white is to maintain proper oral hygiene. This includes brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing at least once before bed. See our previous blog post about the importance of flossing to learn proper flossing techniques!

Protect your gums by using soft bristles for your toothbrush. Unhealthy gums can lead to gingivitis and a less-than-ideal smile. Additionally, consider improving your oral hygiene routine with an electric toothbrush, as it has more power to clean away surface stains on your teeth. Whitening toothpastes, while effective, take a little longer to whiten teeth than other methods like whitening strips or gel trays. However, they are a much more easily accessible and affordable option.

The Dangers of DIY

Aside from improving your diet and oral hygiene, many people attempt at-home and DIY teeth whitening methods. These methods can be effective if done properly, but they also pose many potential risks and dangers without the supervision of a professional.

At-home and DIY teeth whitening methods you should be careful with include:

Whitening Strips - While whitening strips are easy to apply and work quickly, they still contain potentially harmful chemicals. Strips that contain chlorine dioxide can erode your tooth enamel if left on your teeth for too long. You may experience increased tooth sensitivity after using whitening strips, and they may not always reach your gum line - meaning your teeth many not end up completely white.

Whitening Gel Trays - Similar to whitening strips, teeth whitening gel trays also contain chemicals that can potentially be harmful to your dental health. They are applied by either inserting the gels into a tray fit for your teeth or by brushing them on directly.

Activated Charcoal - Dentists don’t generally recommend brushing with activated charcoal, as it is very abrasive to your teeth and gums, which can cause more harm than good. However, it is possible to make a paste with water and turn it into a teeth mask, which is much less rough. Be sure to only leave the mask on for three minutes before rinsing it off with water.

Lemon and Apple Cider Vinegar - While you can effectively brush your teeth with a blend of lemon juice and apple cider vinegar, there are limits to this DIY teeth whitening method. This method can only be used once a week at most in order to protect your enamel from its acidity.

Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide - One relatively safe method for teeth whitening is brushing your teeth with a mixture of two tablespoons of baking soda and one tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide. This mix works by gently lightening your stains and scrubbing them away. However, hydrogen peroxide can still potentially damage your teeth if the solution is too strong, is in contact with your teeth for too long, or if it used more than once a day.

How Your Dentist Can Help Whiten Your Teeth

The safest and most effective way to whiten your teeth is to see you dentist for professional teeth whitening. While this can cost a little more than over-the-counter or DIY methods, you can rest easier knowing that your teeth whitening will be done properly, safely and effectively.

You can expect your in-office teeth whitening appointment to take anywhere from 60-90 minutes. Your dentist will note the current shade of your teeth and remove plaque. Then, your mouth and gums will be isolated and protected so that the teeth whitening agents do not affect them. Finally, your dentist will whiten your teeth by applying the whitening solution, using a laser or curing light to activate the peroxide in the solution, leaving the solution on for the appropriate amount of time, and by finally rinsing off your teeth. It’s also likely your dentist will opt to provide you with a fluoride application to combat any sensitivity from the treatment. If needed, your dentist will help you schedule additional appointments.

Your dentist may alternatively be able to provide you with professional at-home teeth whitening kits that you can only get from your dentist. To get an at-home kit, you will need to have custom trays based on an impression of your teeth. This is a great option for safe, professional teeth whitening treatments that are more affordable.

Chicago Teeth Whitening

Achieve the whiter, brighter teeth you have always dreamed of with NK Family Dental in Chicago. Our professional teeth whitening services bring instant results that are sure to boost your confidence in your smile. Contact us today to schedule your teeth whitening appointment!

At-Home Teeth Whitening vs. Dentist Whitening Treatment

As one of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures available, teeth whitening products have been on the rise. You can find at-home teeth whitening products that promise amazing results at a fraction of the cost compared to professional whitening treatments by a dentist. This has lead people to ask, does at-home teeth whitening work as well, or better than in-office teeth whitening? Keep reading to learn the difference between the results of at-home and in-office treatment options, including safety, cost and time requirements.

Does At-home Teeth Whitening Work?

There are too many home remedies to list, but almost every one has a drawback. For example, baking soda does nothing, while citrus fruit-based remedies actually eat away at your enamel, causing permanent damage. Ultra-strength products often guarantee instant whitening, but only for a shorter period of time, by using bleach concentrations that can be extremely damaging. Even in the case of safe, over-the-counter products, the whitening qualities they have rarely produce significant results. The best option is always to see a professional, who utilizes safe methods and products, and can tailor the treatment to your unique needs. All in all, pass on the overpriced gum and toothpaste!

A Cost Comparison

One of the primary concerns for people considering teeth whitening is the cost. Like any cosmetic procedure, the price can vary significantly between in-office and at-home treatments. Compare the cost between in-office versus at-home teeth whitening, as well as the time requirements, and the results that each option offers.

Professional, in-office whitening treatments:

Dentist-provided custom whitening trays - For one to three hours per night for one to three weeks, patients can achieve about five to eight shades whiter, for a cost between $300 to $1,000.

In-office whitening treatments - Dental bleaching without a halogen light takes one to two hours per visit for one to four visits, and patients can achieve five to eight shades whiter for between $300 to$1,000. With a halogen light, a one-hour visit is necessary, from which a patient can achieve eight shades whiter for $600 to $3,000.

At-home whitening systems:

Custom fitted teeth whitening trays - Requires one to three hours per night for one to three weeks, to achieve five to eight shades whiter for $70 to $150 per kit. The price varies by the amount of whitening gel included in each kit, or required to purchase separately.

Teeth whitening pens - This process requires 30 minutes to two hours per day for one to three weeks to achieve three to six shades whiter for $30 to $60.

Teeth whitening strips - For 30 to 120 minutes per day for one to three weeks, a patient can achieve about two to four shades whiter. A box of multiple strips can cost between $40 to $70.

Boil n’ bite trays - After forming the trays, one to three hours per day for one to three weeks are required to achieve two to four shades whiter at a cost ranging from $5 to $20. However, the gel must be purchased separately at an additional cost.

Are You a Candidate for At-Home Teeth Whitening?

For many, at-home teeth whitening is more favorable, because it has no restrictions on candidacy. This is not to say at-home treatments are for everyone, simply that they have no way to enforce their recommendations. Anyone can purchase at-home treatments online, regardless of their oral health ‒ a requirement for in-office treatments. During an in-office consultation, a doctor would determine whether or not you were in good standing to undergo treatment.

Any underlying oral health conditions would need to be addressed before undergoing an in-office whitening treatment. Why? Patients with tooth decay or gum disease can experience significant pain due to the concentrated bleaching gel. Also, some stains can not be treated. Patients with deep, or “intrinsic” staining, are often disappointed by the less-than-effective results. Knowing this, a dentist can recommend other treatments, such as veneers. Essentially, you waste less money and have more to spend on the most effective treatment.

Advantages of Seeing a Dentist for Whitening

Unlike at-home teeth whitening, professional teeth whitening has more benefits than risks. Cost aside, the most obvious benefit is that you will receive the most effective, high-quality products for more thorough whitening results. On top of being reliable, the results are almost instant. You can even opt for one treatment session, or a handful, depending on your schedule and budget. A professional also has your safety in mind, meaning the dentist can adjust the whitening agent concentration as needed, and cover sensitive areas of the mouth for protection. They can also provide tips on how to prevent post-treatment sensitivity.

A fantastic option for people seeking teeth-whitening treatment who do not have time for in-office visits is Zoom whitening. Many dentists offer Zoom in-office, but can make custom trays and provide gel for you to perform the treatment at home. This option allows you to receive the recommended oral health assessment prior to starting any treatment, yet allows you to perform the procedure at the most convenient time for you.

For noticeably whiter teeth and a smile you will take pride in, look no further than NK Family Dental. Our practice is proud to offer patients the highly respected and safe Zoom and Opalescence brands of teeth whitening treatments. Contact us today to schedule an appointment to learn whether you are a candidate for teeth whitening. We look forward to meeting you!