Teeth bleaching is very commonly practiced today. Depending on the technique and product, you can do it at home, in a beauty salon, with a beautician or, of course, in a dentist's office. It is sometimes difficult to choose the right products in the market.
We have decided to explain the main teeth whiteners to you to help you better understand their effects and limitations.
1. Hydrogen Peroxide:
Hydrogen peroxide is the most well-known bleaching agent. It is the base for most teeth whitening gels. It has oxidizing and antiseptic properties. The concentration of hydrogen peroxide in whitening gels must be analyzed very carefully. This product is very effective in teeth whitening, but its use is regulated. Gels with a hydrogen peroxide content of up to 0,1% are available over the counter. They are safe and proven to be effective for teeth whitening at home or in a beauty salon. Beyond this dosage they are only used by medical professionals. For example, when you visit your dentist, he or she may offer you cosmetic dentistry using gels that can contain up to 6% hydrogen peroxide. The dentist can then prescribe outpatient treatment for his patient up to this dosage. If the patient follows the protocol, he or she can perform teeth whitening at home with a 6% gel. A prescription for private individuals beyond this dosage is not permitted. Only dentists are allowed to handle high-dose gels. This last point is very important: hydrogen peroxide is safe when the correct dosage is followed. Gels with a peroxide concentration of over 6% can cause inflammation, burns of the gums and irreversible damage to your teeth (especially broken teeth, cracks, existing tooth decay, exposed tooth necks...). The damage is irreversible. Therefore, be vigilant. We strongly advise you not to purchase gels on websites that do not transparently communicate the compositions and their concentration.
2. Carbamide peroxide:
Carbamide peroxide contains 1/3 hydrogen peroxide. This ratio allows you to easily calculate the hydrogen peroxide content of a gel. A product containing 30% carbamide peroxide is actually equivalent to 10% hydrogen peroxide. This gel is subject to the same rules according to European directives. Therefore, only gels containing 16% carbamide peroxide (6% hydrogen) can now be prescribed by a medical professional to carry out a home bleaching treatment. The main difference between carbamide and hydrogen is the time it takes for the product to decompose. Carbamide peroxide has a longer bleaching effect than hydrogen. According to studies, hydrogen can be expected to release most of its bleaching power within 30 to 60 minutes. Carbamide peroxide releases half of its bleaching power within the first two hours and the rest within the next 6 hours. Carbamide peroxide is converted into hydrogen peroxide in the body, but this happens more slowly than when hydrogen peroxide is applied directly. This can lead to a longer lasting effect. It is therefore advisable to keep products containing carbamide peroxide in your mouth for longer to ensure that their effects are best achieved. Teeth whitening products containing carbamide peroxide typically contain lower concentrations of hydrogen peroxide compared to products containing hydrogen peroxide. This can lead to fewer side effects. Some users report fewer sensitivity reactions when using carbamide peroxide compared to hydrogen peroxide.
3. Phthalimidoperoxycaproic acid
This product, also known as PAP, can be considered a new bleaching agent in the teeth whitening market. This product does not release hydrogen peroxide. The gel contains an active bleaching agent that lightens the discolored molecules inside your tooth. Because it does not contain peroxide, it is not subject to European legislation regulating the concentrations of teeth whitening gels. It is a peroxide whose mode of action is similar to that of hydrogen peroxide: it releases oxygen. Oxygen reduces discoloration on teeth. There aren't many studies on this product yet, but it actually seems to be effective.
4. Whitening toothpaste
Bleaching toothpastes are used to help whiten teeth or simply freshen up your smile. Whitening toothpastes have many different ingredients. Manufacturers very often use baking soda, which thoroughly cleans teeth and reduces discoloration. But they can also contain so-called red and blue pigments. The aim is to emphasize the whiteness of the teeth, but rather than deceptive. You can use these toothpastes daily as their composition is safe. The abrasiveness of the ingredients is usually very low.
5. Activated carbon
Activated charcoal for teeth is made from plant-based organic substances. Its natural origin gives it a strong absorption capacity. As a black powder, activated charcoal helps treat canker sores, or inflamed or swollen gums. It helps fight tartar and certain periodontal diseases. The advantage of charcoal is that it penetrates the inside of the tooth and so the stains can be better captured and removed quickly.
It is important to note that using activated charcoal for teeth whitening is not widely recommended by dentists. Activated charcoal is abrasive, meaning it contains abrasive particles that can potentially wear away tooth enamel. Tooth enamel is the outermost layer of teeth and protects them from tooth decay and other damage. Once tooth enamel has been removed, it cannot be restored.
The American Dental Association (ADA) has not certified charcoal teeth whitening products, and there are concerns about the long-term effects on dental health. In addition, products containing activated charcoal can leave an unpleasant taste and black residue in the mouth.
6. Natural remedies
There are also other products that have natural bleaching properties. We have already mentioned baking soda, which is found in whitening toothpastes. But it is also a home remedy on its own to make your teeth whiter. Its chemical compound is a very good abrasive. It therefore helps to remove fresh stains. However, we advise you not to use it too often as it can make your teeth more sensitive and damage your tooth enamel. We will go into detail about the abrasiveness values (RDA values) and explain them in detail in a separate article. Let's turn to lemon, which is very well known for instantly restoring the shine to your teeth. Some people use a slice of lemon directly and rub it on their teeth. Others prefer to make lemon juice and combine it with baking soda. You dip your toothbrush into this mixture and brush your teeth with it. But the lemon is a citrus fruit and therefore has a high acidity. The acids in lemon juice can soften tooth enamel and break down minerals, which can cause permanent damage. This can lead to sensitivity, yellowing of teeth and, in severe cases, tooth decay. It is therefore advisable not to use lemon as a bleaching agent.
If you want to whiten your teeth, you should make sure you choose safe methods that won't damage the enamel and tissue inside the tooth!
