Patients often ask if they can use so & so over-the-counter teeth whitening available at the chemist/ grocery.
Teeth whitening products are available over the counter in form of, toothpaste,powder, tape, strips, pens, gels etc.

As a practicing clinician my observations through the years is that the expected results of the OTC products are variable & usually mild.

All whitening products use either hydrogen peroxide, or related products which release hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide is thought to work by breaking the heavy pigmented molecules into smaller molecules which causes a stain lightening/ whitening effect. The percentage of hydrogen peroxide & duration of contact with teeth determines its efficacy. Typically, 3% hydrogen peroxide would need to be in contact with teeth for approximately 5 hours per day over a period of 2-3 weeks for visible teeth whitening effect.

More importantly, OTC teeth whitening can cause harm-

1. They may contain abrasives which may cause tooth wear , causing damage to enamel (the hard covering of the tooth -whitest part of tooth) & expose the sensitive soft dentine (the yellow part of tooth). Leading to increased sensitivity and worse yet lead to permanent teeth yellowing.

2. If the gum health is poor or not maintained, this peroxide release may cause damage to the fragile gum tissues.

3. More than 10% hydrogen peroxide is not safe for OTC use.

On a side note, it’s important to know that teeth wear is associated with the use of hard/ medium/ regular bristles’ brush. Coupled with aggressive horizontal strokes, such brushing can damage enamel. Sometimes whitening enthusiasts may be practicing aggressive brushing that worsens the condition rather than fixing it!
(Click the link below to understand how to effectively brush your teeth without causing tooth damage)

So, what’s the right way to get that shiny bright smile ? The safest & most effective option is to have an in-office teeth whitening.

At your dental consult, the reason for tooth yellowing/ discoloration is assessed and a plan is charted according to your oral health and esthetic needs. And if in-office whitening is the right option for you, the procedure is performed keeping your gum health in mind (Gum health is restored before whitening & gums are protected during whitening). Furthermore, Care is taken to ensure that undue tooth sensitivity is avoided during the procedure.

Post bleaching instructions are carefully given to each patient so that the effect is not only visible but has longevity too!

In office teeth whitening is usually accompanied with pre and post digital pictures of your smile so you can assess the difference yourself!

Hope this answers many of your queries, so that you can go ahead and choose the right aide and smile bright always!

For more information and additional queries contact us on 8527006463 or write to us at Dr Ritu Sharma, emailsantedental@gmail.com or visit us on www.santedental.in
We’ll be happy to help!

References:

Greenwall-Cohen J, Francois P, Silikas N, Greenwall L, Le Goff S, Attal JP. The safety and efficacy of ‘over the counter’ bleaching products in the UK. Br Dent J. 2019 Feb;226(4):271-276.

Demarco FF, Meireles SS, Masotti AS. Over-the-counter whitening agents: a concise review.