Teeth whitening used to be something you could only get from you dentist. Today, do-it-yourself whitening products line drugstore shelves. Dentists offer whitenings as routinely as cleanings — a service that used to be a cosmetic luxury. So is teeth whitening safe? The American Dental Association says “yes” so long as you use a product that has earned its illustrious seal of approval. Products approved by the ADA may still cause side effects, but have been evaluated and ruled safe for most individuals when used correctly. The problem you may face is that dentists and home whitening product manufacturers aren’t required to abide by ADA standards. A little knowledge about what the ADA considers a safe product will help empower you to take control of your smile and your safety.
Is Teeth Whitening Safe at the Dentist?
In order to abide by ADA standards, dentists may apply prescription or in-office treatments that contain anywhere from 15% to 35% hydrogen peroxide. The bleaching action can be sped up with lasers or special lights. Dentist treatments aim to accomplish in one to two sessions the same results that take weeks to achieve with at-home products. On the plus side, you get faster results and your treatment is performed by highly trained professionals who may know tips and tricks for minimizing discomfort. On the down side, no matter how carefully or skillfully your dentist applies the treatment, high concentrations of bleaching agents have the potential to cause painful side effects. Before you receive your treatment, be sure to ask your dentist if the bleaching and whitening agents used and the process by which they’re applied conform to American Dental Association safety standards. If not, ask your dentist to use a treatment that’s been proven safe and effective.
Is Teeth Whitening Safe at Home?
In order for over-the-counter or home-use teeth whitening products to get the American Dental Association seal of approval for safety and efficacy, they can contain no more than 10% carbamide peroxide, which is the equivalent of a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution. Products that don’t get the ADA seal of approval may contain 20% peroxide or more, in addition to other bleaching agents. The more peroxide a product contains, the more likely you are to experience side effects, such as tooth pain, tooth sensitivity and irritation of your gum and mouth tissues. Those side effects may seem minor, but in severe cases, they can cause tissue damage that limits your ability to eat, drink and speak. The peroxide may also damage fillings, crowns and other existing dental treatments. If you choose an over-the-counter product with a high peroxide concentration, ask your dentist about its safety before applying. When you’re ready to whiten, start with a small area of your mouth to make sure you don’t experience severe pain or burning before you apply the whitener to larger areas.
Is Teeth Whitening Safe if You Use a Non-ADA Approved Method?
There’s no way to be sure without talking to your dentist or using your own mouth as an experiment. Experts at WebMD recommend do-it-yourselfers choose a product with a low to mid-level concentration of peroxide and increasing the strength of the treatment slowly until you get the results you desire. Discontinue the product or use one with a lower concentration if you experience side effects. See your doctor or dentist right away if you have severe pain or gum damage to treat inflammation or potential infections before they have a chance to ruin the smile you worked so hard to perfect.
What’s the Safest Teeth Whitening Strategy?
One of the safest ways to whiten your smile is to use an ADA-approved whitening toothpaste. When you brush with an approved whitening toothpaste, you skip bleaching products altogether and instead opt for a product that breaks up surface stains and polished your teeth. The results from whitening toothpastes aren’t nearly as dramatic as those you’d receive from a whitening treatment, but over time you can experience a noticeable difference in the brightness and color of your smile. Whitening toothpastes have very few reported side effects. Avoid toothpastes that don’t contain the ADA seal of approval, as they could contain the irritating bleaches or peroxides that you’re trying to avoid.
In conclusion, tooth whitening is a generally safe process. If you use a product endorsed by the American Dental Association, you run a relatively low risk of side effects. If you choose a non-endorsed product, you may still have a safe and successful experience. The key to getting the best results with the fewest side effects is to communicate regularly with your dentist and to use products with the lowest concentration of whitening agents for your individual needs.