It’s no secret that your teeth are a huge part of your physical appearance. Bright, shiny, perfectly white teeth indicate good dental health and look great.
Since everyone wants that perfect set of pearly whites, they seek out ways to whiten their teeth. Many go to the dentist for their regular checkups or for specific cosmetic whitening.
Some people opt for the DIY method of using whitening strips. Whitening strips can be bought over the counter at basically any pharmacy, making it a very accessible method of whitening your teeth.
However, going the more inexpensive route has its downfalls. Namely, whitening strips can damage your teeth.
How Do Whitening Strips Work?
Whitening strips are flexible pieces of plastic containing a whitening gel. Most of these gels have hydrogen peroxide as their main ingredient.
You apply the strips to your teeth, pressing the gel against the tooth surface. The gel can then start to whiten your teeth.
White strips are meant to be applied daily for about 2-3 weeks to see results.
Tooth Structure
To understand how whitening strips damage your teeth, you first must understand some basic tooth structure.
Teeth consist of several layers. On the outside is your enamel – this protects the sensitive inner portions of the teeth.
Beneath the enamel is the dentin layer, which makes up most of the tooth. Dentin contains high levels of proteins; most of these proteins are collagen.
Lastly is the sensitive inner portions of the teeth; here lies the connective tissue that ties the gums to the tooth root.
How Do Whitening
What Causes Whitening Strips to Damage Your Teeth?
The primary ingredient in most whitening agents is hydrogen peroxide. This has been shown in studies to damage the collagen and other proteins in the dentin layer, weakening your tooth.
Some whitening strips may contain chlorine dioxide as well. This substance can damage the enamel, leaving your teeth more sensitive and more susceptible to damage.
Should I Avoid Whitening Strips Completely?
Whitening strips are a possible solution to discolored teeth, but you need to be careful and not rely only on whitening strips.
Err on the safe side. Go to your dentist beforehand for a checkup and some advice on whether or not you should try whitening strips.
The Key To A Bright White Set of Teeth
Since relying heavily on whitening strips can damage your teeth, they’re best left as a temporary fix.
The key to a healthy, shiny smile is good oral hygiene. You should be brushing twice a day with fluoridated toothpaste, flossing once a day, and using mouthwash to clean out food particles and remineralize your teeth.
In addition, you should visit a dentist every 6 months. Absolute Smile can give you a thorough tooth cleaning to keep your mouth healthy and your smile bright white.
However, Absolute Smile does offer teeth whitening procedures in the Philadelphia area as well. If you do just need your teeth whitened, we can do it for you. Just don’t rely on it often!
