DIY Whitening: What You Should Know

Posted by: Dr. Sirakian Categories: Uncategorized

Whitening products that can be purchased online or at the drugstore have become ubiquitous. You’ve probably seen ads on magazines or social media for easily obtainable whitening products that promise pearlier whites after one use. The appeal is obvious. After all, everyone wants shiny, white teeth! But do these products really work, and more importantly, are they safe?

The good news is that these products will typically give you some results, to an extent. The ingredients that actually do the whitening—usually carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide—are present in many over-the-counter (OTC) whitening options, but in much weaker concentrations than what you’d receive in the dentist’s office. This means that you can’t receive the same results as quickly or effectively as you would from a professional treatment.

The bad news? Sometimes DIY whitening products, particularly those indie brands you may have seen advertised on Facebook or Instagram, are completely unregulated. They may not even have active whitening ingredients in their formulas, or may use a “magic light” that doesn’t do anything. Conversely, the active ingredients can be too strong, and dangerous to use and ingest.

If you’re looking for an inexpensive, easily accessible whitening product, Crest Whitestrips are probably the best, safest option. They are regulated and accepted by the American Dental Association, and will give you some small improvement in the whiteness of your teeth. But for long-lasting, dazzling results, it’s best to leave it to the professionals.

Consult your dentist today about which whitening option is best for you, and get ready to show off a beautiful, whiter smile!

3 Habits That Destroy Your Smile

According to a spokesperson for the Academy of General Dentistry, there are a few things you may be doing that are destroying your teeth… Brushing too soon after eating Consuming acidic foods and beverages is a part of everyone’s diet. Whether it is a citrus fruit or a glass of wine, these contain a lot […]

Will Whitening Harm Your Teeth?

Repeated use of whitening strips might sound dangerous to your teeth, but, according to dental professionals, there is no harm to using whitening strips over time. Dr. Denis Kinane, dean of the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, said in a New York Times article that “there is no indication that frequent, long-term use […]

Beaver Enamel: What Can We Learn?

When you think of the paradigm of good oral health, you may not think immediately of beavers. However, it’s true—these constructive little critters have good oral health, despite the fact that you don’t see beavers brushing and flossing! So what keeps their teeth in such good condition? They’ve got help right from the get-go with […]

Why Add Mouthwash to Your Oral Health Routine?

Maybe you’ve seen the multi-colored bottles of minty-fresh mouthwash in the supermarket and have been wondering what the benefits are of adding mouthwash to your routine. Mouthwash won’t be the answer to all of your oral health needs, so read on to figure out what mouthwash can and can’t do for you. When adding mouthwash […]

ADA Recommends Earlier Fluoride Distribution for Children

When you think about dental hygiene for your kids, are brushing and flossing the only things that come to mind? These two items are highly important to maintain good oral health, but recently, the American Dental Association “recommends earlier fluoride distribution for children,” meaning parents will have to put a tad more effort in caring […]