Most people are looking for a clean, white smile, which is why so many folks gravitate towards teeth whitening products. Unfortunately, some whitening agents won’t actually brighten your smile, and could actually cause permanent dental damage. Here is a little more information about which whitening products can harm your teeth, and how to brighten your smile safely with the help of a dentist. 

Preventing Dental Damage From Teeth Whitening

Can Teeth Whitening Products Damage Dental Enamel? 

Although there are some over-the-counter whitening products that are approved by the American Dental Association (ADA) to whiten without harming dental enamel, others are abrasive enough to erode dental enamel. For instance, Most whitening toothpastes contain more abrasive particles in order to remove surface stains from the teeth.  This is even more pronounced in the popular new charcoal toothpastes.  While the extra abrasiveness is good at removing coffee and tea stains, it can hurt enamel and gum tissue if used too often.  Long term daily use of these highly abrasive toothpastes could remove enough of the enamel to expose the underlying dentin, leading to sensitivity and a yellow look.   

How Can You Whiten Your Teeth Safely?  

To keep dental enamel safe, the ADA recommends working with your dentist to whiten your teeth. Before whitening your teeth, dentists will inspect your oral health carefully to check for underlying problems, preventing permanent damage. Dentists also have access to higher concentrations of enamel-safe whitening agents, helping patients to enjoy a brighter, whiter smile faster than they could see results from over-the-counter products. For instance, while many over-the-counter whitening strips contain about 10% carbamide peroxide, dentists can prescribe whitening agents with as much as 40% of the active ingredient.  These higher concentrations allow more of the active hydrogen peroxide to penetrate deeper into the teeth and whiten them from the inside out.  The peroxide based whitening is safe and effective when used correctly.

Unfortunately labeling toothpastes and mouthwashes as “whitening” is a little misleading.  While they can remove surface stains from the teeth, so that they appear lighter. They do not change the actual color of the teeth because they do not penetrate into the tooth. The active ingredient in the over-the-counter whitening strips can whiten the teeth, but it will take longer than the dentist prescribed whitening products because it is a much lower concentration.

When it comes to preventing dental damage, meeting with the dentist at Keen Dental Care in Columbia, MO, is a great place to start. In addition to carefully evaluating the current condition of your smile, Dr. Mallott will talk with you about your dental goals and work hard to help you to meet them. As a full-service general dentist, he can help you with everything from dental restorations to teeth whitening, improving the way your teeth look and feel. To learn more about how he can help, visit his website or call (573) 875-5336.